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Upcoming Changes to Social Security in 2022

Upcoming Changes to Social Security in 2022

Published by ssoffice On October 18, 2021

Upcoming Changes to Social Security in 2022 Social Security has provided a financial foundation for our nation’s retired employees since it was enacted into law in 1935. More than 65 million Americans receive a monthly check today, with retired employees accounting for 72 percent of the total. In addition, the program lifts nearly 22 million people out of poverty each year. What is going to happen to Beneficiaries? The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022 came in at 5.9%, which all 65 million or so recipients were hoping to hear. In simpler terms, this means that at the start of January, all recipients will experience a 5.9% increase in their monthly payments. According to the Social Security Administration, this amounts to a $92 monthly boost for the average retired worker, bringing their total monthly income to $1,657. Overall, this 5.9% “increase” is the largest for Social Security recipients since 1983, and… Read more »

Social Security Fraud Calls & Scams – ALERT SSA Fraud Phone Calls On The Rise

Published by ssoffice On February 17, 2020

Inspector General Warns About New Twist To Social Security Fraud Phone Call Scams Social Security phone call scams are the #1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. Over the past year, these scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Latest Twist To Social Security Fraud Scams ***WARNING*** Telephone scammers may send fake documents by email to convince victims to comply with their demands. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of victims who received emails with attached letters and reports that appeared to be from Social Security or Social Security OIG. The letters may use official letterhead and government “jargon” to convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings and grammar mistakes. This is the latest variation on Social Security phone scams, which continue to… Read more »

!!ALERT!! Social Security Phone Scams 2019

Published by ssoffice On October 28, 2019

Please be aware that there has been a significant rise in “Social Security Phone Scams” in 2019. Fraudsters are calling individuals with a variety of claims in an effort to people to divulge private information such as Social Security Numbers. Other phone scams claim that individuals are in trouble with an agency such as the police or IRS in an attempt to scare people into divulging private information or even sending money to resolve the “issue”. WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RECENT SOCIAL SECURITY PHONE SCAMS IN 2019 *** IT IS GOOD PRACTICE TO NEVER GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION (SSN) OR SEND MONEY TO ANYONE THAT HAS MADE AN UNSOLICITED PHONE CALL TO YOU. ***

How to: Change or Sign Up for Direct Deposit – Video

Published by ssoffice On October 28, 2019

If you receive Social Security benefits and have a bank account, starting or changing your direct deposit information is quick, secure, and easy with a my Social Security account. Learn more at http://ow.ly/hxOr30o1WhT

How to: Open a my Social Security Account – Video

Published by ssoffice On October 28, 2019

my Social Security is a secure account that puts you in control with access to your information anytime, anywhere. Setting up an account is quick, secure, and easy at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

How to: Change your address – Video

Published by ssoffice On October 28, 2019

If you are moving and receive Social Security benefits, changing your address is quick, secure, and easy with a my Social Security account. Learn more at http://ow.ly/c5cJ30o1Wns.

How To: Report Your Wages to Social Security – Video

Published by ssoffice On October 28, 2019

If you are a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) beneficiary, it is important to report your wages to Social Security. This process is quick, secure, and easy with a my Social Security account. Simply log into your account at http://ow.ly/bvHS30o1Vql.

How To: Get a Benefit Verification Letter – Video

Published by ssoffice On October 28, 2019

Do you know how to get an income verification letter or benefit verification letter from Social Security? Just log in to my Social Security to get instant access to your benefit verification letter. Learn more at http://ow.ly/M8JQ30o1W46.

Will I Still Receive Disability Benefits After My Trial Work Period Ends?

Published by ssoffice On June 29, 2018

Once an applicant is approved to receive Social Security disability benefits, they might try to go back to work. A trial work period is given by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to those who are taking home benefit checks to encourage them to go back into the job market. A trial work period spans for a complete 9 months. During this window, designated applicants will still receive a monthly check by the SSA, but once the trial work period has ended your benefits may be suspended. Keep in mind, a trial work period spans for 9 months, yet only the months where you bring home more than $850 a month contributes toward your trial work period. This number is evaluated and adjusted each year by the SSA. So it is important that you verify your salary before beginning any form of work. Also, the months that contribute to your trial… Read more »

What You Need To Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits

Published by ssoffice On June 28, 2018

How Does The Social Security Administration Define A Disability? If you wish to qualify to earn Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the following criteria: Your condition must be considered severe. Not every condition is automatically viewed as severe. While severity is somewhat subjective, the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically distinguishes severe from non-severe by determining if the condition substantially impairs someone’s ability to complete normal daily tasks. This is measured in adults by evaluating their ability to complete work requirements. Whereas in children, the SSA evaluates their ability to complete daily tasks that otherwise healthy same age children should be able to perform. Your condition has to last at least one year or result in death. 12 months is the minimum duration that a condition must last to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSA). If your condition is considered severe and disabling but… Read more »

Q: What is Social Security and how does it work?

Social Security is a federal government program in the United States that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals. Workers pay Social Security taxes during their working years, and the taxes collected are used to pay benefits to current recipients.

Q: Who is eligible to receive Social Security benefits?

Generally, individuals who have paid into the Social Security system for at least 10 years are eligible to receive retirement benefits. In addition, individuals who are disabled or the survivors of a deceased worker may also be eligible for benefits.

Q: How do I apply for Social Security benefits in ?

You can apply for Social Security benefits online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. To apply, you will need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number and employment history.

Q: What types of benefits does Social Security offer?

Social Security offers retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits. Retirement benefits are paid to eligible individuals who have reached a certain age and have worked for a certain number of years. Disability benefits are paid to eligible individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Survivor benefits are paid to eligible family members of a deceased worker.

Q: How are Social Security benefits calculated?

Social Security benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings. The Social Security Administration calculates your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is used to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA), or the amount you would receive at full retirement age.

Q: Can I receive Social Security benefits and work at the same time?

Yes, you can receive Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you have not reached full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than a certain amount per year.

Q: What happens to my Social Security benefits if I continue to work past retirement age?

If you continue to work past full retirement age, your Social Security benefits will not be reduced, regardless of how much you earn.

Q: What is the full retirement age for Social Security?

The full retirement age for Social Security depends on the year you were born. For individuals born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. For individuals born before 1960, the full retirement age is lower.

Q: How do I qualify for disability benefits from Social Security ?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You must also have paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years.

Q: What is the maximum Social Security benefit amount?

The maximum Social Security benefit amount depends on the year you retire and your earnings history. In 2022, the maximum monthly benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age is $3,895.

Q: Will Social Security be there for me when I retire?

Social Security is projected to be able to pay out benefits at current levels until 2034. After that, if no changes are made, the program is projected to be able to pay out only about 78% of scheduled benefits.

Q: How is Social Security funded?

Social Security is funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. In 2022, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for employees and 6.2% for employers, for a total of 12.4%.

Q: Can I collect Social Security benefits from my ex-spouse?

Yes, you may be able to collect Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record if you were married for at least 10 years and you are currently unmarried.

Q: What is the Windfall Elimination Provision and how does it affect my Social Security benefits?

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) affects individuals who receive a pension from a job that did not pay Social Security taxes, such as certain government jobs. The WEP reduces the amount of Social Security benefits that these individuals are eligible to receive.

Q: How do Social Security benefits differ for widows and widowers?

Widows and widowers may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on their deceased spouse's earnings record. The amount of the benefit depends on various factors, including the deceased spouse's earnings history and the age at which the survivor begins receiving benefits.

Q: How does Social Security handle inflation?

Social Security benefits are adjusted for inflation each year based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

Q: How does the Social Security Administration prevent fraud?

The Social Security Administration uses various measures to prevent fraud, including verifying identity, monitoring for unusual activity, and investigating suspicious claims.

Q: What happens to my Social Security benefits if I move to another country?

If you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident and you move to another country, you may still be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements, and the amount of the benefit may be affected.

Q: Can my Social Security benefits be garnished?

Social Security benefits are protected from most types of garnishment, including creditor judgments and bankruptcy proceedings. However, certain types of debts, such as child support and federal taxes, may be able to be garnished from Social Security benefits.

Q: How can I check my Social Security earnings record and benefit estimates?

You can check your Social Security earnings record and benefit estimates by creating an online account on the Social Security Administration's website, or by requesting a statement by mail or phone. It is important to regularly review your earnings record to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.

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In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This new federal legislature started the collecting of taxes in 1937. Since then, working citizens across the United States began paying into social security in order to have a form of guaranteed income once they reached retirement age.

The Social Security Act was initially meant to be a form of basic retirement for working individuals. However, in 1939, an amendment was made to the act that allowed spouses and/or children to begin receiving social security survivor benefits if a parent or spouse was deceased and qualified for social security income.