Social Security Administration Launches Redesigned Website!
Date: December 6, 2022
Dear Colleague,
In our ongoing commitment to provide efficient and equitable service, visitors to SSA.gov will now experience a new design that helps them find what they need more easily and do business with us online. Many of our most visited sections now use a more user-friendly and task-based approach. In the coming months we will continue to unveil new pages and improvements based on public feedback.
I invite you to read our blog announcing the redesigned website and several interactive tools, such as our new benefit eligibility screener.
Please encourage your friends, family, and clients to visit our redesigned website today!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Office of Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
We Want to Provide Timely, High Quality, and Accurate Service to Your Clients
Date: November 17, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Social Security Administration (SSA) employees demonstrate an unwavering commitment to serving people who turn to us for help each year, including over half a million visitors to our field offices each week. However, we cannot keep up with the demand for service, and our annual fixed cost increases like salaries, rent, and guard services, without additional funding.
The Administration asked Congress for a continuing resolution funding anomaly of $800 million more than our fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget, which would have allowed us to maintain level service by hiring employees, funding our fixed cost increases, funding information technology (IT) projects, and allocating overtime to help handle workloads, provided there is not an unexpected and significant increase in demand for our services and programs.
We thank Congress for providing nearly $100 million in additional funding during the current continuing resolution through December 16, 2022, which provides enough funding to cover our fixed cost increases only through December, overtime at FY 2022 levels, and continued hiring at the start of FY 2023. However, it is not enough to cover our annual fixed cost increases or improve service. The FY 2023 President's budget request for SSA - a $1.4 billion increase over our FY 2022 enacted level of funding - is the funding we need to improve customer service for your clients.
We have faced years of underfunding. We are currently operating with approximately 4,000 fewer employees since prior to the pandemic - a 7 percent drop. We are also experiencing historically high levels of attrition. Your clients experience service delays due to the staffing shortage. For example, they are waiting an average of over six months for decisions on their initial disability claims and over 30 minutes to speak to a representative on our National 800 Number.
Without additional funding in FY 2023, we will freeze hiring, cut overtime, and cut funding for critical IT investments.
We must receive the resources to restore staffing losses and continue our important IT investments to prevent deteriorating services that your clients will not and should not accept.
Sincerely,
Jeff Nesbit
Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Social Security Administration
New Start Dates for Medicare Part B Coverage Start Coming in 2023
Date: November 16, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Starting January 1, 2023, the start dates for Medicare Part B coverage will change. Coverage will start the first day of the month after a person signs up, if they sign up during the last three months of their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), or during the General Enrollment Period (GEP).
Before this change, if your clients signed up during the last three months of their IEP, their Medicare Part B coverage started two to three months after they enrolled. If your client doesn't sign up for Medicare Part B during their IEP, they have another chance every year during GEP which runs from January 1 through March 31.
What is not changing:
If your client is eligible at age 65 for Medicare, their IEP will still:
- begin three months before their 65th birthday.
- include the month of their 65th birthday.
- end three months after their 65th birthday.
If your client is automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B, or if they sign up during the first three months of their IEP, their coverage will start the month they're first eligible. If your client signs up the month that they turn 65, their coverage will start the first day of the following month. This will not change with the new rule.
You and your clients can learn more about these updates on our Medicare webpage at www.ssa.gov/medicare and our Medicare publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf.
Please share this important information with your clients. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
Veterans Day 2022
Date: November 10, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Each Veterans Day, we express our gratitude for current and former members of the armed forces. We remember their sacrifices and honor them in both our words and actions.
At the Social Security Administration (SSA), we take seriously our responsibility to eliminate any barriers that veterans face when accessing our services. Recently, we redesigned our Information for Military & Veterans webpage with updated resources and an improved user experience. The improvements make it easier to understand SSA's benefit eligibility requirements, fast-track the application process for qualified active-duty military and veterans, and many more important topics.
To learn more, visit www.ssa.gov/people/veterans. While you're there, please sign up to receive email updates. You can also share information through your social networks.
Thank you for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Claudia Cuccia
National Veterans Outreach Lead
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
Date: November 7, 2022
Dear Colleague,
November is American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Heritage Month. The month is an important opportunity to reflect on the proud history of Indigenous peoples in America and to celebrate the rich and diverse Tribal cultures.
This year's theme is "Celebrating Respect, Culture, and Education," acknowledging both the respect for tribal sovereignty and the respect between the members of the AIAN community.
In support of President Biden's 2021 Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities, along with other Federal guidance, we have established the Office of Native American Partnerships. Acting Commissioner Kijakazi said that this new office strengthens our commitment to reducing barriers "by providing Tribal communities more representation and a strong advocate, messenger, and facilitator within Social Security's Office of the Commissioner."
To learn more about ways Social Security supports AIAN communities, visit our dedicated webpage at www.ssa.gov/people/aian/.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
Update on Increase to the Attorney Fee Cap
Date: October 31, 2022
Dear Colleague,
On May 12, 2022, we shared with you that the maximum fee under the fee agreement process will increase, the first increase in 13 years. Effective November 30, 2022, the maximum fee will change from $6,000 to $7,200.
Additionally, on November 30, 2022, we are also increasing the fee petition amount that an initial authorizer may approve if an appointed representative seeks authorization of a fee through the fee petition process. During the fee petition process, the initial authorizer may now approve up to $12,000 in connection with a claim adjudicated at the initial, reconsideration, or hearing level.
Information for appointed representatives, including the electronic SSA-1696 fee agreement, is available on our Representing Social Security Claimants page.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
Self-Attestation Changes for Sex Marker on Social Security Number Record
Date: October 21, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Two important parts of transitioning for many transgender and nonbinary people is changing their name and correcting their sex marker on identification (ID) documents and other government records. This process often requires jumping through many legal and bureaucratic hoops. We are pleased to announce that we have eliminated the requirement for a medical provider to certify a person's sex before it can be changed on their Social Security record.
This policy change aligns with Executive Order 13988 (Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation). Although the sex field on our record is not used in initial or continuing benefit eligibility determinations, we are aligning with other agencies to allow millions of transgender people in the United States to update their most commonly used identification documents.
Please visit our blog for more information about this new policy.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
Just Announced! Social Security's 2023 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Date: October 13, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Today, we announced that monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately 70 million Americans will increase by 8.7% in 2023.
Visit our blog for details about the COLA and other important news.
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,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Social Security: Information and Resources in Spanish
Date: October 7, 2022
Dear Colleague,
In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to highlight the important information and resources that are available on our Spanish-language website - www.segurosocial.gov.
There, you can learn how to get a Social Security card, plan for retirement, apply for benefits, manage your benefits, and much more.
Visit the webpages below for additional information: (Spanish-language equivalents below.)
- FAQ - find answers to common questions.
- Publications - in-depth information about our programs.
- B.E.S.T. (Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool) -helps you identify which Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive.
- Multilanguage Gateway - covers our free interpreter services policy and offers Social Security information in other languages.
Please share this information with your clients and others and encourage them to follow our Spanish-language Facebook and Twitter platforms for additional resources, tips, and information.
Administración del Seguro Social: Información y Recursos en Español
Estimado Colega:
En conmemoración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, queremos resaltar los recursos e información de importancia que están disponible en nuestra página de internet en español - www.segurosocial.gov.
Ahí aprenderá cómo obtener una tarjeta de Seguro Social, planificar su jubilación, solicitar beneficios, administrar sus beneficios, y mucho más.
Visite las siguientes páginas de internet para más información:
Por favor comparta esta información con sus clientes y otras personas, y exhórtelos a que sigan nuestra página de Facebook y Twitter en español para más información.
Atentamente,
Sincerely,
Lydia E. Chévere
Public Affairs Specialist
External Affairs Team, Social Security Administration
@SSAOutreach
Join Us - NDF - Homelessness: Working with Stakeholders to Improve Access to SSA Benefits
Date: September 30, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We cordially invite you to our next National Disability Forum, Homelessness: Working with Stakeholders to Improve Access to SSA Benefits and Services Part 2. The forum will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, via Microsoft (MS) Teams.
The purpose of this forum is to learn from researchers, stakeholders, advocates, and the public about how we can improve access to our benefits and services for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Discussion topics for Part 2 include:
- Challenges obtaining medical records;
- Tips and considerations for disability case adjudicators; and
- Transitioning out of housing insecurity.
Joy Moses, Director for the Homelessness Research Institute, National Alliance to End Homelessness, will moderate the forum. Confirmed Panelists include:
- Yvonne Perret, Founder, SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)
- Richard Cho, PhD., Senior Advisor, U.S. Housing and Urban Development
- Michele Levy, Managing Attorney, Homeless Advocacy Project
- Claire Ramsey, Chief Deputy Director, California Department of Social Services
- Katie League, COVID-19 Project Manager (Policy Team), National Health Care for the Homeless Council
To participate in the forum, please register by Monday, October 17, 2022. After we receive your registration, you will receive an email with the MS Teams information.
We are gathering information from our stakeholders about the forum's topics through Engage SSA, an online feedback tool. Information can be provided until Friday, November 4, 2022.
We want to hear your ideas about:
- Privacy and improving medical records of people experiencing homelessness;
- Access to benefits applications for the sheltered and unsheltered;
- Addressing how SSA can better maintain contact with individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
If you have not used Engage SSA, please see the Engage SSA guide for details. While a login is required, all responses are anonymous, unless you choose to provide contact information.
We hope you can join us, and we look forward to your participation. To learn more about the National Disability Forum, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/ndf/index.htm.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
An Important Notice Regarding Transition-Aged Youth!
Date: September 27, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Today, we will mail a notice to more than 342,700 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients between the ages of 14 and 17 (transition-aged youth) and their adult representatives to share policies and other resources to assist youth in their transition to adulthood. These mailings include a notice and our annual publication, What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (Publication No. 05-11005). We encourage caregivers to review it with the child, if possible.
This publication helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life. It provides information about SSI work incentives geared to youth, as well as information about common programs, services, and supports that parents, guardians, and youth may find helpful.
Specific topics covered include:
- The age-18 redetermination and how to appeal if benefits stop;
- Earnings and the age-18 redetermination;
- Available work incentives and supports;
- SSI program rules about higher education funds;
- Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts; and
- Other services that may be helpful.
You can download the publication, in both English and Spanish, from our publication webpage.
We also have a webpage for youth to assist them in making a successful transition to adulthood.
Please help us promote these valuable resources through your networks, especially foster care and youth transition programs.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
A New - and Faster - Way to Request a Social Security Card
Date: September 26, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Do your clients need to apply for a Social Security number and card? Do they need a replacement card or to update their name? We now have a new - and faster - way for them to make the request online.
When your clients visit our Social Security Number and Card webpage, they can answer a series of questions that will determine whether they can:
- Complete the entire application process online; or
- Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to their local office to complete the application. This saves them time in the office.
In both scenarios, we will mail their card after we process their completed application, typically within two weeks. Please remind your clients that we don't issue cards at our offices or card centers.
More information about this process is available in our blog post.
Please share this information with your family, friends, and clients.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
There is Still Time to Register for a Discussion About Language Access
Date: September 22, 2022
Dear Colleague,
There is still time to register for the upcoming Language Access discussion, to be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET. We will share updates about our efforts to remove barriers to Social Security services and benefits for people with limited English proficiency.
If you have not already registered and would like to participate, please register by Monday, September 26, 2022. After we receive your registration, you will receive an email with the meeting agenda and the Microsoft Teams information.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Susan Camarena
LEP Steering Committee Chair and Associate Commissioner
Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
@SSAOutreach
You're Invited! Join Us for a Discussion on Language Access
Date: September 15, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Please join us for an update about our Language Access activities and our efforts to remove barriers to services and benefits for people with limited English proficiency. The meeting will be held via Microsoft (MS) Team on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.
We will provide updates on:
- Our Language Access Plan;
- Public Affairs Materials; and
- National and Local Outreach to engage LEP communities.
Please register by Monday, September 26, 2022, to participate in this event. After registration, you will receive a follow-up email with the meeting agenda and MS Teams link.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
We hope you can join us and look forward to your participation.
Sincerely,
Susan Camarena
LEP Steering Committee Chair and Associate Commissioner
Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
@SSAOutreach
There is Still Time to Register for the National Disability Forum
Date: September 14, 2022
Dear Colleague,
There is still time to register for the upcoming National Disability Forum, Homelessness: Working with Stakeholders to Improve Access to SSA Benefits and Services Part 1, to be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.
If you have not already registered and would like to participate, please register by Monday, September 19, 2022. After we receive your registration, you will receive an email with the Microsoft Teams information.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
SSA is Dedicated to Helping the People We Serve
Date: September 12, 2022
Dear Colleague,
There are few, if any, federal agencies that positively impact the lives of the American people to the extent that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does. Millions count on SSA—retirees who worked hard their whole lives, people who are no longer able to work due to disability, and many more. SSA's programs touch the lives of almost every person in the nation. SSA employees work diligently to ensure that they receive critical benefits and other services, and it is my honor and privilege to lead them in their efforts.
We are nearing the end of the fiscal year (FY). While this past year has not been without its challenges, I'm proud to say that our accomplishments have far exceeded anyone's expectations.
Like the rest of the world, SSA continues to work its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust to our new reality. We briefly suspended in-person services in our offices in March 2020, though soon resumed to help customers with critical needs, by appointment only, throughout most of the pandemic. Our employees worked hard to maintain services and assist the public, despite not being able to physically work from their offices. Between March 2020 and April 2022, our frontline employees handled more than 168 million calls to our National 800 Number and local Social Security offices across the country. In April 2022, we safely resumed in-person services nationwide for everyone, with or without an appointment.
Our reentry was a clear success. We followed the science and public health guidance to minimize risks to our employees and visitors. We engaged early and often with our employee unions to meet our bargaining obligations. In fact, we were one of the first federal agencies to reach agreements with all our unions on reopening our offices. In addition, we reached 47 mid-term agreements with our labor unions. More recently, we secured collective bargaining agreements with two of our unions and will soon begin renegotiation with our third.
Throughout our reentry, we communicated frequently with our customers, advocate groups, and the media to alert the public that we had resumed in-person service and share our health and safety protocols. Signage placed outside our offices reinforced our protocols and offered alternate ways to get help. By sharing our masking and physical distancing requirements before people visited our offices, we helped set expectations and reduced customer frustration.
Although relatively few of our 1,230 local offices initially experienced long lines, usually early or late in the day, this was primarily caused by the high demand for in-person services in April, at the beginning of reentry. Since then, long lines outside have not been an issue for most of our offices.
Beyond the initial re-entry period, we are taking steps to improve service for customers who do find themselves waiting outside. We provide outdoor canopies and fans when possible, always permit visitors to use our bathrooms and water fountains, and we will begin allowing more people to wait inside, following changes to distancing restrictions. We continue to expand mobile check-in, so we can notify customers on their cell phones when it's their turn. That way, people who have an alternative place to wait can return to the office when we notify them.
Local SSA offices are doing even more to help customers. Most offices have been offering document drop-boxes, where customers can securely deposit personal information without an appointment. Within 3 days of receipt, in 99.9 percent of offices, documents are sent back to customers through certified mail to allow their delivery to be tracked. Further, many offices assign employees to help people waiting in line by checking that they have the information or documentation they need.
Accessing benefits is critical for millions of households who depend on Social Security, SSI, and other benefits to survive. Beyond our programs, SSA helps recipients and potential applicants get access to, and learn about, other benefits and credits that they might not learn about otherwise.
People who receive SSI are among the most at-risk in the country, and without SSA's guidance, too many might think that they had to choose which benefits to seek. SSI is a gateway to many benefits, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides financial help to buy food, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), that provides discounted internet service, and Medicaid, a health insurance program for people with little or no income.
Without SSA's voice, many SSI recipients wouldn't know that getting SSI automatically makes them eligible for ACP and SNAP. SSA currently works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service and over 3,000 community-based organizations nationwide to increase the number of SSI participants who apply for SNAP.
SSI recipients also might not realize that Economic Impact Payments (EIP) never affect their SSI, or that we only count Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments as a financial resource after 12 months. SSA was among the top three referral sources to the online CTC tool for non-tax filers. Our campaign directly led to an estimated $56 million of tax benefits paid to nearly 16,000 households - and there is still time for traditional non-tax filers to claim the CTC and a missing EIP. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, and in partnership with Code for America, people who were not required to file a tax return can visit www.childtaxcredit.gov/ssa to claim the CTC.
SSA gives people the information they need to confidently, and successfully, apply for these benefits and credits. This allows people to provide for their families and prevents them from having to choose between food, medicine, clothing, or a roof over their head.
Our employees have worked hard throughout the pandemic to provide the best possible service to people in need. But our efforts have been impeded by insufficient funding. In FY 2022, SSA received $850 million less than President Biden's budget request. As a result, we were unable to hire the level of staffing needed and had to delay the modernization of some aspects of our legacy information technology system. Without adequate staffing and overtime hours, the backlog in workloads prompted by the pandemic rose. We proactively formed a special operations team to reassign existing staff across the agency to help reduce the backlog. However, we will need sufficient funds in the coming year to ensure we can process all our workloads efficiently.
SSA's employees have been carrying heavy workloads, given the staffing shortage, and this has weighed on morale. I have visited over 25 offices including local offices, hearings offices, and regional offices to meet and hear directly from managers and staff. These visits included offices in small cities, rural communities, and a tribal reservation that have never received a visit from a commissioner before.
Our goals are for every person who needs our help and who is eligible for SSA benefits to receive them timely and accurately, and for every SSA employee to advance in their chosen career path. We are committed to helping maintain the well-being and protection of the people we serve - older Americans, workers who become disabled, wounded warriors, and families who suffer the loss of a spouse or parent.
Sincerely,
Kilolo Kijakazi, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Acting Commissioner for Social Security Administration
SSA Wants to Provide Timely and Quality Service
Date: September 8, 2022
Dear Colleague,
I am writing with a quick update on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget and the Administration's request for a funding anomaly for SSA under a continuing resolution (CR). Our employees demonstrate an unwavering commitment to serving the millions of people who turn to us for assistance each year. However, we cannot keep up with the demand for service and our annual fixed cost increases. As a result, the public is experiencing delays in service and long waits for disability decisions. We need additional funding to deliver the service the public deserves and expects.
On October 1, 2022, we will likely start the FY under a CR. After years of inadequate funding, beginning FY 2023 with the same funding we had in FY 2022 will make it even harder to dig out of our current backlogs and will increase the public's wait for service.
The Administration asked Congress for a CR anomaly that would provide us with $800 million over our FY 2022 funding level. This anomaly would allow us to maintain our current service levels without further deterioration while Congress makes final decisions on government-wide funding levels for FY 2023.
We deliver $1.3 trillion directly to tens of millions of beneficiaries each year, providing a financial safety net for Americans. These benefits are vital to the national economy and critical for families. Social Security benefits also help people access other important programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Many of your clients depend on SSA and these other programs to survive.
Due to underfunding and the resulting hiring freezes, reduced staffing levels cannot keep pace with demand
Our FY 2022 budget was $850 million less than the President's budget request. Consequently, in March 2022, we implemented a hiring freeze, but have subsequently lifted the freeze. Our agency is now at its lowest staffing level in 25 years. Prior to the pandemic, we had approximately 60,000 employees. Now, we have approximately 56,000 employees - a 7 percent drop. As we lose employees, our service deteriorates. This issue is particularly acute in our State disability determination services (DDS), where we decide initial disability claims and reconsiderations, due to historically high attrition as workloads become less reasonable with fewer staff.
Insufficient funds for hiring staff yield service times that don't meet expectations
Without sufficient funds to hire the level of staffing needed, we are experiencing growing backlogs and lengthy delays that cause significant financial hardship for the most vulnerable people. We have a knowledgeable, dedicated, and talented workforce that administers our complex programs. Our employees strive to provide compassionate and timely service and are indispensable in helping us tackle ever-growing workloads but cannot do so without a budget that allows for significant improvement. Claimants are currently waiting an average of six months for a decision on their initial disability claims, which is unacceptable. This is two months longer than they waited in FY 2019. Wait times for our National 800 Number have also increased significantly. Callers are waiting over 30 minutes, on average - more than 10 minutes longer than in FY 2019.
What the CR anomaly means for the public
The additional funding will prevent further deterioration of our service. While the status quo is not ideal, the additional funding would allow the agency to: 1) replace its staffing losses in FY 2023, 2) fund fixed costs increases the agency must absorb like employee salaries and benefits, and 3) fund the same level of overtime as in FY 2022. We rely on overtime to process critical workloads, especially given our hiring challenges.
We would also be able to keep level funding for information technology (IT), which helps us automate our work, protect against ever increasing security threats, and provide more efficient and convenient service for the public.
Repercussions if not granted additional funding
An extended or full year CR in FY 2023 without additional funding would be disastrous. It would require us to absorb fixed cost increases of over half a billion dollars. We would be unable to replace the nearly 6,000 additional SSA and State DDS employees we expect to lose next year due to expected attrition. We would be forced to significantly cut overtime levels that we rely on to complete our workloads, like making initial disability decisions or even helping people who come into our offices at the end of the day. These cuts would further delay important services and increase the public's frustration.
We worked diligently to reduce the hearings backlog to its lowest level in 21 years. Insufficient funding would undermine this achievement and our ability to eliminate the hearings backlog would be in jeopardy.
As a result of the pandemic, the backlog in initial disability claims is approaching the one-million mark (929,000 as of August 2022, an increase of 189,000 claims from the end of last fiscal year, September 2021). Insufficient funding for staffing and overtime to reduce this backlog would result in increasing wait times.
Lastly, we would need to reduce core operating IT costs, and we would struggle to maintain our basic IT infrastructure. Our core IT system is crucial to sustaining the benefits and services the agency provides. Modernization of the legacy system is essential and will take additional funds.
In summary, it is critical that we have the resources to restore staffing losses and continue important IT investments or face years of deteriorating service that the public will not and should not accept. We must be able to provide timely and quality service to everyone who depends on us.
Sincerely,
Jeff Nesbit
Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Social Security Administration
Social Security Update - Stay Informed
Date: August 17, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Did you know that Social Security has a monthly newsletter to help advocates like you stay informed? Visit our Social Security Update newsletter to see news and policy topics which may affect your clients.
To make sure you stay informed on the latest SSA news and program and policy updates, select the Subscribe button to receive email or text notifications when we publish the newsletter.
Please share this information with your family, friends, and clients.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
An Important Update to Our Compassionate Allowances Initiative
Date: August 15, 2022
Dear Colleague,
I am pleased to announce that we have added 12 new conditions to our Compassionate Allowances initiative.
A Compassionate Allowances condition clearly meets our standard for disability under the law. When a Social Security or Supplemental Security Income claim involves a Compassionate Allowances condition, we can often make a decision quickly and minimize the time required to begin paying benefits.
Please see our press release for details.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Save the Date! Upcoming National Disability Forum on September 21, 2022
Date: August 11, 2022
Sent to: Disability Groups
SAVE THE DATE
National Disability Forum
Homelessness: Working with Stakeholders to Improve Access to SSA Benefits and Services
Platform - Microsoft Teams
Part I - Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Part II - Wednesday, October 19, 2022
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
STAY TUNED: Additional details are forthcoming.
To learn more about the National Disability Forum, check out https://www.ssa.gov/ndf/.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
There is Still Time to Register for our Discussion on Equity Research, Statistics, and Resources
Date: August 10, 2022
Dear Colleague,
There is still time to register for the upcoming presentation about our Racial Equity Research, Statistics, and Data Resources: Race & Ethnicity Tables in support of President Biden's Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.
If you would like to participate but have not signed up, please register by Tuesday, August 23, 2022. After registering, you will receive a follow-up email with the meeting agenda and Microsoft Teams link.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Abigail Zapote
Senior Advisor, Office of the Commissioner
You're Invited! Join Us for a Discussion on Racial Equity Research, Statistics, and Data Resources
Date: August 5, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Please join us for a national meeting to learn about our Racial Equity Research, Statistics, and Data Resources: Race & Ethnicity Tables in support of President Biden's Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. We will convene the meeting via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.
Presentation topics will include:
- An overview of our Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics;
- An overview of our first Equity Action Plan Goal to 'Identify Inequities in Our Programs';
- A background of our 12 Supplement Tables; and
- A walkthrough of our Racial Equity Research, Statistics and Data Resources Site.
Please register by Tuesday, August 23, 2022, to learn more about our Racial Equity Research, Statistics, and Data Resources. After registering, you will receive a follow-up email with the meeting agenda and Microsoft Teams link. Please share this invitation through your networks.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Abigail Zapote
Senior Advisor, Office of the Commissioner
Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP) Funding Announcement!
Date: July 22, 2022
Dear Colleague,
The Social Security Administration is accepting applications for the Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP), an exciting research opportunity!
ICAP allows us to enter into cooperative agreements with non-federal entities to conduct interventional research supporting our programs. Cooperative agreements are legal financial assistance instruments between a federal agency (in this case, SSA) and a non-federal entity when substantial involvement between the two entities is required. Interventional research, which ICAP funds, is used to evaluate the effectiveness of specific treatments or preventative measures, such as new service models or policy alternatives, to achieve specific outcomes. The research and interventions funded by ICAP will:
- Examine the structural barriers in the labor market that increase the likelihood of people receiving or applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including for people of color or other underserved communities;
- Promote self-sufficiency by helping people enter, stay in, or return to the labor force, including youth;
- Coordinate planning between private and public agencies that administer social programs to improve the administration and effectiveness of SSDI, SSI, and related programs;
- Assist claimants in underserved communities (e.g. people experiencing homelessness, the indigent) apply for or appeal decisions for SSDI and SSI benefits; and
- Conduct outreach to people with disabilities who are potentially eligible to receive SSI.
To learn more about this competitive research funding opportunity, visit here. We will host a webinar for organizations interested in applying for this research funding opportunity on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET. For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit the registration site.
If you have any questions about ICAP, please email us at ICAP.SSA@ssa.gov. If you have questions about applying, please send an email to Grants.Team@ssa.gov with "ICAP Inquiry" in subject line.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
The Best Ways to Contact Social Security
Date: June 29, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Local Social Security offices continue to offer more in-person appointments and help people without an appointment. As we expand in-person service, we strongly encourage you to continue to go online, call us for help, and schedule appointments in advance.
Our online services allow your clients to apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more.
Those who can't complete their business online can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time to speak to a representative. For quicker access to a representative, try calling early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time). We are less busy later in the week (Wednesday to Friday) and later in the month. We also offer many automated telephone services 24 hours a day, without speaking to a representative.
While appointments are not required, they are strongly recommended. An appointment reduces the wait time and ensures that your client knows what documents to bring, so that we can complete their request in one visit. Our offices tend to be less busy later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month.
To learn more about scheduling an appointment and our safety measures and restrictions before visiting our offices, visit our webpage, How to Get Help from Social Security.
Please share this information with your family, friends, and clients.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Just Announced for PRIDE Month! New Webpage, Fact sheet and Video for Same-Sex Couples
Date: June 16, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We released new materials with updated information about same-sex survivor benefits. In addition, we launched a new webpage, which provides more readily accessible information for members of the LGBTQ+ community and dependent family members.
Our new fact sheet explains how more same-sex partners and spouses may qualify for survivors benefits as outlined in the agreement for Ely v. Saul and Thornton v. Commissioner of Social Security. Our new video provides information for the loved ones and the potential recipients of these benefits to help them understand how to apply. Our LGBTQ+ webpage and same-sex couples webpage houses this and other information on our programs.
We remain committed to administering our programs in a way that promotes equity and fairness to everyone who interacts with us.
We 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
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Tips and Best Practices for Appointed Representatives
Date: June 15, 2022
Dear Colleague,
On April 12, we published a revised Tips and Best Practices for Appointed Representatives document which is located under the Resources, Fact Sheets and Guides tab on the Representing SSA Claimants landing page. This fact sheet provides updated information about registration for the direct payment of fees, appointment process, and fee-related information, among other things.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Thank you for your continued support of the individuals you serve.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
ALERT! Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Warn of Impersonation Scam Involving Credentials and Badges
Date: June 14, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We want to share a press release from our Office of the Inspector General to alert you and your clients that scammers are reviving an old tactic to gain trust. Scammers are emailing and texting pictures of real and doctored law enforcement credentials and badges to prove they are legitimate and scam people out of money. Please read the press release for more information on how the scam works and scam prevention tips.
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
@SSAOutreach
You're Invited! WEAAD 2022 Webinar
Date: June 13, 2022
Dear Colleague,
On June 15, 2022, Social Security will join other federal agencies and communities around the world in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
This year, Social Security is focusing its efforts on helping prevent financial exploitation. Elder financial exploitation continues to be one of the most common forms of elder abuse in this country and across the globe.
Please join us on Wednesday, June 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET for a webinar "Federal Partners Take on the WEAAD 6-1-5 Challenge." This event will be hosted by the National Center on Elder Abuse. Each agency will share six facts about elder abuse, one action the agency will take, and five resources or tips you can use to promote elder justice. To participate, please register here.
Please share this information with your clients to help spread awareness about financial exploitation and stop elder abuse.
To report Social Security-related scams, visit oig.ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Update: Presumptive Disability/Presumptive Blindness Programs Operations Manual System
Date: June 3, 2022
Dear Colleague,
On April 14, 2022, we revised our internal policies, known as Program Operations Manual System (POMS), for Presumptive Disability and Presumptive Blindness (PD/PB). The revised POMS are available here.
We modified the POMS language to potentially make it easier for and to encourage our adjudicators to make PD or PB findings for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims when appropriate. We also added four categories to consider as having potential for a PD finding.
A PD/PB finding for SSI means that the evidence we have demonstrates that there is a strong likelihood a condition will result in a favorable disability decision once we receive complete evidence. When we make a PD/PB finding, a claimant may receive up to 6 months of payments prior to final adjudication. If we can make a formal disability determination with the evidence we have, we do not make a PD/PB finding.
Please share this information with your clients, members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
The 2022 Social Security Trustees Report is Out Now
Date: June 2, 2022
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 www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/#6-2022-1 for details.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
There is Still Time to Register for the National Disability Forum
Date: June 1, 2022
Dear Colleague,
There is still time to register for the upcoming National Disability Forum, Food for Thought: How Nutrition and Fitness Impact Disability Across the Lifespan.
If you have not already registered and would like to participate, please register by close of business Monday, June 6, 2022. After we receive your registration, you will receive an email with the MS Teams information. The event details are as follows:
- Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2022
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Supporting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Community
Date: May 27, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month celebrates the unique journey of all AA and NHPI immigrants and citizens in the United States and their life experiences, traditions, and cultures.
In honor of this month, we are shining a spotlight on our AA and NHPI page at www.ssa.gov/people/aapi. Please share it with your clients.
We recognize the cultural and language challenges that some members of the AA and NHPI community face. We provide free interpreter services in your constituents' preferred languages. Additionally, our publications in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese are available at www.ssa.gov/site/languages/en/.
Although AA and NHPI Month ends on May 31st, Social Security is committed to identifying barriers and making it easier for people who face barriers to service get the support they need from us.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Accessing Our Services - In Person, By Telephone, and Online
Date: May 26, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Nearly two months ago, on April 7, 2022, we resumed in-person service for people with and without an appointment. As we help more people in person, we want to highlight the best ways and times for your clients to access our services.
Although we encourage using our online services, if your clients can't complete their business online, they can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Our phone lines are usually less busy before 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and later in the week, or later in the month.
While appointments are strongly recommended, we continue to help people without one. An appointment reduces the wait time and ensures that your client knows what documents to bring, so we can help them in one visit. If your client needs to visit their local Social Security office without an appointment, we are here to help. Our offices tend to be less busy later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month.
To learn more about our safety measures and restrictions before visiting our offices, visit our webpage, How to Get Help from Social Security.
Please share this information with your family, friends, and clients.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Join Us - SSA's Equity Action Plan Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
Date: May 26, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Please join us for a national meeting to learn about our Equity Action Plan in support of President Biden's Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. We will convene the meeting via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
My leadership team and I will discuss our comprehensive approach to advancing equity for people who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. Discussion topics will include:
- Identifying inequities in our programs and services;
- Identifying and addressing systemic barriers to program participation;
- Ensuring equitable service for unrepresented claimants in the disability application process;
- Increasing gender equity and equality in our programs; and
- Increasing equitable access to our research grants and procurement opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and small and disadvantaged businesses.
Please register by Wednesday, June 15, 2022, to learn more about this historic plan. After registering, you will receive a follow-up email with the meeting agenda and Microsoft Teams link. Please share this invitation through your networks.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Kilolo Kijakazi, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Acting Commissioner
Social Security Administration
Join Us - NDF on Food for Thought: How Nutrition & Fitness Impact Disability Across the Lifespan
Date: May 24, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We cordially invite you to participate in Social Security's next National Disability Forum on Food for Thought: How Nutrition & Fitness Impact Disability Across the Lifespan. The forum is on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, via Microsoft Teams from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET.
The purpose of this forum is to learn from stakeholders, advocates, researchers, medical experts, and the public how nutrition and fitness impact disability across the lifespan. Discussion topics include:
- Importance of nutrition and fitness on chronic physical and mental conditions;
- Strategies for improving nutrition and fitness in general and decreasing health inequities;
- Nutrition and fitness effects on employment/unemployment outcomes; and,
- Biological, social, political, and economic factors that influence nutrition and fitness choices.
To participate in the forum, please register by Monday, June 6, 2022.
We hope you can join us, and we look forward to your participation. To learn more about the National Disability Forum, please visit www.ssa.gov/ndf.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Your Input Is Needed: Food for Thought: How Nutrition & Fitness Impact Disability Across Lifespan
Date: May 20, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Many thanks to everyone who provided comments in Engage SSA for our next National Disability Forum (NDF) on Food for Thought: How Nutrition & Fitness Impact Disability Across the Lifespan. We appreciate your continued support and feedback on the important topics we will address in this forum.
For those who have not provided comments, but would like to do so, the engagement will be open until Friday, May 20, 2022. Please see the Engage SSA guide for details on using the site.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov. Your input is valuable to us.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Increase to the Attorney Fee Cap
Date: May 12, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Today I announced an increase to the Attorney Fee Cap, the first increase in 13 years.
Effective November 30, 2022, the fee cap will change from $6,000 to $7,200. We will publish notice of this change in the Federal Register in advance of the effective date.
In determining this increase, I considered many stakeholder perspectives and that fees are paid from claimants' past-due benefits. Balancing the benefits of representation with the needs of our claimants was central to my decision. Our programs are complex and quality representation helps people navigate them.
Information on Appointed Representatives, including the electronic SSA-1696 fee agreement, is available on our Information for Appointed Representatives page.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Kilolo Kijakazi, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Acting Commissioner
Social Security Administration
Special Delivery - Most Popular Baby Names of 2021!
Date: May 6, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Today, we released our annual list of the top baby names, based on Social Security number applications received in 2021.
Olivia and Liam are once again America's most popular baby names. Liam has been the top choice for new parents for five years in a row, and Olivia has topped the list for three years. To see the full list of 2021's top baby names, go to Social Security's website, www.ssa.gov/babynames.
Social Security encourages everyone to enjoy the baby names list and, while online, create a my Social Security account. my Social Security, born 10 years ago this month, is a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing while receiving Social Security benefits. 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 to the agency when applying for a child's Social Security card, thus making Social Security America's 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
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Celebrating a Decade: My Social Security 10th Anniversary
Date: May 2, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Ten years ago this May, we launched my Social Security. It started with letting people see future benefit estimates or current benefits. Over the decade, we've added and upgraded features to turn my Social Security into a powerful suite of online services that make your clients' lives easier when doing business with us online.
More than 69 million people have signed up and benefited firsthand from the many secure and convenient self-service options. And they've used their account more than 1.1 billion times to get what they need quickly and securely without needing to speak with a representative by phone or in an office.
A my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether your clients receive benefits or not. Those not currently receiving benefits can
- Estimate their future benefits and compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits.
- Get instant status of their Social Security application.
- Review their work history.
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states). And if your client can't request a card online, now they can begin the application online and save time visiting an office.
Those receiving benefits can use a personal my Social Security account to:
- Get their instant benefit verification or proof of income letter for Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Check their information and benefit amount.
- Start or change their direct deposit.
- Change their address and telephone number.
- Request a replacement Medicare card.
- Get an instant Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099) or SSA-1042S.
- Report their wages if they work and receive disability benefits and SSI.
Please encourage your friends, family, and clients to visit our my Social Security webpage and securely create their account today!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
A Reminder about the Social Security Representative Payee Program
Date: April 29, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Helping people who face barriers to our services is very important to us. This includes people who need the assistance of a representative payee. Since you serve as a Fee-For Service, Institutional, or Organizational Payee, please ensure that you are:
- Aware of the beneficiary's current day-to-day needs (i.e., food, clothing, shelter, medical expenses, and personal items).
- Using payments to meet the beneficiary's needs.
- Conserving any money left over after meeting the beneficiary's needs in a checking or savings account (preferably interest-bearing), U.S. savings bonds, or other appropriate investment(s) that is titled in a way that clearly establishes the beneficiary's ownership.
- Planning to spend wisely, or conserve, any large payment you receive in the best interests of the beneficiary.
- Reporting any event that may affect the beneficiary's entitlement to benefits or payment amount, such as returning to work.
- Promptly reporting to us any misuse or employee theft of the beneficiary's funds.
You can find the information above in the Guide for Organizational Representative Payees.
Being a payee does not give you authority to:
- Use the beneficiary's Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for anything other than the beneficiary's needs.
- Spend the beneficiary's Social Security or SSI benefits in a way that would leave the beneficiary without necessary items or services (i.e., housing, food, clothing, medical care).
For more information about resources Social Security offers, please visit our Social Security - Representative Payee Program and Information for People Helping Others pages.
Thank you for your work in helping our beneficiaries manage their benefits.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
New Fact Sheet on SSI and Other Benefits
Date: April 28, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Last year we introduced the redesigned Social Security Statement (Statement) and several accompanying fact sheets. The new Statement makes it much easier for people not receiving Social Security benefits to find the information they need to plan their financial future. It's one of the most effective tools a person can use to check their earnings history and view future Social Security benefit estimates. This month, we released a new supplemental fact sheet titled Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Other Benefits: Information for People with Limited Earnings.
In addition to providing information about SSI and other Social Security benefits, the new fact sheet details other programs and resources for people with low income that may be useful to your clients and their families. Some of the highlighted programs include:
- SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps with food purchases.
- Medicare Savings Programs, which can help lessen health care costs.
- Extra Help, which helps with Medicare prescription drug costs.
- Medicaid, which provides health coverage to eligible low-income persons.
The best way to access this new supplemental fact sheet and the Statement is with a my Social Security account. A my Social Security account allows your clients, who are not receiving benefits, to check their earnings record online for accuracy. The earnings we have on record affect a person's future Social Security benefit.
Visit our Statement page to see the Statement and this newest fact sheet.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Upcoming National Disability Forum on June 08, 2022
Date: April 27, 2022
Dear Colleague,
SAVE THE DATE
National Disability Forum
Food for Thought: How Nutrition & Fitness Impact Disability Across the Lifespan
Platform - Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
STAY TUNED: Additional details are forthcoming.
To learn more about the National Disability Forum check out www.ssa.gov/ndf.
Providing Greater Access to Our Services
Date: April 26, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We continue to welcome people back to our offices for in-person service by appointment or without an appointment. Please visit our blog to learn more about the best ways and times to access our services by phone or in person.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
SSI Recipients are Eligible for Discounted Internet Service
Date: April 21, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Internet access is now necessary for work, school, healthcare, and more. However, for many households, it remains unaffordable. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants everyone, including your clients, to access reasonably priced internet services. The FCC recently launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to reduce the cost of getting online.
The ACP provides a discount of up to:
- $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.
- $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To qualify for this one-time discount, households must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. Social Security doesn't count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect a person's SSI payment.
Please read the guest blog article for additional information.
I encourage you to share this information with your clients, families, friends, members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Tribal Community Partner Letter Reentry Protective Filing eServices
Date: April 14, 2022
Dear Colleague,
On April 7, local Social Security offices began offering more in-person appointments and resumed in-person service for people without appointments. As we expand in-person service, we strongly encourage you to continue to go online, call us for help, and schedule appointments to avoid the line.
We expanded online service delivery options for people interested in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can use our new online tool (www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/start.html) to tell us you want to apply for SSI and other benefits. Third parties, such as parents of minor children, family members, representatives, or members of advocacy groups, can also use the tool to help someone else apply. This will establish a protective filing date for an SSI claim. The protective filing date determines when benefits can begin if we approve the application.
After you complete the online process, a Social Security representative will schedule an appointment to help you apply. We will send the appointment date and time by mail (and email, if provided). In some cases, a Social Security representative may call to schedule the appointment. The data collected in the tool will help us prioritize claims for people facing barriers and applicants with certain disabilities.
You may also establish a protective filing date based on a written statement of intent to apply for benefits or an oral inquiry about program eligibility. Our online tool is part of our ongoing commitment to expand online services and make it easier for people who face barriers to get the support they need from us.
Who is eligible?
The SSI program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, who have income and resources below specific financial limits. People aged 65 and older, with limited income and resources may also be eligible. A person who is eligible for SSI may also be eligible for other benefits such as medical assistance, food assistance, or housing assistance.
SSA offices expand in-person services
We encourage anyone interested in applying for SSI to use the online tool to start the process and to schedule an appointment in advance. As we expand the availability of in-person service, we will continue to help people who cannot complete their business online or by phone. There is a potential for those who walk-in to a local office without an appointment to encounter delays. Additionally, we began scheduling limited in-person hearings and plan to expand in-person hearings this summer based on required notice to claimants.
How can Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members stay informed and offer us feedback?
To better serve you, we seek to improve access to our services. We will continue to update our American Indians and Alaska Natives webpage ( https://www.ssa.gov/people/aian/) to provide you with information about all our programs and online services, and access to our annual progress report on Tribal Consultation and Coordination outreach.
Equitable Relief - Medicare Enrollment/Disenrollment
Date: April 8, 2022
Dear Colleague,
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is providing equitable relief to individuals who could not submit premium-Part A or Part B enrollment or disenrollment requests timely due to challenges contacting us by phone. This relief applies to the 2022 General Enrollment Period, Initial Enrollment Period, and Special Enrollment Period.
If your clients were unable to enroll or disenroll in Medicare because they could not reach us by phone after January 1, 2022, they will be granted additional time, through December 30, 2022.
For more information, call 1-800-772-1213 or use our Office Locator to find the number for a local office.
Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Social Security to Resume In-Person Services
Date: April 4, 2022
Dear Colleague,
I am pleased to share a blog article from Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi regarding our plans to resume in-person services at our local Social Security offices, including for people without an appointment, on April 7, 2022. Please read the blog for additional information.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Social Security to Resume In-Person Services
Date: March 11, 2022
Dear Colleague,
I'm excited that, starting in early April, we will add more in-person appointments and offer in-person service for people without an appointment. As we prepare to help more people in person at local Social Security offices throughout the country, I'm asking for your help to let the public know what to expect.
During the pandemic, millions of people used our secure and convenient online services and received help by phone and in our offices by appointment. For people who can access our services online or by phone, we ask that they continue to do business with us online or by phone and schedule an appointment, when possible, which will better allow us to timely serve people who cannot use those options.
I invite you to visit our webpage How to Get Help from Social Security to learn:
- The best ways to get help from Social Security.
- What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so we can help you safely.
- Innovative options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision.
We are committed to helping as many people as possible as safely as possible.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Kilolo Kijakazi, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Acting Commissioner
Social Security Administration
Slam the Scam - Protect Your Clients Against Social Security Imposter Scams
Date: March 3, 2022
Dear Colleague,
The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 10, 2022 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 6 - 12, 2022. We are asking you to share information about "Slam the Scam" Day with your clients, friends, and family.
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 396,000 complaints of government imposter scams. Nearly 9% said they lost money to a scammer—more than $442 million. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.
Here are a few things to remember and share with clients, friends, and family. We will never:
- Threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment.
- Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account.
- Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
- Send text or email messages that contain personal information.
Our scam prevention message is simple:
- 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.
Visit OIG's Press Kit for additional resources related to "Slam the Scam" activities. Read and share our Scam Awareness Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic.
Together, we will remain vigilant against government imposter scams and help protect people from fraud.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
America Saves Week! A Great Time to Review Your Financial Wellness!
Date: February 18, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Social Security is proud to once again support America Saves Week, taking place this year February 21 - 25, 2022. America Saves Week is an annual celebration, sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America, that encourages Americans to commit to saving successfully.
This year's theme is Building Financial Resilience. Each day focuses on a critical area of financial wellness along with a call to action.
- Save Automatically | Monday, February 21
- Save for the Unexpected | Tuesday, February 22
- Save to Retire | Wednesday, February 23
- Save by Reducing Debt | Thursday, February 24
- Save as a Family | Friday, February 25
We invite you and your clients to review your financial landscape and available tools. Wednesday's theme, Save to Retire, provides an opportunity to review online retirement planning tools that Social Security provides. 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 my Social Security account. They can use their account to access tools and services whether they receive benefits or not. A my Social Security account is the best way for your client not receiving benefits to see their Social Security Statement. The Statement shows personalized retirement benefit estimates and is the perfect tool to help plan for a comfortable retirement.
Thank you for working with us to help the people you serve.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Ortiz
Diandra Taylor
Social Insurance Specialists
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
An Important Change in the Office of Disability Operations
Date: February 11, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Effective February 13, 2022, the Office of Disability Operations (ODO), Social Security's largest processing center (PC7), located in Woodlawn, MD, will reduce the total number of processing modules from 36 to 30. This change will streamline operations, improve overall customer service and efficiency, and address attrition.
ODO is responsible for processing disability claims and post-adjudicative actions for wage earners age 54 and younger who live in the United States and its territories.
On February 13, you can find the new module Social Security Number (SSN) ranges and telephone contact numbers at: Representing Social Security Claimants - Processing Center Telephone Contact Information for Claimants Under Age 54 (ssa.gov).
Additionally, please remind your members that ODO's Representative Call Center is for the representative community to inquire about their clients' cases pending in ODO. For questions your members may have about their fees, please ask them to call the appropriate processing module based on. the claimant's SSN.
I encourage you to share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
There is Still Time to Register for the National Disability Forum
Date: February 10, 2022
Dear Colleague,
There is still time to register for the upcoming National Disability Forum, Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities.
If you have not already registered and would like to participate, please register by close of business Monday, February 14, 2022. After we receive your registration, you will receive an email with the Microsoft Teams information. The event details are as follows:
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
Platform: Microsoft Teams
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
my Social Security - Securely Sign Up Today!
Date: February 9, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We are committed to help you and your clients get the services they need as quickly and safely as possible. A personal my Social Security account is the gateway to doing business with us online. Your client can use their account to request a replacement Social Security card (in most states), check the status of an application or appeal, verify earnings, estimate future benefits, or manage their benefits. Watch our brief video about the advantages of having an account to learn more.
To protect your client's private information, while making our online services easy to use, we work with two external partners (Login.gov and ID.me) to securely verify your client's identity in order to create a personal my Social Security account. Login.gov is the public's one account for simple, secure, and private access to participating U.S. government agencies. ID.me is a single sign-on provider that meets the U.S. government's online identity proofing and authentication requirements. Your client can pick Login.gov or ID.me to access my Social Security. Your client:
- must be 18 years of age or older and have a Social Security number.
- will be redirected to the partner's website after selecting "Sign in with Login.gov" or "Sign in with ID.me."
- must provide a valid email address and some additional information.
- will return to the my Social Security webpage for next steps after creating the new credential.
Please encourage your friends, family, and clients to visit our my Social Security webpage and securely create their account today!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
You Are Invited to Participate in Our Survey on Online Video Hearings
Date: February 8, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Online video hearings continue to increase in popularity since we announced this hearing option during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, we've held over 30,000 online video hearings with claimants and representatives across the country. Online video hearings have proven to be a popular, flexible, secure, and stable hearing option.
Your feedback is very important to us. In August, we shared with you that, in July, we started sending a satisfaction survey to claimants with representatives and that we would be sending surveys to representatives every few of months while we continue to offer online video hearings.
We sent our first survey to representatives in August, and we would greatly appreciate you completing the survey again as more representatives are becoming familiar with this hearing option. We encourage you to complete this short survey giving us your perspective about the online video hearing option, even if you already shared your feedback in August. Please encourage your clients to do the same when they receive a survey after their online video hearing. The surveys are voluntary and help us ensure the best possible experience for all online video hearing participants.
We encourage you and your clients to accept the option of online video hearings. Please visit our webpage about online video hearings to learn more about this exciting and effective option for your clients. If you have questions about hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit our Coronavirus webpage at www.ssa.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Join Us-NDF on Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities
Date: February 3, 2022
Dear Colleague,
We cordially invite you to participate in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) next National Disability Forum on Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities. The forum is on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET via Microsoft Teams.
To participate in the forum, please register by Monday, February 14, 2022. You will receive the meeting details once you register.
The purpose of this forum is to learn from stakeholders, advocates, researchers, medical experts, and the public how SSA can provide equitable access to the LGBTQIA+ communities to our disability programs. The discussion topics are:
- Challenges gender diverse individuals face in finding and receiving healthcare;
- Challenges gender diverse individuals face accessing SSA programs;
- Self-attestation of gender markers;
- Challenges gender diverse individuals face in finding work or re-entering the workplace; and
- Issues gender-diverse children face.
We hope you can join us, and we look forward to your participation. To learn more about the National Disability Forum, please visit www.ssa.gov/ndf/.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Your Input Is Needed: Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities
Date: February 1, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Many thanks to everyone who provided comments in Engage SSA for our next National Disability Forum (NDF) on Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities, which is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. We appreciate your continued support and feedback on the important topics we will address in this forum.
For those who have not provided comments, but would like to do so, the engagement will be open until Friday, February 4, 2022. Please see the Engage SSA guide for details on using the site.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov. Your input is valuable to us.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Your Input Is Needed: Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities
Date: January 24, 2022
Dear Colleague,
Our next National Disability Forum (NDF), Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities, is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. In preparation, we are gathering information from diverse stakeholders related to the forum's topics. Your feedback is important to us.
We have created questions that focus on important topics, such as the current challenges to access healthcare and SSA programs, issues with self-attestation of sex and gender markers, and data collection on sex and gender. We would like to hear from you, through Engage SSA, about the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces and possible solutions.
You can provide your responses through Engage SSA from now until Friday, February 4, 2022. Please see the Engage SSA guide for details on using the site.
If you have any questions, please contact us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Buckner
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
@SSAOutreach
Upcoming National Disability Forum on February 17, 2022
Date: January 13, 2022
Dear Colleague,
SAVE THE DATE
National Disability Forum
Equitable Access to SSA Disability Programs for LGBTQIA+ Communities
Platform - Microsoft Teams
Thursday, February 17, 2022
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
STAY TUNED: Additional details are forthcoming.
To learn more about the National Disability Forum, check out https://www.ssa.gov/ndf/.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
