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Expansion of Representative Call Center (RCC) Services

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are excited to announce the expansion of services provided by the Representative Call Center (RCC) to better support the attorney and non-attorney representative community (ARNARC). Originally established within Processing Center (PC) 7, the RCC served as a dedicated phone line for representatives to address claimant payment issues and expedite case actions pending in PC 7. With this expansion, the RCC model will be used to assist with cases pending across all PCs.

Representatives can now call the RCC at 877-626-6363, regardless of which PC the case is pending in, and the calls will be automatically routed to the appropriate PC based on the claimant’s age and Social Security Number range. This improved functionality, made possible by transitioning to the Amazon Web Services Connect platform, offers advanced automated call routing, Interactive Voice Response, and seamless direct transfers—ensuring faster and more efficient service delivery.

The RCC will remain a single point of contact for the ARNARC, allowing technicians to perform tasks such as:

• Issuing Notices of Award,
• Processing attorney payments, and
• Releasing past-due benefits during calls.

Calls that require further development will be documented and sent to the appropriate processing division for follow-up. To maintain security, technicians will continue to authenticate all callers by reviewing Forms SSA-1696 and SSA-3288 and verifying responses to at least seven identifying questions.

This expansion enhances efficiency, strengthens communication with the representative community, and ensures timely resolution of claimant and payment-related inquiries.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Frank Barry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Customer Service
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Simplified SSI Application Now Available Online

Date: Monday, December 16, 2024

Dear Colleague,

An online application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is now available for some adults, making the application process easier. The SSI program provides critical financial assistance to people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. Earlier this year, as part of our commitment to improving access to our benefit programs, we announced a multi-year approach to simplify the disability application process and improve access for those who may be eligible.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Monthly Information Package – New Articles!

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We updated our Monthly Information Package (MIP) repository with new articles. The MIP is a compilation of articles about Social Security programs, services, and initiatives in English and Spanish that you can share with your members and colleagues. We recommend sharing the articles through channels like electronic newsletters, email blasts, and print periodicals. For the author, please use Social Security Administration.

If you post an article, please let us know or share the link by emailing OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov!

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Check Out our New Toolkits!

Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are excited to announce the release of two new toolkits to help increase awareness of our benefit programs.

School Professionals Toolkit

The Social Security Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments for Children: A Guide for School Professionals Toolkit increases awareness about benefits for students, children with disabilities, and foster youth. The toolkit includes information about:

• Eligibility requirements;
• Types of evidence we need from teachers and other school professionals;
• How to apply; and
• Benefits for students in foster care.

Survivors Benefits Toolkit

The Social Security Survivors Benefits Toolkit – A Guide for Organizations increases awareness about benefits for survivors after the loss of a family member. This toolkit includes information about:

• Eligibility requirements;
• Types of evidence we need; and
• How to apply.

We also released YouTube videos about How Social Security Survivors Benefits Work and a personal testimony about how survivors benefits can support families.

Both toolkits include ready-to-go communications, which you can use to help raise awareness, including a sample email blast or newsletter article and social media posts.

Please share these resources with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. If you are interested in having us speak to your clients to learn more about our benefit programs and answer questions, please go to our Ask For A Speaker page.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA Talks: Recognize and Report Scams

Date: Monday, December 2, 2024

Dear Colleague,

To learn more about government imposter scams, check out our latest episode of SSA Talks!

In this episode, Rebecca Rose, Senior Public Affairs Specialist in SSA’s Office of the Inspector General, discusses the tactics scammers use and where to report them. Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam.

This episode also features Kate Kleinert, a widow who lost $39,000 to a romance scam.

Visit our SSA Talks page to listen to this and previous episodes.

Remember to subscribe to SSA Talks today to receive notifications of future episodes and share them with your network!

We appreciate your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

View our New and Updated Overpayment Waiver Policies!

Date: Monday, November 25, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We have made updates to our overpayment waiver process to ensure fairer outcomes and reduce administrative hurdles.

Recent changes:

• Deciding fault: We begin from a neutral position when determining fault and must thoroughly document the evidence that established an individual was at fault for causing an overpayment.
• Presumed Inability to Repay: For people receiving benefits from specific means-tested programs, we will presume an inability to repay an overpayment without requiring documentation of income, resources, or expenses. These programs include:
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Means-tested programs from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicare Part D Extra Help
• Expanded Poverty-Level Criteria: We will also presume an inability to repay for people with household income at 150 percent or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and resources within the established limits.

Additionally, we’ve made significant updates to our financial criteria:

• Increased Resource Limits: We raised the resource limits from $3,000 for one person and $5,000 for a couple (plus $600 per additional dependent) to $6,000 for one person and $10,000 for a couple (plus $1,200 per additional dependent).
• Expanded Vehicle Exclusions: Households can now exclude two vehicles—or three in certain situations—from their resources. Previously, only one vehicle (or two in special circumstances) was excluded.
• Increased Income-Expense Margin: We now consider people unable to repay an overpayment if their resources are within established limits and income does not exceed their ordinary and necessary household expenses by more than $250 per month, up from the previous margin of $55.

These updates reflect our commitment to improving service and ensuring the waiver process remains both fair and accessible. For more information about these updates, please visit our POMS Recent Changes webpage.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, and affiliates.

Sincerely,

Erik N. Jones
Senior Agency Official for Overpayment Review
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

An Important Update on Manner of Appearance

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Dear Colleague,

On August 26, 2024, the Federal Register published the final rule, "Setting the Manner of Appearance of Parties and Witnesses at Hearings."

This rule, which is effective on November 23, 2024, updates the ways that claimants may attend their administrative law judge (ALJ) hearings. Specifically, the final rule adds telephone (which will be called “audio”) and online video as standard ways for claimants to attend a hearing.

Overview of Final Rule

Under the final rule, we may schedule claimants to appear at their hearings in 1 of 4 ways: audio, agency video, online video, or in person.

• An audio appearance, formerly a "telephone" appearance, is defined as an appearance by telephone or similar audio-based technology in a private location the claimant chooses. We may schedule claimants to appear by audio unless they object to such an appearance within 30 days of receiving our notice explaining the ways they may attend a hearing. We may extend the 30-day deadline if the claimant shows they had good cause for missing the deadline. Notwithstanding a claimant's objection to appear by audio, we may require an appearance by audio in limited instances, including extraordinary circumstances and incarceration.
• An agency video appearance, formerly a "video teleconferencing (VTC)" appearance, is defined as an appearance done by video, with audio functionality, using equipment in one of our offices. As with VTC, we may schedule claimants to appear by agency video unless they object to such an appearance within 30 days of receiving our notice explaining the ways they may attend a hearing. We may extend the 30-day deadline if the claimant shows they had good cause for missing the deadline.
• An online video appearance is defined as an appearance by video, with audio functionality, using a personal electronic device in a private location the claimant chooses. We may schedule claimants to appear by online video if they agree to such an appearance within 30 days of receiving our notice explaining the ways they may attend a hearing. We may extend the 30-day deadline if the claimant shows they had good cause for missing the deadline. Even without a showing of good cause, we may consider a request to change the manner of appearance to online video after the 30-day period if it would be efficient to conduct the hearing in that manner and the circumstances in the case provide a good reason to schedule the claimant's appearance by online video. Claimants may withdraw their agreement to appear by online video at any time before the start of the hearing.
• An in-person hearing is held at one of our hearing sites with the judge physically in the same hearing room.

Implementation of Final Rule

We are revising our webpages; forms, notices, and publications; subregulatory policies; systems; and business processes to coincide with the effective date of the final rule.

For additional information, you and your clients can visit our webpage, which will be updated with the new rule on the effective date.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting and sharing this information with your network.

Sincerely,

Christopher Dillon
Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge
Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Social Security Recognizes National Homelessness Awareness Month

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Dear Colleague,

November is National Homelessness Awareness Month. As a member of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), we actively support USICH's mission of preventing and ending homelessness in the United States.

Below are resources that can assist your clients who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

• People Experiencing Homelessness & Their Service Providers
• How to Get Help from Social Security
• Supplemental Security Income and Other Benefits
• What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18
• When People Need Help Managing Their Money
• A Guide to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Groups and Organizations 2023
• How to Create a my Social Security Account (which doesn't require a physical address and allows people to get notifications through email)

Read our blog to learn more.

I encourage you to share this information with your clients, members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

National Family Caregivers Month

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Each November, we observe National Family Caregivers Month. During this time, we recognize those who provide care to some of our most vulnerable citizens. This month also provides an opportunity to highlight the key ways we support caregivers through our representative payee program.

The representative payee program allows caregivers and third parties to manage the benefit payments of a beneficiary who is incapable of managing their own benefits. To support and empower caregivers:

1. We have eliminated the need to complete the annual Representative Payee report for the following types of caregivers:
1. Natural or adoptive parents of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child.
2. Legal guardians of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child.
3. Natural or adoptive parents of a disabled adult beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the beneficiary.
4. Spouse of a beneficiary.
2. For payees who are required to complete the annual Representative Payee report, we have made it much easier. Payees can use the Representative Payee portal, using their personal my Social Security account, to complete the report and manage other transactions on behalf of the beneficiary.

For more information, you and your clients can visit our Representative Payee webpage.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Guidelines for Limited English Proficiency Interviewing Situations

Date: Friday, November 15, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We have some good news to share. We recently made the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) GN 00203.011 - Special Interviewing Situations: Limited English Proficiency or Language Assistance Required publicly available. This POMS covers our policy and guidelines for special interviewing situations for individuals with limited English proficiency or when an interpreter is needed.

Below are some of the topics you will find in this policy:

• Procedures for identifying the need for an interpreter.
• List of qualified interpreter sources.
• Procedures for interviewing with the assistance of an interpreter.
• Procedures when the person prefers to provide their own interpreter.
• Procedures when the Social Security Administration (SSA) interviewer is not satisfied with the interpreter provided by the person with limited English proficiency.

As you are aware, SSA provides free interpreter services to customers requesting language assistance to conduct business with us, or when SSA determines the need for an interpreter.

For additional language access resources, visit our Multilanguage webpage. We also offer multi-lingual YouTube videos which provide instructions on How To: Request Service and Information in Other Languages.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dr. Susan Camarena
Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Decommissioning of the Electronic Social Security Protective Filing (eSPF) Tool

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Dear Colleague,

To improve customer service and make more efficient use of our staff in our local offices, we are decommissioning the Electronic Social Security Protective Filing (eSPF) Tool, effective November 21, 2024. Your clients can learn about their filing options and express interest in filing for benefits at SSA.gov/apply, calling our National 800 Number, or contacting their local Social Security office.

We will continue to schedule appointments and take claims for individuals who used the eSPF tool before its decommissioning.

For more information about benefits, you and your clients can visit our Benefit types webpage.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication in assisting people in need. Please share this update with your members, colleagues, and affiliates to ensure a smooth transition.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Changes to Accessing Our In-Person Services

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Dear Colleague,

In our ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently, we are expanding appointment-based services at our local Social Security offices. By scheduling appointments, we will aim to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve the overall customer experience. Nearly 400 field offices have already moved to appointment-based service this year. These offices have seen significant improvements in wait times due to more efficient and helpful visitor experiences and increases in the number of customers able to complete their business online.

We are implementing appointment-based services nationwide in two phases. The first phase is a transition period now through January 5, 2025. The purpose of this transition period is to educate our customers about needing to schedule an appointment for SSA services. As a reminder, many of our services can be provided via phone with an appointment and do not require a customer to walk into an office for service.

Effective January 6, 2025, we will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in our field offices, including requests for Social Security cards. We encourage customers to become accustomed to our:

• online services, where many transactions can be completed conveniently and securely, and
• automated services available on our National 800# at 1-800-772-1213.

Customers who are not able to handle their business online or with the automated options, may call their local Social Security office or our National 800# to schedule an appointment.

We want to make clear that we will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment. For example, members of vulnerable populations, military personnel, people with terminal illnesses, and individuals with other situations requiring immediate or specialized attention may still walk in for service at our field offices. Some of our offices also have minimal to no wait times, and they will still serve customers who walk in.

We appreciate your partnership in sharing this information and helping our customers through this transition. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to improve service accessibility and responsiveness.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Honoring Veterans: Social Security Resources and Veteran Saves Week

Date: Friday, November 8, 2024

Dear Colleague,

As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices and dedication of our nation's veterans. At the Social Security Administration, we are committed to supporting veterans and their families by providing essential resources and services tailored to their unique needs.

Social Security Resources for Veterans

We offer a range of benefits and services specifically designed to assist veterans. These include:

• Disability Benefits: Veterans who have a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) can receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability claims. Read about the difference between SSA and VA disability benefits in our publication, Social Security Disability and Veterans Affairs - How Do They Compare?.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Aged or disabled veterans with limited income and resources may be eligible for SSI, which provides financial assistance to meet basic needs.
• Employment Tools: Our publication, Journey to Success: Employment Tools for Veterans with Disabilities, offers valuable resources such as career counseling, job training, and employment services to help veterans.

For more information about how we support veterans and their families, visit our Information for Military & Veterans webpage.

For information about benefits from the VA, including the PACT Act, which expands eligibility for care and benefits for veterans and survivors related to toxic exposures, please visit the VA's website.

Veterans Saves Week

We also want to highlight the upcoming Veteran Saves Week, an initiative by America Saves dedicated to helping veterans, their families, caregivers, and the military community build financial confidence. This event, taking place from November 12 through November 15, will focus on key areas such as financial stress, housing, employment, and banking. Each day will feature themes and resources to empower veterans to take control of their financial future.

Together, we can ensure that our veterans receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. I encourage you to share this information with your clients, members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Native American Heritage Month

Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Dear Colleague,

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.

Social Security is committed to providing equitable and accessible service to all communities. Through our continued work with advocates and tribal representatives, we developed many resources and tools to better serve indigenous people. These include:

• American Indians and Alaska Natives webpage
• Tribal Benefits Coordinator Guide
• Native Language Interpreter Services
• Social Security Video Connect
• Social Security Publishes Native Language Action Plan to Improve Access to Our Programs and Services

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Renee Ferguson
Director
Office of Native American Partnerships
Tribal Consultation Official
SSA.Tribal.Communications@ssa.gov

Third-Party Disability Application Video Series

Date: Monday, November 4, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are excited to introduce the Third-Party Disability Application Video Series. These videos offer detailed guidance for people who help claimants file a disability application, whether online or with paper forms. Specifically, the series focuses on the required forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application. The four-part video series includes:

• Video 1: “Helping Others Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits” - A guide through the important points of filing a disability application on someone’s behalf including the forms that you need to submit and best practices to follow.
• Video 2: “The Application Package” - The application package for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
• Video 3: “Additional Information & Forms” - Additional information and forms for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
• Video 4: “Tips & Best Practices” - Tips and best practices for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.

Visit our Information for People Helping Others webpage to learn more.

Thank you for your commitment to helping others. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Seeking Your Input to Improve Outcomes for Children in Foster Care

Date: Friday, November 1, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are seeking public comment through the Federal Register Notice (FRN), “Request for Information: Use and Conservation of Social Security Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments That Representative Payees Receive for Beneficiaries Residing in Foster Care.” This Request for Information (RFI) seeks insights on how we can improve outcomes of foster children who are eligible for, or already receive, Social Security benefits, SSI payments, or both.

These payments play a critical role in providing financial stability and enhancing the quality of life for foster youth. Our goal is to ensure all children, especially foster youth, receive the benefits for which they are eligible.

We are interested in hearing comments and suggestions from:

• Current and former foster youth
• Current and former foster parents, adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and parents whose children were referred to child welfare
• State, local, and tribal agencies
• Advocates
• Researchers

The RFI opened on Friday, November 1, 2024, and will remain open until Monday, December 2, 2024. Although we will not provide individual responses to comments, your input will inform potential policy changes.

We value your input. Please share this information with others who have experience with the child welfare system or are interested in the well-being of foster children.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Romig
Executive Advisor on Children
Office of the Commissioner
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Continuation of Payments under Section 301

Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Do you and your clients know about continued Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments under Section 301? Section 301 offers extended benefits to eligible youth who would otherwise stop receiving benefits due to medical recovery.

Typically, benefit payments stop if a person is found to no longer have a disability after an age-18 redetermination or medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR). However, if your client is participating in an approved program of special education, vocational rehabilitation (VR), or similar services, benefits may continue until they stop participating in or complete the program.

To become eligible for continued payments under Section 301:

• A person must be a participant in an appropriate VR program or similar service that began before the month their disability stopped under our rules.
• We must review their participation in the program and decide that the recipient’s continued participation in the program will likely result in them no longer receiving disability benefits.

Examples of appropriate programs may include:

• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) for youth aged 18 through 21.
• A VR agency using an individualized plan for employment.
• Support services using an individualized written employment plan.
• A written service plan with a school under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• An approved Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS).

The timing of participation in these programs matters for Section 301 eligibility. A person must be participating in the program before our first decision during an age-18 redetermination or medical CDR. Additionally, Section 301 benefits can also continue if program participation changes within 90 days. For example, if an IEP ends and they sign a written plan with a VR within 90 days, Section 301 benefits can continue.

For more information, read our publication, Qualifying for Benefit Continuation After You Turn 18, or visit our Youth Toolkit webpage.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties, especially foster care and youth transition programs.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA Honors National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Date: Monday, October 28, 2024

Dear Colleague,

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusion and equity in the workforce. This year’s theme, Access to Good Jobs for All, reflects our commitment to administering programs that support Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries to enter the workforce and maintain employment.

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, signed into law on December 17, 1999, was designed to support people with disabilities in their employment journey. Below are a few Social Security programs that help people with disabilities go to work:

• The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program provides counseling to beneficiaries on how employment impacts benefits.
• The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program offers legal support to help to remove barriers to employment.
• Employment Networks (ENs), organizations authorized by Social Security, provide free support services to help adult disability beneficiaries prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

As we continue to work towards increasing inclusivity in the workforce, the Ticket to Work program plays a vital role in supporting Access to Good Jobs for All.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Ensure your Application for Disability Benefits is Complete

Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We strive to handle claims for disability benefits efficiently. When complete information and documentation is provided when the application is submitted, it can help avoid processing delays.

Read our blog for more details.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Reminder: Medicare Open Enrollment

Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Medicare's Open Enrollment period is October 15 to December 7. Your clients can review and compare their Medicare options during open enrollment each year. This includes:

• Switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Changing to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Joining or changing Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

Changes made during the Open Enrollment period, take effect on January 1, 2025.

Your clients should ensure their current plan continues to meet their needs for the following year since Medicare health and prescription drug plans can change. If your clients are satisfied with their current health care coverage, they do not need to take any action.

Encourage your clients to visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information or to compare plans.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Just Announced! Social Security's 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, we announced that monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase by 2.5% in 2025.

Visit our blog for details about the COLA and other important news, and view our video to learn about our newly designed and improved COLA notice.

I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. Thank you for helping Social Security secure today and tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Race and Ethnicity Data Collection through Enumeration at Birth

Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are continuously working to improve our understanding of how our programs are serving the public. This work includes collecting race and ethnicity data for research and statistical purposes to ensure we are providing services equitably.

Last year, we began a new initiative to include race and ethnicity information in the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) process, a Social Security program that allows parents to complete applications for Social Security numbers for their newborns as part of the state birth registration process. Through this program, we have four states (Arizona, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Kentucky) sending race and ethnicity data to us. Michigan, New Mexico, and the Northern Mariana Islands will be onboarding next. Over time as more states participate, we will improve the statistical information and research we release to the public.

Why does it matter if people provide race and ethnicity data?

When customers choose to provide race and ethnicity information, it lets us know:

• Who our benefit payments and programs are helping and who may be left out.
• What unintended barriers may impact benefits and services.
• Where to expand outreach efforts.
• How to increase awareness among individuals and families of eligibility for programs and benefits.

Watch our video to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA Talks: Benefits for Children

Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Our newest episode of SSA Talks is available now!

Social Security offers benefits to children in different circumstances. These benefits can mean the difference between living in poverty or an opportunity for hope, especially in our underserved communities. This episode features Kathleen Romig, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Commissioner, sharing the types of benefits Social Security offers to children. These benefits include:

• Survivor benefits – benefits available to children if their parent dies.
• Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) – payments available to children if they have a disability or blindness and their families have limited income and resources.
• Child benefits – benefits available to children under retirement or disability on a parent's record.
• Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits for Youth with Disabilities – benefits available to adults who have a disability that began before they reached age 22. These benefits are paid from their parent's Social Security earnings record.

You can also learn about the agency's proactive efforts to reach eligible children, including the new Survivor benefits webpage, and collaborations with states and communities.

We need your help to reach families that may be eligible. Please share this episode with members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Visit our SSA Talks page to listen to this and previous episodes.

Remember to subscribe to SSA Talks today to receive notifications of future episodes and share them with your network!

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Announcing Changes to Our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program

Date: Monday, September 30, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Your feedback is very important to us. We heard your concerns and are pleased to announce some changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. We have made the following simplifications, effective September 30, 2024:

• Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations: We are no longer including food in our ISM calculations. ISM is a type of unearned income that may affect a person's SSI eligibility or payment amount.
• Expansion of Rental Subsidy Policy: We are expanding our rental subsidy policy nationwide for SSI applicants and recipients who are related to the landlord (or their spouse) as a parent or child. We will no longer consider that someone is receiving discounted rent when their required monthly rent equals or exceeds a certain amount. Previously, this exception was limited to SSI applicants and recipients in 7 states.
• Expanding the Definition of a Public Assistance Household in 2 Ways: First, we are including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as an additional means-testing public income-maintenance (PIM) program.
  
  

  Second, we are revising the definition of a public assistance household to one that has both:

  • An SSI applicant or recipient and,
  • At least one other household member who receives one or more qualifying PIM payments.

  If a person lives in a public assistance household, we consider that the person is not receiving ISM from other members of the household.

  Under Social Security's prior definition, every member of the household had to receive a PIM payment.

Please share our blog with your members.

You may also use the following language to share these changes with your members:

You may be eligible for more support from Social Security.

We are pleased to inform you of significant changes Social Security is making to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, effective September 30, 2024.

The changes could positively affect your payment amount. You may be eligible if:

• Someone else provides you with food. It will no longer be included in Social Security's calculations of in-kind support and maintenance (ISM).
• You or someone else in the household is related to the landlord (or their spouse) as a parent or child, your discounted rent may no longer affect your payment amount and eligibility for SSI, depending on the amount of the rent (e.g., ISM calculations).
• Someone else in your household is receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you will now be considered as living in a public assistance household.
• You live with at least one other household member who receives one or more of the qualifying public income-maintenance payments, you may be considered as living in a public assistance household.

If you get SSI, your payment amount may be affected, and you may have fewer reporting responsibilities. If you were previously denied SSI, you may be eligible now.

Please contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) as soon as possible, if you think these changes may affect you.

For more details, visit the Social Security blog.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Follow Commissioner O'Malley on Social Media!

Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024

Dear Colleague,

I am excited to share that our Commissioner's Office has expanded its presence on social media! We encourage you to follow Commissioner O'Malley @OMalleySSA on X, and on his new Facebook page. The Office of the Commissioner is also on LinkedIn. These accounts provide important updates about agency priorities, progress on improving customer service, and other news.

Read our blog to learn more.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Thanks,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Every September 15 through October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year's theme is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," and recognizes the influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for our country. This month also serves as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to improving access to services, particularly language access for people with limited English proficiency.

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing our resources among the communities you serve. Below you'll find useful resources that help educate and inform the Hispanic community about our programs and services. These include:

• Spanish-language website
• Publications in Spanish
• Limited English Proficiency Toolkit

Please share this information with your colleagues, friends, and family, and encourage them to follow our Spanish-language Facebook and X platforms for additional resources, tips, and information.

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

Sincerely,

Lizbeth Portalatin-Perez
Acting Director
Division of Strategic Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

New Options for Submitting Documents to Social Security

Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Social Security works closely with community partners and advocates to get direct customer feedback on how to make things better. Through this input, many people have shared their preference to complete transactions electronically, including the submission of evidence and forms (with electronic signature, when required).

We listened to feedback and released eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents. This new, online service option allows our representatives to electronically request, and our customers to electronically submit, various types of evidence and forms to us. Otherwise, customers would need to mail, fax, or visit a local office. By streamlining our document submission process and reducing paper mail, we improve our customers' experience.

How Does it Work?

1. Our representatives send customers a link with the request for the forms and/or evidence we need to process their application.
2. The customer authenticates by signing in to, or creating, their personal my Social Security, reviews the request, completes the form, electronically signs (when signatures are required), and uploads the completed forms and/or any supporting evidence.

No more mailing or faxing certain evidence or forms, and fewer trips to the Social Security office… it's that easy!

Electronic Signatures Now Available on Some Forms

There are more than 30 forms available to your clients that can be signed electronically, which represents 90% of the most commonly used forms by our customers in our local Social Security offices. One of our most used forms, the SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security Administration, is now available to sign and submit electronically. Other frequently used forms available for your clients to sign and submit electronically include:

• SSA-820/821, Work Activity Reports
• SSA-632, Request for a Waiver of Overpayment Recovery
• SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate

Signature Removal

We have also removed the signature requirement entirely for 12 of our most commonly used forms. Some of the forms include:

• SSA-L4201, Letter to Employer Requesting Wage Information
• SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration/Disability Cessation Right to Appear

Your clients may also upload many of these forms online, further reducing the burden they feel. We are considering removal of signature requirements on other forms as well.

What do these changes mean for your clients?

• They help speed up processing, which means faster access to benefits and services.
• They expand service options for people with disabilities and people in rural communities by eliminating the need to visit an office.
• They reduce the risk of documents being lost in the mail.
• They better protect and safeguard personal information.

Check out this update from Commissioner O'Malley and view our press release to learn more.

Thank you for being a valued community partner. We look forward to your feedback and support as we continue to remove barriers to accessing our services and programs.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

We are Improving the SSI Application Process

Date: August 27, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are making improvements to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process. To reduce the challenges potential SSI recipients face when applying for SSI payments, we developed a multi-year approach to streamline the application process and its overall service options - online, in person, by paper, or by phone.

The initial phase - targeted for December 2024 - aims to establish a fully online, simplified iClaim application that uses plain-language questions, prepopulated answers (when possible), seamless step-by-step transitions, and more. We believe these changes will decrease application and processing times. The rollout of the iClaim expansion will generally be available to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, never-married adults aged 18 to 64 and 10 months.

Please read our blog to learn more.

I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Happy 89th Anniversary, SSA!

Date: August 14, 2024

Dear Colleague,

As we celebrate the 89th anniversary of the Social Security Administration, we reflect on nearly nine decades of dedication, service, and support to the American public. Since 1935, we have played a crucial role in providing financial security and stability to millions of Americans, especially during their most vulnerable times.

As we celebrate, please view our Social Security Action Plan for 2024. This document, the result of employee suggestions, outlines the steps necessary to continue to meet the needs of our customers given our current budget and staffing challenges.

Social Security is one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in the world. Our collective efforts have ensured that retirees, people with disabilities, and families facing hardship receive the benefits they need. This milestone is a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to compassionate public service. View our most recent blog to read more about how Social Security has protected families for 89 years.

Remember, we are all in this together and we are stronger together.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

We Have Expanded Our Compassionate Allowances Program

Date: August 12, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, Commissioner Martin O'Malley announced that we have added 9 new Compassionate Allowances conditions and revisions to two existing CAL conditions.

The Compassionate Allowances program quickly identifies claims where the applicant's medical condition or disease clearly meets Social Security's statutory standard for disability. Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone.

Please read our blog for details.

I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Just Married? Need to Change your Name?

Date: August 8, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Have any of your clients recently gotten married? Congratulations! They may be able to complete, or at least start, their application online.

If they got married in one of the 21 participating states, they may be able to complete the process online! When your clients visit our Change name with Social Security webpage, they can answer a series of questions that will determine whether they can complete the application process online or start the application online, then bring any required documents to their local Social Security office or card center to complete the application. If your client is unable to use the online application, they can visit a local Social Security office to complete the application.

They should wait at least 30 days after the date of the marriage to request a replacement card with a name change. This allows the state time to update its records.

They will need to have their marriage certificate and proof of identification available when using our online application. The current participating states are Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list will grow as we continue to work to include more states.

If your client starts their application online and we determine they need to come into the office, they may be eligible to use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. Scheduling online can save your client time when they visit us to complete the application. This option allows them to:

• Select their language preference.
• Select the most convenient office to receive service.
• Choose to receive communications via email or text.
• Choose to receive email or text appointment reminders.
• Conveniently use their mobile device to check in for their appointment.

They can also reschedule, modify, or cancel their appointment online without having to call or visit the office.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

A Message to State Child Welfare Agencies

Date: July 25, 2024

Dear Colleague,

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that youth in foster care are among the most vulnerable populations we serve. SSA plays an important role in supporting foster youth and protecting their rights. Across our programs, we take careful measures to assist foster youth with obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled or eligible. In many cases, child welfare agencies manage benefits on behalf of foster youth as their representative payees. We count on child welfare agencies to carry out the duties of representative payees, including meeting regularly with beneficiaries and deciding on an individual basis how to use and save benefits in the beneficiaries' best interests.

State and Tribal agencies are the cornerstones of the child welfare system in our country. It is imperative that we work together to ensure our programs achieve the best outcomes possible for these youth. We need your cooperation to ensure that we provide the best service to our beneficiaries in foster care. We are ready to provide assistance to ensure that when foster youth receive Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, State and Tribal agencies manage those payments to maximize outcomes for youth.

Several states have acted within their authority and capacity to implement changes that optimize how they use and conserve Social Security benefits and SSI payments for foster youth. We commend the jurisdictions that have already made or are considering changes. Such targeted changes can be an important tool for improving outcomes for foster youth. At SSA, we are committed to providing the support you need on issues that involve our programs.

We look forward to our collaboration.

Sincerely,

Stephen Evangelista
Acting Deputy Commissioner
Office of Retirement and Disability Policy
Social Security Administration

Updated Collateral Estoppel Guidance

Date: July 16, 2024

Dear Colleague,

On July 13, 2024, we updated our guidelines for applying the principle of collateral estoppel in disability claims.

Under the legal principle of collateral estoppel, we will adopt a prior disability finding without the need to develop a new medical claim, if it was for the time period covered by the new application, unless there are reasons to believe that the prior finding on the issue was wrong or other specific criteria are not met. The updated guidelines allow our technicians to apply collateral estoppel to allow more disability claims without sending them to the Disability Determination Services for a new medical determination.

Read our policy to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Changes to Accessing Social Security's Online Services

Date: July 12, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are making changes to how you and your clients access our online services, including my Social Security. The changes will simplify signing in, adhere to federal authentication standards, and ensure safer and more secure access.

Soon you will no longer be able to sign in to your online Social Security account using your Social Security username and password. To access Social Security online services, including my Social Security, users will need to have an account with one of our Credential Service Providers, either Login.gov or ID.me. For people with an existing Login.gov or ID.me account, a new account is not needed to access our online services.

If you or your clients currently use only a username to sign in and do not have an existing Login.gov or ID.me account, please:

• Go to www.ssa.gov and, at the top right, select "Sign in".
• Select "Sign in with Social Security Username".
• After signing in, you will be asked to create an account with Login.gov.

Please Note: This change applies to accessing all our online services, not just my Social Security.

For technical assistance with Login.gov, please contact their customer service at 1-844-875-6446 or for assistance with ID.me, go to the ID.me Help Center.

Please visit our blog to learn more. We appreciate your understanding during this transition.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Private and Accessible Check-In Now Available at Social Security Offices

Date: July 8, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are excited to share that most of our local offices now have new American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant kiosks! These new kiosks are designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use for all visitors, particularly those who are blind or have low vision. They have several features and benefits to ensure a seamless check-in process, including:

• Standardized cabinetry (meeting specific height and width requirements).
• Audio headphone jack sockets.
• Integrated braille instructions for how to use the kiosk.
• Accessible Keypads.
• Built-In thermal printers and ticket dispensers.
• Touchscreen monitors with integrated privacy filters.
• Enhanced 508-compatible check-in software.

Additionally, each kiosk includes instructions in braille outlining the process to report any accessibility problems, ensuring that our services remain responsive to the needs of all people.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to better serve the community. Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Social Security Celebrates Disability Pride Month & ADA Anniversary

Date: July 1, 2024

Dear Colleague,

In July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 26, 1990, the ADA was signed into law. It provides civil rights protection for people with disabilities and allows for access to state and local government services, public transportation, public accommodations, employment, and telecommunications relay services. We recognize and honor people with disabilities and the advocates who continue to fight for their rights.

Social Security is committed to serving those with disabilities through our Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. Through these programs, people with disabilities may be eligible for monthly payments. To learn more about these programs, read our publications, Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

We Are Improving the Disability Adjudication Process!

Date: June 26, 2024

Dear Colleague,

On June 22, 2024, we revised the time period we consider when determining whether a person's past work is relevant for the purposes of making disability determinations and decisions.

Please read our blog for details.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Social Security Updates Occupations List Used in Disability Evaluation Process

Date: June 24, 2024

Dear Colleague,

On June 22, 2024, we published new public guidance and instructions about how we use Dictionary of Occupational Titles evidence in the disability evaluation process.

See our blog for more details.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA Seeks to Make Customer Experience and Workforce Improvements

Date: June 21, 2024

Dear Colleague,

In his ongoing commitment to deliver better customer service, while improving workplace morale, Commissioner O'Malley diligently works to accelerate change at the Social Security Administration.

Read the Government Executive article, "Martin O'Malley is on a one-year sprint to save Social Security," to learn more.

Thank you for your continued support. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Date: June 14, 2024

Dear Colleague,

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an opportunity for communities around the world to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect. Social Security is committed to protecting older adults from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

Recently, we released the video, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024, with tips to help you and your clients identify the warning signs of abuse and neglect. The video also provides resources that can be used if you or your clients suspect someone is a victim of elder abuse.

For more information about Social Security-related scams, go to our Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams webpage.

Please share this information with your clients to help spread awareness about financial exploitation and help stop elder abuse.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Celebrating Pride Month and Supporting the LGBTQI+ Community

Date: June 7, 2024

Dear Colleague,

As we celebrate Pride Month this June, we honor the diversity and resilience of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and expanding (LGBTQI+) community. To ensure we provide equitable service, we are committed to advancing policies and programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQI+ people.

We are proud to highlight the resources available on our LGBTQI+ webpage, which provides information on Social Security's programs and services tailored to meet the needs of LGBTQI+ people and their families. This includes information about benefits for same-sex couples and self-attestation of gender identity in Social Security records. These resources are essential for ensuring the LGBTQI+ community can access the benefits and services they deserve. Today, we posted the blog, "Social Security's Commitment to the LGBTQI+ Community", which you can read here.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Happy 50th Anniversary, SSI!

Date: June 4, 2024

Dear Colleague,

This year, the Social Security Administration celebrates 50 years of administering the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA to Improve Service Delivery and Advocate for Increased Resources

Date: May 23, 2024

Hello,

I am so excited to be back at SSA as a member of Commissioner O'Malley's team. He is doing an incredible job of improving service delivery and advocating for increased resources needed to get the job done.

At the links below are two articles which you and your colleagues may find of interest.

Social Security chief Martin O'Malley races to rebuild troubled agency (msn.com)

Social Security, Export-Import Bank among survey's worst federal workplaces (msn.com)

Thank you for your continued support. Your thoughts and ideas on how we can support the Commissioner in better serving the American public are appreciated and always welcome. Feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Sincerely,

Carolyn W. Colvin
Commissioner Emerita
Carolyn.Colvin@ssa.gov

Social Security Video Connect

Date: May 21, 2024

Dear Colleague,

In our ongoing commitment to provide efficient and equitable service, your clients may be able to use their personal device to conduct their business with Social Security via video.

With Social Security Video Connect, your clients may be able to meet with a Social Security representative for Medicare, benefit applications, overpayments, redeterminations, U.S. citizen no-change replacement Social Security cards, and U.S. citizen date of birth changes. To use this service, your clients need access to a Microsoft Teams compatible device (desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone with web camera).

Your clients can request a video appointment by contacting their local Social Security office or calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Older Americans Month

Date: May 20, 2024

Dear Colleague,

May is Older Americans Month, an opportunity to celebrate the countless contributions that older adults have made in our communities. It is also a time to renew our commitment to protect seniors from scammers. Seniors are especially vulnerable to scammers who pretend they represent Social Security or other government agencies.

This year, we are teaming up with the Federal Trade Commission for a joint webinar to help increase awareness about government impersonators. The webinar will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. During the webinar, we will share resources to help you and your clients spot, avoid, and report scams.

Join on your computer or mobile app.
Zoom
Webinar ID: 160 011 5261
Passcode: 065085
Or call in (audio only)
Phone number: 833 568 8864

Please share this information with your clients to help spread awareness about scams.

For more information about scams and to report Social Security-related scams, go to our "Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams" webpage.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

National Foster Care Month

Date: May 15, 2024

Dear Colleague,

During National Foster Care Month, we recognize and support those who serve children, youth, and families. We work to increase access to services to children with disabilities, especially when transitioning out of foster care.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and resources. SSI can help pay for food, shelter, and other necessities, and can make a significant difference in the lives of children with disabilities transitioning out of foster care. Youth with disabilities transitioning out of foster care may file an SSI application if they:

• Allege blindness or disability;
• Appear likely to meet the non-medical requirements when foster care payments terminate;
• Expect foster care payments to cease within 180 days of the application filing date; and
• Are within 180 days of losing foster care eligibility because of age.

Your clients can visit our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) webpage to learn more about SSI and how to apply.

Thank you for your commitment to children with disabilities in foster care. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Special Delivery - Most Popular Baby Names of 2023!

Date: May 10, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, we released our annual list of the top baby names, based on Social Security number applications received in 2023.

Olivia and Liam are once again America's most popular baby names. Liam has been the top choice for new parents for seven years in a row, and Olivia has topped the list for five years. To see the full list of 2023's top baby names, go to Social Security's website, www.ssa.gov/babynames.

Every year, we celebrate Mother's Day by announcing the 1000 most popular baby names. Our programs are particularly important for women, who made up 55 percent of adult Social Security beneficiaries in 2023. Women typically have longer life expectancies than men and earn less income over their lifetime due to the combined impact of the gender wage gap, caregiving responsibilities, overrepresentation in low-paid jobs, and more. Social Security also provides critical benefits to 2.6 million children, including nearly one million low-income children with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. Your clients can visit www.ssa.gov to learn more about how Social Security's expanded digital services make it easier than ever for women and children to access critical benefits and services.

We also encourage everyone to enjoy the baby names list and, while online, create a personal my Social Security account. my Social Security is a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing into retirement. Please encourage your clients to visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to see what they can do with a personal account, whether they receive benefits or not.

Social Security began compiling the baby names list in 1997, listing the names by decade dating back to 1880. At the time of a child's birth, parents supply the name when completing the birth certificate application and applying for a Social Security number, thus making Social Security the source for the most popular baby names.

Thank you for your continued help in educating the public about our programs and services.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA to Update the Definition of a Public Assistance Household

Date: May 9, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Effective September 30, 2024, we are expanding the definition of a public assistance household to include households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments and households where not all members receive public assistance. This updated rule will allow more people to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), increase some SSI recipients' payment amounts, and reduce reporting burdens for individuals living in public assistance households.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

The 2024 Social Security Trustees Report is Out Now

Date: May 6, 2024

Dear Colleague,

The Social Security Board of Trustees has released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security trust funds. Please see our press release at https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/#5-2024-1 for details.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Announcing Recent Agency Accomplishments and SecurityStat

Date: May 3, 2024

Dear Colleague,

I am pleased to share a summary of the agency's recent accomplishments and our new SecurityStat website.

To accelerate customer service improvements, SecurityStat brings top executives and subject matter experts together every two weeks to identify problems and solutions and follow-through on necessary changes. The SecurityStat website offers a new and unprecedented level of transparency for the agency's stakeholders.

As a result of this collaborative effort, we are implementing changes to improve disability determination processing times, reduce National 800 Number wait times, and help resolve overpayment and underpayment injustices.

Visit our Agency Accomplishments webpage to learn about dozens of changes and initiatives implemented so far.

We encourage you to share this information widely - with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Martin O'Malley
Commissioner of Social Security
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024

Date: May 1, 2024

Dear Colleague,

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have played in our shared history.

We continue to increase access to services and reduce barriers related to the language challenges that some members of AA and NHPI communities face. Recently, we published a new page, Outreach Materials for People with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), to promote our LEP services and materials in Chinese (simplified), Vietnamese, and several other languages.

We've produced videos in multiple languages to help people obtain Social Security services and information in other languages. Additionally, we continue to offer our free interpreter services in more than 200 languages to help customers who prefer to conduct business in a language other than English.

To view our publications available in languages other than English, please visit our Multi-Language Gateway.

I encourage you to share this information, including the link to our AA and NHPI webpage, with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Check Out our New LEP Toolkit!

Date: April 29, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are happy to announce a new online toolkit to help you better serve your limited English proficiency (LEP) clients! The LEP Toolkit includes infographics, articles, blog posts, social media posts, and YouTube videos in our five most requested languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Russian
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

The toolkit also provides instructions on how to request services and information in other languages. In addition, the toolkit includes a link to our Multi-Language Gateway webpage. From there you can access Social Security's
Language Access Plan and other beneficial resources.

Please share these resources with your members, colleagues, and affiliates. Together, we can increase access to benefits and services for our LEP customers!

Sincerely,

Susan Camarena
LEP Steering Committee Chair and Associate Commissioner
Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA Talks: Commissioner O'Malley's Top Priorities

Date: April 18, 2024

Dear Colleague,

To learn more about Social Security's top priorities, check out our latest episode of SSA Talks!

In this episode, Commissioner O'Malley discusses several key areas, including improving customer service, reducing disability backlogs, and raising employee morale.

Visit our SSA Talks page to listen to this and previous episodes, and to view all accompanying fact sheets, and transcripts.

Remember to subscribe to SSA Talks today to receive notifications of future episodes and share them with your network.

Follow Commissioner O'Malley on X at @OMalleySSA to hear important updates about agency priorities and news.

We appreciate your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA to Expand SSI Rental Subsidy Policy

Date: April 17, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Effective September 30, 2024, we are expanding our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rental subsidy policy for SSI applicants and recipients nationwide. Under this new rule, rental assistance is less likely to affect a person's SSI eligibility or payment amount.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA Recognizes National Financial Capability Month

Date: April 1, 2024

Dear Colleague,

April is National Financial Capability Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy and education. Social Security is proud to once again support America Saves Week, taking place from April 8 through April 12. America Saves Week is an annual celebration, sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America, that encourages Americans to commit to planning for a secure financial future.

This year's theme is Saving for What Matters Most. Each day focuses on a critical area of financial wellness along with a call to action.

• Saving Automatically | Monday, April 8
• Saving for the Unexpected | Tuesday, April 9
• Saving For Major Milestones | Wednesday, April 10
• Paying Down Debt is Saving | Thursday, April 11
• Saving At Any Age | Friday, April 12

America Saves Week is a great time to review our online retirement planning tools. Social Security benefits are a critical part of retirement income but should not be the only source. Please help your clients take a closer look at other sources they will need for a secure retirement.

This is also a great time to remind your clients to open a personal my Social Security account, which is the best way for them to see their Social Security benefits grow over time. The Statement is one of the most effective tools a person can use to learn about their earnings and future Social Security benefits. Additionally, our Plan for Retirement tool, accessible through my Social Security, allows your clients to see how much they could receive each month from us based on the age they might want to start receiving benefits.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, and affiliates, and encourage them to use, or sign up for, their personal my Social Security account today!

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Increase to the Representative Fee Agreement Cap

Date: March 29, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, we announced that, effective this Fall, the Social Security Administration plans to raise the fee cap for claimants' representatives, from $7,200 to $9,200, when they and their client agree to use what is known as a "fee agreement process."

The agency also plans to tie future fee cap increases to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Please read our press release for details.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Note: This Dear Colleague Letter was released to appointed representatives.

SSA Eliminates Overpayment Burden for Social Security Beneficiaries

Date: March 29, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We are decreasing the default overpayment withholding rate for Social Security beneficiaries to 10 percent (or $10, whichever is greater) from 100 percent, significantly reducing financial hardship on people with overpayments.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

SSA to Remove Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments

Date: March 27, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, we published a final rule, "Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations." The final rule announces the first of several updates to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations that will reduce the burden on people who receive and apply for SSI.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov

Reminder: SSI Contact Information and Reporting Responsibilities

Date: March 21, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Keeping track of the changes that affect your clients' Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be challenging. We need your help reminding your clients of their reporting responsibilities if they are applying for or receive SSI payments.

It's important that we have your clients' current mailing address and phone number so they can receive time-sensitive correspondence. Additionally, informing us of any changes that may affect payments is critical, especially changes in income, resources, or living situation. Your clients must report these types of changes no later than the 10^th day of the following month. For a complete list of SSI reporting responsibilities, please read our publication, What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income.

How to Report Changes:

• Call toll free at 1-800-772-1213, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
• Contact their local Social Security office.

How to Report Wages:

• Call our toll-free Telephone Wage Reporting System at 1-866-772-0953.
• Use the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app, available as a free download from either the Apple App or Google Play stores.
• Use their personal my Social Security account.
• Mail or fax paystubs to their local Social Security Office.

Your client or their representative payee must contact us before using any of our automated wage reporting applications, or, if they already use one and they change employers. They may contact their local Social Security office or call us weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to provide the employer's information and employer identification number (EIN).

Visit our SSI Wage Reporting page to learn more and to sign up for monthly SSI wage reporting email or text reminders.

For information about the SSI claims development process, visit our Supplemental Security Income Eligibility Requirements webpage.

Thank you for all you do for the people you serve.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

SSA Announces Four Key Updates to Address Improper Payments

Date: March 20, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, Commissioner Martin O'Malley announced he is taking four vital steps to immediately address overpayment issues.

Visit our blog to learn more.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Commissioner O'Malley is now on X!

Date: March 20, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Commissioner Martin O'Malley joined X today! He is the first Social Security Commissioner to join social media. We encourage you to follow the Commissioner @OMalleySSA where he looks forward to sharing important updates about agency priorities, progress on improving customer service, and other news.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

An Update to Appointed Representatives Services (ARS)

Date: March 19, 2024

Dear Colleague,

The Appointed Representatives Services (ARS) application has been enhanced. Appointed representatives can now access a list of all their cases pending at the initial and reconsideration levels.

The ARS application allows appointed representatives to view electronic folder (eFolder) documents in real time, to download eFolder contents including multimedia files, and upload medical evidence and other documents directly into a claimant's eFolder. With this update to the ARS, we aim to help appointed representatives:

• Determine if their SSA Form-1696, Claimant's Appointment of a Representative, was processed to avoid having to submit the same form again; and
• Access their list of pending cases.

Instructions are available on page 13 and 14 of the AR Status Reports User Guide.

We appreciate your continued support. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Martin O'Malley
Commissioner
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Need a New or Replacement Social Security Card?

Date: March 19, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Do your clients need to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card? If so, they may be able to complete, or at least start, their application online.

When your clients visit our Social Security number & card webpage, they can answer a series of questions that will determine whether they can:

• Complete the application process online.
• Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to their local Social Security office or card center to complete the application.
• Complete the application process at their local office.

If your client starts their application online and we determine they need to come into the office, they may be eligible to use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. Scheduling online can save your client time when they visit us to complete the application. This option allows them to:

• Select their language preference.
• Select the most convenient office to receive service.
• Choose to receive communications via email or text.
• Choose to receive email or text appointment reminders.
• Conveniently use their mobile device to check in for their appointment.

They can also reschedule, modify, or cancel their appointment online without having to call or visit the office.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

FY 2025 President's Budget for SSA

Date: March 11, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released the President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 for the Social Security Administration. Key investments focus on improving the customer experience, reducing wait times at all stages of the disability process and on our National 800 Number, modernizing our information technology, improving overpayment and underpayment processes, and advancing equity by increasing access to our programs.

Please visit our blog to read a statement from Commissioner Martin O'Malley.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Help Us Shed Light on Overpayments

Date: March 7, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We strive to provide you with valuable information to help your clients avoid unnecessary financial burden, such as overpayments. Overpayments occur when your clients receive more money than they are due. By law, we are required to adjust benefits or recover debts when that happens. Your clients can avoid overpayments by reporting changes in income, resources, work, earnings, and living arrangements that could affect their benefits, as soon as possible.

If your client receives an overpayment notice, they can:

• Repay the Overpayment - If they agree with the overpayment and are currently receiving benefits, they can make a payment in full, through monthly benefit withholding, or through a repayment plan by check, money order, or credit card. If they are not currently receiving benefits, they can make a full or partial repayment using Pay.gov or their bank's online bill pay option. We offer flexible repayment plans, including payments as low as $10 per month.
• Request an Appeal - If they disagree with the overpayment or believe the overpayment amount is incorrect, they can request a review of the decision by completing form SSA-561-U2, Request for Reconsideration. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of receiving the overpayment notice.

• Request a Waiver - If they believe they did not cause the overpayment, the overpayment is unfair, or cannot afford to repay the overpayment, they can request to relieve some or all the amount due by completing form SSA-632-BK, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.

  We simplified our waiver request form to make it easier to understand and less burdensome for people to request a waiver.

  If they believe they are not at fault and the overpayment is $1,000 or less, they may request a waiver by calling 1-800-772-1213 or their local Social Security office. We may be able to process their request quickly by phone without having to submit a paper form.

• Request a Different Repayment Amount - We offer flexible repayment plans, including payments as low as $10 per month. If they are unable to meet their necessary living expenses due to the current repayment amount, or are unable to repay the debt within 60 months*, they can request a change in the recovery rate by completing form SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate. *This is a recent policy change. Previous policy required the completion of the SSA-634 if the overpayment could not be repaid within 36 months.

For more information, please read the Overpayments Fact Sheet.

Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

A Reminder of Best Practices for Attorney Fees Awarded by a Court

Date: March 6, 2024

Dear Colleague,

We would like to remind you of our resources and best practices for collecting fees for attorneys representing Social Security claimants at the Federal court level.

We do not require attorneys who represent claimants at the Federal court level to submit a written notice of appointment. However, if you wish to receive direct payment of court-awarded fees, you must:

• Complete a one-time registration, if you are not already registered with us, by faxing a completed Form SSA-1699, Registration for Appointed Representative Services and Direct Payment, to 1-877-268-3827. Note: This fax is exclusively for the SSA-1699. For more information, visit Social Security Online - SSA-1699 Registration of Individuals and Staff for Appointed Representative Services.
• Submit the required direct fee payment information using Section 5 (Affiliation and Direct Payment Information) of the Form SSA-1696 (Claimant's Appointment of a Representative), or another writing containing the same information, for each case on which you request direct payment of a court-awarded fee.

Visit our Representing Social Security Claimants webpage for more information about forms and to subscribe for updates.

For more best practices, review our updated Tips and Best Practices for Appointed Representatives guide and visit our Best Practices for Claimants' Representatives webpage.

Thank you for helping us to maintain accurate information to ensure proper payment of attorney fees awarded by a court. Please share this information with your colleagues and other interested representatives.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Social Security Celebrates Women's History Month

Date: March 5, 2024

Dear Colleague,

March is Women's History Month, an annual opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and in our daily lives. At Social Security, we're proud to join the rest of the nation in recognizing the significant accomplishments of women.

This month is an ideal opportunity to encourage the women in your life to plan for retirement. Even in 2024, women continue to face unique economic challenges. Women are more likely to earn less than men and to work part time. Because women tend to live more years in retirement, they're more likely to exhaust their other sources of income and rely more heavily on Social Security, especially in their later years.

One of the best ways women can prepare for their financial future is to open a personal my Social Security account and review their Social Security Statement. It shows estimates of their future retirement benefits at various ages.

During Women's History Month, please encourage your clients to learn more about Social Security's importance to women. Visit our Social Security for Women webpage, where you'll find our:

• What Every Woman Should Know publication.
• Social Security is Important to Women infographic.
• 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security fact sheet.
• More helpful resources.

Please share this information with the women in your life - clients, colleagues, family members, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Revision of the Timeframes on the Notice for Third-Party Internet Disability Claims

Date: March 4, 2024

Dear Colleague,

In the past, the notice sent to claimants when we receive disability internet claims submitted by a third-party stated that claimants would receive a disability determination within 90-120 days. However, due to the backlog of initial disability claims, it has been taking an average of 200-230 days for claimants to receive a disability determination.

We understand this may be confusing to claimants and can result in unnecessary calls to our offices. To provide better expectations for when a claimant should expect to receive a decision, we have updated the notice to reflect the current timeframe of 200-230 days.

We continue to review and update our notices to ensure they are clear and accurate. This is the first change with more expected to come.

We appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Slam the Scam - Protect Your Clients Against Social Security Imposter Scams

Date: February 29, 2024

Dear Colleague,

The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 7, 2024, as National "Slam the Scam" Day — an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 3 - 9, 2024. We are asking you to share information about "Slam the Scam" Day with your clients, friends, and family.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 228,282 complaints of government imposter scams, with Social Security as the most frequently impersonated agency. Over 14% said they lost money to a scammer — a total of more than $126.5 million for Social Security scams. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.

Recognizing the basic signs of a scam is helpful in stopping fraudulent activity. Remember:

• Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
• Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
• Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
• Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

Remind your clients, friends, and family to:

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

Read and share our Scam Awareness Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic. Visit FTC's National Consumer Protection Week for additional resources and activities.

Together, we will remain vigilant against government imposter scams and help protect people from fraud.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

SSA Publishes Proposed Rule for Payroll Information Exchange to Reduce Improper Payments

Date: February 15, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Today, we published a proposed rule, "Use of Electronic Payroll Data to Improve Program Administration," describing the agency's plans for accessing and using information from payroll data providers to reduce improper payments.

Visit our blog for more details.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

SSA's Equity Action Plan - Updates

Date: February 14, 2024

Dear Colleague,

Increasing access to programs and improving service are the main goals of our updated Equity Action Plan, released today.

Read our blog to learn more. You may also visit our new webpage at www.ssa.gov/equity.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Social Security Celebrates National Black History Month

Date: February 1, 2024

Dear Colleague,

In February, we recognize and celebrate National Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. At Social Security, we understand that our services and benefits touch the lives of all Americans, and we are committed to advancing equity and ensuring access for everyone.

We are proud to share the tools and resources we've developed to help educate and inform the African American community about our programs. These include:

• Social Security is Important to African Americans fact sheet.
• With You Through Life's Journey … African Americans infographic.
• Racial Equity Research, Statistics, and Data Resources.
• Outreach Materials for People Facing Barriers.

Visit our African Americans webpage to learn more. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and services they need.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov

Save the Date - Slam the Scam Day 2024

Date: January 25, 2024

SAVE THE DATE!
National Slam the Scam Day
Thursday, March 7, 2024

The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General are partnering with other government agencies for the 5^th Annual Slam the Scam Day. Please join us, as part of National Consumer Protection week, as we work to raise public awareness of government imposter scams.

We encourage you to visit our Slam the Scam Resources page for more information on this year's campaign. Also, we'd like to feature organizations on this page that are committed to helping us "Slam the Scam!" Contact us at OEA.net.post@ssa.gov for more information.

Tax Season - Time to Prepare!

Date: January 17, 2024

Dear Colleague,

As another tax season approaches, now is the time to remind your clients to begin gathering forms and documentation from the previous year. The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits your clients received from us in the previous year, so they know how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on their tax return.

If your clients misplace their Benefit Statement, they can instantly get a replacement form with a personal my Social Security account. Replacement tax forms for the previous tax year are generally available beginning February 1 of each year.

To further assist your clients, the IRS Tools webpage offers a wide range of resources that can greatly simplify the tax preparation process. Individuals can use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to get answers to common tax questions and determine if their Social Security benefits are taxable. Additionally, the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide free tax help for the elderly, the disabled, low-to-moderate income and people with limited English proficiency. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool at www.irs.gov/VITA or call 800-906-9887.

Visit our Information for Tax Preparers webpage to learn more.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach

How We Serve People Who Have Limited English Proficiency

Date: January 4, 2024

Dear Colleague,

If you assist clients with limited English proficiency (LEP), you should know that we have resources available in different languages to help them conduct their business with us in their preferred language. By addressing language and other barriers, we can help more people access Social Security programs, services, and benefits.

Our free interpreter services are available to people who prefer to conduct business in a language other than English. We offer interpreters in more than 200 languages to help customers communicate and understand important information. Customers can obtain these services by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting a local office and asking for an interpreter.

Our website provides online resources in Spanish including information about retirement benefits, disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

We offer the instructions for applying for a Social Security Number card in 17 languages (including English and Spanish). Applicants can use the new instructional guides to complete the official SS-5 English form.

We offer many of our publications in languages other than English. Please check out Social Security Information in Other Languages page to view these resources, which include:

• Social Security Numbers for Non-Citizens
• Understanding the Benefits
• A sample Social Security Statement and 10 supplemental fact sheets

We strive to improve our customer service and provide helpful information to everyone. You can learn more about our commitment to increase access to benefits and services for LEP customers in our Language Access Plan.

Please share this information with your colleagues, friends, and family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Susan Camarena
Associate Commissioner
Office of Public Inquiries and Communication Support
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach