Don Francisco Spreads the Word about Social Security's Spanish Website

There's an expanded suite of services offered in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov. One of the new services is the ability to apply online for Social Security retirement and Medicare benefits in Spanish. Visitors to the site also can apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, use the Retirement Estimator, and read a number of publications. It's all available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov today!

Don Francisco, host of the television show Sabado Gigante (or Giant Saturday) since 1962, is helping us spread the news with a series of television Public Service Announcements. Check them out at www.socialsecurity.gov/espanol/oficinadeprensa/psa-video.html.

If your group or organization has a newsletter, and you would like to publish an article about our new suite of services offered in Spanish, please use Don Francisco's message here.

One of the Best 10 Places to Work: Social Security

Social Security once again ranks as one of the top ten "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 number six ranking not only identifies Social Security as one of the "Best Places to Work," but also proves that the agency's commitment to treat its employees as its most valuable asset has been successful.

"In a tough economy, President Obama is trying to make it easier for Americans to work for the Federal government," said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. "Our ranking affirms that a career at Social Security is a great choice."

To learn more, read the recent press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/bestplacetowork-1111-pr.htm

Find out about careers with Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/careers.

Social Security and Medicare in 2012

Remember, the 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with Social Security payments in January 2012. Increased payments for SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011. The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $99.90 in 2012.

For people who did not enroll in Medicare Part B during their initial enrollment period at age 65, the annual "general enrollment period" runs from January 1 to March 31, 2012. Coverage begins on July 1 of the year a person enrolls. Monthly premiums increase 10 percent for each 12-month period a person was eligible for, but did not enroll in, Medicare Part B.

Learn more about the 2012 COLA at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/2012cola-pr.html.

Learn more about Medicare by reading our publication on the subject. www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html

Social Security During the Holidays

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for many people and businesses and it is certainly a busy time for Social Security. That's why we encourage anyone who needs to do business with Social Security over the busy holiday season to go online to www.socialsecurity.gov. If your clients need to call or visit a Social Security office, we will be closed December 26, 2011 for Christmas and January 2, 2012 for New Year's.

If your clients need to do business with Social Security during the holidays, they may experience more busy signals on the telephone and longer wait times in local offices.

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