By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will di...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/05/01/protecting-yourself-from-qr-code-fraud/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: What is the estimated average Social Security payment that a person receives each month? Answer: The es...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/04/29/social-security-qa-part-47/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Running a small business can be a 24-7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services, and marketing can be challenging....
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/04/25/social-secruity-supports-small-businesses/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We celebrate Financial Literacy Month (FLM) every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. FLM als...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/04/19/plan-for-your-futire-during-financial-literacy-month/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you join us for Slam the Scam Day in March? If so, you know how important it is to raise awareness about government imposter sc...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/04/18/social-security-top-5-scam-awareness-articles/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Want to learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts? The tips below will help you protect yourself and your fami...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/04/17/how-to-spot-an-imposter-social-media-account/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist America Saves Week, which runs from April 8 to 12 this year, is an excellent opportunity for organizations to promote good financial ha...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/03/29/making-the-most-of-america-saves-week-2024/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: How can I protect myself against identity theft? Answer: First, don’t carry your Social Security card...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/03/26/social-security-qa-part-46/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Sect...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving them? Did you know that you can also receive healthy me...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist March is Women’s History Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face in the 21s...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/03/07/social-security-celebrates-womens-history-month-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other gov...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/03/05/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/02/23/social-security-qa-part-45/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Financial education helps people learn about savings, credit, and loans. It also helps them prepare for life changes and the unexpected...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/02/19/are-americans-financially-educated-on-retirement-savings/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We’re committed to improving customer service by providing more access to our programs and services, and our efforts have paid off. ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2024/02/16/social-security-improves-customer-experience-ranking/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Now is the perfect time to protect yourself from scams that can damage your finances and reputation. We can work together to keep you...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete, or at least start, your a...
Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 has been declared as the official start date of the nation’s 2024 tax season by the Internal Revenue Service. This means that the agency began accepting and processing 202...
Elder Law of Michigan’s office will be closed starting Friday, December 22, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024, for our staff to spend time with their families and friends duirng the holiday ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/21/2024-holiday-closing-announcement/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement? Answer: You can get your personal Social Security...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/21/social-security-qa-part-44/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to de...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/20/social-security-and-scam-awareness/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The holiday season often brings us feelings of warmth and joy. At Social Security, we want you to know we share the same joy when it ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/20/happy-holidays-from-social-security/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist SSA.gov is your best resource to learn about Social Security programs and do business with us. Our website is designed to make it eas...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/11/social-securitys-top-10-webpages-for-2024/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist More than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) paymen...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/04/social-security-benefits-increase-in-2024/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Will Social Security be there when I retire? That’s the question we’re answering in the latest episode of our audio series, SSA T...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/12/01/ssa-talks-will-social-security-be-there-when-i-retire/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/11/27/social-security-qa-part-43/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and to share memories with our loved ones. We are thankful beca...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/11/22/social-security-is-thankful-to-serve-you/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Most business owners are hyper-focused on growing their business and legacy. But at some point, they must consider a plan for retirem...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law prohibits disability-related discrimination ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/11/20/celebrating-50-years-of-the-rehabilitation-act/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Our Mobile Check-In Express feature makes it easier to check in if you must visit a Social Security office. To use Mobile Check-In Ex...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/11/17/save-your-place-in-line-with-mobile-check-in-express/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist When you retire, if you become disabled, or if someone you depend on dies— we are there when you need us. With your personal and se...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/11/17/at-home-or-on-the-go-social-security-is-online-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I worked for many years before I became disabled, but I didn’t have enough recent work to receive Soc...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/10/30/social-security-qa-part-42/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist People with disabilities play an important role in a diverse and inclusive workforce. We would like to tell you about Amy and her pat...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/10/26/disability-part-of-the-equity-equation/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Financial crime against older Americans is a growing problem. People living with dementia are at an especially high risk of becoming vi...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security strives to deliver great customer service and helpful information to everyone, including people who are more comfortabl...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/10/16/social-security-for-the-hispanic-community/
On October 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2024 ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/10/13/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For 88 years, Social Security has provided income protection to millions of retirees, people with disabilities, dependents, and familie...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/10/06/celebrating-88-years-of-social-security/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We’re excited to announce the addition of two helpful screening tools on SSA.gov! These tools are the Benefits Screener and the Card ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/10/05/how-ssa-gov-helps-you/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/09/29/social-security-qa-part-41/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the many people covered u...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Securi...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/09/12/are-you-age-70-or-older-and-not-yet-receiving-benefits/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/09/07/five-benefits-you-can-apply-for-using-ssa-gov/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by the Social Security Act as som...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/09/01/elder-abuse-combating-injustice/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: I’m 17 and eager to start my first summer job, but my mother misplaced my Social Security card. How c...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/08/29/social-security-qa-part-40/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security has expanded its outreach to people in critical need of financial help who may be eligible for Supplemental Security In...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/08/22/social-security-expands-outreach-and-access-for-ssi/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring people who are eligible for our benefits receive them. We provide inco...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you know we have a new audio series, SSA Talks? You can learn more about our top priorities by listening at www.ssa.gov/news/audio-...
Via Cincinnati Enquire by Alexander Coolidge The retirement plan covering nearly 5,400 Southwest Ohio union carpenters got a nearly $183 million government bailout on Tuesday, according to an ann...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Our online learning resources for educators are great for teaching others about Social Security! Chances are that a student will know...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/08/16/social-security-online-learning-tools-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online usin...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/08/16/check-the-status-of-your-social-security-benefits-online/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We strive to deliver great customer service and helpful information to everyone. That includes improving access for underserved commu...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/08/16/how-we-serve-people-who-have-limited-english-proficiency/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: How do I apply for disability benefits? How long does it take to get a decision after I apply for disability benefits? Answer...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/07/28/social-security-qa-part-39/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Ever wonder how much you earned the year you worked your first job? Or any other year you worked? You can find out by reviewing you...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This year, we celebrate 33 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its importance to many beneficiaries. We’re commi...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Fraudsters will never take a break. While you are out enjoying fun and sun this summer, they are working hard to find new ways to scam ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/07/11/fraudsters-never-go-on-vacation/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Every July, we take pride in celebrating our nation’s independence. For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped provide financial i...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/07/04/celebrate-your-independence-with-social-security-2/
Elder Law of Michigan's Blog
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/07/03/july-3-office-closing-at-12-noon/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Is it true that ten thousand people are retiring each day? What is the best way for me to apply and avoid long lines in my So...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/06/26/social-security-qa-part-38/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Well-informed instructors can have a powerful and positive influence on their students. That’s why we created an Educator Tool...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/06/16/social-security-supports-teachers-online-3/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support you throughout life’...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/06/07/eligibility-for-spouses-benefits-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information,...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/06/05/10-ways-to-protect-your-personal-information/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist June is Pride Month. It’s a time to acknowledge the LGBTQ+community, and also celebratediversity, love, and respect. On June 26, 2015...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/06/01/social-securitys-commitment-to-the-lgbtq-community-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications? Answer: Yes, we do. You can find them at w...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/05/31/social-security-qa-part-37/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist On Memorial Day, our nation honors military service members who have given their lives for our country. Families, friends, and comm...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/05/29/social-security-honors-our-military-heroes-4/
Retirement is a goal we work towards throughout our lifetime, and ultimately should be a goal we enjoy. Retirement does take a substantial amount of planning and it is easy to become overwhelmed ...
Via WPSU | By Valeria Quiñones | News Lab at Penn State Kathy Dodson, 67, has been working at the Poof-Slinky factory in Hollidaysburg for 30 years. She said she still hopes to retire soon, but ...
Via the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis By Owen Davis Most U.S. households got an unexpected financial boost during the pandemic, a result of both reduced consumer spending and robus...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/05/25/older-households-financial-fragility/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist It’s never too early to start planning for retirement and our online tools can help. Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount to access you...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/05/16/ready-to-retire-apply-online-with-social-security-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is here for you when you travel, whether you’re in the United States or in another country. Our online services pag...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continued to raise public awareness about Social Sec...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/05/15/slam-the-scam-with-social-security/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Your personal my Social Security account is here for you at every stage of your career. You don’t have to be retired or even close ...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: If I retire at age 62, will I be eligible for Medicare? Answer: No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, y...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/04/28/social-security-qa-part-36/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security benefits factor into the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you are covered under Social Security, y...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/04/25/plan-your-retirement-with-social-security/
Via Forbes By Christian Weller, Senior Contributor The relentless pace of the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes are coming against a backdrop of large numbers of older adults struggling economically...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/04/20/older-adults-and-debt-a-storm-on-the-horizon/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security achieved the highest score of any federal government agency on the Center for Plain Language’s 2022 Federal Plain Lan...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/04/20/social-securitys-plain-language-makes-the-grade/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We strive to provide the public with accurate and helpful information. In addition to the resources available on our website at www.s...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist April is Financial Literacy Month. Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools can help you understand ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/04/06/plan-for-your-future-during-financial-literacy-month-2/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security works with theOffice of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Se...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For most months in the year, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients get their SSI payment on the first day of the month. But w...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/03/23/getting-two-ssi-payments-in-one-month/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Have you visited the redesigned SSA.gov yet? In December 2022, we updated our homepage with a new design to help you find what you ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/03/16/social-security-launches-redesigned-website-at-ssa-gov/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement? Answer: You can get your personal Social Security...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/03/13/social-security-qa-part-35/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal info...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/03/09/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving them? Did you know that you can also receive healthy me...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist March is Women’s History Month. It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women. Social Security provid...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/03/01/social-security-celebrates-womens-history-month/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I am expecting a child and will be out of work for six months. Can I qualify for short-term disability? Answer: No. Social Se...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/01/26/social-security-qa-part-34/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scams to steal your personal information are at an all-time high. The need to safeguard important personal documents such as your Socia...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/01/24/social-security-cards-are-safer-at-home/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program helps support many American families. As we celebrate 50 years of SSI, it is a great tim...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/01/19/ssi-50-years-of-financial-security/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Effective October 2022, you can self-select your sex on your Social Security number (SSN) record. “The Social Security Administration...
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within three months before or after turning age 65, you have another chanc...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/01/13/general-enrollment-period-for-medicare-part-b/
By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security programs touch the lives of more than 70 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services ar...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2023/01/11/this-new-year-learn-about-social-security-online/
By the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pension and 401(k) issues. There are no age or income res...
Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pension and 401(k) issues. There are no age or income restriction...
Elder Law of Michigan’s offices will close at 3:30 pm today, Wednesday, November 23, 2022. We will be closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, 2022, for the Thanksgiving. We will ...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/11/23/office-hours-and-thanksgiving-holiday/
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you concerned about protecting your older relatives and friends from elder abuse? The pandemic highlighted the disproportionate imp...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/10/24/protecting-our-loved-ones-from-elder-abuse/
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. At Social Security, we recognize and appreciate the roles people with disa...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/10/17/celebrating-national-disability-employment-awareness-month/
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This year, October 12th is National Savings Day. This day serves as an important reminder to plan for your financial future. Social Sec...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/10/12/national-savings-day-reminds-us-to-plan-for-the-future/
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security strives to deliver great customer service and helpful information to everyone, including people who are more comfortabl...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/10/10/social-security-services-for-the-hispanic-community-2/
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: My grandfather, who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report t...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/09/26/social-security-qa-part-33/
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist You can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits. Applying online is quick and easy. T...
https://advancingsmartly.org/2022/09/24/you-can-apply-for-medicare-online/