Social Security

New Online Security

We’ve added an extra layer of security for our customers when they interact with us online. my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến account holders will need to use their cell phone as an additional authentication factor during online registration and every sign in.

This new multifactor authentication requirement is the result of an executive order for federal agencies to provide more secure authentication for their online services. Any agency that provides online access to a customer’s personal information must use multifactor authentication. We take the security of the public's information very seriously, and continually use a proactive approach to improve our online services.

Since the release of my Social Security in May 2012, almost 26 million individuals have signed up for an account. Previously, we offered multifactor authentication, but only for customers who opted to register for a my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến account with extra security.

Our new authentication requires customers to use a security code we send to their cell phones to register and sign in. Cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply.

We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. Multifactor authentication is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety and security of the resources entrusted to us. Visit my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Beat the Heat with my Social Security

We are in the midst of the dog days of summer. Why take time away from barbeques and baseball games to visit your local Social Security office? Stay cool and conduct your business online using a my Social Security account.

Having a personal and secure account makes doing business with us easy and convenient, but better yet, it empowers you. You can access the services you need in the convenience of your own home without traveling to a local office and waiting in line. To sign up, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

With a my Social Security account, you can:

• Obtain your Social Security Statement for a personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits;
• Verify the accuracy of your earnings record — your future benefit amounts are based on your earnings record;
• Change your address and phone number, if you receive monthly Social Security benefits;
• Sign up for or change Direct Deposit of your Social Security benefits;
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax purposes; and
• Obtain estimates of the Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.

In some areas, you can even request a replacement Social Security card using my Social Security.

With my Social Security, you can spend less time waiting in line and more time doing the things you enjoy—in or out of the heat. And with newly enhanced security features, signing up is even safer than ever. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Social Security Advisory Board Hosts Public Forum for the SSI Program

The Public Forum for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program met on July 12, at the Carnegie Library in Washington D.C. Both Henry Aaron, the chair of the Social Security Advisory Board, and Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin spoke about the importance of the programs. Forum sessions included:

• SSI resource limits and the ABLE Act;
• SSI policies on in-kind support and maintenance;
• Policy and practice on child welfare programs; and
• SSI youth transitions to adulthood.

You and your clients can learn more about the Social Security Advisory Board and all the work that they do at

Is The Catcher in the Rye Ready to Retire?

It’s hard to believe the seminal novel, Catcher in the Rye, turned 65 this year. This means that Holden Caulfield, the book’s scruffy protagonist, would be well into retirement.

When Catcher in the Rye was published in 1951, no one could have imagined that there would be an internet, or how convenient it would become. If you had told Holden that he could file for retirement benefits from the comfort of his home, he would have fallen down laughing. Social Security knows better. We’ve grown up fast and adapted with the times. All you have to do is look at our many online services as proof.

A great example is our online suite of retirement resources. At www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement/ you can:

• File for retirement or Medicare benefits;
• Plan for your future;
• Calculate your future benefits;
• Read our many publications; and
• Find your full retirement age.

But the options don’t stop there. Holden Caulfield might have been full of angst in his youth, but we think that smart young man would have probably enjoyed a healthy retirement with the people he loved. You too can begin your own unique retirement journey at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire.

Providing Disability Benefits for 60 Years

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOn August 1, 2016, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will have been providing benefits for 60 years. Originally, the program was limited to individuals who were age 50 or older. It also had a six-month waiting period, and there were no benefits payable to any dependents. The disability program has undergone many changes to become the program it is today. Now, people who receive Social Security disability benefits can also receive Medicare coverage after 24 months, and their dependents may be eligible to receive benefits on their earnings records. There are also work incentives in place to help people with disabilities go to work.

As of June 2016, there are more than 10 million disabled workers and dependents receiving more than $11 billion each month in Social Security disability payments. It can happen to anyone: studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching their full retirement age.

To meet the challenges of providing benefits to so many, the agency has evolved, using technology to operate more efficiently. Access to online applications for disability benefits, reconsiderations, and hearings have given applicants more service options when applying for benefits. Our health IT initiative allows Social Security to access electronic medical records, including those from the U.S. Department of Defense, which reduces administrative costs, streamlines operations, and speeds up service to veterans. For more information about the disability program, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability/.

New States Added to Social Security’s Online Card Replacement

Residents of Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania can now order a replacement Social Security Card using their personal and secure my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. The service is available in 11 states and the District of Columbia, and we will be adding new states in the coming months.

This is just one of many useful tools at my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến. You can also:

• Obtain an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits;
• Verify the accuracy of your earnings record — your future benefit amounts are based on your earnings record;
• Change your address and phone number, if you receive monthly Social Security benefits;
• Sign up for or change Direct Deposit of your Social Security benefits;
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season; and
• Obtain estimates of the Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.

Remember, my Social Security is just one of the vital resources that help you through your life’s journey. Access your personal account today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Navigate Social Security with Ease

Social Security is constantly perfecting the way we interact with our customers. Millions of our customers rely on our website to file for retirement and disability benefits as well as other vital services. Your starting point is often our ever-improving homepage. Along with our recently updated Social Security homepage, you will now see a streamlined navigation bar.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThis simplified version has just three choices: Search, Menu, and Sign In/Up. The old menu system on the home page forced users to sort through up to five layers before getting to the main content. The new menu presents the user with everything at once. These three choices offer more succinct search capabilities and quicker access to the most popular services.

Visit www.socialsecurity.govTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến to test it out yourself and see the many useful online services we provided to millions of Americans.

Update: 2016 Board of Trustees Report

Earlier this month, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the current and projected financial status of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) trust funds. The report gives the public a clear understanding of the long-term financial status of the Social Security program.

The combined asset reserves of the OASDI trust funds are again projected to become depleted in 2034, if Congress does not act before then.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnIn the 2016 Report to Congress, the trustees announced:

• The combined trust fund reserves are still growing and will continue to do so through 2019. Beginning in 2020, the cost of the program is projected to exceed income.
• The OASDI trust funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, when benefits will become payable at 79 percent.
• The DI trust fund will become depleted in 2023, extended from 2016 in last year’s estimate, with 89 percent of benefits payable.
• The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year long-range period is 2.66 percent of taxable payroll — 0.02 percentage point less than in last year’s report.

For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that provide a safety net throughout life’s journey. The solvency of our programs relies on the accurate, up-to-date data provided in these yearly reports.

You and your clients can view the 2016 Trustees Report at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2016.

Updates to Our Resources for the Diverse People We Serve

Social Security is at the forefront of changing federal policy and adapting to the ever-evolving needs of our diverse population. Part of providing superior customer service to millions of people is changing our own policies to fit those needs while providing equality for all. This is why we have fully redesigned many of our webpages and updated our publications.

Last year, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. HodgesTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến stating that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. As a result, Social Security recognizes valid same-sex marriages for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits or eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin has said, “As with previous same-sex marriage policies, we worked closely with the Department of Justice. With the release of these instructions, we continue our commitment to treating all Americans fairly, with dignity and respect.”

We encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for benefits to apply now. Learn more at our newly designed webpage, including a new publication, at www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples.

Teaming Up to Prevent Elder Abuse

The World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2006. Elder abuse is an epidemic. Unfortunately, statistics show that the number of older Americans physically, mentally and financially exploited is rising.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnAccording to a study released by the American Journal of Public Health in 2010, there are approximately five million elder abuse victims in the United States. Statistics also indicate that most reported cases involve family members or people closely related to the victims. Many elder abuse victims suffer from decreased cognitive capacity, such as dementia, and are not able to protect themselves. Adult protective services operate under state law to investigate reports of elder abuse and to work with the victims to protect them and stop the maltreatment.

It is important that adult protective services agencies in every community have a close working relationship with Social Security to:

• Remove abusive representative payees;
• Prevent unsuitable representative payees from being put in place or being re-instated; and
• Appoint appropriate representative payees who will protect the victim’s benefits.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSocial Security is with you through life’s journey, and we take this commitment seriously. Under Acting Commissioner Colvin and Social Security Chief of Staff Stacy Rodgers, Social Security has made great strides in a short time to protect beneficiaries from financial exploitation and to coordinate with adult protective services agencies on behalf of our mutual clients. You can help by visiting the Administration for Community Living at and for more information on how you can be involved.

You and your clients can also learn more about World Elder Abuse Day at .

Discover the Courageous Faces of Disability

The nation celebrated Cancer Survivor’s Awareness Day in June. Social Security is no stranger to helping people with chronic illnesses maintain a higher quality of life through disability benefits. And we frequently feature these courageous people on our Faces and Facts of Disability website.

The newest person we are featuring is Lynne Parks. She is an artist from Baltimore, Maryland. First diagnosed with metastatic fibrosarcoma at age 14, she has lived with this illness for nearly 35 years. Inflammatory responses, infections, and new tumors are complications that Lynne deals with every day.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe disability benefits Lynne receives are a crucial resource for her quality of life. Our disability programs continue to be a mainstay in the lives of many individuals — people just like you. Social Security disability beneficiaries are among the most severely impaired people in the country. It’s something that can happen to anyone when least expected.

Life’s journey may take you or someone you love through a similar path of courageousness. We invite you to learn the facts about the disability insurance program, and see and hear these stories of hardship and perseverance at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

Social Security at the Annual Conference & Exposition for the Society for Human Resource Management

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThis month, Social Security participated in the 2016 Annual Conference & Exposition for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to show how we are helping to secure today and tomorrow. The SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition is the largest and best HR event in the world, providing organizations with the tools and resources they need to create and implement successful HR practices that help companies thrive.

Social Security is constantly working to improve our superior customer service, and to develop our diverse workforce. You and your clients can read more about the SHRM at . You may also visit one of the best resources for doing business with Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. We are constantly adding new features that let you take control of your retirement future.

In addition to using your personal my Social Security account, you can prepare for a secure, comfortable retirement by visiting . There, you’ll find myRA, a new retirement savings option from the Department of the Treasury for the millions of people who face barriers to saving for retirement. myTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnRA is a simple, secure, and affordable way to help you take control of your future.

Social Security Announces Top Baby Names of 2015

This month, we announced the top baby names for 2015. Published each year for nearly 20 years, the annual list provides insight into current naming trends. Once again, Emma and Noah were the most popular names. Here are the top 10 names for each gender:

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnNaming trends often follow pop culture, with many parents seeking inspiration from books, movies, and religious texts. The two names with the biggest jump in popularity this year were Alaia and Riaan. Alaia moved to number 664 and Riaan, which is of Indian origin, cracked the top 1,000 at 926.

For more information regarding the trends in baby names, including popular names by state and records going back to the 1880s, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

Social Security Honors Public Servants

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnPublic Service Recognition Week, May 1 through 7, recognized all individuals who serve the public on a federal, state, county, or local level. The theme for this year was “Honoring Our Public Servants.”

Those who answer the call to service are hardworking, caring, compassionate, and committed to the missions of their agencies.

At Social Security, we have more than 60,000 employees who serve the public each day in a variety of capacities. They are part of our field and hearing offices, teleservice and payment centers, as well as our headquarters and regional offices. These devoted public servants are committed to ensuring timely processing of claims, requests for assistance, and providing the quality customer service Americans deserve and have come to expect from us.

For Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin’s online tribute to America’s public servants, visit .

Social Security Hosts Second Annual Faith Week of Action

We celebrated our second annual Faith Week of Action from May 1 through 8 by partnering with faith- and community-based groups across the country to help their members understand our Social Security programs and to encourage financial planning. The campaign featured a Faith Week of Action Toolkit that national stakeholders could use to plan a my Social Security event. The toolkit included sample press releases and social media posts, as well as ways to connect to Social Security and join in our faith-based national outreach. Please continue to encourage your clients to create their own secure my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

The campaign reached more than 23 million people across the internet and included a radio media tour, social media posts, and executive speaking engagements, including a radio interview with Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin highlighting the importance of financial literacy. For more information about our partnership with faith- and community-based organizations, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty/faithaction.

Don’t Be a Scam Victim — You’re in Control

With tax season wrapping up, scammers are out in full force. Perhaps you received a phone call demanding payment from the “IRS.” Scammers might threaten you with legal action if you do not pay immediately. They may even say something like, “I’m sending the police to arrest you.” While these calls may seem scary, it is important to understand that they are not legitimate. This IRS scam, which started in October 2013, has taken more than $29 million from its victims. Unfortunately, this is just one of many scams designed to make you believe you are speaking with a government official.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnScammers use many tactics to convince victims to share their personal information via telephone and email. In Social Security related scams, fraudsters often call under the guise of helping you complete a disability application, asking you for your Social Security number or banking information. A legitimate inquiry from any government entity will be in writing. If you receive a call from a government employee, they will be able to provide you with a callback number and an extension to reach them.

Get more information on how to protect yourself from these scams at , or at for information on the IRS specific scam.

Social Security’s FY 2016 Budget

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 provides Social Security with $12 billion in administrative funding, including $1.4 billion for dedicated program integrity funding. We plan to complete 850,000 medical continuing disability reviews and 2.5 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) non-medical redeterminations. This is a significant increase from the previous fiscal year.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnAdditionally, we will pursue our Compassionate and Responsive Service (CARES) strategy to address the hearings backlog. This includes hiring additional administrative law judges and support staff. This appropriation also provides $150 million for the renovation of the Headquarters Altmeyer Building in Woodlawn, Maryland, which is 55 years old.

We’re proud of our low 1.3 percent administrative costs. For a complete view of Social Security’s budget information, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov/budget.

Social Security Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Walk Together, Embrace Differences, Build Legacies.” At Social Security, we shared information about our commitment to removing communication barriers.

We offer free interpreter services in person and by phone, as well as publications in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The AAPI community makes up approximately 5.4 percent of the total United States population and includes individuals from nearly 50 countries and ethnic groups. To learn more about Social Security’s commitment to serving the AAPI population, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/people/aapi.

For more information about our free interpreter services and our non-English publications available in 17 languages, visit our Multilanguage Gateway at www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage.

Social Security Featured on Federal News Radio

April was Social Security Month at Federal News Radio. The station interviewed Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin as well as several other Social Security executives. They discussed a variety of topics related to current agency news and trends for the future of Social Security. Acting Commissioner Colvin spoke about our efforts to hire more administrative law judges to reduce wait times and the number of claims waiting for a hearing. She also discussed the future of Social Security’s field offices and providing our customers with more choices for conducting business with us.

Federal News Radio also interviewed Doug Walker, the Deputy Commissioner of Communications. He spoke at length about the many ways the public can connect with us, including our blog and social media channels. Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources, Dr. Reginald Wells, talked about the challenges of attrition as Social Security employees with long-term institutional knowledge begin to retire. He also spoke about diversity in the workforce and advances in telework. Additionally, Robert Klopp, Chief Information Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Systems, discussed data storage and our ability to use our data to make informed decisions to better serve the public.

You can hear these interviews at darayoungwrites.com/news/#/post/4-2016-2.

National my Social Security Week was a Success

During April 4 to 13, we celebrated a third successful National my Social Security Week. With the help of a myriad of groups and organizations, we hosted events and activities across the country to raise awareness about the benefits of opening a secure online my Social Security account.

With a my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến account, you can:

• Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year;
• Get an estimate of your future benefits, if you are still working;
• Get a letter with proof of your benefits, if you currently receive them; and
• Manage your benefits:
• Change your address;
• Start or change your direct deposit;
• Get a replacement Medicare card; and
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
• As part of my Social Security Week, on April 7 we held “Check Your Statement Day,” encouraging people to join the millions who regularly check their Social Security Statement. Your Statement can help you plan for your financial future. We encourage you to access your Statement whenever you have a change in employment or wish to verify any changes in your benefit estimate.

In some states, you can also request a replacement Social Security card online using my Social Security. Currently, this service is available in the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, Washington, and Wisconsin. It’s an easy, convenient, and secure way to request a replacement card online. To request a replacement card online, you must:

• Have or create a my Social Security account;
• Have a valid driver’s license in a participating state or the District of Columbia (or a state-issued identification card in some states);
• Be age 18 or older and a United States citizen with a domestic U.S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses); and
• Not request a name change or any other changes to your card.

We will provide updates when the service becomes available in additional states.

Open a my Social Security account today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Social Security is Hiring More Administrative Law Judges

The public deserves timely, high-quality hearing and appeal decisions. Currently, the wait for a hearing decision on disability benefits is too long. Reducing the wait time for a hearing decision is one of our agency critical priorities.

To address that goal, we developed our CARES Plan, a Plan for Compassionate And Responsive Service. One of the key elements of CARES is to address the need to hire and retain administrative law judges. Administrative law judges (ALJs) are our primary decision makers in the hearing process, and hiring has not kept pace with the growing number of pending cases and ALJ attrition. Our goal is to reduce the wait time for a hearing decision to 270 days by fiscal year 2020.

Good news! This fiscal year, Congress gave us the necessary resources to accomplish our hiring goal, and we’re in the process of hiring up to 250 new ALJs. Social Security is by far the largest employer of ALJs — they're needed in many states, including rural locations. The highly competitive ALJ hiring process takes a good deal of time, but it’s worth the wait. You and your clients can learn more about ALJs and the hearing process at

Providing Testimony at the Windfall Elimination Provision Hearing

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOn March 22, Samara Richardson, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Income Security Programs, testified at the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Hearing before the House of Representatives. She summarized the history of Social Security coverage, described both the WEP and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), provided an overview of the issues with WEP and GPO, and described how we administer them. She also discussed our legislative proposal, which would simplify and improve administration of the WEP and GPO.

Ms. Richardson stated, “Congress created the WEP and GPO provisions so that Social Security benefits would remain progressive and fairly reflect an individual’s covered and non-covered earnings. However, in the absence of non-covered earnings data on which to calculate an appropriate benefit reduction, Congress based its reductions on the receipt of a non-covered pension. This approach was the most manageable solution, given the limited earnings information available for use in the late 1970s and early 1980s.”

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnShe added, “We will soon have more than 40 years of non-covered earnings data in our records. These data will give us the capability to transition toward an alternative WEP and GPO formula based on these earnings. The Administration recommends such an approach, as it would simplify administration, reduce improper payments, and provide all workers with more equitable treatment. In the interim, the President’s Budget proposes requiring state and local government pension payers to provide us with non-covered pension data, thereby enabling us to apply current-law WEP and GPO more consistently and correctly.”

You and your clients can watch or read the testimony at

You can also learn more about Government Pension Offset by searching that term at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Two Important Events during National Financial Literacy Month

April is National Financial Literacy Month. Americans are encouraged to focus on financial literacy, and to establish and practice smart financial habits. On April 5, there were two important events that addressed responsible saving: Financial Literacy Day on Capitol Hill and an event Social Security co-hosted with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce called “Promoting Retirement Security Makes Good Business Sense.”

Financial Literacy Day on the Hill was introduced in 2003 by the Council for Economic Education, Junior Achievement, and the Jump$tart Coalition. Over the years, “Hill Day” has evolved from a small gathering to a public event that attracts hundreds of participants. You and your clients can learn more about saving for your future and download the Financial Literacy Month app at

The purpose of the Promoting Retirement Security Makes Good Business Sense event was to advance the business community’s interest in Social Security. It further promoted the partnership between Social Security and the business community to support a secure retirement for workers. Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin keynoted at the Chamber of Commerce event. For more information, visit

When it comes to finances, Social Security is there through life’s journey, helping secure today and tomorrow. Find out more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Social Security to Co-host the Ending Homelessness Forum

Social Security and the U. S. Interagency Council on Homelessness will host a forum about ending homelessness on April 28, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hampton University Student Center in Hampton, VA.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWe welcome your participation in this important conversation about how to better serve people experiencing homelessness. Representatives from federal agencies, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and partner organizations will be on hand to share successful strategies in the fight against homelessness. The forum will also focus on the best practices that the Commonwealth of Virginia has implemented to end veterans homelessness and significantly reduce family homelessness.

Planned speakers include:

• Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security
• Paul Reagan, Chief of Staff to Virginia Governor Terence R. McAuliffe
• Matt Leslie, Director of Housing Development, Virginia Department of Veterans Services
• Luis Vasquez, Director, Division of Service and Systems Improvement, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Marcy Thompson, Senior Advisor, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Sim Wimbush, Executive Director, Virginia Housing Alliance

Learn more about how Social Security helps the homeless at .

DoD Medical Data Available Almost Instantaneously

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSocial Security is always finding new ways to provide superior customer service. We can now receive service members’, Veterans’, and eligible family members’ medical records electronically from the Department of Defense (DoD) by using health information technology (health IT) that leverages the eHealth Exchange. This latest improvement speeds processing times of disability applications. Our disability case processing sites can receive medical records from DoD almost instantaneously.

We have added the DoD to the more than 50 other health IT partners in over 7,000 facilities that provide us with electronic health record (EHR) data. More and more facilities across the nation are implementing EHR systems.

Obtaining medical evidence is critical to the disability determination process. Social Security requests more than 15 million medical records from almost 500,000 providers to make decisions on approximately three million disability claims annually. As EHR systems mature, and health IT exchanges grow between organizations across the country, we are able to help more people through the disability determination process while also improving services to the non-military public. Health IT partnership benefits include:

• a more efficient means of obtaining medical records;
• improvement in the rate of responses received;
• consistently formatted records;
• reducing paper-based processes; and
• reducing the total time it takes to process disability claims.

Our goal is to continue expanding the number of healthcare organizations and federal agencies providing EHRs to us in an efficient and secure electronic environment.

You can learn more about our health IT initiative at www.socialsecurity.gov/hit.

Keep the Faith, Spread the Message

Social Security Faith Week of Action takes place May 1- 8 this year with the theme of “Shining a Light on Your Lifetime Protections.” Throughout this week, Faith-Based national organizations and Faith-Based community groups across the country will host events to help people understand their Social Security protections.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSocial Security touches nearly every person at some point in their life. It helps children when a parent dies, retires, or becomes disabled. It protects workers and their families in the event of a disability. For millions of seniors, it helps put food on the table or pay for other necessities. And it continues providing for our families even after we’re gone.

To enjoy a comfortable retirement, most people need to save and invest throughout their working lives. To do that, they need a plan. A great way to get started is by creating a my Social Security online account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It’s free, fast, and secure!

Workers can use my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến to get estimates of their future benefits. They can also check to be sure the earnings information we have for them is accurate. This is important because we base our benefit calculations on earnings.

We also want to highlight the new myRA investment option at This is a safe way for earners without a retirement plan at work to get started on growing their nest egg. There’s no cost or fees, no complicated investment choices, and no risk. Since it’s not tied to an employer, workers can hold on to their myRA account when they move from one job to another.

Look for a Social Security Faith Week of Action event in your area. And create your own my Social Security account anytime at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến

Deputy Commissioner Nominee Clears Finance Committee

We are pleased to announce that the Senate Finance Committee favorably reported the nomination of LaMont Eanes to become Deputy Commissioner of Social Security to the full U.S. Senate. His term would last through January 19, 2019.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnAt his February confirmation hearing, Eanes said, “If Social Security is to meet service expectations for generations to come, the Agency will have to be inventive, bold, and thoughtful in new ways. I truly hope to be able to contribute to SSA — by building upon its successes of the past with innovative strategies of the future. This is the lesson I took from my private sector experience, and what will guide my work at SSA: no matter how good we are today, we can be better tomorrow.”

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnYou can read the entire testimony to the Senate Finance Committee at

Serving Veterans Every Day of the Year

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnIn November, the Nation celebrated Veterans Day, honoring all those who served in the military. Social Security doesn’t just honor these dedicated men and women on one day of the year—we have made it our daily mission to help service members who have defended our country.  

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThrough the Wounded Warrior program, Social Security expedites processing of disability applications of current military service members or veterans disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001. Also, service members and veterans who have a Department of Veterans Affairs compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. Keep in mind this expedited process applies only to the application for benefits. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of “disability,” which means:

• Applicants must be unable to do substantial work because of medical condition(s); and
• Applicant’s medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.

Tell any veterans with disabilities you know that they can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability or by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 ( TTY 1-800-325-0778) . Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến

ou can find more information for veterans at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.

Someday, You’ll be Able to Relax a Little

Everyone has a personal Someday—a day of the year they’re looking forward to, or an enlightened state-of-mind they’re working toward. These somedays include the goals and dreams of soldiers and doctors, chefs and farmers, small business owners and executives—nearly everyone living in our diverse country. Social Security helps make some of these somedaysTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến come true by providing the means to achieve them through earned benefits.

One way to make sure your clients set a proper course for that distant someday is by asking them to log into my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến, where they can see exactly how Social Security can help.

Setting up a my Social Security account is quick, secure, and easy. More than 15 million Americans already have accounts. Someone opens a new account every six seconds. Tell your clients to join them by signing up today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Combatting Fraud on the Front Lines

When fraudsters steal benefits that they do not deserve, they jeopardize the solvency of our programs. Social Security has a zero-tolerance policy for people who try to cheat the system, and we work tirelessly to combat fraud. While we cannot prevent every instance of fraud any more than law enforcement can prevent every crime, we aggressively investigate and pursue prosecution of those who commit fraud. Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin’s message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear: “We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen.”

Social Security counts on everyone to help us combat fraud—including you. To learn more about how youTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến can do your part by reporting suspected fraud, visit .

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow … but Only During our Holiday Hours

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSocial Security’s field offices will close to the public on four days this holiday season—Thanksgiving Day (November 27), the day after Thanksgiving (November 28), Christmas Day (December 25), and January 1 (New Year's Day).

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnIn addition, anyone calling or visiting a Social Security office between December 26 and New Year’s Eve might experience longer wait times than usual because of the holidays.

If your clients need to do business with Social Security, they can skip the busy signals and longer wait times that may come with the holidays by using our online services.

Let it snow and visit www.socialsecurity.gov to complete much of your Social Security business, such as getting a Social Security Statement; applying for retirement, disability or spouse's benefits; checking the status of pending applications; getting personalized estimates of future benefits with the Retirement Estimator; receiving an instant benefit verification letter; requesting a replacement Medicare card; or applying for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs.

These services are available every day—even on holidays or during the harshest blizzard!

Social Security’s list of online services and hours of operation are at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Health Insurance Marketplace is Open for Business

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOpen enrollment for affordable healthcare coverage at the Health Insurance Marketplace has begun and is available until February 15, 2015. During this four-month period, you and your clients can enroll in a new plan or change current plans.  

You can choose to stay in your current plan (as long as it’s still offered) or make changes. But you'll want to visit to make sure your plan is still available in 2015 and to find out whether there are significant changes to your plan. It's also a good idea to compare your plan to new ones available.  If you want to enroll in a plan or change your plan, you must take action by December 15, 2014 for your coverage to begin on January 1, 2015.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOnce the open enrollment deadline passes, the only way to get or change coverage for 2015 is to qualify for a “Special Enrollment Period” due to a qualifying life event as specified by HealthCare.gov. You have four months to decide what type of coverage you want, but the sooner you act, the sooner you will enjoy the security of affordable healthcare.

This open enrollment period does not include enrollment for small businesses. Employers can start offering health insurance coverage to their employees at any time during the year. Small businesses can buy coverage through the SHOP Marketplace, an agent or broker, or directly from an insurance company.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnFind out more about HealthCare.gov’s open enrollment period at .

People Receiving Benefits Will Get an Increase in 2015

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSocial Security announced that more than 64 million beneficiaries will receive a 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.  

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe 1.7 percent increase will begin in January 2015 for the more than 58 million people who receive Social Security benefits. The more than 8 million people who get SSI payments will see the increase beginning December 31, 2014.

Other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the adjustment in average wages. The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax in 2015 will increase to $118,500 (up from $117,000). Of the estimated 168 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2015, about 10 million will pay higher taxes because of the taxable maximum increase.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, there will be no increase in the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for 2015.

Learn more by reading our press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/10-2014-2.

When It Comes to Disability Employment Awareness, Knowledge is Power

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we reflect on this year’s theme:  Expect. Employ. Empower.

At Social Security, we believe the best way to empower people living with disabilities is to provide them with as much information as possible about the benefits that may be available to them through our programs. We offer an online library of disability publications to help you learn about every aspect of our disability program. Whether someone you know is thinking of applying for benefits, or already receiving them, find helpful information on our disability publications page. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs and select Topics and then Disability.

On our Faces and Facts of Disability website, we share stories of real people who have benefitted from our disability program. Take Jamey, for example. Born with progressive nerve damage, Jamey was unable to find a good job until she was 35. “Social Security kept me from being homeless, and it motivated me to keep fighting harder to live the life I wanted to live,” Jamey said. She now works at a job where she helps empower people with disabilities. Learn more about Jamey and how Social Security helped her live a better life of helping others, at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts/stories.html.

Tell anyone considering applying for disability not to delay if they believe they might qualify. To learn more, visit the Faces and Facts of Disability at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

National Support Center Takes Advantage of Modern Technology

On September 29th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Social Security’s new National Support Center (NSC), which will house computer operations essential to the accurate maintenance of earnings and payment of benefits. The NSC has enhanced disaster-recovery capabilities and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified. LEED-certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy. To power the building, we are using our own four-acre photovoltaic field made up of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity—saving $150,000 a year. The NSC’s forward-thinking systems will accommodate the agency’s anticipated information technology workloads for the next 20 years.

Learn more about the new center by reading the press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/9-2014-7.

People Appreciate Our Level of Customer Service

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWe celebrated National Customer Service Week from October 6 to 10, but great customer service is something we practice every day, all year at Social Security.

Providing world-class service to the public is one of our highest priorities. Each year we strive to continue meeting the heightened expectations placed upon us, while raising the level of service we provide the American public.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOur commitment to elevating the quality of our services has not gone unnoticed. From our field offices to our 800-number, Social Security employees work diligently to provide the best service possible. Our online services are also proof of our commitment to offering the best service in the formats most convenient to the people we serve. Social Security’s website is among the highest-rated sites in government and we continue to receive praise for it.

Don’t just take our word for it. Tony, a retiree, left this message on our Facebook page regarding our online services:  “Took me 15 minutes to retire online. Easy as apple pie!” Like Tony, many Americans have discovered the benefit of applying online. It’s quick, easy, secure, and you can do it from the comfort of your home.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnFind the information and service you’re looking for at .

We’re Expanding Our Pool of Suitable Representative Payees

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWhen Social Security determines that a person is unable to manage his or her benefit payment to take care of his or her needs, we appoint a representative payee to help the beneficiary. We usually look for trusted family members or friends to perform this service. Sometimes this traditional network of support isn’t available and we must find other responsible people.

Social Security is looking to expand our pool of suitable representative payees by partnering with the legal community. We launched a one-year pilot in Maryland to recruit interested attorneys to serve as representative payees for beneficiaries. The pilot is a collaboration between Social Security and the Maryland State Bar Association.

Why attorneys? “The Maryland Representative Payee Pro Bono Pilot offers attorneys a chance to fulfill the Court of Appeals’ aspirational goal of providing pro bono—or volunteer—services by assisting the young, elderly, and disabled with their Social Security benefits,” Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin said. “Attorneys are held to high ethical standards and will serve this at-risk population with the compassion and integrity they deserve.”

To learn more about this pilot program, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payee/probonopilot.htm.

Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act

Remember that open enrollment for health care plans under the Affordable Care Act begins November 15, 2014 and runs through February 15, 2015. If you have 2014 Marketplace coverage and don’t do anything, you will automatically be enrolled in your 2014 plan or a similar plan, and your 2015 coverage will start on January 1, 2015. If you are planning to apply, change your coverage, or help a family member or constituent, visit for more information.

Mailed Social Security Statements Resume

In September 2014, Social Security began mailing Social Security Statements to workers ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 who are not receiving Social Security benefits and do not have a my Social Security account. After age 60, people will receive a Statement every year. Rather than waiting to receive a mailed Statement once every five years, we encourage the public to open a my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount so they can access their Statement online anytime.  The Social Security Statement is a valuable financial planning tool that provides workers their tax contributions, future benefit estimates, and yearly earnings information.  This is important since earnings are the basis for determining retirement benefits.

Learn more about mailed Statements and the benefits of opening a my Social Security account by reading the press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/9-2014-1.

Social Security Celebrates Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is "Expect. Employ. Empower."

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnAt Social Security, we strive to empower people with disabilities who want to go to work.  Our Ticket to Work program can help those receiving Social Security benefits prepare for employment, get a job, and become financially independent.

More than Half a Million People Sign Up during my Social Security Week

Our first National my Social Security Week was in August, and during the month, over 660 thousand people registered for new my Social Security accounts – an increase of about 33 percent over the monthly average of registrations in fiscal year 2014.  We held events across the country and online. We also worked with advocacy groups and many other federal agencies to increase awareness of this important online service. 

my Social Security is a convenient way for people to access their personal Social Security information, whether they are working and paying Social Security taxes or receiving Social Security benefits. Those not receiving benefits can use my Social Security to obtain estimates of their future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, check the accuracy of their earnings records, and obtain estimates of Social Security and Medicare taxes paid.  Current beneficiaries can check their benefit and payment information, change their address and phone number, start or change direct deposit of benefit payments, and obtain online benefit verification letters.

More than 14 million people have already created accounts and a new my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến account is opened about every 6 seconds!

Help us keep the momentum going by encouraging friends, family, and everyone you know to open an account so they can access their benefit information at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

National Anti-Fraud Committee Fights Fraud

On September 18, Social Security’s National Anti-Fraud Committee hosted its inaugural National Anti-Fraud Conference. The committee, regional executives, and other attendees addressed the importance of fraud prevention and detection, as well as the many ongoing and new initiatives of Social Security and its Office of the Inspector General to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud. As Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin stated in congressional testimony, “The agency’s message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear:  we will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore the money you’ve stolen to the American people.”

We also depend on you and your constituents to help stop fraud. Please report fraud online at or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 . 

Social Security Testifies Before Congress

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnIn recent months, Social Security has had the opportunity to testify before Congress on a number of important issues.

On June 11, Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin testified about the important role of Social Security’s administrative law judges (ALJ) in the disability appeals process. ALJs have the difficult task of determining benefits, while following a complex legal process set by Congress. Every day, these highly trained public servants make sure people receive fair and equal treatment during difficult times in their lives. Read the entire testimony at www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_061114.html.

On June 18, Nancy Berryhill, Social Security’s Deputy Commissioner for Operations, testified before the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging. Berryhill detailed how we are addressing the increasing demand for our services. Online services play a big part in this strategy; half of all retirement and disability applications are now completed online. As the public’s needs shift, our field office structure evolves to meet those needs—with quality service and sensitivity to all at the forefront. You can read the full testimony at www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_061814.html.

On July 24, Marianna LaCanfora, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, and Stephen C. Goss, Social Security’s Chief Actuary, testified before the Senate Finance Committee. LaCanfora explained that Social Security’s disability determination process is one of the largest administrative adjudicative systems in the world. Social Security collaborates with other agencies to improve key knowledge and technological aspects of our disability program, including the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Labor.  Goss stated that, “Without legislative action, the reserves of the Disability Insurance (DI) program are projected to become depleted in late 2016, resulting in a shortage in payments.” See estimates and proposals to improve the status of the DI trust funds at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT. You can read the testimonies at www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_072414a.html and www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_072414.html.

On July 30, Pete D. Spencer, Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance, Quality, and Management, spoke before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. To put the agency’s property usage into perspective, Social Security is the General Service Administration’s fourth largest customer for commercial leases and its fifth largest customer in rent costs and square footage.  By the end of fiscal year 2015, the agency plans to reduce its footprint by approximately 2 million square feet below its 2012 baseline. To read the entire testimony, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_073014.html.

On July 31, Acting Commissioner Colvin testified before the Senate Finance Committee and spoke passionately about her commitment to continue to lead Social Security. Colvin, President Obama’s nominee for Commissioner, stated, “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to continue leading SSA, an organization that I hold in high esteem and one that touches the lives of so many people across all stages of life. My passion for the work of the agency comes from my many years of serving those most in need.” She detailed her accomplishments and the challenges Social Security faces while pledging to maintain the diligent and compassionate customer service we provide.

The Senate Finance Committee cleared her nomination on September 18 with a vote of 22-2. We expect the final vote later this year.

Read Acting Commissioner Colvin’s full testimony at: www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_073114.html.

Open Enrollment for Affordable Healthcare

Since enrollment for health care plans under the Affordable Care Act became available in October 2013, over 8 million people have signed up. Open enrollment for healthcare plans begins November 15, 2014 and runs through February 15, 2015. If you are planning to apply, change your coverage, or help a family member, visit  for more information.

First National my Social Security Week

Last week, Social Security celebrated the first national my Social Security Week. Activities across the country included a radio media tour in more than 20 cities, an email blast to 2 million people, a Twitter Chat, a Thunderclap social media event, news articles, Facebook posts, posters and banners, registration events, and more!

Why all the activity? Because the best way for people to access and manage their Social Security information is online, with my Social Security. Taking advantage of this convenient, cost-effective, and secure service allows workers to plan for their financial future and enables them to verify that their information on our records is correct. This is important since earnings are the basis for determining retirement benefits. For people who already get Social Security benefits, my Social Security is the easiest and most convenient way to manage their benefits and get an instant benefit verification letter, change their direct deposit information, and much more.

As of July 31, more than 13 million people have opened my Social Security accounts. In fact, someone opens a new my Social SecurityTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến account every six seconds. 

Just because my Social Security week has ended doesn’t mean it’s not still a great time to open a my Social Security account. Please help us spread the word about the many benefits of a my Social Security account and encourage everyone to sign up today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Anti-Fraud Partnership Forged in Detroit

Social Security, our Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and the Michigan Department of Human Services have teamed up to establish a new Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Unit in Detroit, Michigan. As part of the nationwide CDI Program, the Detroit unit will identify and prevent Social Security disability fraud throughout the state of Michigan.

The CDI program is one of Social Security’s most successful anti-fraud initiatives, contributing to the integrity of federal disability programs. CDI units bring together personnel from Social Security, OIG, state disability determination services (DDS), and local law enforcement agencies to analyze and investigate suspicious or questionable Social Security disability claims. The CDI units resolve suspected fraud beforeTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến benefits are ever paid. The efforts of CDI units help disability examiners make informed decisions, ensure payment accuracy, and generate significant taxpayer savings, for both federal and state programs.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe CDI program began in 1997 when then - Deputy Commission for Operations, Carolin Colvin, establish the first CDI unit in Atlanta. With the opening of the new Detroit unit, there are now 26 units covering 22 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Detroit unit is the first of seven new CDI units planned by the end of fiscal year 2016.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWe encourage anyone who suspects disability fraud to report it by contacting the Social Security Fraud Hotline at ; send U.S. Mail to PO Box 17768, Baltimore, MD, 21235; fax (410) 597-0118; or call (800) 269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Learn more about the new CDI unit by reading the press release on the subject. www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/8-2014-1.

Envision the Future

It’s your turn to provide recommendations to us as to how the Social Security Administration will support the public in 2025 and beyond.  We’re asking for your help to envision the future of how Social Security conducts business with the public.

“Vision 2025,” our long-term vision and strategic plan for the agency’s future, is now being developed and will serve as a blueprint for how we deliver services to the American public in the next 10 to15 years and beyond.

We value your opinions and welcome your honest input. We’ve received a lot of comments and ideas, which you are welcome to see for yourself. Read the comments, and share with us your opinions at .

Join us in creating a bright future. Learn more about Vision 2025 at our page devoted to the future. www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/asp/Vision2025.html

Disability Application Process: A Video Series Guide

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnIf you want to learn more about what happens behind the scenes when someone applies for Social Security disability benefits, we have created videos for you. The video series, “Social Security Disability Claims Process,” includes seven parts:  an introduction, applying for disability benefits, medical evidence, quality review, the appeals process, the Appeals Council, and the final steps in the claims process.

You can find the videos on our webinars page, at www.socialsecurity.gov/socialmedia/webinars.

To apply online for disability benefits and access our other resources on this subject, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

You Work Hard for the Money (and Security)

You and your clients have labored hard throughout the year. Hard work amounts to more than just money; you’re also building benefits for your and your family’s future. This Labor Day weekend may be a good time to consider the fruits of your labor.

A great starting point is Social Security's Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Estimator is an easy way to get an instant, personalized estimate of future retirement benefits. The Estimator uses a worker's actual earnings history to calculate a benefit estimate but, for privacy purposes, we do not display the earnings. You or your clients can enter a variety of scenarios, such as different earnings amounts and retirement dates, to find out how these variables will change the benefit amounts.

Another great way to keep up with the fruits of your labor is by opening a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. With a personal account, you can check your earnings record, get your Social Security Statement for details about your future benefits, and much more.

When the time comes to retire, the easiest way to apply is online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.  It can take as little as 15 minutes—not much labor at all.

Happy Labor Day from Social Security.

Serving Where Service is Needed

Providing services when and where the public needs them most is central to Social Security’s mission. With that in mind, Social Security will continue to provide benefit verification letters in local offices when requested.

Over the years, Social Security has invested in technology that allows most government agencies and many other organizations to verify their clients’ Social Security benefits electronically without requiring a visit to a local field office. Social Security will continue our educational outreach to encourage federal, state, and local agencies to take advantage of the agency’s data exchange programs that can serve customers more efficiently and effectively.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến“We appreciate the feedback from members of Congress, our community stakeholders and agency partners. We want to ensure that we meet the needs of our customers in a way that is convenient for them and also cost-effective and secure for all,” Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin stated. “We also want to ensure that the public is aware that they can access many of our services without making a trip to a local field office.”

The easiest and most convenient way for most people to get instant benefit verification is by creating a secure my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Two New Anti-Fraud Units Open

Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud and continues to take steps to prevent and combat it by establishing two new special fraud prevention units. The new units are located in the Kansas City region and the Western Program Service Center in the San Francisco region.

These two units follow March’s opening of the centralized fraud prevention unit in New York City. All three anti-fraud units collaborate with Social Security systems’ personnel to build data analytics to detect and prevent fraud at the earliest possible point in the disability decision-making process. The units work closely with the Office of the Inspector General to prevent, detect, and stop fraud.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnActing Commissioner Colvin’s message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear, “We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore the money you’ve stolen to the American people.”

If a member of the public suspects fraud, they should contact Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271, or visit and select "Report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse."

Someday is Here

For many people, Someday is an elusive day on the far-off horizon—always seeming close enough to see, but too distant to touch. Perhaps Someday you plan to go skydiving. Or enter a hot dog-eating contest. Maybe Someday you plan to ride a mechanical bull. Or travel around the world. Or visit all of America’s national parks.

Someday, you will want to retire. If you are mid-career, Someday, you will need to start planning for retirement. Even if you are just now starting your career, Someday you’re going to want to see what your future Social Security benefits will be and check your earnings for accuracy. Someday has arrived. Open a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, and you’ll see what we mean.

Millions of people have opened a my Social Security account, and our Someday campaign will help millions more learn about my Social Security and sign up for their free online account. Someone opens a new account just about every six seconds. Tell your clients that Someday has arrived and encourage them to open a my Social Security account. Whether you share this important information during our upcoming National my Social Security Week (August 18-23) or any time, your clients will benefit.

Watch our new PSA at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Help Form the Future

Time flies, but we have the opportunity to change its course. Remember that movie series in which a time traveler from 1985 goes back 30 years to 1955 and then forward 30 years to 2015? That “future” is almost here. And the year 2025 is right around the corner.

How should Social Security look in the year 2025? We value your opinions and welcome your honest input about how you think Social Security should serve the public in the next 10 to 15 years. That is why we have begun to create “Vision 2025,” a long-term vision and strategic plan for Social Security’s future, and we want your help.

For additional information regarding Vision 2025, please visit our website:  www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/asp/Vision2025.html

Faces and Facts of Disability

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSocial Security touches the lives of millions of Americans, often during times of hardship, transition, or uncertainty. Our benefit programs—retirement, survivors, and disability—offer financial protection for people and families in need. Today, 56 million Americans live with the challenge of disabilities—that’s one-in-five Americans. But it’s when we get to see the story of an individual that we come to understand the true face of disability.

Meet Jamey, a woman who was born with progressive nerve damage and was unable to find a good job until she was 35. “Social Security kept me from being homeless, and it motivated me to keep fighting harder to live the life I wanted to live,” Jamey said. She now works at a job where she helps empower people with disabilities. Learn more about Jamey and how Social Security helped her live a better life of helping others, at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts/spotlight.html.

Jamey is just one of the real people you can meet at our website, the Faces and Facts of Disability. The website dispels the misconceptions about the Social Security disability insurance, or SSDI, program and tells the personal stories of the people who disability benefits have helped. The numbers and facts are important. But the inspiring stories of real people—our neighbors and family and friends—give the real picture of what disability benefits are all about. You can help us spread the word by submitting your own personal stories. Find out for yourself with a visit to www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

Social Security Defines Policy for Same-Sex Married Couples

Social Security has published new instructions that allow the agency to process more claims in which entitlement or eligibility is affected by a same-sex relationship. These instructions come in response to last year’s Supreme Court decision in United States vs. Windsor, which found Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. This latest policy development lets the agency recognize some non-marital legal relationships as marriages for determining entitlement to benefits.

These instructions also allow Social Security to begin processing many claims in states that do not recognize same-sex marriages or non-marital legal relationships. We have consulted with the Department of Justice and determined that the Social Security Act requires the agency to follow state law in Social Security cases. The new policy also addresses Supplemental Security Income claims based on same-sex relationships.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến“As with previous same-sex marriage policies, we worked closely with the Department of Justice,” said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We are bound by the law within the Social Security Act, and we have to respect state laws. We remain committed to treating all Americans fairly, with dignity, and respect.”

If a person believes he or she may be entitled to or eligible for benefits, they are encouraged to apply now. To learn more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples.

Social Security Disability Insurance Program Briefing

Social Security’s disability program provides income protection for American workers and their families when they need it most. Carolyn Colvin, Acting Commissioner, wants to ensure the public has the facts about the disability program and dispel some of the current misinformation about the program.

On May 7, Acting Commissioner Colvin served as the keynote speaker at a Capitol Hill briefing on the Social Security disability program. The briefing took place in a packed room at the U.S Capitol, and provided an opportunity for key Congressional staff to learn the facts about the program. Attendees included Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden and ranking member Orrin Hatch, and the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson and ranking member Xavier Becerra. Watch the Capitol Hill briefing.

The event was just one facet of the agency’s larger effort to educate the public on how the disability program has served some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Our new interactive educational program, the Faces and Facts of Disability, is another means of providing the American public information about disability. This program tells the disability story by highlighting real people helped by Social Security disability benefits. It includes program facts, explains Social Security’s commitment to preventing, detecting, and prosecuting fraud, and much more. Visit the Faces and Facts of Disability at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

Supplemental Security Income Helps People for 40 Years

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program may seem like Social Security’s kid brother, but—believe it or not—it’s been providing benefits for those who need it for 40 years.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSSI provides income support to eligible people who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled adults, and blind or disabled children who have low income and few resources. Eligibility requirements and federal payment standards are nationally uniform, although some states add a supplement to the federal payment. SSI replaced the former federal/state adult assistance programs in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

When SSI began in January 1974, about 3.2 million people received much-needed help from the new program. By December 1974, we were assisting nearly 4 million people who otherwise had nowhere to turn. As of December 2012, more than 8 million people are receiving much needed benefits thanks to SSI—often meaning the difference between survival and homelessness.

SSI is a lifeline for people who need it. If you know someone who might benefit from SSI, have them visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Addressing the Senate on Service to the Public

On June 18, Nancy Berryhill, Social Security’s Deputy Commissioner for Operations, testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging about Social Security’s service delivery. While promoting the convenience of self-service options, she reinforced our commitment to continuing to provide face-to-face service in field offices and stressed that Social Security’s ability to deliver its services to the public is dependent on Congress providing adequate, sustained funding.

Ms. Berryhill said, when making decisions about changes to offices, we analyze many factors. These include impact on the public and employees, demographics of the service area, proximity of other Social Security offices, staffing, geography, and lease expiration.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOur three other service delivery options—phone, online, and video services—are convenient alternatives to visiting a field office. In 2013, our Teleservice Centers answered 54 million calls. Nearly half of all retirement and disability applications were completed online. We conducted more than 180 thousand video interviews. Providing self-service options like these frees up time for front line staff to handle those individuals who have complex issues and need more personal assistance.

To read a transcript of Nancy Berryhill’s testimony before the Senate, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_061814.html.

Helen Keller Would Have Appreciated Our Services

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnJune 27 is Helen Keller Day, a commemorative holiday established by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 on her 100th birthday. The first deaf and blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree, Helen Keller was a world-famous speaker, author and advocate for people with disabilities. She undoubtedly would have appreciated all that Social Security does for the disabled community and their families.

Not only does Social Security provide disability benefits for people who qualify, but we make great efforts to communicate with people in alternative formats to make our resources and services accessible to everybody. All of the pages on our website, www.socialsecurity.govTrải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến, are easy to access for people with disabilities.

We are pleased to introduce our new Center for Section 504 Compliance. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits federal agencies and programs that receive federal funding from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The 504 Center provides guidance to Social Security offices nationwide to ensure that our customers with disabilities have meaningful access when conducting business with us. You’ll find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/accessibility/504_overview.html.

Social Security Plays Ball Well

Have you seen our baseball stadium video? The judges have, and they gave it a home run!

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOn June 12, the National Association of Government Communicators, or NAGC, recognized Social Security for outstanding communications. We received first place for the “Hit A Home Run With Our Online Application” video, making it the year’s best public service announcement in government. Also, we received Awards of Excellence in three additional categories: website, display, and webcast.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnSo, how many baseball stadiums can you fill with the number of people who have applied online for Social Security benefits? Watch the short PSA to find out at Social Security’s YouTube page. You’ll find it at .

Social Security Website Turns 20

For most of us, it's hard to imagine a world that doesn't include the Internet. But twenty years ago, the world wide web was a strange new world for most people. Morning talk show hosts and news anchors mentioned"this Internet thing" as though they didn't quite understand what it was. Time Magazine did a cover story about"the world's largest computer network" as the next big thing.

On May 17, 1994 -- pre-Google, pre-Facebook -- Social Security launched Social Security Online. The humble website included 20 pages and received 17,000 visits in its first month.

Now, in 2014, we average more than 17 million visits a month to our more than 45,000 pages. Last year alone, our website had 83 million visits. We offer 20 online services and more than half of the nation's new retirees complete their applications online. Plus, it's easy to navigate, read, and understand our website. Just this year, Social Security won the ClearMark Award of Distinction from the Center for Plain Language for our Internet website redesign.

Visit our award-winning website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

New King of Baby Names

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThere's a new king in town. Noah is the most popular name for boys, unseating Jacob and becoming the first new name to top the list for boys since 1960 (with the exception of Jacob and Michael).

Sophia remains at the top of the list for most popular baby name for girls, where it has reigned for three years.

Each year, Social Security releases the top baby names based on Social Security card applications for newborns. Learn more about the most popular names and see where you and the children in your life fit in the top 10—or the top 1,000—by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/5-2014-1.

Faces and Facts of Disability

Social Security touches the lives of many Americans, often during times of hardship, transition, or uncertainty. Our benefit programs—retirement, survivors, and disability—offer financial protection for people and families when they need it most.

Our new website and campaign, The Faces and Facts of Disability, provides facts about the Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, program, as well as personal stories about the people helped by disability benefits. The numbers and facts are important. But the inspiring stories of real people—our neighbors, family and friends—tell the real story of what Social Security disability benefits are all about. Find out for yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

Our Accounting is Clear According to CEAR

On May 21, the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) awarded Social Security the Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting (CEAR) for the 16th year in a row. AGA's CEAR program recognizes federal agencies that prepare clear, readable financial reports showing what the agencies have accomplished with taxpayer dollars.

See Social Security's latest Agency Financial Report for fiscal year 2013 at www.socialsecurity.gov/finance/index.html

Eldercare Abuse Awareness Day

Although Social Security serves people of all ages, the vast majority of our beneficiaries are retirees. We care about those we serve, which is why we have special interest in supporting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnStarted in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization (WHO), the day's purpose is to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people so that we can help prevent it.

According to WHO,"Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, injury, loss of productivity, isolation, and despair."

Learn more about elder abuse and how to stop it at the National Center on Elder Abuse, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Aging, at .

Fraud Protection Unit Established in New York

The Social Security Administration has established a centralized fraud prevention unit in New York City to identify potential fraud and detect fraud trends that are applicable to disability cases nationwide.  This unit consists of experienced disability examiners who are currently involved in the review of disability medical decisions.  Using their specialized experience, these examiners are collaborating with Social Security systems personnel to help build data analytics to detect and prevent fraud as early as possible in the disability decision-making process.

"Social Security strives to preserve the public's trust in our programs and we have no tolerance for fraud.  We are aggressive in our efforts to detect and prevent fraud," said Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin, noting that Social Security's anti-fraud approach has resulted in a fraud incidence rate that is a fraction of one percent. "To those who would try to cheat us:  We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to recover any money you've stolen from the American people."

Learn more by reading the press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/3-2014-9.

We're Accessible To Everyone

Not only does Social Security provide disability benefits for people who qualify, but we make great efforts to communicate with people in alternative formats to make our resources and services accessible to everyone.  We are committed to providing world-class customer service to everyone and to ensuring that people with disabilities have meaningful access to our programs and services.

We are pleased to build on this commitment with the Center for Section 504 Compliance. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies and programs that receive federal funding from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.

The 504 Center's toll-free number is 1-844-881-9061Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến and its business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).

In addition, we offer our publications and notices in alternative formats for those who request them. The most popular ways for the public to read our publications is by PDF and streaming audio file at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/alt-pubs.html.

Learn about our special notice options at www.socialsecurity.gov/notices.

Visit the 504 Center online at  www.socialsecurity.gov/accessibility/504_overview.html.

A New Website for Young People

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnMost people tend to associate Social Security with retirement. But consider this: at the end of 2013, about 3.2 million minor children received an average monthly benefit of $534 because one or both of their parents were disabled, retired, or deceased. Social Security protects young people even if they never worked.

For young people who do work, they are a part of the Social Security story as well, paying Social Security tax and protecting their own future in the event of disability, death, or retirement.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWe have a new web page devoted to youth. With sections focused on students, young workers, and saving for retirement, it is packed with information useful to young people from students to career-starters. There's even a video that explains the basics of what Social Security has to offer.

Tell the young people you know to visit www.socialsecurity.gov/people/youngpeople.

IRS Warns of Telephone Scam

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warns consumers to guard against sophisticated and aggressive phone scams targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, as reported incidents of this crime continues to rise nationwide.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe IRS will always send taxpayers a written notification of any tax due via U.S. mail. The IRS never asks for credit card, debit card, or prepaid card information over the telephone.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnPotential victims may be told they are entitled to big refunds, or that they owe money that must be paid immediately to the IRS. When unsuccessful the first time, sometimes phone scammers call back trying a new strategy.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnIf you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here's what you should do:

• If you think or know you owe taxes, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040.
• If you think or know you don't taxes or never received a written notification from IRS, then call and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1.800.366.4484.
• If you've been targeted by this scam, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their"FTC Complaint Assistant" at . Please add"IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments of your complaint.

If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS and asking for your information, do not open any attachments or reply. Instead, forward the email or contact phishing@irs.gov.

Learn more at .

A Social Security Pioneer's 100th Birthday

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnFrom 1962 to 1973, Robert M. Ball served as Commissioner of Social Security. But that was just one of his many contributions to Social Security. He began working for the agency in 1939. Until his death in 2008, Bob Ball worked to promote and protect Social Security and Medicare.  If alive today, Bob Ball would celebrate his 100th birthday.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến"The thing that has appealed to me most about the program is that it supplies a continuing income to groups who without it would be most susceptible to poverty," Ball said."Yet, it does this through their own effort—the protection grows out of the work they do and contributions they make. I've always been glad I made the choice of career I did."

Celebrate this Social Security pioneer's 100th birthday with a visit to our History Page at www.socialsecurity.gov/history/bobball.html.

President's Budget Request Increases Funding for Program Integrity and Service Modernization

President Obama's fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget request allots $12.024 billion for Social Security's administrative expenses. This amount replaces some of the cuts due to sequestration and allows the agency to build on its successes.

"With the requested FY 2015 funding level, we will be able to continue to increase our cost-effective program integrity work and enhance our vigorous fraud prevention efforts, improve our service to the American public, and modernize our service delivery," said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnThe Acting Commissioner noted that Social Security has lost more than 12 percent of its workforce—11,000 employees--since 2011, but the proposed budget supports service modernization efforts that will help the agency do its job."By investing in efforts such as implementing more online services, we can become more efficient and more responsive to the public, saving both time and money," Colvin said.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnMost of the increase in our FY 2015 budget is for program integrity work, including doubling the number of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) we complete compared to FY 2013. CDRs are periodic reevaluations of medical eligibility factors for disability recipients and save the agency billions of dollars each year. We estimate that our FY 2015 program integrity investments will save $9 in program savings for every $1 spent on CDRs, including Medicare and Medicaid savings.

With millions of Americans counting on Social Security at the most critical points in their lives, Acting Commissioner Colvin made clear that,"It is critical that Congress enacts President Obama's budget proposal in a timely manner."

Learn more by reading Acting Commissioner Colvin's statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/3-2014-1.

Veterans with 100 Percent Permanent and Total Rating on Fast Track

Social Security launched a new disability process to expedite disability claims filed by veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100 percent permanent & total. Under the new process, Social Security will treat these veterans' applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions, similar to the way the agency currently handles disability claims from Wounded Warriors.

"We have reached another milestone for those who have sacrificed so much for our country and this process ensures they will get the benefits they need quickly," said Acting Commissioner Colvin."While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, we can be sure we provide them with the quality of service that they deserve. This initiative is truly a lifeline for those who need it most."

Read our recent press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/3-2014-2.

Learn more about this service at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability-pt.htm.

We Are Committed to Providing Service to Everyone

Social Security is pleased to introduce our new Center for Section 504 Compliance. The 504 Center provides guidance to Social Security offices to ensure our customers with disabilities can conduct business with us in a way that is convenient for them.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies and programs that receive federal funding from discriminating against people with disabilities.

We seek to provide world-class service for everyone we serve. We have a long-standing commitment to ensure that members of the public with disabilities have full access to our programs and services.

The 504 Center's toll-free number is 1-844-881-9061. The business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (except federal holidays).

Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/accessibility/504_overview.html.

Affordable Care Act Enrollment Deadline Approaches

Affordable health care is available to all Americans, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. However, the open enrollment deadline for 2014 is March 31, 2014. We encourage individuals to act now to provide peace of mind for themselves and their families and, at the same time, save money on quality health care coverage.

Learn more about the options and get health coverage at .

New Agency Strategic Plan Published

Social Security has published its Agency Strategic Plan for FYs 2014 to 2018, and it is an open book for you to read. We established five strategic goals for the coming years: deliver innovative, quality services; strengthen the integrity of our programs; serve the public through a stronger, more responsive disability program; build a model workforce to deliver quality service; and ensure reliable, secure, and efficient information technology services.

Learn more about our agency plan, our goals, and the steps we will take to meet them at www.socialsecurity.gov/asp.

Celebrating Women Like Frances Perkins

Women's History Month highlights the contributions of women to history and society. We'd like to recognize the contributions of a woman who is very special to Social Security and all Americans touched by it—Frances Perkins.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWhen she became Secretary of Labor in March 1933, Frances Perkins was the first woman cabinet member—a position she held until June 1945. She was trained as a teacher, lectured at universities throughout her lifetime and was a published author.

As Chairman of the Committee on Economic Security, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934, Perkins recommended unemployment insurance and old-age insurance. She was instrumental in ensuring Social Security was signed into law.

"Social Security is so firmly embedded in the American psychology today that no politician, no political party, no political group could possibly destroy this Act and still maintain our democratic system," Perkins said."It is safe forever, and for the everlasting benefit of the people of the United States."

Join us in celebrating Women's History Month and this extraordinary woman by reading more about Frances Perkins at www.socialsecurity.gov/history/fpbiossa.html.

Congressional Testimony Addresses Anti-Fraud Efforts

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnOn February 26, 2014, Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, testified before Congress about Social Security's ongoing anti-fraud efforts and our partnership with the Office of the Inspector General to root out disability fraud. In stressing the agency's ongoing commitment to combatting fraud, the Acting Commissioner reinforced that while there is a low level of fraud in our disability programs — less than 1 percent — no amount of fraud is tolerable.

"We are committed to preserving the public's trust in our programs," Colvin said."We have no tolerance for fraud, and I reiterate to those who would defraud Social Security: We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore the money you've stolen to the American people. We have expended significant resources in our anti-fraud efforts and in support of the Inspector General, who is responsible for"provid[ing] leadership and coordination ... to prevent and detect fraud and abuse."

Read the full testimony at www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_022614.html.

Affordable Care Act Enrollment Deadline Approaches

Affordable health care is available to all Americans thanks to the Affordable Care Act. However, the open enrollment deadline for 2014 is March 31, 2014. (For those who want coverage to begin by April 1, 2014 the deadline is March 15, 2014.)

If you miss the March 31, 2014 open enrollment deadline for coverage in 2014, you may not be able to enroll in a health insurance plan through the marketplace until the next open enrollment period. There are exceptions if you qualify for a special enrollment period by having a “life event,” such as marriage, addition of a new child in the family, loss of other health coverage or moving to a new area.

Anyone who doesn’t have qualifying health coverage for three months or more out of the year could owe a penalty.  But if you enroll by March 31, 2014, you won’t have to pay the penalty, even if you were uninsured for the entire year before your coverage starts.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnLearn more about the options and get health coverage at .

Faster Benefit Decisions for Veterans

This month brought great news for veterans: beginning March 17, 2014, a new expedited disability process. Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, along with Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) unveiled a new initiative to expedite disability applications from veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total (P&T). Under the new process, Social Security will treat these veterans’ applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions, similar to the way the agency currently handles disability claims from wounded warriors.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and it is only right that we ensure they have timely access to the disability benefits they may be eligible for and deserve,” said Acting Commissioner Colvin.

Learn more by reading the press release on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/2-2014-1.

SSI for Same-Sex Married Couples

Social Security published new instructions that allow us to process some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications by people in same-sex marriages. These instructions come in response to last year’s Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Windsor,Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến which found Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnAs with previous same-sex marriage policies, we worked closely with the Department of Justice,” said Acting Commissioner Colvin. “With the release of these instructions, we continue our commitment to treating all Americans fairly, with dignity and respect.

If a person believes he or she may be entitled to or eligible for benefits, they are encouraged to apply now. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/same-sexcouples.

SSI Turns 40

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnForty years ago, Social Security began making Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to people who are blind, disabled or over age 65 and have limited income and resources.  SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes).  Designed to help aged, blind and disabled people with little or no income, it provides cash to meet basic needs for food shelter and clothing.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWhen SSI started in 1974, approximately 3.2 million people received benefit payments. By the end of that same year, that number had risen to almost 4 million. Today, there are more than 8 million recipients.

Inflation, of course, has increased dramatically over the past 40 years, and so have the basic SSI payment amounts. In January 1974, a person was eligible for up to $140 per month in SSI benefits. Today, the basic federal payment amount is $721 a month.

Learn more about SSI today at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Compassionate Allowances Program Opens Arms to 25 New Conditions

This month, Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced 25 new Compassionate Allowances conditions, including a dozen cancers. This brings the total number of conditions to 225.

The Compassionate Allowances program expedites disability decisions for Americans with the most serious disabilities to ensure that they receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years. To date, almost 200,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this fast-track disability process.

"We are dedicated to providing vulnerable Americans with faster access to disability benefits through our Compassionate Allowances program," said Acting Commissioner Colvin."Social Security disability benefits are a vital lifeline for individuals who are facing severe diseases and we must ensure that they receive the benefits they rightly deserve." 

Learn more by reading the press release, where you’ll find a list of the new Compassionate Allowances conditions. www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/releases.html/#/post/1-2014-1

For more information on the Compassionate Allowances program, including a full list of conditions, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

Small Businesses Can Use BSO at Tax Time or Any Time

Business Services Online (BSO) is a suite of online services that allows organizations, businesses and authorized individuals to conduct business with Social Security. Once registered, users may request, activate and access a number of services and functions.

For example, employers and businesses can do everything from submitting wage reports and printing employee W-2s to verifying Social Security numbers and completing updated business taxpayer information forms—all right over the Internet. These online services can be especially beneficial for small businesses, so we encourage them to visit our website.

Learn more about the business services available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.

We Help the Disabled by Fighting Fraud

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnEarlier this month, Acting Commissioner Colvin testified before Congress about Social Security’s efforts to help the disabled and to fight fraud.

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyến"Throughout my career, I have met people from all walks of life who struggle to cope with severe disabilities. They are the true face of disability in this country," said Acting Commissioner Colvin. In her testimony, she sent a clear message to those who would defraud Social Security."We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore the money you’ve stolen to the American people."

Read Acting Commissioner Colvin’s full testimony before Congress to learn more about what the agency is doing to fight fraud. www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/testimony_011614.html

Completing Disability Applications is Easier

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnHave you heard about the latest marriage? To make it even easier and more convenient for people to apply online for disability benefits, we have joined the Social Security disability benefits application and the adult disability report in electronic matrimony. It used to be that you had to complete two documents, both an online benefit application and an online adult disability report. The new streamlined process puts it all in one place, so all you need to complete is the one application.

Note that the disability application is for Social Security disability benefits only. We do not have an online application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Learn more about applying for SSI benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ssi.htm.

Say"yes" to the new streamlined disability application at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

Help Us Improve Our Open Government Plan

We’re revising our Open Government Plan and we’d like your input. Social Security established the Office of Open Government to develop and implement a plan outlining the agency’s open government goals, objectives and supporting activities. We developed and published two plans (June 2010 and September 2012) based on input from the public, our employees, open government advocates and other stakeholders. Now is a good time to reflect on our current plan (available at www.socialsecurity.gov/open/plan-progress-2012.html).

Trải nghiệm sòng bạc trực tuyếnWe want to focus on our continuing efforts toward transparency, public participation in the policies and decisions of the agency, and collaboration with such individuals as employees, partners, advocates and the people we serve. We need your ideas about the actions that the agency should take to build greater transparency, participation and collaboration into our processes. We will be meeting with employees, partners, and advocates in the coming months. In addition to those meetings, we invite you to share your ideas and respond to ideas shared by others at our online collaboration site. You can find it at . We look forward to incorporating your ideas and feedback.