Military Service and Increased Social Security Benefits

"A misleading letter, from an unknown source, is circulating online that mentions a $1,200 special Social Security earnings credit for people who served in the military. We want to make sure veterans with active and inactive service have the appropriate information that they need and do not take unnecessary action. 

Under certain circumstances, special earnings can be credited to your military pay record for Social Security purposes. Since 1957, if you have earnings for active-duty military service or active-duty training, your military service earnings have been covered under Social Security. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves (such as weekend drills) is also covered by Social Security. If you served in the military before 1957 and did not pay Social Security taxes, we have added special credit to your earnings record for some of your service. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security benefits or increase the amount of your benefit. 

You can read more in our Military Service and Social Security fact sheet. We take your benefits seriously because we know you depend on them. Thank you for your service!"

Via Social Security Matters:  https://blog.ssa.gov/military-service-and-increased-social-security-benefits/ 

Military Service and Increased Social Security Benefits

Protect Yourself from Social Security-related Scams

SCAM ALERT The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action. If you receive a call, text, or email that... Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number Warns of arrest of legal action Demands or requests immediate payment Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency, or by mailing cash Pressures you for personal information Requests secrecy Threatens to seize your bank account Promises to increase your Social Security benefit Tries to gain your trust by providing fake "documentation," false "evidence," or the name of a real government official ...it is a SCAM! Do not give scammers money or personal information – Ignore Them! Protect yourself and others from Social Security-related scams Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened, or scared. Hang up or ignore it. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents. Report Social Security-related scams. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. Get up-to-date information. Follow SSA OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG and Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General for the latest information on Social Security-related scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on other government scams. Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share with your friends and family. Report a Scam Plan for the future, manage the present! With your free and secure my Social Security account, you can receive personal estimates of future benefits based on your real earnings, see your latest Social Security Statement, and review your earnings history. It even makes it easy to request a replacement Social Security Card, check the status of an application online, and much more, from anywhere! Log In Now Learn More

People with ALS Can Get Social Security Disability Benefits Sooner

May was Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month. ALS is a progressive disease with no known cure. It advances rapidly and attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. On average, 1,000 people with ALS apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits every year.

The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 eliminates the required five-month SSDI waiting period for ALS applicants approved for benefits on or after July 23, 2020. The new law, however, does not affect our disability application or determination process.

This past month, we made the ALS claims processing even faster. Our system now automatically eliminates the five-month waiting period for ALS disability insurance claims. Previously, we had to prepare manual awards and send them to our Processing Centers for action—which took much more time. Now, we can help people with this debilitating disease in just a matter of days.

To give a real life example, a claimant with ALS recently submitted to us an online disability application. Using an electronic health exchange, we were able to collect sufficient medical evidence for the claimant and processed the claim in just two days. To learn more about how this process works, please visit our Disability Benefits Approval page (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/approval.html) . 

People with ALS Can Get Social Security Disability Benefits Sooner

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What We Have Learned

"World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15 raises awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. This is more important than ever as cases of elder abuse have increased significantly during the pandemic. Abuser tactics—isolation, manipulation, and systemic barriers (such as ageism and racism)—put older adults at greater risk for harm.

One common tactic scammers use is to pose as Social Security employees. They may claim the older person’s Social Security number is linked to a crime. Feeling isolated and frightened, the scammers get the older person to provide them money or vital personal information that they then can use to exploit them financially. Social Security offers guidance and reporting assistance to help prevent this form of elder abuse. If you or someone you know is a target of one of these scams, we encourage you to report it on the Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General website."

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What We Have Learned

Continue reading the article online
https://blog.ssa.gov/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-what-we-have-learned/ 

Social Security Matters: "What to Do If You’re Missing Economic Impact Payments"

"The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) in April. Most Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients should have received their EIPs by now. If you, your eligible spouse, or eligible dependent did not receive their EIP – or full amount of the EIP – for this round or any previous round of EIPs, please read this carefully. We have information to share from the IRS to help you get that money.

To get any missing first or second EIPs, you’ll need to file a 2020 tax return with the IRS and claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) as soon as possible. You would need to file the 2020 tax return even if you have no income to report for 2020. When your tax return is processed, the IRS will pay the RRC as a tax refund. The IRS will send you any additional third EIP amount you are eligible for in 2021 separately.

If you already filed your 2020 tax return, you don’t need to do anything else. You can visit our Economic Impact Payments and Tax Credits page to learn more. Please share this with your family and friends—and post it on social media to help us spread the word."

 

Social Security Matters: "What to Do If You’re Missing Economic Impact Payments"

 

 

Social Security Admin: New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement

New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement 04/01/2021 03:00 PM EDT Your Social Security Statement, available on my Social Security, tells you how much you or your family can expect to receive in disability, survivor, and retirement benefits. We've added new fact sheets to accompany the online Statement. These new fact sheets provide clarity and useful information, based on your age group and earnings situation. They […]

Visit the SSA Blog https://blog.ssa.gov/new-fact-sheets-added-to-your-online-statement/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

"The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Gail S. Ennis, is designating Thursday, March 4, 2021 as the second annual National “Slam the Scam” Day, to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams, which continue to spread across the United States. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, February 28 – March 6.

Last year, we received over 718,000 reports of Social Security-related telephone scams—with a total of $44.8 million reported lost. Victims who lost money reported an average loss of $5,800. On National “Slam the Scam” Day, we will work to spread the word far and wide about these scams—and encourage people to warn their friends and family to just Hang Up!"

Continue reading about "Slam the SCAM day ->

https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-announces-2nd-national-slam-the-scam-day/

Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

5 Ways SSA.gov Saves You Time

"Our online tools and services save you time and make your life easier. Often, there’s no need to contact us. Here are five of our webpages that can make your life easier:

1. With your own personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain benefit verification letters."

Continue reading to find the other 4 ways SSA,gov can help

https://blog.ssa.gov/5-ways-ssa-gov-saves-you-time/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Consumer Alerts: Santa doesn’t need your Social Security number

Santa doesn't need your Social Security number by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC This year, during the pandemic, your holidays might be moving a bit online. On the 10th day of Consumer Protection, maybe you're planning to send e-cards to family and friends. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/santa-doesnt-need-your-social-security-number?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Social Security in Plain Language

 

 

Social Security in Plain Language

Some of the terms and acronyms people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know.

We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare. If there’s a technical term or acronym that you don’t know, you can easily find the meaning in our online glossary (https://www.ssa.gov/agency/glossary/).

 

Continue reading = https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-in-plain-language/

Social Security Benefits Increase 1.3 % in 2021

From the Social Security Administration we share:

"Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

Continue reading   https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-increase-in-2021/

 

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2021

Social Security and AARP Work to Slam the Scam

"AARP is helping SSA and its Office of the Inspector General warn you about scammers using Social Security in coronavirus (COVID-19) scams. AARP has a new webinar available for free (registration required), advising the public that scammers’ tactics continue to evolve, and they are now using coronavirus to try to scare us. Don’t be fooled!

Scammers may contact you by phone, letter, text, or email impersonating government officials to trick you into providing money or personal information. They may tell you Social Security is going to stop your benefits because its offices are closed, or ask you to pay a fee to receive extra benefits due to the pandemic. Scammers may even pose as COVID-19 contact tracers working to stop the spread of the virus and ask for payment or your Social Security Number. Don’t be fooled!"

Continue reading the article online
https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-and-aarp-work-to-slam-the-scam/

Social Security and AARP Work to Slam the Scam

IR-2020-82: IRS enhances Get My Payment online application to help taxpayers

The Internal Revenue Service today announced significant enhancements to the “Get My Payment” tool to deliver an improved and smoother experience for Americans eligible to receive Economic Impact Payments.

The enhancements, which started last week and continued through the weekend, adjusted several items related to the online tool, which debuted on April 15. The additional changes will help millions of additional taxpayers with new or expanded information and access to adding direct deposit information.

“We delivered Get My Payment with new capabilities that did not exist during any similar relief program, including the ability to receive direct deposit information that accelerates payments to millions of people,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “These further enhancements will help even more taxpayers. We urge people who haven’t received a payment date yet to visit Get My Payment again for the latest information. IRS teams worked long hours to deliver Get My Payment in record time, and we will continue to make improvements to help Americans.”

“We encourage people to check back in and visit Get My Payment,” Rettig added. “These enhancements will help many taxpayers. By using Get My Payment now, more people will be able to get payments quickly by being able to add direct deposit information.”

How to use Get My Payment


Available only on IRS.gov, the online application is safe and secure to use. Taxpayers only need a few pieces of information to quickly obtain the status of their payment and, where needed, provide their bank account information. Having a copy of their most recent tax return can help speed the process.

As a reminder, Get My Payment is a U.S. Government system for authorized use only. The tool is solely for use by individuals or those legally authorized by the individual to access their information. Unauthorized use is prohibited and subject to criminal and civil penalties.

For taxpayers to track the status of their payment, this feature will show taxpayers the scheduled delivery date by direct deposit or mail and the last four digits of the bank account being used if the IRS has direct deposit information. They will need to enter basic information including:

• Social Security number
• Date of birth, and
• Mailing address used on their tax return.

Taxpayers needing to add their bank account information to speed receipt of their payment will also need to provide the following additional information:

• Their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return submitted, either 2019 or 2018
• The refund or amount owed from their latest filed tax return
• Bank account type, account and routing numbers

Get My Payment cannot update bank account information after an Economic Impact Payment has been scheduled for delivery. To help protect against potential fraud, the tool also does not allow people to change bank account information already on file with the IRS.

A Spanish version of Get My Payment is expected in a few weeks.

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments


The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit IRS.gov. People should watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.

More information


The IRS will post frequently asked questions on IRS.gov/coronavirus and will provide updates as soon as they are available.

This was shared from
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-enhances-get-my-payment-online-application-to-help-taxpayers
 

Act Now – Go to IRS.gov – A Message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

Act Now – Go to IRS.gov

A Message from Social Security Commissioner

Andrew Saul

Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who don’t file tax returns will start receiving their automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department soon.

People receiving benefits who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes, and have qualifying children under age 17, however, should not wait for their automatic $1,200 individual payment. They should immediately go to the IRS’s webpage and visit the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here section to provide their information.

Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries with dependent children and who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes need to act by Wednesday, April 22, in order to receive additional payments for their eligible children quickly.

SSI recipients need to take this action by later this month; a specific date will be available soon.

Continue reading →
https://blog.ssa.gov/act-now-go-to-irs-gov-a-message-from-social-security-commissioner-andrew-saul/

Act Now – Go to IRS.gov – A Message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

“The Treasury Department launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for eligible individuals who do not normally file a tax return, and also announced that it would begin making automatic payments.

However, for some people receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration — specifically those who have dependent children under the age of 17—it is to their advantage to go to this portal to ensure they also get the $500 per dependent Economic Impact Payment. I encourage them to do this as soon as possible, and want to provide the following details:

People who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits and who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17 should now go to the IRS’s webpage to enter their information instead of waiting for their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment.

By taking proactive steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If Social Security beneficiaries in this group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will have to wait to receive their $500 per qualifying child."

Continue reading the article for additional details
https://blog.ssa.gov/new-guidance-about-covid-19-economic-impact-payments/

New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

From the Social Security Administration (SSA):

"With the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), being informed about your Medicare coverage is more important than ever.

Medicare recently expanded its coverage of telehealth services. Telehealth enables beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. It also helps frontline clinicians stay safe themselves while treating people.

If your doctor orders a COVID-19 test for you, Medicare covers all of the costs. You should not have any co-pay, no matter what Medicare plan you’re enrolled in. There’s no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time, but when one becomes available, Medicare will cover it."

Continue reading the article online
https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-and-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

Visit the SSA COVID-19 page https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

"Today, I am warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter.

Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures."

Continue reading this warning about social security benefits scams 
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-about-new-social-security-benefit-suspension-scam/#more-4667

 

A COVID-19 Update from SSA Commissioner

A COVID-19 Update from the 

Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner

03/19/2020 11:22 AM EDT

I want you to hear directly from me how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our services. The first thing you should know is that we continue to pay benefits. Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments but that is not true. Don’t be fooled.

To protect you and help stop the spread of this coronavirus, we cannot accept visitors in our offices at this time. There are several other ways you can get help. Many services are available online. If you have a critical need that you cannot address online, we can help you over the phone.

Please visit our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page to find out what services we are continuing and which ones we are suspending, how to contact us, and important information about deadlines we are extending to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic.

Continue reading the update
https://blog.ssa.gov/a-covid-19-update-from-our-commissioner/#more-4658

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update page  https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

Andrew Saul, SSA Commissioner  (SSA Photo)

Inspector General Warns Public about Widespread Social Security Scam Texts

"Social Security phone scams are the number one type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Callers claim that you have a problem with your Social Security number or benefits and demand immediate payment from you to avoid arrest or other legal action.

We recently announced two landmark civil complaints, filed by the Department of Justice in the Eastern District of New York, seeking injunctions against five telecommunications companies and their owners. The complaints allege the companies and their owners have, for years, knowingly facilitated government imposter telephone scams. The Department of Justice issued a news release about the filing and request for court orders, and held a press call with U.S. Attorney Richard Donaghue, Inspector General Gail S. Ennis, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale.

If granted, the court orders will prevent the five enjoined companies from continuing to allow “the delivery of millions of fraudulent ‘robocalls’ every day from foreign call centers to the U.S. telecommunications system.”

Continue reading at the Social Security page
https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-is-taking-action-to-prevent-scam-calls/#more-4633

Inspector General Warns Public about Widespread Social Security Scam Texts

Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers (video)

"Recently, we launched a new Public Service Announcement campaign as our latest step to caution you about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. The videos feature a message from our Commissioner, Andrew Saul. 

Along with our Office of the Inspector General, we continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls and emails from people falsely claiming they’re government employees. 

The scammers play on emotions like fear to convince people to provide personal information or money in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters are also emailing fake documents in attempts to get people to comply with their demands."

Continue reading the announcement on avoiding scammers
https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-launches-new-campaign-to-fight-scammers/#more-4563

Video link -> https://youtu.be/QrHFNdjcp2s

Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers (video)