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Articles by Dawn Bystry
General Questions
General, General Questions, SSI May 15, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes This year, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Ticket to Work (Ticket) program. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act helps people with disabilities go to work and reduce or eliminate their need for benefits. The Ticket program: Is free and voluntary.
Baby names | SSA
General May 9, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes Olivia and Liam are once again America’s most popular baby names of the year. 2024 marks the sixth consecutive year that families chose to stick with both familiar names. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for boys.
data privacy | SSA
Frauds & Scams, General, Privacy & Identity April 14, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity.
Federal Agencies
Disability, Health Care, SSI March 27, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today a renewed emphasis on expanding opportunities for organizations to join the agency’s Health Information Technology (Health IT) program. Health IT allows SSA to use electronic data exchanges to obtain medical records directly from the provider, resulting in faster disability determinations for people applying for benefits.
Tag: COVID-19 | SSA
COVID-19, General March 20, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 1 Minute The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced the immediate resumption of debt collection activities through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) for debts accrued prior to March 2020. This decision comes after a suspension of collections due to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Privacy & Identity
General, Online Services, Privacy & Identity March 18, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits against fraudulent activity.
Tag: social security | SSA
General March 7, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it will increase the default overpayment withholding rate for Social Security beneficiaries to 100 percent of a person’s monthly benefit. The Office of the Chief Actuary estimates this change will result in an increase in overpayment recoveries (i.e., a program savings) of about $7 billion in the next decade.
General Information
General, Social Security Benefits March 5, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 1 Minute The Social Security Administration (SSA) today shared its significant progress to quickly implement the Social Security Fairness Act. Through March 4, 2025, SSA has already paid 1,127,723 people more than $7.5 billion in retroactive payments. The retroactive payments are the result of the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Tag: online services | SSA
Online Services, SSI February 20, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 1 Minute The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to people who are 65 and older, and to adults and children with disabilities who have low income and few resources. SSI is a critical program for veterans, people struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and other challenges.
supplemental security income
Disability, SSI February 27, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes Rare Disease Day is an annual international campaign held on the last day of February to advocate for people living with one of approximately 6,000 rare diseases. The goal of Rare Disease Day is to improve access to diagnosis, treatment, care, and opportunities for the 300 million people throughout the world with a rare disease.
Social Security benefits
Social Security Benefits February 25, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 2 Minutes Today, the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Category: Frauds & Scams
Frauds & Scams, Special Events February 13, 2025 • By Social Security Administration Reading Time: 3 Minutes Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic substances during their military service may receive expanded health care and benefits under the PACT Act. That’s good news for millions of veterans.
my Social Security account
Online Services, Taxes January 30, 2025 • By Lizbeth Portalatin-Perez, Director for the Division of Strategic Communications Reading Time: 2 Minutes Tax season is here, and we’ve made replacing your annual Benefit Statement easier. There’s no need to wait on the phone or make an appointment to visit a Social Security office. The Social Security Benefit Statement is also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S.
Social Security Number and Card
Online Services, Social Security Number and Card January 10, 2025 • By BJ Jarrett, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner Reading Time: 2 Minutes Do you need an original Social Security number or a replacement Social Security card? We offer a faster and more convenient way for you to start – and possibly finish – the application online.
Office of the Inspector General
Frauds & Scams, Office of the Inspector General January 2, 2025 • By William Bardin, Acting Associate Commissioner for the Office of Program Integrity Reading Time: 2 Minutes In 2025, let’s make protecting ourselves against scams a top priority.
survivors benefits
Social Security Benefits, Survivors December 20, 2024 • By Nate Osburn, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications Reading Time: 2 Minutes We’ve released new resources to help prevent people from missing out on benefits they may be eligible to receive. We designed these easy-to-use toolkits to educate professionals and organizations about our programs for children and our benefits for families after the death of a loved one.
We’re Making It Easier To Do Business With Us Electronically
September 5, 2024 • By Reading Time: 3 Minutes Last Updated: April 18, 2025 We’ve heard your preference to do business with us electronically. You want to submit forms, evidence, and other information online. If your signature is needed, you want to be able to sign documents electronically before submitting them. We’ve released the eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents.
What You Can Do To Protect Your Personal Information
August 21, 2024 • By Reading Time: 3 Minutes Last Updated: August 21, 2024 Note: The Social Security Administration is providing the below information as a public service following reports of a data breach that is unrelated to SSA’s internal systems and data, neither of which has been compromised. With various reports of data breaches involving Social Security numbers in the media, we’d like to remind you about the importance of protecting your personal information.
Social Security Expands Compassionate Allowances List - Expedites Decisions for People with Severe Disabilities
Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced nine new Compassionate Allowances (CAL) conditions and revisions to two existing CAL conditions: Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome, Costello Syndrome, Adult Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1-4, Child Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1A/1B (revised existing condition), Histiocytic Malignancies, Histiocytosis Syndromes (revised existing condition), Neonatal Marfan Syndrome, PACS1 Syndrome, Plasmablastic Lymphoma,...
How to Transition Your Social Security Account to Login.gov
If you created a Social Security username more than 3 years ago, you will need to transition to a new or existing Login.gov account or use an ID.me account to have continuous access to our online services. We recently announced this news in a press release. For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, watch this video. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov.
Changes Are Coming to How You Access Social Security’s Online Services
July 12, 2024 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: July 12, 2024 We’re making changes to the way you access Social Security’s online services, including your personal my Social Security account. The changes will simplify your sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards. At the same time, we’re continuing to provide safe and secure access to our online services.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Spouse’s Benefits?
Social Security benefits are a crucial part of the retirement income for millions of Americans. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own work record or your own benefit is small, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record. If your spouse does not receive retirement or disability, you’ll have to wait to apply on your spouse’s record.
Olivia and Liam reign supreme — 2023 Most Popular Baby Names | SSA
Olivia and Liam are once again America’s most popular baby names, with 2023 being the fifth consecutive year that parents have chosen the monikers for their little ones. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, Noah took the second slot for boys, and Emma for girls. Only one new name appeared in the Top 10 lists this year, with Mateo joining the boys for the first time.
Celebrate Earth Day 2024 by Opting Out of Paper Notices
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, to promote the protection of our planet. At Social Security, we’re doing our part by reducing paper usage. We send notices as a way of communicating with our many customers – the 71 million Americans who receive benefits and the people who do business with us for other reasons. If you have a personal my Social Security account, you can opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online in the Message Center.
The Business Narrative: Taking Off
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Thai Airways announced the flagship carrier placed an order for 45 787 Dreamliners as the airline looks to modernize and grow its widebody fleet and international network. Officials said Thai Airways selected the 787-9 to support its long-term strategy to renew and expand its fleet with more efficient jets, as well as open new routes to support high demand for air travel across Southeast Asia.
How to Spot an Imposter Social Security Social Media Account
February 29, 2024 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: February 29, 2024 Do you know how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts? The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family. How fraudsters create imposter accounts Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and jargon, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us.
Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud
February 22, 2024 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: February 22, 2024 Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website. There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu.
Social Security Improves Customer Experience Ranking
January 25, 2024 • By Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: January 25, 2024 We’re committed to improving customer service by providing more access to our programs and services, and our efforts have paid off. We’re proud to announce that Social Security’s ranking on Forrester’s 2023 Customer Experience Index increased by 3.3 points – the only agency on the list to make a significant gain.
Social Security Ticket to Work Program Beneficiary Satisfaction Survey
We are conducting a survey about the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program with only randomly selected Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. People who receive invitation letters to participate in the survey will be asked to give feedback about their familiarity with, and participation in, the program.
MIL-OSI USA News: READOUT: White House Hosts Inaugural Veteran Scam and Fraud Evasion Task Force Meeting to Discuss Protecting Veterans and Service Members from Fraud | ForeignAffairs.co.nz
Source: The White House Task Force agrees to pursue “no wrong door approach” for veterans and service members to receive resources and report fraud and scams On Tuesday, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard, and Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden convened the first meeting of the Veteran Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Task Force to discuss implementation of a “no wrong door” approach for veterans and service members to access...
Social Security and Scam Awareness
November 16, 2023 • By Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: November 16, 2023 Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. We want you to know how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming a victim.
SSA Talks: Will Social Security Be There When I Retire?
November 2, 2023 • By Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: November 2, 2023 Our Chief Actuary, Steve Goss, answers this question in the latest episode of our audio series, SSA Talks. In this 13-minute episode, Steve sheds light on the Social Security Trust Funds and how they relate to your future benefits. The episode is accompanied by a fact sheet and transcript.
Save Your Place in Line with Mobile Check-in Express
October 19, 2023 • By Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: October 19, 2023 Our Mobile Check-In Express feature makes it easier to check in if you must visit a Social Security office. To use Mobile Check-In Express, scan the QR code located at your local Social Security office. This will allow you to check in for: Scheduled and non-scheduled appointments. Services—including requesting a replacement Social Security card, a benefit verification letter, proof of income, and more.
Access Your Earnings History with my Social Security
September 7, 2023 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: November 2, 2023 It may have been years or even decades since you thought about how much you earned at your first job. Did you know that you can find out how much you made that first year? Or any year you worked? Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your future Social Security benefits. We track your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Spouse’s Benefits?
August 24, 2023 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: August 24, 2023 Social Security benefits are a crucial part of millions of Americans’ retirement income. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: 62 years of age or older.
How SSA.gov Helps You
We’re excited to announce that we’ve added two screening tools to our redesigned website! SSA.gov provides you with many ways to learn about our programs and do business with us online. These tools are designed to help you determine your eligibility for benefits and help you request a replacement Social Security card.
Social Security’s Commitment to the LGBTQI+ Community
General June 22, 2023 • By Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: June 22, 2023 Every June, we commemorate Pride Month by honoring the LGBTQI+ community and celebrating diversity, love, and equality. Pride Month is also a perfect time to learn more about LGBTQI+ rights. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry.
Social Security’s Most Popular Baby Names for 2022
May 12, 2023 • By Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: May 12, 2023 Olivia and Liam are once again America’s most popular baby names in 2022. Liam has topped the list for six years in a row, and Olivia has been the top choice for new parents for four years. There is only one new name in the top 10, with Luna crawling into the top 10 for the first time.
Social Security and OIG Hold Annual Slam the Scam Day
March 8, 2023 • By Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: March 8, 2023 Social Security scams are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the fourth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 9.
Category: COVID-19 | SSA
COVID-19, General, Guest Bloggers, People Facing Barriers January 5, 2023 • By Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. Surgeon General of the United States Reading Time: 2 Minutes For nearly three years now, Americans of every age and from every community have stepped up to help keep themselves, their loved ones, their friends, and their neighbors safe from the COVID-19 virus. Millions reduced exposures, wore masks, and most importantly, got vaccinated and boosted.
New Start Dates for Medicare Part B Coverage Coming in 2023
Changes are coming next year for Medicare Part B coverage. What is not changing: If you are eligible at age 65, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday. Includes the month of your 65th birthday. Ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B or if you sign up during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will start the month you’re first eligible.
my Social Security: It’s Not Just for Retirees
You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to benefit from a personal my Social Security account. Calling or visiting a local Social Security office probably is rarely necessary once you have one. You can do much of your business with us online. With your personal my Social Security account, you can: Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia). Estimate your future benefits to compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits.
Why It’s Important to Report Life Changes to Us
July 28, 2022 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: November 2, 2023 Did you know that certain life changes can affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments? Sometimes your circumstances may change after you apply for or begin to receive SSI. When that happens, it’s important for you to tell us about these changes. This will ensure that you receive the benefits to which you’re eligible.
Social Security Online: Your First and Best Place to Start
July 14, 2022 • By Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: July 14, 2022 More than likely you do not have to visit a Social Security office to do business with us. You might not have to call, either. Our Online Services webpage provides you a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can even apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare online.
Plan for Your Future During Financial Literacy Month
April 13, 2022 • By Reading Time: 1 Minute Last Updated: November 2, 2023 Financial Literacy Month is focused on educating people about the importance of planning for a secure financial future. Every April, we like to remind you that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. We have online tools to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future.
Guard Your Card: Protect What’s Important to You
November 18, 2021 • By Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications Last Updated: November 18, 2021 We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough.
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