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Slam the Scam

Date: March iii, 2022

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

In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 396,000 complaints of government imposter scams. Virtually 9% said they lost money to a scammer - more $442 million. To foreclose further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to exist from a regime agency.

Think, nosotros will never:

  • Threaten arrest or legal activeness if someone does non immediately ship coin 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 menu, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or past mailing greenbacks.
  • Transport text or email letters that contain personal information.

Our scam prevention message is simple:

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

Visit OIG'south Press Kit for boosted resources related to "Slam the Scam" activities. Read and share our Scam Awareness Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic.

Securely Create a my Social Security Business relationship Today!

Date: February 9, 2022

A personal my Social Security business relationship can assist your clients quickly and safely access the services they need. It is the gateway to doing business with us online and tin be used to request a replacement Social Security bill of fare (in most states), check the status of an application or appeal, verify earnings, estimate hereafter benefits, or manage current benefits. Watch our brief What is my Social Security? video nearly the advantages of having an business relationship to acquire more.

To protect your customer's private information, while making our online services piece of cake to utilize, nosotros piece of work with two external partners (Login.gov and ID.me) to securely verify your customer's place in order to create a personal my Social Security account. Login.gov is the public's 1 account for unproblematic, secure, and private admission to participating U.Due south. authorities agencies. ID.me is a unmarried sign-on provider that meets the U.S. regime's online identity proofing and authentication requirements. Your customer can pick Login.gov or ID.me to access my Social Security. Your customer:

  • must be eighteen years of age or older and have a Social Security number.
  • will exist redirected to the partner'due south 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.
  • volition return to the my Social Security webpage for adjacent steps after creating the new credential.

Encourage your customer to visit our my Social Security webpage and deeply create their account today!

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

Date: February three, 2022

We cordially invite yous to participate in Social Security's next National Disability Forum on Equitable Access to Social Security Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities. The forum is on Thursday, February 17, 2022 via Microsoft Teams from 1:00 p.m. to iii:00 p.m. ET.

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

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

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

We hope yous can bring together the states and wait forward to your participation. To acquire more, delight visit the National Disability Forum.

Social Security Benefits Increment in 2022

Date: Oct xiii, 2021

In 2022, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately seventy million Americans will increase by v.nine%.

Visit our weblog for more details well-nigh the COLA increment.

How To Become Help from Social Security

Engagement: December 28, 2021

We want people to know how to become help from us 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 go help. It stresses that the best way for nearly people to become help is online, at SSA.gov. If your clients cannot apply our website, they can call our National 800 Number or a local Social Security role. If our representatives are unable to handle the thing during that call, they volition schedule an appointment to serve your client past phone or in-person.

The flyer as well includes information your client should know before coming to the office:

  • Your client must have an appointment to visit an office.
  • Masks are required for all function visitors and employees, regardless of vaccination condition.
  • Visitor capacity is express to follow physical distancing requirements. This ways your client may demand to wait exterior, so they should programme for cold or bad weather condition.
  • Nosotros ask that your client comes alone unless they require assist with their visit. If they require help, nosotros can just permit ane person to accompany them.

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

Guard Your Card

Appointment: November 17, 2021

To protect yourself against identity theft, information technology is important to safeguard your Social Security number and Social Security carte. The best manner to "Guard Your Card" is to proceed information technology in a safety place and share it but when required. Don't comport your menu every solar day. In fact, in most cases, but knowing the Social Security number should be plenty. For instance, when requesting a Real ID, all states, except for Pennsylvania, no longer require seeing your Social Security card as proof.

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

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

Visit our Social Security Number and Carte du jour webpage to learn more about your Social Security card and read and share our factsheet, How Y'all 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

Date: October thirteen, 2021

In 2022, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately 70 million Americans volition increase by 5.9%.

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

New Social Security Statement Makes Retirement Planning Easier

Appointment: October 7, 2021

Nosotros 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 one of the most effective tools a person tin utilise to acquire about their earnings and future Social Security benefits.

Some of the highlights of the new Statement are:

  • It's much shorter and easier to read.
  • A bar chart displays the person'southward estimated retirement benefits for upwardly to nine retirement start dates.
  • Text boxes emphasize key facts people need for fiscal planning.

Nosotros also provide, fact sheets tailored to a person's age group and earnings situation with the Statement. For example, nosotros provide more information to younger workers almost how to relieve for the future. For older workers, nosotros explicate how benefits may exist taxed and how to avoid a Medicare penalty.

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

Update - Additional Social Security Forms Bachelor for Online Submission

Engagement: October 7, 2021

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

  • SSA-552 – Dedicated Account Use of Funds Argument – Used to confirm to us your understanding of how to utilise and not utilise dedicated account funds.
  • SSA HA-86 – Asking to Withdraw an Appeals Council Asking 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 Guess – Used to notify us that you do not want to announced at a hearing earlier an Authoritative Law Judge (ALJ), and that you lot desire 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 us. Please visit our website and apply the online forms.

2021 Taxpayer First Act

Engagement: October 1, 2021

The Taxpayer Commencement Act allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to lower the electronic threshold for filing W-2s to 100. This change is pending IRS issuing last regulations. The predictable result of this alter in 2022 volition exist that more employers will exist required to file their employees' W-2s electronically.

All employers are required to report wages annually to us for each employee. Most employers submit their wage reports electronically, but some submit paper W-2s. We use 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.

Beginning December 2021, our Concern Services Online (BSO) will offer a new style to upload wage report files. When employers submit W-2 files using our New Wage File Upload process, they volition receive results right abroad. They will no longer need to render to learn the status of their file. Go to www.ssa.gov/employer to learn more.

Please remember that in that location are three means to file W-2s electronically:

  • Use our free product, called West-2 Online, which allows yous to file Westward-2s and W-2Cs right from our BSO website.
  • Use software that produces W-2 forms in the Electronic Filing W-2 (EFW2) format, and upload the file on our BSO webpage for free.
  • Have a 3rd political party prepare the W-2s and file them electronically with us. The tertiary party usually charges a fee.

We invite you lot to visit SSA's Taxpayer Start Act page to learn more.

Information technology's Non Too Belatedly: Claim Child Tax Credit Payments and Missing Stimulus Payments

Date: September 21, 2021

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

Generally, a person would need to file a federal revenue enhancement return to claim a tax credit similar the CTC. A new Not-Filer Sign-up Tool is available for your clients, who do non usually file a traditional taxation render, to claim the CTC and missing EIPs. The White House 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 Spanish, and can be used on a computer, tablet, and smartphone.

Of import: Please note these two of import facts:

  • Social Security excludes the CTC as income and resources for 12 months when considering a person'southward eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and monthly SSI payment corporeality.
  • >Social Security does not count EIPs and certain other disaster assistance confronting a person'southward eligibility for SSI or SSI amount.

Delight visit our spider web page, Economical Impact Payments, Kid Tax Credits, and Other Refundable Tax Credits, to larn how to claim monthly CTC payments and missing EIPs. Nosotros provide convenient links to the new Non-Filer Sign-upwards Tool likewise.

Please remember that SSA does non procedure, and cannot answer questions about, revenue enhancement credits and EIPs. We want your clients to receive all the coin their family unit deserves. That includes challenge the CTC and missing EIPs and applying for SSI knowing the CTC and EIPs will not bear on your eligibility as described above.

Update - Social Security Forms Bachelor for Online Submission

Appointment: September 1, 2021

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

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

Equally a reminder, the SSA-455 – Disability Update Study – which provides united states of america with information we need to determine if a beneficiary is however disabled – is also available online.

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

The 2021 Social Security Trustees Report Is Out Now

Date: Baronial 31, 2021

Today, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the long-term financial status 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 go depleted in 2057, with 91% of benefits still payable.

To learn more, please read our printing release.

Online Nib Pay Option for Repaying Overpayments

Date: August 26, 2021

In January 2021, nosotros shared with you data on Pay.gov, a secure, online service provided by the Section of the Treasury. Pay.gov allows some individuals who have an overpayment debt to repay their overpayment online. This service is but available to people who are not currently receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments.

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

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

  • Use the banking company or financial institution's online bill payment pick and search for "Social Security Administration" as the payee;
  • Enter the Remittance ID plant on the billing detect 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 U.s.: National Disability Forum on Equity in SSA Programs: Subconscious Barriers

Date: August 24, 2021

We cordially invite you to participate in Social Security'due south next National Disability Forum on Equity in SSA Programs: Hidden Barriers. The forum is on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 via Microsoft Teams from 10:00 a.m. to three:00 p.m. ET with an 60 minutes lunch break from 12:00 p.grand. to 1:00 p.one thousand. ET.

The purpose of the forum is to hear from stakeholders, advocates, claimants, representatives, and the public almost the President's Executive Social club On "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government" and our programs. The morning session volition focus on identifying potential barriers in SSA programs and steps SSA tin take to address those barriers. The afternoon session will focus on equity in claimant representation.

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

Afternoon Session i:00 p.thousand. – iii:00 p.thousand. ET - Equity in Claimant Representation

To participate in the forum, please annals by Mon, September xiii, 2021. We hope yous can bring together us and wait forward to your participation. To acquire more near the National Disability Forum, please visit www.ssa.gov/ndf/.

USCIS Class I-485 Allows Applicants to Request a New or Replacement Social Security Card

Date: August 18, 2021

In collaboration with the Social Security Assistants (SSA), the U.South. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised Course I-485, Awarding to Annals Permanent Residence of Adjust Status, to include boosted questions that allow applicants to likewise utilize for an original or replacement Social Security card without visiting a Social Security role.

Previously, applicants who were granted lawful permanent resident status needed to submit additional paperwork in person at their local Social Security office to obtain a new or replacement Social Security card. This one-terminate service reduces the brunt on the applicant.

Afterward approving Class I-485, USCIS will electronically transmit the data to us. Once we receive the information, the system automatically assigns an SSN or bug a replacement card, every bit advisable. This partnership with the USCIS will not increase the filing fee for Form I-485.

Applicants who receive their Grade I-551, Permanent Resident Card (likewise known as Green Carte) from USCIS should receive their Social Security bill of fare from usa within the following 2 weeks.

This process is in back up of our ongoing Enumeration Beyond Entry collaboration with USCIS. USCIS went through a similar process with u.s.a. in 2017 with Course I-765, Awarding for Employment Potency.

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

60 Million my Social Security Accounts

Date: Baronial xvi, 2021

Final month, we hit an incredible milestone with the 60 millionth person creating their own my Social Security account.

Creating a my Social Security accounts benefit can benefit anyone. You can admission your business relationship deeply and safely from your internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone, in many cases preventing the need to come up in to an part in person!

Those non currently receiving benefits can:

  • 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 first receiving benefits.
  • Utilise for retirement benefits when they are gear up.
  • Check the status of their Social Security application.

Those receiving benefits can:

  • Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.
  • Asking a replacement Social Security or Medicare carte.
  • Set up or change direct deposit.
  • Change their accost.
  • Get a replacement Social Security 1099 grade (SSA-1099).
  • Opt-out of certain mailed notices.

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

Pandemic Relief and Supplemental Security Income

Appointment: Baronial thirteen, 2021

We recently changed our rules about what financial assistance can bear on an individual'south eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or monthly SSI payment amount. Ordinarily, we consider any item an individual receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet his or her need for food or shelter income. By and large, the more than countable income someone has, the less their SSI monthly payment volition be. If their countable income is over the allowable limit, they cannot receive SSI payments. However, due to the COVID-nineteen pandemic, nosotros no longer count most types of pandemic-related financial assistance confronting eligibility or payment amount. This includes:

  • Economic Impact Payments (EIP)
  • Land Stimulus Payments (Some exclusions may utilize.)
  • Unemployment Assist (also includes regular unemployment)
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Loan Forgiveness to Employers and Cocky-Employed Individuals
  • Coronavirus Food Assistance Programme – Direct Payments to Farmers and Ranchers
  • Emergency Rental Assistance Fund
  • Emergency Help for Rural Housing/Rural Rental Assist
  • Homeowner Aid 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 financial aid that no longer counts against SSI eligibility or SSI payment amount is bachelor at Coronavirus Disease (COVID-xix) | SSA.

To address situations where an private's SSI application was denied, or their payment amount was reduced by receiving aid, we are reviewing SSI claims and other SSI records going back to the kickoff of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect our review volition accept several months to complete. In most cases, if an private'south payment amount was affected, and nosotros practice not demand any additional data, we will automatically restore their SSI payments. If we need to have a new SSI application or need whatever additional information, we will mail service a letter of the alphabet explaining what is needed. Individuals do not need to call our offices unless they have moved and need to update their accost. They can observe the phone number to their local office by accessing our office locator.

Input on Equity in SSA Programs: Subconscious Barriers

Date: Baronial eleven, 2021

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

Below are some sample questions.

  • Are you aware of whatever unique needs for people of colour and other underserved communities that we should consider when evaluating our programs? If so, how can we meet these needs?
  • How tin can we help underserved communities and their members overcome barriers they may meet when enrolling in and accessing benefits?
  • Are there incentives or other changes yous advise for encouraging attorney and not-attorney representation for claimants of color and other underserved communities?

You tin provide input on the Appoint SSA from at present until Friday, August xx, 2021. Delight come across the Engage SSA guide for details on using the site.

Social Security Liaisons Assistance Partner Organizations to Help Vulnerable Populations

Appointment: June xxx, 2021

We accept been working with claimant advocate groups to identify new means in which we can improve admission to our services for the near vulnerable populations. We accept heady news that nosotros have designated a new position to work with organizations in local communities to help oft-underserved individuals.

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

This is a tremendous opportunity for a partner arrangement to have directly access to a Social Security employee to help their clients. Already more than 560 organizations accept committed to helping have and submit claims, and more than 600 organizations take agreed to help plant a atomic number 82.

Agreeing to aid us take claims is an of import pledge and we are committed to providing tools and cognition to help yous. We created several videos and presentations that we will nowadays in virtual preparation, answer your questions, and share resources with you afterward your training. These resources include our new electronic, fillable Supplemental Security Income applications (SSA-8000 and SSA-8001 forms).

Together, we can do more to help our nation'due south about vulnerable populations. Please accomplish out to the Social Security Regional Communications Director for your state to larn more and sign up to be a partner organization. We look forward to partnering with you.

Tiptop 10 Infant Names 2020

Date: May 7, 2021

Today we released last twelvemonth'southward Top x baby names! This is our annual list of the almost popular baby names based on Social Security number applications from 2020.

To find out which names made this twelvemonth's list, visit our babe names folio.

Tell U.s.a. Your Ideas – Asking for Information Published in the Federal Register

Date: Apr 22, 2021

Nosotros are seeking your input to guide our evidence-building activities and inquiry every bit we develop our Fiscal Years 2022-2026 Learning Agenda, an testify-building plan specified in the Foundations for Evidence-Based Human activity of 2018. The Learning Agenda will identify priority questions relevant to agency programs, policies, and regulations, and it will describe the data and methods that we will use to develop the priority questions.

Priority questions cover a multifariousness of topics and could include specific questions related to: service commitment methods; the way the agency communicates with beneficiaries, stakeholders, and the public; the way we administer our programs; changes to regulations, policies, and procedures; programme stewardship; or other areas that yous believe we should explore.

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

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

New Musculoskeletal Disorders Listings and Oft Asked Questions

Appointment: April 21, 2021

On December 3, 2020, SSA published a Concluding Rule entitled Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Disorders, which went into effect Apr 2, 2021. Prior to this rule going into outcome, nosotros held a telephone call with stakeholders and released a certificate of frequently asked questions and corresponding answers. During our benign conversation, we agreed to have dorsum additional questions for response. Stemming from the 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 begin at question 21.

Join U.s.a. – Lessons Learned from SSA Demonstrations Country-of-the-Science Meeting

Date: April 19, 2021

We invite y'all to attend a full-day virtual event to discuss lessons learned from past tests of policies and programs to improve casher work outcomes and directions for futurity inquiry. The event is on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, from ix:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET. Annals for the Lessons Learned from SSA Demonstrations Country-of-the-Science Meeting.

Over the past several decades, SSA has tested new policies and programs to ameliorate work outcomes for beneficiaries. These demonstrations have addressed topics including family unit supports, children, advisory notices, changes to benefit calculations, and more.

At this event, over xxx leading disability and social policy researchers and experts will come together to nowadays and hash out lessons learned about which policies, programs, and other operational decisions could provide effective supports for inability beneficiaries who want to piece of work.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity.

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

Bring together Us – National Disability Forum on COVID-nineteen and SSA Programs - Mental Health Furnishings on Adults and Children

Appointment: April 1, 2021

We cordially invite you to participate in Social Security's adjacent National Inability Forum on COVID-19 and SSA Programs: Mental Health Effects on Adults and Children. The forum is on Thursday, Apr 15, 2021 and will exist held via teleconference from i:00 p.m. to 3:thirty p.1000. ET.

The purpose for this forum is to hear from medical professionals, researchers and academia about the mental health effects of COVID-19. The console will explore the furnishings of COVID-19 on adults, addressing isolation, job loss, function, and their ability to work. Children are also affected; the panel will hash out isolation, lack of educational structure, interruption in special education services, associated declines in school performance, and how mental health affects a kid'southward ability to succeed.

Please register online by Tuesday, Apr 13, 2021, if you lot wish to participate.

We hope y'all can join united states and we expect forward to your participation. To learn more than, you may go to the National Disability Forum website.

Social Security Course 1696 – Claimant'south Date of A Representative Tin At present Be Submitted Online

Date: March 26, 2021

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

The online form does not crave downloading of any awarding or software. It must exist completed, signed, and submitted to us within five calendar days after initiated. The prospective representative will need to provide the following information in the form:

  • Their own email address;
  • A valid e-mail accost for their client; and
  • A countersign 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 grade.

Adobe Sign will and then notify the claimant via email that the course is gear up for them to review, consummate, and sign online. The claimant volition access the form using the password provided by the prospective representative, complete their designated sections, electronically sign, date, and submit the grade.

Please note, the representative and claimant have five calendar days from when the prospective representative starts the process for both parties to sign, complete, and submit the form. Both parties volition receive a link to access the completed form and can download a copy for their records.

You also can go to the form at the Representing Social Security Claimants page past selecting the Begin e1696 push button. We yet accept submissions in the iAppeals and Electronic Records Limited (ERE) portals, and paper submissions via mail, fax, and eFax.

Of import Update on Secondary Evidence

Date: March 24, 2021

Nosotros are now temporarily allowing U.S. citizens to mail service in an original or certified secondary identity certificate with their newspaper Social Security number (SSN) application (SS-five) if they cannot asking a replacement SSN carte online. Normally, we require an applicant to submit a State issued driver'due south license (DL) or identity card or U.S. passport with their replacement card request. We refer to these documents as primary identity documents considering they are the highest quality for providing identity.

At present, applicants can send documents we consider secondary, just still come across our actuality requirements. Examples of adequate secondary identity documents include:

  • U.S. diplomatic passport;
  • War machine identification card;
  • Certificate of Naturalization;
  • Certificate of Citizenship;
  • U.S. Indian Tribal ID carte;
  • Final adoption prescript;
  • Certified copy of medical record;
  • Health Insurance or U.S. Medicaid card;
  • School identity carte du jour or certified copy of school record;
  • Life insurance policy with biographical information; and
  • Marriage document.

You tin can read a full list of additional acceptable secondary level identity documents.

Merely U.Due south. citizens who must request replacement cards by postal service while our offices remain closed to walk-in traffic can apply secondary identity evidence. While we offer alternative methods to utilise for a replacement SSN card, some U.S. citizens' merely bachelor option is to apply by mail service, including those who are:

  • Non eligible to apply our online no-alter replacement SSN card application;
  • Unable to access the appropriate technology; or
  • Not eligible for a prioritized SSN replacement card appointment because they do non crave a change or correction (e.g., proper name, appointment of birth or citizenship) because of an income, resource, medical care or coverage, or other service or do good demand (e.chiliad., filing a tax return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment).

We are simply accepting secondary bear witness for express situations enabling united states to help meet high demand for replacement cards without requiring U.S. citizens to post important documentation.

Invitation to Partner with SSA to Reach Vulnerable Populations During COVID-xix

Appointment: March 19, 2021

Please join us for a national briefing call to learn how your system tin help the states evangelize critical financial assistance to vulnerable populations during COVID-nineteen. The phone call is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2021, from one:00 p.thousand. – two:00 p.m. ET.

Many people continue to feel COVID-19-related hardships, especially those who cannot conduct concern via telephone, the cyberspace, or who often require third-party assistance.

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

The demand for your assistance could not be greater. We remain unable to accommodate walk-in visitors to our offices for the rubber of both our employees and the public. At the same fourth dimension, nosotros accept seen reduced filings for SSI and SSDI benefits. With your aid, nosotros will enhance our ability to connect more eligible people to benefits, including people with depression-income, express English proficiency, facing homelessness, or with mental illness.

Please register online past Wednesday, March 24, 2021 to participate to larn how you lot can brand another positive difference in your community. We also encourage you to share this invitation through your networks. After registering, yous will receive a follow-up email with the meeting calendar and call-in number. Y'all will also receive all of the outreach resource that nosotros will cover on the phone call.

If yous have whatsoever questions virtually this call, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.

A New Secure Option to receive Inability Instance Documents

Date: March 11, 2021

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

This new process allows claimants with a my Social Security account to receive a PDF containing their case documents. To enable this option, claimants must contact the local office, hearings office, or Appeals Council co-operative where their instance is pending to asking the file. Next, claimants should turn on notifications in their my Social Security account Message Heart 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 have an overpayment debt can now repay their overpayment online. They can make a full or partial payment using a credit carte, debit card, or depository financial institution account, using Pay.gov, a secure, online service provided by the Section of the Treasury. Just 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 information. The notice also includes a new Remittance ID, a 10-digit alphanumeric number that the debtor will apply, in lieu of his or her Social Security number, when making an online payment.

To make a payment, people should follow these steps:

  • Use the link in their billing notice or visit Pay.gov and enter 'Social Security' in the search box;
  • Enter the Remittance ID number establish on their billing notice and repayment amount;
  • Enter their proper noun, address, and telephone number in required fields; and
  • Follow the remaining prompts to consummate their payment.

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

Please join us for the 2nd National "Slam the Scam" Day on March iv, 2021!

Appointment: March 1, 2021

National "Slam the Scam" Twenty-four hours is an outreach campaign to enhance public awareness of government imposter telephone scams. This is function of National Consumer Protection Week, February 28 – March 6, 2021.

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

Our consumer protection message is uncomplicated:

  • Hang up on suspicious calls from "regime 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
  • Report other scams to the Federal Trade Committee

Visit our Office of the Inspector General's 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 age group and earnings situation. They tin help you better empathise Social Security programs and benefits.

The fact sheets cover:

  • Retirement planning for four different historic period groups (Ages xviii-48, 49-60, 61-69 and seventy+).
  • Four earnings related fact sheets for:
    • Workers with not-covered earnings who may be discipline to the Windfall Elimination Provision/Government Alimony Offset;
    • Workers who are not fully insured;
    • Workers with an intermittent work history; and
    • New workers.
  • Medicare planning.

The fact sheets help educate workers virtually Social Security then they can brand informed decisions based on their specific situation.

Visit our Social Security Statement page to learn more.

Important Update Regarding Online Video Hearings

Appointment: December ii, 2020

Nosotros announced on September 3, 2020, a new selection for people awaiting a hearing. In addition to telephone hearings, we will brainstorm offering claimants the pick to participate in an online video hearing using the Microsoft Teams platform. Beginning in December 2020, we will ship special notices that explain hearing options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mailing will include a form where the claimant tin can concord to a telephone hearing, online video hearing, or both.

This new, complimentary service will allow claimants and their representatives to participate in the hearing from anywhere they accept access to a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer and access to the net. This stable and secure online platform allows the authoritative constabulary judge to see and interact with claimants and their representatives just similar an in-person hearing, while maintaining privacy. Other hearing witnesses, such as medical or vocational experts, may participate past phone merely.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of finding new ways to serve the public," said Commissioner of Social Security Andrew Saul. "For over a decade, the agency has used video hearings to go applicants their hearing decisions sooner. This advancement builds on that effort, making information technology easier and more than convenient to attend a hearing remotely, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To continue to ensure all participants' condom, we wait online video hearings and telephone hearings will exist the simply two hearing options for the foreseeable futurity."

Read the latest news about online video hearings at our Hearings and Appeals page. To learn more almost hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our Coronavirus page.

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

Engagement: Nov 23, 2020

my Social Security now offers a wider range of features and benefits for both beneficiaries and those non receiving benefits.

Beneficiaries will go on to get information tailored to them, and can print a benefit verification letter and SSA-1099, change their address and direct deposit information, request a replacement Social Security menu, and more.

Someone not receiving benefits now has more reasons to use my Social Security. In addition to being able to request a replacement Social Security card, view their Social Security Statement, and detect out if they are eligible to receive retirement benefits, they can now view the benefits they could receive based on their spouse'south record. If they are eligible to receive retirement benefits, they tin can too view their retirement benefit estimates at different ages or dates when they want to kickoff receiving benefits, calculate the benefit their spouse could receive based on their record, and more. When they are ready, they can start the benefit awarding procedure online.

If they take a claim pending, they can also check their claim status with their personal my Social Security business relationship.

Remember my Social Security is not just for people receiving benefits. We encourage y'all to plan for you lot future and manage your present by visiting my Social Security.

An Important Update most Statutory Benefit Continuation Election

Date: November 12, 2020

We have experienced delays in processing certain requests for reconsideration of initial disability cessation determinations (including historic period-18 redeterminations) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We will accept this delay as a practiced reason to go along (or resume) benefits when your clients file a late asking and the post-obit employ:

  • The conclusion notice ending your client's inability benefits (discover of cessation) is dated on or before August 30, 2020; and
  • Your customer's request for reconsideration of the cessation determination is withal pending with usa.

Visit our COVID-19 page to learn more.

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

Date: November 6, 2020

You lot are invited to nourish Social Security'south next National Disability Forum on COVID-19 and SSA Programs: Long-Term Wellness Furnishings. The forum is on Wed, November 18, 2020 and will be held via teleconference from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.thou. ET.

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

Delight register online past Monday, Nov 16, 2020, if you wish to participate.

We hope you can join us and we look forrard to your participation. To learn more, you may get to the National Disability Forum website.

New Online Option for the Disability Update Report (Class SSA-455)

Engagement: November 4, 2020

We are making it easier for people who receive Social Security inability benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments to submit their Disability Update Written report online. This course is completed periodically past some beneficiaries for their Continuing Disability Review (CDR). The law requires us to complete a CDR to determine if a beneficiary still has a disabling status. Admission the SSA-455 online form.

Your Client May Be Eligible for an In-Person Appointment

Engagement: October 27, 2020

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

Though walk-in service is not available, nosotros may be able to schedule an in-person appointment in certain situations. Nosotros take updated data on our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-nineteen) spider web page to explicate situations involving help with benefits or a Social Security number when we may be able to schedule an engagement. If you believe your customer qualifies for an in-person appointment, ask your client to call their local office. They can look upward the phone number for their local role by accessing our office locator. Please annotation that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and condom weather and staffing. An in-person appointment may be possible if your client:

  • Is without food or shelter, including utilities or is without medical care or coverage and needs to apply for or reinstate benefits.
  • Currently receives benefits and has an urgent demand for payment to meet expenses for nutrient, shelter, or medical treatment, and cannot receive the payment electronically.
  • Is age 12 or older applying for their outset SSN card.
  • Needs to update or correct their SSN data (e.g., name, engagement of birth, or citizenship) to obtain income, resource, or medical care or coverage, or other services or benefits (e.one thousand., filing a tax render, applying for housing, seeking an Economic Touch on Payment).

Please visit and subscribe to our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) web folio to keep up to date during the pandemic.

An Important Find Regarding Transition Historic period Youth!

Appointment: October 19, 2020

Today Social Security released a observe to more than 340,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients betwixt the ages of xiv and 17 (transition-aged youth) and their developed representatives to help them identify policies and other resources to help youth in their transition to adulthood. These mailings include a observe introducing our almanac informational publication, What Y'all Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (Publication No. 05-11005). Caregivers are encouraged to review it with the child, if possible.

This publication helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life. Information technology provides information about SSI piece of work incentives primarily affecting youth, as well as data nearly common programs, services, and supports that parents, guardians, and youth may discover helpful.

Specific programs covered include:

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

The publication tin be obtained from the agency's publication website in both English and Spanish versions.

Nosotros Want to Hear From Yous!

Appointment: October fourteen, 2020

The Office of Management and Upkeep (OMB) is leading a multi-agency effort to understand how the services the federal government provides are part of a broader customer journey.

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

The survey is anonymous, though you have the option to share an electronic mail address if y'all are interested and willing to arrange an interview to discuss further. You can visit 2020 Federal Customer Experience Journey Mapping Projects to learn more about this important project, including how OMB volition use the data participants provide.

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

Engagement: October xiii, 2020

In 2021, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately 70 million Americans will increase by 1.three percent.

Visit our blog for more than details about the COLA increase.

Important Find Regarding Direct Fee Payments

Date: October 8, 2020

On Oct five, 2020, we published a Detect in the Federal Register on the requirement for representatives who asking direct fee payment to submit all evidence electronically to the Office of Hearings Operations or Appeals Quango for inability cases that take an electronic binder. We will apply the notice commencement on November 4, 2020, 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

The requirement eliminates the need for our staff to process evidence manually and associates it with the right claims folder, promotes authoritative efficiency, reduces the amount of paper prove that requires concrete handling and processing past our employees and contractors, and minimizes errors that may occur through transmission processing. While we planned to consequence this new requirement prior to the electric current COVID-xix national public health emergency, pursuing it now is even more critical because contactless transmission of evidence limits the need to handle documents manually.

This requirement volition not use directly to claimants or to representatives who are ineligible for or do not request direct fee payment- they may continue to submit evidence via not-electronic means, but nosotros strongly encourage all parties to employ electronic methods for efficiency reasons. The requirement for direct pay representatives constitutes an affirmative duty under 20 CFR 404.1740(b) (four) and 416.1540(b) (4). We may investigate to make up one's mind if representatives accept violated this duty if they fail to attach to this requirement. Yet, we volition non reject or filibuster 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 evidence electronically. In these situations, nosotros will consider the representative's individual circumstances.

Important Update for Appointed Representatives!

Date: September 24, 2020

Starting September 19, 2020, we added the power for Appointed Representatives (ARs) to admission their cases pending at the initial and afterthought levels, including continuing inability review cases. ARs tin can now view these documents in the Disability Related Evolution and Medical Bear witness sections of the eFolder. These are sections Due east and F, respectively.

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

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

The Office of Hearings Operations will go along the electric current process of enrolling ARs who have cases awaiting at the hearings or appeals levels. ARs who only have cases pending 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 information 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, nosotros took unprecedented measures to protect both the public and our employees.  These measures included closing our more 1,400 field and hearing offices to in-person service; allowing our employees to piece of work remotely; and pausing certain actions that could have resulted in a continued reduction, suspension, or termination of benefits or payments under titles II, VIII, or XVI of the Social Security Act (Deed).

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

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

At the same time, we proceed to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic may give rise to circumstances that may constitute good crusade for missing an appeal borderline or failing to announced at a scheduled hearing.  On August 31, 2020, nosotros provided guidance to hearings offices that administrative police judges may resume issuing dismissals for belatedly-filing of a hearing or failure to appear at a hearing.

To ensure hearing offices are appropriately issuing these types of dismissals (late filing or failure to announced at a hearing), hearing offices will at present develop the record for good cause past issuing a Asking to Show Crusade for Tardily Filing or Failure to Appear notice.

This added step provides one more opportunity, beyond our COVID-nineteen emergency procedures, for claimants to provide practiced crusade for failure to meet filing deadlines or to announced at their phone hearings.  In add-on to this added pace for tardily-filing/failure-to-appear dismissals, we accept temporarily expanded our traditional in-line quality reviews of hearing dispositions to focus on ensuring that dismissals are policy-compliant.