Upcoming Webinar about Applying Online for Disability Benefits

Why Social Security Matters to Americans

Tell Them to Apply Online

Social Security: One of the Best Places to Work in Government

Protect Your Identity Week

Upcoming Webinar about Applying Online for Disability Benefits

If you have clients who wish to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you don’t want to miss the informative webinar, Applying Online for Disability Benefits. It will broadcast live at 2:00 p.m. on October 6, 2010.

We made a number of enhancements to our online disability application, making it easier and more convenient to complete online. The webinar will tell you about applying online for disability, cover changes that make the process even better than before, and answer your questions live.

During this webinar, we will highlight the new aspects of this online application and tell you about other Social Security disability initiatives currently underway to improve the services we provide to those with disabilities. After October 6, 2010, the webinar will be available on our website to view anytime.

RSVP for the webinar and tune in October 6, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. EST. The place to go is www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars.

Why Social Security Matters to Americans

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Social Security. As you can imagine, we have quite a story to share. But the best stories belong to those who directly benefit from Social Security. We recently asked Americans to share their stories with us online; the response was overwhelming.

“Social Security is my lifeline,” wrote one person. “It is difficult at best to live within the limit of my income, but it would be impossible without it.”

“Disability benefits saved my life,” said a veteran. “After combat service as a Corpsman with the Marines in Desert Storm, I spent 16 years in emotional turmoil. Because Social Security provided a financial safety net, I was able to obtain treatment for PTSD and will soon return to the world of the working (and the tax-paying). God bless America and God bless the Social Security Administration.”

These are just a couple of the comments we received. Read more Social Security stories at www.socialsecurity.gov/75thanniversary/readstories/1.html. Better yet, please invite those you deal with to share their own story by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/75thanniversary/stories.html.

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Tell Them to Apply Online

If you serve Americans who are preparing for retirement, be sure to advise them that the most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits is online.

Social Security offers an online retirement application your clients can complete in as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy! There's no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.

In most cases, once the application is submitted electronically, the process is complete. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process the application and contact your client if any further information is needed.

You can send your clients directly to the online application at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

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Social Security: One of the Best Places to Work in Government

Social Security employees rate their agency as one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government according to The Partnership for Public Service and American University’s Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation. 

The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings draw on responses from more than 263,000 federal employees to produce detailed rankings of employee satisfaction across 290 federal agencies and subcomponents. 

“Our employees make a positive difference in the lives of millions of Americans,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “I encourage anyone looking for a career in public service to look closely at Social Security. You can make a difference in people's lives and your own.”

To learn more about careers with Social Security, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/careers. For more information about the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government, go to www.bestplacestowork.org.

Protect Your Identity Week

Each year about ten million people become victims of identity theft. To help consumers stay protected, Social Security has joined the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and Council of Better Business Bureaus in support of Protect Your Identity Week this October 17 to 23. Free workshops, shredding of documents, exhibits, and credit report reviews are among the many activities open to the public during the week.

To learn more about identity theft protection, to help your clients assess their risk of identity theft, or to find events in your area, go to www.ProtectYourIDNow.org.

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