How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record

"...Your annual earnings determine the amount you will receive from Social Security in retirement.

But incorrect or omitted earnings could cause you to miss out on thousands of dollars in retirement benefits.

It's up to individual employees to spot mistakes and take action to correct them. ..."

Read more at MSN

Stimulus Check Payments Will Be Automatic for Social Security Recipients

"...The IRS has reversed course to eliminate a controversial requirement on Social Security recipients seeking stimulus checks as part of the government's coronavirus response package.

After initially saying that Social Security recipients would have to file a "simple" tax return for 2019 -- which they ordinarily would not do -- the IRS now says the payment will be automatic without it...."

Read more at Fox News

Don't Fall for COVID-19 Social Security Scams

"...The last thing you need in the middle of a global health crisis is to fall victim to a financial scam. But unfortunately, criminals are already capitalizing on the current situation by contacting seniors by phone, claiming to be SSA representatives warning of benefit suspensions.

To prevent these so-called suspensions, recipients are being asked to provide personal information, like their Social Security numbers or bank account details, which could then be used to steal their benefits or wreak other forms of financial havoc...."

To avoid falling victim to a scam, know that the SSA will never randomly call you asking for personal information, so if you receive such a call, hang up and report it here to help prevent other seniors from being scammed.

Scams also occur by a suspicious letter in the mail, a text message, or an email asking you to provide personal information or send money. Don't be a victim.

Social Security will never:

• threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee;
• promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment;
• require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card;
• demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem; or
• send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

Source: The Motley Fool and OIG SSA

Social Security Offices Closed Due to Coronavirus

"...Effective Tuesday, March 17, local Social Security offices are closed to the public, which means seniors who typically rely on those offices will need to find a new way to get the information they need. And while Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives will still be available by phone, callers could face long wait times in the coming days and weeks.

The CDC has stated repeatedly that those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include the elderly -- namely, those over 60. And that's the exact population likely to visit a Social Security office. By closing those doors, the SSA is hoping to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Thankfully, seniors in need of assistance can still call (800) 772-1213 with pressing questions -- but the SSA warns that critical issues, like missing benefit payments, will take priority over less urgent matters. ..."


Read more at The Motley Fool

Federal COLA for 2018 Announced

"...Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 66 million Americans will increase 2.0 percent in 2018, the Social Security Administration announced today.

The 2.0 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 61 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2018.

Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 29, 2017.

(Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits) The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics...."

Source: SSA.gov