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Articles by Jim Borland
Social Security statement
Online Services, Retirement April 1, 2021 • By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Reading Time: 1 Minute 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.
Is it Medicare or Medicaid?
A lot of people have a difficult time understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Both programs begin with the letter “M.” They’re both health insurance programs run by the government. People often ask questions about what Medicare and Medicaid are, what services they cover, and who administers the programs. Let’s start with Medicare. Medicare is the earned-benefit program for Americans aged 65 or older or disabled. Workers pay into Medicare throughout their working years.
retirement | SSA
General July 2, 2020 • By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Reading Time: 1 Minute On July 4, we celebrate our nation’s independence. For nearly 85 years, our programs have helped provide financial independence. We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Today, applying online is a convenient way to apply for benefits. Did you find this Information helpful?
Opinion: NISP would be good for all of Northern Colorado
Jim Borland Published 7:00 a.m. MT June 7, 2020 Jim Borland (Photo: Fort Collins-Loveland Water District) From where I stand, the Northern Integrated Supply Project, NISP, is beneficial not just for the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District, FCLWD, but Northern Colorado as a whole. I think most can agree water is a valuable commodity here in Colorado.
How to Create a my Social Security Account
The Official Blog of Social Security Main menu Search Post navigation ← Previous Next → A personal my Social Security account is one of the most important tools in your online services tool belt. A my Social Security account puts you in control of your Social Security record. Opening an account is quick, secure, and easy. Check out our infographic on how you can create your personal my Social Security account today!
What Day of the Month Do I Get my Social Security Payment?
Timing is everything, and the arrival time of your monthly payment from Social Security can be key to keeping your financial house in order. As you budget to pay your bills and save for future needs, keep in mind that your monthly retirement or disability benefit will be paid at the same time each month. To see your next payment date, create or log on to your my Social Security online account and go to the “Benefits & Payments” section.
Spruce Up Your Financial Plan with Social Security
Now that tax season is over, it’s probably a good time to evaluate some financial “best practices” for the rest of the year. A good spring-cleaning can clear out the clutter to let you see a clear path for your future. Social Security is always here to help. Even if you just started working, now is the time to start preparing for retirement. Achieving the dream of a secure, comfortable retirement is much easier with a strong financial plan.
Will Remarriage Affect my Social Security Benefits?
Whether it’s a morning ceremony or an evening gala, excitement’s in the air. It’s wedding season! A time when many couples officially tie the knot. Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey, we wouldn’t miss the chance to be there after your wedding. If you’re getting married, along with the excitement of your impending nuptials, you may have some questions about changing the name on your Social Security card.
Understanding Spouses’ Benefits
Marriage is a cultural institution that exists all over the world. Having a partner means sharing many things including a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important.
Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Social Security
In the digital age, frauds and scams are an unfortunate part of doing business online. During the holiday season, Social Security has traditionally seen a spike in phishing scams, and we want to protect you as best we can. We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security Number (SSN) or bank account information to unknown individuals over the phone or internet. If you receive a call and aren’t expecting one, you must be extra careful.
Retire online with Social Security, quickly and easily
The idea of applying for Social Security retirement benefits might seem daunting, but it’s not. There’s no need to visit an office. You don’t have to use the phone. There is an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes and from the comfort of your home or office. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required.
Social Security benefits will increase in 2019
Each year Social Security announces the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Usually, there is an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. Law requires that federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Social Security: Monitoring your earnings can really pay off
You work hard for your money. You’re saving and planning for a secure retirement. Now you need to make sure you’re going to get all the money you deserve. Regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record can really pay off, especially when every dollar counts in retirement. If an employer did not properly report just one year of your work earnings to us, your future benefit payments from Social Security could be close to $100 per month less than they should be.
Is that Phone Call From Us?
It’s the morning of a busy day at home and you get a call from an unknown number. You answer only to find yourself on the receiving end of a threatening message saying your Social Security benefits will stop immediately unless you provide your personal information. It happens every day to thousands of Americans. And it’s not Social Security calling. Scammers have many ways to lure their victims into providing information and then stealing their identities.
Learn More About How Social Security Serves Native Americans
In November we celebrate Native American Heritage Month in the United States. Social Security honors the indigenous people who lived here before the United States was established. We want to remind you that Social Security has a website that provides information pertinent to American Indians and Alaska Natives about all of Social Security’s programs at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/aian.
social security disability benefits
Disability October 31, 2018 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications Reading Time: 1 Minute In October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the United States. For more than 70 years, NDEAM has promoted disability inclusion in the workforce and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities. This year’s theme “America’s Workforce: Empowering All” is near and dear to us at Social Security.
Need to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card?
Are you changing your name? If so, let Social Security know so we can update your information, send you a corrected card, and make sure you get the benefits you’ve earned. To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
Our Online Benefits Application
Social Security is committed to protecting and securing the information entrusted to us. We’re constantly looking for ways for you to save time by conducting your business anytime, anywhere, using our online services. Our online benefits application provides a high level of security and protection for the information you provide. Filing online gives you the freedom and convenience to file for various types of benefits including Retirement, Disability, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.
retirement benefits
Online Services October 4, 2018 • By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications Reading Time: 1 Minute Social Security is committed to protecting and securing the information entrusted to us. We’re constantly looking for ways for you to save time by conducting your business anytime, anywhere, using our online services. Our online benefits application provides a high level of security and protection for the information you provide.
New Online Social Security COLA Notices
We are constantly expanding our online services to give you freedom and control when doing business with us. Our new online cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices are another example of our commitment in this area. Later this year, we will post the Social Security COLA notices online for retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries with a my Social Security account.
New Wage Reporting Application
On June 2, 2018, new capabilities were added to my Social Security accounts. The my Social Security online portal now accepts wage reports electronically from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and deemors, concurrent beneficiaries, and representative payees. This capability had been available only to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and their representative payees.
1 Month Until Tax Day. Social Security Can Help You Prepare!
This year the tax return filing deadline, or Tax Day, falls on April 17. Individual income tax returns are due to federal and state governments. Social Security can help you prepare: A my Social Security account helps you out several ways during tax season and beyond. In addition to getting your replacement Benefit Statement, you can check your Social Security Statement to verify your annual earnings are posted correctly.
Ex-Spouse Benefits And How They Affect You
Just like during tax season, it’s good to have all the information you need early so you can prepare and get any money you are due. If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more.
Get a Replacement Social Security Tax Form Online With Ease
It’s that time of year again. Preparing for tax season can seem overwhelming. Some forms and paperwork might be difficult to track down. If you misplaced your Benefits Statement or haven’t received it by the end of January, we’ve made it easy to go online to get a replacement with my Social Security. An SSA-1099, also called a Benefit Statement, is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to the more than 60 million people who receive Social Security benefits.
Three Things You Need to Know about Seasonal Work and Social Security
Right after Halloween, stores and businesses begin advertising that they’re looking for seasonal workers. It’s a good way to make extra income during the busy holiday season. We know you may have some questions about seasonal work and how it affects your work record. Social Security is here to answer your top three questions about seasonal work. Yes, your seasonal earnings count toward your future benefits. You earn Social Security credits when you work in a job and pay Social Security taxes.
New Wage Reporting Application
On September 23, 2017, we released a new wage reporting application behind the my Social Security portal. Now, people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and their representative payees can report wages securely online. It’s faster and easier than ever before for SSDI beneficiaries and their representative payees to report wages; they can avoid visiting a field office to report their wages in person and they can print or save a receipt of their report.
Hispanic Heritage Month - Social Security Answers Your Most Popular Questions
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate the contributions and cultural richness of Hispanics in the U.S. Hispanics have influenced many facets of American life, from language to our cultural development. They play a crucial role in our country, and during this month of celebration, we want to turn the spotlight on the three most popular questions we get from our Spanish-speaking readers. You may have other questions.
Social Security Matters
Retirement life is different for everyone. Social Security is here to secure today and tomorrow, whether you sail into the sunset or decide to continue working. Some of our rules allow you to receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits and work at the same time, as long as you don’t make more than Social Security’s annual earnings limit. For 2017, that limit is $16,920.
Protecting Your Social Security
Protecting Your Social Security At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your information. The thing is, we can’t do it alone. You can help us secure your information by taking one of these steps: Open your personal my Social Security account. A my Social Security account is your gateway to many of our online services.
Can I Keep This Benefit Payment?
Social Security is with you through life’s journey, securing today and tomorrow for millions of people. We know that reliability and dependability is an important part of your financial security. We use the same throughout the month eligibility rules for the first month’s Social Security check through the last month’s check, so it’s easy to know when checks are payable. If you meet all the requirements to receive benefits, Social Security pays your benefit after you have lived throughout the month.
Your Retirement Planning Starts with Social Security
Right now is the perfect time to start planning for a secure, comfortable retirement. And you can count on Social Security to help you begin the process. First, we encourage you to set up an online my Social Security account so you can verify your lifetime earnings record and make sure you get credit for all of your contributions to the Social Security system through the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll taxes.
Why It Pays To Keep A Careful Eye On Your Earnings Record
Whether you’re ready to retire, just joining the workforce, or somewhere in between, regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record could make a big difference when it’s time to collect your retirement benefits. Just think, in some situations, if an employer did not properly report just one year of your work earnings to us, your future benefit payments from Social Security could be close to $100 per month less than they should be.
Online Bill Payment for Medicare Premiums
Social Security is here with tools and information to help you secure today and tomorrow. Did you know that you can pay your Medicare premiums online? If your bank offers the option to pay your bills online, you can use their service to pay for your Medicare premiums bill from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). You, or your representative, must sign up for your bank’s online bill payment process and you can contact your bank directly for assistance.
Three Things Every Family Should Do When Expecting a New Baby
Your nine-digit Social Security number is your first and continuous link with Social Security. That’s why when you have a baby, one of the first things on your “to do” list, besides picking a name, should be to get your newborn a Social Security number. Then, you can take the time to learn about the protections we offer your child from day one. The birth or adoption of a child is a special time for families. We’re with you and your child starting from when you choose their special name.
Social Security Is There For Those Who Served Our Country
The men and women who served our country in the military can count on Social Security to be there for them throughout their lives. Active duty military members earn credits toward Social Security retirement benefits. Wounded Warriors can receive expedited handling of their claims to receive disability benefits. We also provide survivor benefits for young children and spouses of veterans who have died.
What Same-Sex Couples Need to Know
For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow for many Americans. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states.
The Importance of Social Security Survivors Benefits
Most people don’t like to think about death. We plan for life, for that day when we retire, for the places we’ll go and the things that we’ll do then. Unfortunately, death is a part of life we must prepare for. The death of a worker is devastating for the entire family, not only emotionally, but also financially. Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, tools, and information to help support you throughout life’s journey.
What Your Grandchild Can Teach You About Social Security
If using the internet feels like a challenge, let your grandchild be your guide. You’ll get your business done online, and they’ll be proud to have helped their grandparent. Take advantage of your grandchild’s computer skills and navigate Social Security’s website together! Once your grandchild has explained the basics of going online, you can use our website to find information and services for everything from benefit planning, to filing online, to replacing your lost Medicare card.
Celebrating Those Who Invest in Our Success
Education is the way to forge a better future. The things we learn today can mold the way we’ll live tomorrow. This is something Social Security takes seriously. We know the work you do today will shape the benefits you’ll receive later on. During May 1-5, we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate the role of educators in our lives.
Supplemental Security Income applications now online
We’re always looking for ways to provide you with innovative, quality services, and with our newest online enhancement, we’re proud to be doing just that. Now, if you meet certain requirements, you can file Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and disability applications online at the same time.
Social Security Matters
FICA taxes help provide benefits for retirees, disabled people and children. This contribution helps your parents and grandparents have a secure retirement while securing today and tomorrow for you and your future family. Learn more about FICA.
Receiving Housing Benefits? A Trip to Social Security May Not Be Necessary
Social Security is constantly evolving to make your life easier. If you are currently receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and are reapplying for benefits, or are assisting someone with their application, a trip to the Social Security office is probably not necessary even if verification of Social Security benefits is needed.
What You Should Know About the SSI Program
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash assistance to people with limited income and few resources. But … how much do you really know about this program? SSI provides monthly payments to people who are age 65 or older, completely or partially blind, or considered disabled under Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Social Security pays benefits to people who aren’t able to work due to a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Social Security’s Gift to Children is Security
December 29, 2016 • By Reading Time: 2 Minutes Last Updated: March 17, 2021 This is the season of caring. No matter your religion or belief, December is also considered a time to focus on the children we love. Whether we’re wrapping Santa’s gifts, buying Hanukkah treats, decorating the house in celebration of Kwanzaa, or volunteering for a toy drive, children add joy to the holiday season. And we at Social Security definitely know a thing or two about helping children.
Retiring Overseas? What You Need to Know About Getting Benefits Abroad
There are a number of people who choose to live their retirement years in places outside of the United States. Perhaps retirement in Thailand or Portugal is in your plans. Maybe you plan to split your year between Central Europe and Central Asia. In many cases, it’s still possible to receive your retirement benefits while living abroad. Our website can help you navigate your benefit eligibility while living overseas.
Don’t Let Scammers Prey on Your Generosity
Natural disasters bring out the best in people. The ever-present generosity of Americans is front and center right now, as we try to help the victims of the Louisiana flood. Millions have given their time and donated to the relief funds and charities. Unfortunately, times like these also bring out people looking to profit from others’ misfortune. For example, by creating fake charities and devising other ways to take advantage of donors.
Update to New Online Security
On July 30, 2016, Social Security began requiring new and current my Social Security account holders to sign into their account using a one-time code sent via text message.
So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card
July 25, 2016 • By Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications Last Updated: July 29, 2021 Losing important documents is frustrating, especially something as important as your Social Security card. You’ll want to consider whether you really need to get a replacement card. Knowing your number is what’s important, after all. You’ll rarely need the card itself — perhaps only when you get a new job and have to show it to your employer.
Social Security: Benefits for Children - Vermillion Plain Talk: Opinion
Social Security is with you through life’s journey — from birth, to death, and even beyond, by helping to care for surviving dependents. Every year, about 4.4 million children receive monthly benefits because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. When a parent becomes disabled or dies, Social Security benefits help to stabilize the family’s financial situation in an otherwise turbulent time.
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