Each year we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Usually, there is an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. Law requires that federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Continue reading
You work hard for your money. You’re saving and planning for a secure retirement. Now you need to make sure you’re going to get all the money you deserve. Regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record can really pay off, especially when every dollar counts in retirement.
If an employer did not properly report just one year of your work earnings to us, your future benefit payments from Social Security could be close to $100 per month less than they should be. Over the course of a lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. Sooner is definitely better when it comes to identifying and reporting problems with your earnings record. As time passes, you may no longer have easy access to past tax documents, and some employers may no longer be in business or able to provide past payroll information. Continue reading
This holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on our less fortunate and most vulnerable citizens.
Life is unpredictable, and everyone is susceptible to experiencing homelessness. It can happen to people in our community — colleagues, military veterans, close friends, and even family members — people who might be too proud to ask for help. Continue reading
Social Security is here with information, tools, and benefits to help you secure today and tomorrow. Our journey together begins when you’re born and get your Social Security card. It continues when you get your first job and follows you through your entire career, marriage, and retirement. Our commitment is to be with you throughout life’s journey.
Our promise extends to surviving family members when a worker dies.
Some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors benefits for your family. In the event of your death, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors benefits; these include widows and widowers, divorced widows and widowers, children, and dependent parents.
The amount of benefits your survivors receive depends on your lifetime earnings. The higher your earnings are, the higher their benefits will be. The value of your survivors benefit may be more than the value of your individual life insurance.
By making sure your earnings are posting correctly, you are passing down protections to your survivors, just as your parents did before you. You can do this by: Continue reading
The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is urging citizens to remain vigilant of telephone impersonation schemes that exploit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) reputation and authority.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continues to receive reports from across the country about fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be from SSA. Recent reports have indicated that unknown callers are using increasingly threatening language in these calls. The callers state, due to improper or illegal activity with a citizen’s Social Security number (SSN) or account, a citizen will be arrested or face other legal action if they fail to call a provided phone number to address the issue. This is a scam; citizens should not engage with these calls or provide any personal information. Continue reading
Each year on December 1st, we commemorate World AIDS Day. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our unity in the fight against HIV. Social Security is there throughout life’s journey. When disability strikes, we’re there providing you with benefits, tools, and information to support you when you need it most.
If you have HIV/AIDS and cannot work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits as long as you meet our disability requirements. We pay disability benefits to people who can’t work because of a medical condition that’s expected to last at least a year or end in death. Your medical condition must also be serious enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful work. Continue reading
Soon after school begins in the fall, many businesses begin advertising for seasonal workers. It’s a good way for people to make some extra income during the busy holiday season or ease back into working.
The diversity of jobs appeals to many people. Each year, companies also hire for seasonal work-from-home positions. These jobs include: customer service, sales, tech support, call center representatives, healthcare support, order taking/review, and more. Seasonal positions may help bridge employment gaps on your resume. They show proven experience and that you are ready, willing, and able to succeed. They also can help you to develop new or strengthen existing skills through training. Continue reading
In November, millions of families gather together to give thanks, share a meal, and spend time together. Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to get together, so you want to make every second with the ones you love count. Social Security understands that your time is valuable whether you’re working, running your business, or taking time off to be with family and friends. Continue reading
Social Security honors and celebrates the rich culture and heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives. We remember our commitment to be there with you throughout life’s journey during National Native American Heritage Month. Continue reading
Social Security protects all Americans. We are especially proud of our commitment to provide high quality service and support to the men and women who proudly served, and are serving, our country.
Social Security expedites medical decisions at all levels for Wounded Warriors and Veterans who have a 100 percent Permanent and Total rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While we provide disability benefits because of their medical condition, we are also there when their military career comes to an end, offering them access to meaningful employment. We offer Veterans an opportunity to continue serving the American people after they transition to civilian life. Continue reading
