Author Archives: Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

About Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

There’s Plenty You Should Know About Social Security Disability Benefits!

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woman in wheelchairLife is unpredictable. When something interrupts your plans, it’s good to know there’s a way to supplement your income, in case of an unexpected life event.

Social Security has a strict definition of disability based on your inability to work and provide for yourself and your family. Disability benefits are available only to people with impairments so severe that they prevent any kind of significant, profitable work. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. Continue reading →

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What You Should Know About the SSI Program

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two people hiking with a sunsetThe Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash assistance to people with limited income and few resources.

But … how much do you really know about this program? Continue reading →

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2017 Brings New Changes to Full Retirement Age

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3 elderly people siting on a stoopEvery worker’s dream is to enjoy a secure retirement. Social Security is here to secure today and tomorrow. Part of that commitment is ensuring you have the most up-to-date information when you make your retirement decisions.

As the bells ring in the New Year, they also bring changes for new Social Security retirement beneficiaries. Full retirement age is 66 and two months for people born 01/02/1955 through 01/01/1956.  They are eligible to receive permanently reduced retirement benefits when they turn 62 in 2017. Continue reading →

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Social Security’s Gift to Children is Security

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kids ice skating This is the season of caring. No matter your religion or belief, December is also considered a time to focus on the children we love. Whether we’re wrapping Santa’s gifts, buying Hanukkah treats, decorating the house in celebration of Kwanzaa, or volunteering for a toy drive, children add joy to the holiday season. And we at Social Security definitely know a thing or two about helping children. Continue reading →

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Appeal Your Non-Medical Decisions Online

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woman on her ipadSocial Security has a new way for you to conduct business with us online. You no longer need to visit our offices or call us to appeal a denial or adverse action related to your benefits. Beginning December 10, 2016, you can file an appeal online for non-medical issues, even if you live outside the United States. Examples of non-medical appeals include those for overpayments and Medicare premium rates. Continue reading →

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With the New Year Comes New Changes

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3 elderly menMonthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will see a slight increase in 2017.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $127,200 from $118,500. Of the estimated 173 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2017, about 12 million will pay more because of the increase in the taxable maximum. Continue reading →

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Need a Replacement Social Security Card?

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You can now apply for a replacement Social Security card online using your personal my Social Security account. If you meet all requirements and live in some states or the District of Columbia, you can start using this service today. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount for more information.

map of the united states

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Act Now! Open Enrollment for Affordable Healthcare

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act-now-open-enrollAffordable healthcare is something that all Americans deserve. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of people and their families were at risk of financial ruin because they were uninsured. Health insurance companies could also deny health insurance coverage due to a preexisting condition like cancer or diabetes. Fortunately, you are now protected with the ACA. Continue reading →

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