Information for Groups and Organizations | What'south New (Subscribe)

New Online Tool for People Interested in Applying for Supplemental Security Income

Date: April 14, 2022

We are pleased to tell yous nigh a new tool people tin use to tell us they, or someone they are helping, wants to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other benefits. The process takes only 5 – x minutes and asks for basic data about the person who wants to apply for SSI. A Social Security representative will schedule an appointment and ship the appointment information past postal service (or email, if provided). In some cases, a Social Security representative may telephone call to schedule the date.

Using this tool documents intent to file an application and establishes a protective filing date. The protective filing date determines when payments can begin if an application is approved.

Certain third parties, such as parents of minor children, family members, representatives, or members of advocacy groups, can also use the tool to express interest almost applying for SSI on behalf of someone they are helping. For someone unable to use the tool, nosotros will go on to establish the protective filing date based on a written argument of intent to utilize or an oral research virtually program eligibility.

This tool is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding online services and making it easier for people who face barriers to service get the support they need from the states.

Social Security to Resume In-Person Services

Date: April 4, 2022

On April 7, local Social Security offices program to add more than in-person appointments and volition again offer in-person service for people without an appointment.

Please read our blog for details and for the best manner to access our services.

Slam the Scam

Date: March 3, 2022

The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 10, 2022 every bit National "Slam the Scam" Day - an outreach campaign to raise public sensation of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Calendar week, March 6 - 12, 2022.

In 2021, the Federal Trade Committee (FTC) received over 396,000 complaints of regime imposter scams. Virtually 9% said they lost coin to a scammer - more $442 meg. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to utilise caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.

Remember, we will never:

  • Threaten arrest or legal activeness if someone does non immediately transport money to resolve an overpayment.
  • Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or past moving money into a protected account.
  • Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or past mailing greenbacks.
  • Send text or email messages that comprise personal information.

Our scam prevention message is simple:

  • Hang up on suspicious calls from "authorities officials" calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account.
  • NEVER brand payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing greenbacks.
  • Report Social Security scams to OIG.SSA.GOV.
  • Report other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Visit OIG's Press Kit for additional resource related to "Slam the Scam" activities. Read and share our Scam Sensation Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic.

Securely Create a my Social Security Account Today!

Appointment: February nine, 2022

A personal my Social Security business relationship tin can help your clients quickly and safely access the services they need. It is the gateway to doing business with united states of america online and tin be used to request a replacement Social Security carte du jour (in almost states), check the status of an awarding or entreatment, verify earnings, estimate hereafter benefits, or manage electric current benefits. Watch our brief What is my Social Security? video nearly the advantages of having an business relationship to learn more.

To protect your client'due south individual data, while making our online services easy to employ, nosotros work with ii external partners (Login.gov and ID.me) to securely verify your client's place in order to create a personal my Social Security account. Login.gov is the public'due south ane business relationship for unproblematic, secure, and individual admission to participating U.S. authorities agencies. ID.me is a single sign-on provider that meets the U.South. government's online identity proofing and authentication requirements. Your client can pick Login.gov or ID.me to access my Social Security. Your client:

  • must exist 18 years of age or older and have a Social Security number.
  • will exist redirected to the partner's website after selecting "Sign in with Login.gov" or "Sign in with ID.me."
  • must provide a valid electronic mail address and some additional information.
  • will return to the my Social Security webpage for side by side steps after creating the new credential.

Encourage your client to visit our my Social Security webpage and deeply create their business relationship today!

Join Us: National Inability Forum on Equitable Access to Social Security Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities

Date: February 3, 2022

Nosotros cordially invite you to participate in Social Security'south side by side National Disability Forum on Equitable Admission to Social Security Inability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities. The forum is on Th, February 17, 2022 via Microsoft Teams from one:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET.

To participate in the forum, please register by Monday, Feb fourteen, 2022.

The purpose of this forum is to acquire from stakeholders, advocates, researchers, medical experts, and the public how SSA can provide equitable admission to the LGBTQIA+ communities to our disability programs. The discussion topics are:

  • Challenges gender diverse individuals confront in finding and receiving healthcare;
  • Challenges gender various individuals confront accessing SSA programs;
  • Self-attestation of gender markers;
  • Challenges gender diverse individuals face up in finding work or re-entering the workplace; and
  • Issues gender-diverse children confront.

We hope y'all can bring together us and look forward to your participation. To learn more, please visit the National Inability Forum.

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022

Appointment: October 13, 2021

In 2022, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately lxx meg Americans volition increment by 5.9%.

Visit our blog for more details well-nigh the COLA increase.

How To Go Help from Social Security

Date: Dec 28, 2021

Nosotros want people to know how to become help from u.s. when they need it. This is especially of import during the current pandemic, when in-person service is by appointment only for limited, critical issues.

We created a flyer that explains how to get help. It stresses that the best mode for most people to get aid is online, at SSA.gov. If your clients cannot use our website, they tin call our National 800 Number or a local Social Security office. If our representatives are unable to handle the matter during that call, they will schedule an engagement to serve your client by phone or in-person.

The flyer too includes information your client should know before coming to the function:

  • Your client must have an appointment to visit an office.
  • Masks are required for all office visitors and employees, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Visitor capacity is limited to follow concrete distancing requirements. This means your client may need to wait outside, so they should plan for cold or bad weather condition.
  • Nosotros ask that your client comes lonely unless they require assistance with their visit. If they require help, we can only allow one person to accompany them.

Please share this flyer with your clients through your online channels and consider printing and displaying this where you help them.

Baby-sit Your Carte du jour

Date: Nov 17, 2021

To protect yourself against identity theft, it is important to safeguard your Social Security number and Social Security carte. The all-time way to "Guard Your Carte" is to proceed information technology in a safety place and share it only when required. Don't carry your card every solar day. In fact, in most cases, simply knowing the Social Security number should exist enough. For instance, when requesting a Real ID, all states, except for Pennsylvania, no longer require seeing your Social Security card as proof.

Be careful about sharing your Social Security number when asked for it. Always ask why the number is needed, how it will exist used, and what will happen if it is non provided.

If you lot need to asking a replacement Social Security carte du jour, you may exist able to use your personal my Social Security account to request the card on our website. If you alive in ane of 45 participating states or the Commune of Columbia, you tin can Request a Replacement Social Security Number (SSN) Card Online for free, with no charges.

Visit our Social Security Number and Card webpage to learn more about your Social Security menu and read and share our factsheet, How You Tin can Aid Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe and infographic, Guard Your Bill of fare.

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022

Appointment: October 13, 2021

In 2022, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately lxx million Americans volition increase by five.ix%.

Visit our blog for more details about the COLA increase.

New Social Security Statement Makes Retirement Planning Easier

Date: October 7, 2021

We redesigned the Social Security Statement (Statement) to make it easier for people to find the information they need to plan their financial future. The Statement is i of the most constructive tools a person can use to learn about their earnings and future Social Security benefits.

Some of the highlights of the new Statement are:

  • It'southward much shorter and easier to read.
  • A bar nautical chart displays the person's estimated retirement benefits for upwards to 9 retirement start dates.
  • Text boxes emphasize fundamental facts people demand for financial planning.

Nosotros also provide, fact sheets tailored to a person'southward historic period group and earnings situation with the Statement. For example, we provide more information to younger workers about how to save for the hereafter. For older workers, we explain how benefits may be taxed and how to avoid a Medicare penalty.

Visit our Statement folio to encounter samples of the redesigned Statement and the fact sheets (in English language and Spanish).

Update - Additional Social Security Forms Available for Online Submission

Date: October vii, 2021

We have updated our website with more forms for claimants, beneficiaries, representative payees, and appointed representatives that can exist completed and submitted online. The newest forms available that you lot can submit online are:

  • SSA-552 – Dedicated Account Use of Funds Argument – Used to confirm to us your agreement of how to utilize and not employ dedicated business relationship funds.
  • SSA HA-86 – Request to Withdraw an Appeals Council Request for Review – Used to submit a request to withdraw an Appeals Council request for review.
  • SSA HA-4608 – Waiver of Your Right to Personal Appearance Before an Administrative Police force Judge – Used to notify us that you do not want to appear at a hearing earlier an Administrative Police Estimate (ALJ), and that you want the ALJ to decide your case on the evidence in the written record.

These online forms are the latest examples of our ongoing commitment to expanding our online services and making it easier to submit forms to united states. Delight visit our website and use the online forms.

2021 Taxpayer First Act

Engagement: October ane, 2021

The Taxpayer First Act allows the Internal Acquirement Service (IRS) to lower the electronic threshold for filing W-2s to 100. This alter is pending IRS issuing terminal regulations. The anticipated event of this change in 2022 will be that more employers will be required to file their employees' W-2s electronically.

All employers are required to report wages annually to united states for each employee. Most employers submit their wage reports electronically, only some submit paper W-2s. We utilize the earnings reports, along with self-employment income reports, to make up one's mind eligibility for, and the amount of, Social Security benefits for workers and their dependents.

Kickoff December 2021, our Business Services Online (BSO) will offering a new way to upload wage report files. When employers submit Due west-2 files using our New Wage File Upload process, they volition receive results right abroad. They volition no longer need to render to acquire the condition of their file. Get to www.ssa.gov/employer to larn more.

Please remember that there are 3 means to file W-2s electronically:

  • Use our free product, called W-2 Online, which allows you to file Westward-2s and W-2Cs right from our BSO website.
  • Use software that produces West-2 forms in the Electronic Filing West-2 (EFW2) format, and upload the file on our BSO webpage for complimentary.
  • Take a third political party prepare the W-2s and file them electronically with us. The third party normally charges a fee.

We invite you lot to visit SSA'due south Taxpayer Get-go Human action page to acquire more.

Information technology'southward Non Too Belatedly: Claim Child Revenue enhancement Credit Payments and Missing Stimulus Payments

Appointment: September 21, 2021

There is an of import new opportunity for individuals to claim monthly Kid Tax Credit (CTC) payments and missing economic touch on payments (EIP), also known every bit stimulus payments.

Generally, a person would demand to file a federal revenue enhancement return to claim a tax credit like the CTC. A new Non-Filer Sign-upwards Tool is bachelor for your clients, who practice not usually file a traditional revenue enhancement return, to merits the CTC and missing EIPs. The White Business firm and the Department of the Treasury collaborated with the non-profit organization, Code for America, to create this new tool. It is available in English and Castilian, and can be used on a figurer, tablet, and smartphone.

Important: Delight note these two important facts:

  • Social Security excludes the CTC equally income and resource for 12 months when considering a person's eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and monthly SSI payment amount.
  • >Social Security does not count EIPs and sure other disaster assistance against a person's eligibility for SSI or SSI amount.

Please visit our web page, Economic Impact Payments, Child Tax Credits, and Other Refundable Tax Credits, to learn how to merits monthly CTC payments and missing EIPs. Nosotros provide convenient links to the new Not-Filer Sign-up Tool as well.

Delight recall that SSA does non procedure, and cannot answer questions nigh, revenue enhancement credits and EIPs. We desire your clients to receive all the coin their family deserves. That includes claiming the CTC and missing EIPs and applying for SSI knowing the CTC and EIPs volition non bear on your eligibility as described to a higher place.

Update - Social Security Forms Available for Online Submission

Date: September 1, 2021

We take updated our website with several forms for claimants, beneficiaries, and appointed representatives that can exist completed and submitted online. The newest forms available that you can submit online are:

  • SSA 820 – Piece of work Activity Written report (Self-Employed Person) – Provides usa with work activity information for self-employed individuals applying for or receiving inability benefits.
  • SSA 821 – Work Activity Written report – Provides us with work action information for individuals applying for or receiving disability benefits.
  • SSA HA-85 – Request to Withdraw a Hearing Request – Used to submit a request to withdraw an existing hearing asking.

As a reminder, the SSA-455 – Disability Update Report – which provides u.s. with information we need to determine if a beneficiary is still disabled – is also available online.

These online forms are the latest examples of our ongoing delivery to expanding our online services and making it easier to submit forms to u.s.a.. Delight visit our website and use the online forms.

The 2021 Social Security Trustees Report Is Out Now

Date: August 31, 2021

Today, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the long-term financial condition of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds.

The combined funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, with 78% of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2057, with 91% of benefits still payable.

To larn more, please read our press release.

Online Bill Pay Selection for Repaying Overpayments

Date: August 26, 2021

In January 2021, we shared with you information on Pay.gov, a secure, online service provided past the Department of the Treasury. Pay.gov allows some individuals who have an overpayment debt to repay their overpayment online. This service is only bachelor to people who are non currently receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments.

Beginning August 2021, individuals who are eligible to use Pay.gov will also be able to utilize their bank or fiscal institution'southward online bill pay (OLBP) choice to repay overpayment debts electronically. By using the OLBP option, their account will receive credit the next day.

To brand a payment using online bill payment, follow these steps:

  • Utilize the bank or financial institution's online bill payment option and search for "Social Security Administration" every bit the payee;
  • Enter the Remittance ID establish on the billing notice as the "account number" and your mailing accost;
  • Enter the desired repayment corporeality and bespeak whether information technology should exist a recurring payment; and
  • Follow the remaining prompts to complete the payment.

Join Us: National Disability Forum on Equity in SSA Programs: Subconscious Barriers

Date: August 24, 2021

Nosotros cordially invite you to participate in Social Security'south adjacent National Disability Forum on Equity in SSA Programs: Subconscious Barriers. The forum is on Wednesday, September xv, 2021 via Microsoft Teams from x:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.grand. ET with an hour lunch break from 12:00 p.grand. to ane:00 p.yard. ET.

The purpose of the forum is to hear from stakeholders, advocates, claimants, representatives, and the public most the President's Executive Order On "Advancing Racial Equity and Back up for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Regime" and our programs. The morning session will focus on identifying potential barriers in SSA programs and steps SSA can take to accost those barriers. The afternoon session will focus on equity in claimant representation.

Forenoon Session 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET - Advancing Equity

Afternoon Session 1:00 p.yard. – three:00 p.m. ET - Equity in Claimant Representation

To participate in the forum, please register by Monday, September 13, 2021. We hope you can join us and look forward to your participation. To learn more than virtually the National Disability Forum, delight visit www.ssa.gov/ndf/.

USCIS Grade I-485 Allows Applicants to Asking a New or Replacement Social Security Card

Date: Baronial 18, 2021

In collaboration with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised Class I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence of Adjust Status, to include additional questions that allow applicants to also apply for an original or replacement Social Security card without visiting a Social Security part.

Previously, applicants who were granted lawful permanent resident status needed to submit boosted paperwork in person at their local Social Security office to obtain a new or replacement Social Security carte. This one-stop service reduces the burden on the bidder.

Later on approval Form I-485, USCIS will electronically transmit the information to us. One time we receive the data, the organization automatically assigns an SSN or issues a replacement bill of fare, as appropriate. This partnership with the USCIS volition not increase the filing fee for Form I-485.

Applicants who receive their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as Green Card) from USCIS should receive their Social Security card from usa within the following two weeks.

This process is in support of our ongoing Enumeration Across Entry collaboration with USCIS. USCIS went through a similar process with usa in 2017 with Course I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov.

lx Million my Social Security Accounts

Date: August 16, 2021

Concluding calendar month, we hitting an incredible milestone with the lx millionth person creating their ain my Social Security account.

Creating a my Social Security accounts do good can do good anyone. You tin access your account securely and safely from your cyberspace-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone, in many cases preventing the need to come in to an office in person!

Those not currently receiving benefits tin:

  • Request a replacement Social Security card.
  • Review their earnings history and see an estimate of their future Social Security benefits.
  • Compare benefit amounts depending on what age they kickoff receiving benefits.
  • Use for retirement benefits when they are ready.
  • Cheque the status of their Social Security application.

Those receiving benefits can:

  • Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter of the alphabet.
  • Request a replacement Social Security or Medicare carte.
  • Fix or modify directly eolith.
  • Change their accost.
  • Get a replacement Social Security 1099 class (SSA-1099).
  • Opt-out of certain mailed notices.

Spread the word for friends, family, and neighbors; go to www.SSA.gov/myaccount to get more information and register for your ain my Social Security business relationship today.

Pandemic Relief and Supplemental Security Income

Date: August 13, 2021

Nosotros recently changed our rules virtually what financial assist can touch on an private'southward eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or monthly SSI payment corporeality. Usually, we consider any particular an individual receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet his or her need for food or shelter income. Mostly, the more countable income someone has, the less their SSI monthly payment will be. If their countable income is over the allowable limit, they cannot receive SSI payments. All the same, due to the COVID-xix pandemic, nosotros no longer count virtually types of pandemic-related financial aid against eligibility or payment corporeality. This includes:

  • Economical Impact Payments (EIP)
  • State Stimulus Payments (Some exclusions may use.)
  • Unemployment Assist (besides includes regular unemployment)
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Loan Forgiveness to Employers and Self-Employed Individuals
  • Coronavirus Food Help Program – Direct Payments to Farmers and Ranchers
  • Emergency Rental Help Fund
  • Emergency Assistance for Rural Housing/Rural Rental Assistance
  • Homeowner Assistance Fund
  • Housing Assistance and Supportive Services Programs for Native Americans
  • Emergency Assistance to Children and Families through the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund

A full list of Covid-19 fiscal assistance that no longer counts confronting SSI eligibility or SSI payment amount is available at Coronavirus Disease (COVID-nineteen) | SSA.

To address situations where an private'southward SSI application was denied, or their payment amount was reduced by receiving assistance, we are reviewing SSI claims and other SSI records going back to the beginning of the COVID-nineteen pandemic. We look our review will take several months to consummate. In about cases, if an individual's payment corporeality was affected, and nosotros do not need any additional information, we will automatically restore their SSI payments. If we need to accept a new SSI application or demand whatsoever boosted information, we will mail a letter explaining what is needed. Individuals do not need to phone call our offices unless they have moved and need to update their accost. They can find the telephone number to their local part by accessing our office locator.

Input on Equity in SSA Programs: Subconscious Barriers

Date: August 11, 2021

Our next National Disability Forum (NDF) is scheduled for September 15, 2021, and is titled Equity in SSA Programs: Subconscious Barriers. To ready for the NDF, we are seeking feedback on questions related to the forum'southward topics, Advancing Equity and Disinterestedness in Claimant Representation. We are using an online tool chosen Engage SSA to collect suggestions from claimants, advocates, the public, civil rights organizations, community-based organizations, representatives, and other governmental agencies near enhancing equity in SSA'south programs and services.

Below are some sample questions.

  • Are you lot aware of any unique needs for people of color and other underserved communities that nosotros should consider when evaluating our programs? If and so, how can nosotros come across these needs?
  • How can we help underserved communities and their members overcome barriers they may run across when enrolling in and accessing benefits?
  • Are in that location incentives or other changes you suggest for encouraging chaser and non-attorney representation for claimants of colour and other underserved communities?

Yous tin provide input on the Engage SSA from now until Friday, August 20, 2021. Delight see the Engage SSA guide for details on using the site.

Social Security Liaisons Assist Partner Organizations to Help Vulnerable Populations

Date: June xxx, 2021

We take been working with claimant advocate groups to place new ways in which we can improve access to our services for the most vulnerable populations. Nosotros have exciting news that we have designated a new position to work with organizations in local communities to help frequently-underserved individuals.

A Vulnerable Population Liaison, or VPL, will work directly with an organization that commits to helping accept claims or to providing us information sufficient to protect a claimant for benefits at the earliest engagement possible. Providing that information is what nosotros call establishing a lead.

This is a tremendous opportunity for a partner organization to have direct access to a Social Security employee to assist their clients. Already more than 560 organizations have committed to helping take and submit claims, and more than than 600 organizations accept agreed to help establish a lead.

Agreeing to help usa take claims is an important pledge and we are committed to providing tools and knowledge to assistance you. We created several videos and presentations that nosotros will present in virtual preparation, reply your questions, and share resources with you later on your training. These resource include our new electronic, fillable Supplemental Security Income applications (SSA-8000 and SSA-8001 forms).

Together, we can do more to help our nation'south most vulnerable populations. Please reach out to the Social Security Regional Communications Director for your state to learn more than and sign upwardly to be a partner organisation. We look frontwards to partnering with you.

Top ten Baby Names 2020

Date: May vii, 2021

Today we released last year's Top 10 baby names! This is our annual list of the nigh pop baby names based on Social Security number applications from 2020.

To observe out which names made this yr's list, visit our baby names folio.

Tell United states of america Your Ideas – Asking for Information Published in the Federal Annals

Date: April 22, 2021

We are seeking your input to guide our evidence-building activities and research as we develop our Fiscal Years 2022-2026 Learning Agenda, an evidence-building program specified in the Foundations for Evidence-Based Act of 2018. The Learning Calendar will place priority questions relevant to agency programs, policies, and regulations, and it will describe the data and methods that we volition use to develop the priority questions.

Priority questions cover a variety of topics and could include specific questions related to: service delivery methods; the mode the bureau communicates with beneficiaries, stakeholders, and the public; the way we administer our programs; changes to regulations, policies, and procedures; plan stewardship; or other areas that y'all believe we should explore.

We as well seek priority questions regarding how Social Security can accost the President'southward priorities, especially on racial equity and inequities in the economy.

View the Request for Information on the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Human action of 2018 Learning Agenda in the Federal Register and submit your comments by the May 20, 2021 deadline.

New Musculoskeletal Disorders Listings and Frequently Asked Questions

Date: April 21, 2021

On December 3, 2020, SSA published a Final Dominion entitled Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Disorders, which went into effect April 2, 2021. Prior to this rule going into effect, we held a call with stakeholders and released a document of frequently asked questions and corresponding answers. During our beneficial chat, we agreed to take back additional questions for response. Stemming from the phone call, we are happy to release a modified version of the Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Disorders Final Rules Questions and Answers. Our responses to the boosted questions brainstorm at question 21.

Join Us – Lessons Learned from SSA Demonstrations Land-of-the-Science Meeting

Date: April nineteen, 2021

We invite you to attend a full-twenty-four hours virtual event to discuss lessons learned from past tests of policies and programs to amend beneficiary work outcomes and directions for future research. The outcome is on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, from nine:45 a.thousand. - half-dozen:00 p.m. ET. Annals for the Lessons Learned from SSA Demonstrations State-of-the-Science Coming together.

Over the past several decades, SSA has tested new policies and programs to amend work outcomes for beneficiaries. These demonstrations have addressed topics including family supports, children, informational notices, changes to do good calculations, and more than.

At this event, over 30 leading disability and social policy researchers and experts will come up together to present and discuss lessons learned about which policies, programs, and other operational decisions could provide effective supports for disability beneficiaries who desire to work.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity.

Cheque out the Lessons Learned from SSA Demonstrations State-of-the-Scientific discipline Coming together website to larn more about the event and the presenters.

Join Us – National Disability Forum on COVID-nineteen and SSA Programs - Mental Wellness Furnishings on Adults and Children

Date: April 1, 2021

We cordially invite you to participate in Social Security'southward next National Disability Forum on COVID-xix and SSA Programs: Mental Health Effects on Adults and Children. The forum is on Thursday, April 15, 2021 and will be held via teleconference from i:00 p.thousand. to 3:30 p.thou. ET.

The purpose for this forum is to hear from medical professionals, researchers and academia about the mental health effects of COVID-19. The panel will explore the effects of COVID-19 on adults, addressing isolation, chore loss, office, and their ability to work. Children are also affected; the panel will discuss isolation, lack of educational structure, intermission in special didactics services, associated declines in schoolhouse functioning, and how mental health affects a child's ability to succeed.

Delight register online past Tuesday, Apr 13, 2021, if you wish to participate.

Nosotros hope yous tin can join us and nosotros look forwards to your participation. To acquire more, you lot may get to the National Disability Forum website.

Social Security Form 1696 – Claimant's Appointment of A Representative Can Now Exist Submitted Online

Engagement: March 26, 2021

You can now submit the Claimant's Appointment of Representative - SSA-1696 class online and without using a traditional "wet" signature. Using your computer or mobile device, you tin consummate, electronically sign it, and submit the form on our web site using the Adobe Sign platform.

The online form does not require downloading of any application or software. It must be completed, signed, and submitted to us within five calendar days later initiated. The prospective representative volition need to provide the following information in the course:

  • Their own email address;
  • A valid email address for their customer; and
  • A password that the prospective representative will need to share with the client to complete the form.

The prospective representative will receive an email from adobesign@adobesign.com with instructions to access the form, complete their designated sections, electronically sign, date, and submit the class.

Adobe Sign will then notify the claimant via email that the form is prepare for them to review, complete, and sign online. The claimant will access the form using the password provided past the prospective representative, complete their designated sections, electronically sign, appointment, and submit the course.

Please notation, the representative and claimant accept five agenda days from when the prospective representative starts the process for both parties to sign, consummate, and submit the form. Both parties volition receive a link to access the completed grade and can download a copy for their records.

You besides can get to the course at the Representing Social Security Claimants folio past selecting the Begin e1696 button. We still take submissions in the iAppeals and Electronic Records Limited (ERE) portals, and paper submissions via mail, fax, and eFax.

Important Update on Secondary Evidence

Appointment: March 24, 2021

Nosotros are now temporarily assuasive U.S. citizens to mail in an original or certified secondary identity document with their newspaper Social Security number (SSN) application (SS-5) if they cannot request a replacement SSN bill of fare online. Usually, we crave an applicant to submit a Land issued commuter'south license (DL) or identity card or U.S. passport with their replacement bill of fare request. We refer to these documents as primary identity documents considering they are the highest quality for providing identity.

Now, applicants can send documents we consider secondary, just nonetheless meet our authenticity requirements. Examples of acceptable secondary identity documents include:

  • U.Southward. diplomatic passport;
  • Military identification card;
  • Certificate of Naturalization;
  • Certificate of Citizenship;
  • U.South. Indian Tribal ID card;
  • Last adoption decree;
  • Certified copy of medical record;
  • Health Insurance or U.S. Medicaid carte;
  • School identity menu or certified copy of school record;
  • Life insurance policy with biographical information; and
  • Matrimony certificate.

Y'all can read a total list of boosted acceptable secondary level identity documents.

Only U.S. citizens who must request replacement cards by mail while our offices remain airtight to walk-in traffic tin use secondary identity bear witness. While we offer alternative methods to apply for a replacement SSN card, some U.Due south. citizens' merely available option is to utilize past postal service, including those who are:

  • Non eligible to use our online no-modify replacement SSN menu awarding;
  • Unable to access the appropriate technology; or
  • Not eligible for a prioritized SSN replacement card appointment considering they exercise not require a change or correction (e.one thousand., name, date of nascency or citizenship) because of an income, resource, medical care or coverage, or other service or benefit demand (e.thou., filing a revenue enhancement return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment).

We are only accepting secondary evidence for limited situations enabling united states of america to assistance run into high demand for replacement cards without requiring U.South. citizens to mail of import documentation.

Invitation to Partner with SSA to Achieve Vulnerable Populations During COVID-nineteen

Date: March 19, 2021

Please join united states of america for a national conference call to learn how your organization can help the states deliver critical financial help to vulnerable populations during COVID-xix. The telephone call is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2021, from 1:00 p.thou. – 2:00 p.m. ET.

Many people continue to experience COVID-19-related hardships, particularly those who cannot bear business via telephone, the internet, or who frequently require third-party help.

To address the claiming, we are request for your assistance raising awareness of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs. We are as well interested in establishing local-level partnerships with your organization to assist with claims-taking and referrals to our local offices.

The need for your assist could not be greater. We remain unable to accommodate walk-in visitors to our offices for the condom of both our employees and the public. At the same fourth dimension, we have seen reduced filings for SSI and SSDI benefits. With your help, we volition raise our ability to connect more than eligible people to benefits, including people with depression-income, limited English proficiency, facing homelessness, or with mental affliction.

Delight register online by Wednesday, March 24, 2021 to participate to acquire how you lot can make another positive difference in your community. We also encourage y'all to share this invitation through your networks. After registering, yous volition receive a follow-up email with the coming together agenda and phone call-in number. You lot will besides receive all of the outreach resources that we will cover on the phone call.

If you have any questions about this phone call, please contact united states at OEA.Cyberspace.Post@ssa.gov.

A New Secure Option to receive Inability Case Documents

Date: March eleven, 2021

We have developed a new, secure delivery option for case documents. Claimants with a my Social Security business relationship can at present admission case documents through the Message Center of their personal my Social Security account.

This new procedure allows claimants with a my Social Security account to receive a PDF containing their case documents. To enable this pick, claimants must contact the local office, hearings office, or Appeals Council branch where their example is pending to request the file. Next, claimants should turn on notifications in their my Social Security business relationship Message Centre to ensure they receive a text or email when their documents are available.

Learn more at Get Your Electronic Case Documents Online.

A New Method for Repaying Overpayments

Date: March 4, 2021

Some people who take an overpayment debt tin at present repay their overpayment online. They can make a full or partial payment using a credit card, debit menu, or bank account, using Pay.gov, a secure, online service provided by the Department of the Treasury. Only people who are not currently receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments may use this service.

Our billing notices now include the Pay.gov website data. The notice as well includes a new Remittance ID, a 10-digit alphanumeric number that the debtor will employ, in lieu of his or her Social Security number, when making an online payment.

To make a payment, people should follow these steps:

  • Utilize the link in their billing discover or visit Pay.gov and enter 'Social Security' in the search box;
  • Enter the Remittance ID number plant on their billing find and repayment corporeality;
  • Enter their name, address, and telephone number in required fields; and
  • Follow the remaining prompts to complete their payment.

The person volition receive an email receipt, confirming their payment.

Delight bring together us for the 2nd National "Slam the Scam" Day on March 4, 2021!

Engagement: March 1, 2021

National "Slam the Scam" Day is an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Calendar week, February 28 – March 6, 2021.

On March 4, 2021, @USAgov and @USAgovespanol will host a "Slam the Scam" Twitter chat about all types of consumer scam. In addition, our Office of the Inspector Full general is hosting a Facebook Live event, featuring Drew Johnson, Chief of Staff in the Division of Consumer & Business Didactics at the Federal Trade Commission, to discuss updates on what we are doing to gainsay Social Security-related phone scams, and what the public can do.

Our consumer protection bulletin is simple:

  • Hang up on suspicious calls from "government officials" calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account.
  • NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash
  • Report Social Security scams to the Office of the Inspector General
  • Written report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission

Visit our Part of the Inspector General'due south scam webpage for more information about National "Slam the Scam" Day and Social Security-related phone scams.

New Fact Sheets Added to Online Argument

Date: February xviii, 2021

We have added new fact sheets to accompany the online Social Security Statement. The fact sheets are designed to provide clarity and useful data, based on your historic period group and earnings state of affairs. They can help you better empathize Social Security programs and benefits.

The fact sheets encompass:

  • Retirement planning for four unlike age groups (Ages xviii-48, 49-60, 61-69 and 70+).
  • Four earnings related fact sheets for:
    • Workers with non-covered earnings who may be subject field to the Windfall Elimination Provision/Regime Pension Offset;
    • Workers who are not fully insured;
    • Workers with an intermittent work history; and
    • New workers.
  • Medicare planning.

The fact sheets help educate workers near Social Security so they can brand informed decisions based on their specific state of affairs.

Visit our Social Security Statement page to learn more than.

Important Update Regarding Online Video Hearings

Date: December 2, 2020

We announced on September three, 2020, a new option for people awaiting a hearing. In addition to telephone hearings, we will begin offering claimants the selection to participate in an online video hearing using the Microsoft Teams platform. Starting time in Dec 2020, we will send special notices that explain hearing options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mailing volition include a course where the claimant can agree to a telephone hearing, online video hearing, or both.

This new, free service will allow claimants and their representatives to participate in the hearing from anywhere they have access to a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer and access to the cyberspace. This stable and secure online platform allows the administrative police force judge to see and collaborate with claimants and their representatives just like an in-person hearing, while maintaining privacy. Other hearing witnesses, such equally medical or vocational experts, may participate past phone just.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of finding new means to serve the public," said Commissioner of Social Security Andrew Saul. "For over a decade, the agency has used video hearings to get applicants their hearing decisions sooner. This advancement builds on that effort, making it easier and more convenient to nourish a hearing remotely, specially during the COVID-nineteen pandemic. To go on to ensure all participants' prophylactic, nosotros expect online video hearings and telephone hearings will exist the only 2 hearing options for the foreseeable future."

Read the latest news about online video hearings at our Hearings and Appeals page. To learn more near hearings during the COVID-xix pandemic, visit our Coronavirus page.

New my Social Security Features Help with Planning for the Future!

Date: November 23, 2020

my Social Security now offers a wider range of features and benefits for both beneficiaries and those not receiving benefits.

Beneficiaries will go along to become data tailored to them, and tin print a do good verification letter and SSA-1099, change their address and direct deposit information, request a replacement Social Security card, and more.

Someone not receiving benefits now has more reasons to apply my Social Security. In addition to being able to request a replacement Social Security carte, view their Social Security Statement, and find out if they are eligible to receive retirement benefits, they can now view the benefits they could receive based on their spouse's record. If they are eligible to receive retirement benefits, they can also view their retirement benefit estimates at different ages or dates when they want to first receiving benefits, summate the benefit their spouse could receive based on their tape, and more than. When they are ready, they tin start the benefit application process online.

If they have a claim pending, they tin can also check their claim status with their personal my Social Security account.

Call up my Social Security is non just for people receiving benefits. We encourage you to programme for you future and manage your present by visiting my Social Security.

An Important Update about Statutory Do good Continuation Election

Date: November 12, 2020

We have experienced delays in processing sure requests for afterthought of initial disability cessation determinations (including age-xviii redeterminations) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nosotros volition accept this delay as a good reason to continue (or resume) benefits when your clients file a late request and the following apply:

  • The determination notice ending your client's disability benefits (notice of cessation) is dated on or before August 30, 2020; and
  • Your client'southward request for reconsideration of the cessation determination is notwithstanding pending with us.

Visit our COVID-19 page to acquire more.

Join U.s.a. – National Inability Forum on COVID-19 and SSA Programs - Long-Term Health Effects

Appointment: November half dozen, 2020

Yous are invited to attend Social Security's next National Inability Forum on COVID-19 and SSA Programs: Long-Term Health Effects. The forum is on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020 and volition exist held via teleconference from ane:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.1000. ET.

The purpose of this forum is to hear from medical experts and researchers almost the medical impact of COVID-19, including special considerations for people with pre-existing medical weather, multiple diagnoses, effectiveness and availability of treatments, gaps in access to treatments, recent developments, and the long-term impact of the virus on their power to work and their longevity.

Please register online by Monday, November sixteen, 2020, if you wish to participate.

Nosotros hope you can join us and nosotros await forwards to your participation. To learn more, you may go to the National Inability Forum website.

New Online Option for the Disability Update Written report (Form SSA-455)

Date: November four, 2020

Nosotros are making it easier for people who receive Social Security inability benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments to submit their Disability Update Report online. This form is completed periodically by some beneficiaries for their Continuing Disability Review (CDR). The law requires the states to complete a CDR to determine if a beneficiary nevertheless has a disabling condition. Admission the SSA-455 online class.

Your Customer May Be Eligible for an In-Person Engagement

Date: October 27, 2020

During the pandemic, Social Security has continued to provide service online and by phone while our offices remain closed for walk-in service. Our local office employees are decorated answering calls to their role. While we offering many online and phone options to aid y'all, we recognize that in-person assist is sometimes necessary.

Though walk-in service is not available, we may exist able to schedule an in-person engagement in certain situations. Nosotros have updated information on our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) web page to explain situations involving aid with benefits or a Social Security number when nosotros may be able to schedule an appointment. If you believe your client qualifies for an in-person appointment, ask your customer to call their local office. They can look up the telephone number for their local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may non be immediately available, depending on local health and prophylactic conditions and staffing. An in-person engagement may be possible if your client:

  • Is without nutrient or shelter, including utilities or is without medical intendance or coverage and needs to apply for or reinstate benefits.
  • Currently receives benefits and has an urgent need for payment to meet expenses for food, shelter, or medical treatment, and cannot receive the payment electronically.
  • Is historic period 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.
  • Needs to update or correct their SSN information (e.yard., proper noun, date of birth, or citizenship) to obtain income, resources, or medical intendance or coverage, or other services or benefits (e.g., filing a taxation return, applying for housing, seeking an Economic Affect Payment).

Delight visit and subscribe to our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) web page to go on upwardly to date during the pandemic.

An Of import Detect Regarding Transition Age Youth!

Date: October 19, 2020

Today Social Security released a notice to more than than 340,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients between the ages of 14 and 17 (transition-aged youth) and their developed representatives to help them identify policies and other resources to assist youth in their transition to adulthood. These mailings include a notice introducing our annual informational publication, What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (Publication No. 05-11005). Caregivers are encouraged to review information technology with the kid, if possible.

This publication helps youth fix for the transition from school to adult life. It provides information nigh SSI work incentives primarily affecting youth, also as information near common programs, services, and supports that parents, guardians, and youth may find helpful.

Specific programs covered include:

  • Student Earned Income Exclusion;
  • SSI Continued Payments (Section 301);
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Programs;
  • Department of Teaching'south Parent Centers; and
  • Medicaid -- including the importance of keeping wellness insurance and having a principal intendance provider.

The publication can be obtained from the bureau'southward publication website in both English and Spanish versions.

We Want to Hear From You!

Date: October xiv, 2020

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is leading a multi-bureau try to understand how the services the federal government provides are function of a broader customer journey.

The OMB disability survey is open to individuals with a disability and those who help them. OMB invites participants to share what they have found most helpful, frustrating, and moments that made a difference in their family'due south journey.

The survey is anonymous, though you lot have the choice to share an email address if you are interested and willing to arrange an interview to discuss further. You can visit 2020 Federal Customer Feel Journey Mapping Projects to learn more about this important projection, including how OMB will utilize the information participants provide.

Social Security Announces 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase

Date: Oct thirteen, 2020

In 2021, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately 70 million Americans will increase past 1.3 percent.

Visit our web log for more details about the COLA increase.

Important Notice Regarding Direct Fee Payments

Date: October 8, 2020

On October 5, 2020, we published a Notice in the Federal Register on the requirement for representatives who asking straight fee payment to submit all evidence electronically to the Part of Hearings Operations or Appeals Council for inability cases that have an electronic folder. Nosotros volition apply the notice outset on Nov 4, 2020, xxx days after publication in the Federal Register.

The requirement eliminates the demand for our staff to process evidence manually and assembly it with the correct claims folder, promotes administrative efficiency, reduces the amount of newspaper evidence that requires physical handling and processing by our employees and contractors, and minimizes errors that may occur through manual processing. While we planned to issue this new requirement prior to the electric current COVID-19 national public health emergency, pursuing it now is even more than disquisitional because contactless transmission of testify limits the need to handle documents manually.

This requirement will not apply directly to claimants or to representatives who are ineligible for or do not request direct fee payment- they may continue to submit prove via non-electronic means, just we strongly encourage all parties to use electronic methods for efficiency reasons. The requirement for direct pay representatives constitutes an affirmative duty nether 20 CFR 404.1740(b) (4) and 416.1540(b) (four). We may investigate to make up one's mind if representatives have violated this duty if they fail to attach to this requirement. However, we will not reject or delay a claimant's hearing or process a claim differently if the representative fails to comply.

At that place may be a few situations where case characteristics, our systems, or other limitations preclude a representative's ability to submit testify electronically. In these situations, we volition consider the representative's individual circumstances.

Important Update for Appointed Representatives!

Appointment: September 24, 2020

Starting September 19, 2020, we added the ability for Appointed Representatives (ARs) to admission their cases pending at the initial and reconsideration levels, including continuing disability review cases. ARs can now view these documents in the Inability Related Evolution and Medical Evidence sections of the eFolder. These are sections E and F, respectively.

Since 2011, Appointed Representative Services (ARS) has provided the ability for ARs to admission their clients' electronic folders (eFolders) for cases pending at the hearings and appeals levels.

ARs already enrolled in ARS have firsthand access to their initial and reconsideration level cases. If an AR cannot access a case at the initial and reconsideration levels, information technology is likely their SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) is not yet processed. They will take admission every bit soon every bit the field office processes their SSA-1696. As a reminder, ARS will suspend a user's account when they have attempted to access 10 SSNs in a 24-60 minutes period for which they are not the representative of record (i.due east., cases where the 1696s are not processed). ARs who have been blocked from their account should contact the Electronic Records Limited (ERE) Helpdesk to accept their account unblocked. We strongly recommend ARs keep this limitation in heed when accessing initial and reconsideration cases.

The Office of Hearings Operations will continue the current process of enrolling ARs who have cases awaiting at the hearings or appeals levels. ARs who only accept cases awaiting at the initial and reconsideration levels are not eligible to enroll at this time.

Please remember ARs have a responsibility to protect the data and data in claimant folders. This includes information about the claimants and their evidence providers (i.e., EIN/Can).

Update on Social Security Hearing Offices

Date: September 18, 2020

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we took unprecedented measures to protect both the public and our employees.  These measures included closing our more than 1,400 field and hearing offices to in-person service; allowing our employees to work remotely; and pausing sure actions that could have resulted in a continued reduction, intermission, or termination of benefits or payments under titles II, Eight, or Sixteen of the Social Security Act (Deed).

Start on August 31, 2020, we resumed these workloads, including sure hearings-related workloads that had been paused since mid-March, including:

  • Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) and Age-18 Redeterminations hearings and decisions; and
  • Not-inability hearings and decisions.

At the same time, we keep to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic may give rise to circumstances that may constitute skillful cause for missing an appeal deadline or failing to appear at a scheduled hearing.  On August 31, 2020, we provided guidance to hearings offices that administrative law judges may resume issuing dismissals for late-filing of a hearing or failure to announced at a hearing.

To ensure hearing offices are accordingly issuing these types of dismissals (tardily filing or failure to appear at a hearing), hearing offices will now develop the record for good crusade by issuing a Request to Show Cause for Late Filing or Failure to Appear discover.

This added stride provides one more opportunity, beyond our COVID-19 emergency procedures, for claimants to provide good crusade for failure to meet filing deadlines or to announced at their telephone hearings.  In addition to this added footstep for late-filing/failure-to-appear dismissals, we have temporarily expanded our traditional in-line quality reviews of hearing dispositions to focus on ensuring that dismissals are policy-compliant.