SSA Talks: Commissioner O’Malley’s Top Priorities
Dear Colleague,
To learn more about Social Security’s top priorities, check out our latest episode of SSA Talks!
In this episode, Commissioner O’Malley discusses several key areas, including improving customer service, reducing disability backlogs, and raising employee morale.
Visit our SSA Talks page to listen to this and previous episodes, and to view all accompanying fact sheets, and transcripts.
Remember to subscribe to SSA Talks today to receive notifications of future episodes and share them with your network.
Follow Commissioner O'Malley on X at @OMalleySSA to hear important updates about agency priorities and news.
We appreciate your continued support!
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
SSA to Expand SSI Rental Subsidy Policy
Dear Colleague,
Effective September 30, 2024, we are expanding our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rental subsidy policy for SSI applicants and recipients nationwide. Under this new rule, rental assistance is less likely to affect a person’s SSI eligibility or payment amount.
Visit our blog to learn more.
Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
SSA Recognizes National Financial Capability Month
Dear Colleague,
April is National Financial Capability Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy and education. Social Security is proud to once again support America Saves Week, taking place from April 8 through April 12. America Saves Week is an annual celebration, sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America, that encourages Americans to commit to planning for a secure financial future.
This year's theme is Saving for What Matters Most. Each day focuses on a critical area of financial wellness along with a call to action.
- Saving Automatically | Monday, April 8
- Saving for the Unexpected | Tuesday, April 9
- Saving For Major Milestones | Wednesday, April 10
- Paying Down Debt is Saving | Thursday, April 11
- Saving At Any Age | Friday, April 12
America Saves Week is a great time to review our online retirement planning tools. 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 personal my Social Security account, which is the best way for them to see their Social Security benefits grow over time. The Statement is one of the most effective tools a person can use to learn about their earnings and future Social Security benefits. Additionally, our Plan for Retirement tool, accessible through my Social Security, allows your clients to see how much they could receive each month from us based on the age they might want to start receiving benefits.
Please share this information with your members, colleagues, and affiliates, and encourage them to use, or sign up for, their personal my Social Security account today!
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
Increase to the Representative Fee Agreement Cap
Dear Colleague,
Today, we announced that, effective this Fall, the Social Security Administration plans to raise the fee cap for claimants’ representatives, from $7,200 to $9,200, when they and their client agree to use what is known as a “fee agreement process.”
The agency also plans to tie future fee cap increases to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Please read our press release for details.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
Note: This Dear Colleague Letter was released to appointed representatives.
SSA Eliminates Overpayment Burden for Social Security Beneficiaries
Dear Colleague,
We are decreasing the default overpayment withholding rate for Social Security beneficiaries to 10 percent (or $10, whichever is greater) from 100 percent, significantly reducing financial hardship on people with overpayments.
Visit our blog to learn more.
Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
SSA to Remove Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments
Dear Colleague,
Today, we published a final rule, “Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations.” The final rule announces the first of several updates to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations that will reduce the burden on people who receive and apply for SSI.
Visit our blog to learn more.
Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov
Reminder: SSI Contact Information and Reporting Responsibilities
Dear Colleague,
Keeping track of the changes that affect your clients’ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be challenging. We need your help reminding your clients of their reporting responsibilities if they are applying for or receive SSI payments.
It’s important that we have your clients’ current mailing address and phone number so they can receive time-sensitive correspondence. Additionally, informing us of any changes that may affect payments is critical, especially changes in income, resources, or living situation. Your clients must report these types of changes no later than the 10th day of the following month. For a complete list of SSI reporting responsibilities, please read our publication, What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income.
How to Report Changes:
- Call toll free at 1-800-772-1213, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- Contact their local Social Security office.
How to Report Wages:
- Call our toll-free Telephone Wage Reporting System at 1-866-772-0953.
- Use the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app, available as a free download from either the Apple App or Google Play stores.
- Use their personal my Social Security account.
- Mail or fax paystubs to their local Social Security Office.
Your client or their representative payee must contact us before using any of our automated wage reporting applications, or, if they already use one and they change employers. They may contact their local Social Security office or call us weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to provide the employer’s information and employer identification number (EIN).
Visit our SSI Wage Reporting page to learn more and to sign up for monthly SSI wage reporting email or text reminders.
For information about the SSI claims development process, visit our Supplemental Security Income Eligibility Requirements webpage.
Thank you for all you do for the people you serve.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
SSA Announces Four Key Updates to Address Improper Payments
Dear Colleague,
Today, Commissioner Martin O’Malley announced he is taking four vital steps to immediately address overpayment issues.
Visit our blog to learn more.
Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Commissioner O’Malley is now on X!
Dear Colleague,
Commissioner Martin O’Malley joined X today! He is the first Social Security Commissioner to join social media. We encourage you to follow the Commissioner @OMalleySSA where he looks forward to sharing important updates about agency priorities, progress on improving customer service, and other news.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
An Update to Appointed Representatives Services (ARS)
Dear Colleague,
The Appointed Representatives Services (ARS) application has been enhanced. Appointed representatives can now access a list of all their cases pending at the initial and reconsideration levels.
The ARS application allows appointed representatives to view electronic folder (eFolder) documents in real time, to download eFolder contents including multimedia files, and upload medical evidence and other documents directly into a claimant's eFolder. With this update to the ARS, we aim to help appointed representatives:
- Determine if their SSA Form-1696, Claimant’s Appointment of a Representative, was processed to avoid having to submit the same form again; and
- Access their list of pending cases.
Instructions are available on page 13 and 14 of the AR Status Reports User Guide.
We appreciate your continued support. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Martin O’Malley
Commissioner
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Need a New or Replacement Social Security Card?
Dear Colleague,
Do your clients need to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card? If so, they may be able to complete, or at least start, their application online.
When your clients visit our Social Security number & card webpage, they can answer a series of questions that will determine whether they can:
- Complete the application process online.
- Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to their local Social Security office or card center to complete the application.
- Complete the application process at their local office.
If your client starts their application online and we determine they need to come into the office, they may be eligible to use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. Scheduling online can save your client time when they visit us to complete the application. This option allows them to:
- Select their language preference.
- Select the most convenient office to receive service.
- Choose to receive communications via email or text.
- Choose to receive email or text appointment reminders.
- Conveniently use their mobile device to check in for their appointment.
They can also reschedule, modify, or cancel their appointment online without having to call or visit the office.
Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
FY 2025 President’s Budget for SSA
Dear Colleague,
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 for the Social Security Administration. Key investments focus on improving the customer experience, reducing wait times at all stages of the disability process and on our National 800 Number, modernizing our information technology, improving overpayment and underpayment processes, and advancing equity by increasing access to our programs.
Please visit our blog to read a statement from Commissioner Martin O’Malley.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Help Us Shed Light on Overpayments
Dear Colleague,
We strive to provide you with valuable information to help your clients avoid unnecessary financial burden, such as overpayments. Overpayments occur when your clients receive more money than they are due. By law, we are required to adjust benefits or recover debts when that happens. Your clients can avoid overpayments by reporting changes in income, resources, work, earnings, and living arrangements that could affect their benefits, as soon as possible.
If your client receives an overpayment notice, they can:
- Repay the Overpayment – If they agree with the overpayment and are currently receiving benefits, they can make a payment in full, through monthly benefit withholding, or through a repayment plan by check, money order, or credit card. If they are not currently receiving benefits, they can make a full or partial repayment using Pay.gov or their bank’s online bill pay option. We offer flexible repayment plans, including payments as low as $10 per month.
- Request an Appeal – If they disagree with the overpayment or believe the overpayment amount is incorrect, they can request a review of the decision by completing form SSA-561-U2, Request for Reconsideration. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of receiving the overpayment notice.
-
Request a Waiver – If they believe they did not cause the overpayment, the overpayment is unfair, or cannot afford to repay the overpayment, they can request to relieve some or all the amount due by completing form SSA-632-BK, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.
We simplified our waiver request form to make it easier to understand and less burdensome for people to request a waiver.
If they believe they are not at fault and the overpayment is $1,000 or less, they may request a waiver by calling 1-800-772-1213 or their local Social Security office. We may be able to process their request quickly by phone without having to submit a paper form.
- Request a Different Repayment Amount – We offer flexible repayment plans, including payments as low as $10 per month. If they are unable to meet their necessary living expenses due to the current repayment amount, or are unable to repay the debt within 60 months*, they can request a change in the recovery rate by completing form SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate. *This is a recent policy change. Previous policy required the completion of the SSA-634 if the overpayment could not be repaid within 36 months.
For more information, please read the Overpayments Fact Sheet.
Please share this important information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
A Reminder of Best Practices for Attorney Fees Awarded by a Court
Dear Colleague,
We would like to remind you of our resources and best practices for collecting fees for attorneys representing Social Security claimants at the Federal court level.
We do not require attorneys who represent claimants at the Federal court level to submit a written notice of appointment. However, if you wish to receive direct payment of court-awarded fees, you must:
- Complete a one-time registration, if you are not already registered with us, by faxing a completed Form SSA-1699, Registration for Appointed Representative Services and Direct Payment, to 1-877-268-3827. Note: This fax is exclusively for the SSA-1699. For more information, visit Social Security Online - SSA-1699 Registration of Individuals and Staff for Appointed Representative Services.
- Submit the required direct fee payment information using Section 5 (Affiliation and Direct Payment Information) of the Form SSA-1696 (Claimant’s Appointment of a Representative), or another writing containing the same information, for each case on which you request direct payment of a court-awarded fee.
Visit our Representing Social Security Claimants webpage for more information about forms and to subscribe for updates.
For more best practices, review our updated Tips and Best Practices for Appointed Representatives guide and visit our Best Practices for Claimants’ Representatives webpage.
Thank you for helping us to maintain accurate information to ensure proper payment of attorney fees awarded by a court. Please share this information with your colleagues and other interested representatives.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Social Security Celebrates Women’s History Month
Dear Colleague,
March is Women’s History Month, an annual opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and in our daily lives. At Social Security, we’re proud to join the rest of the nation in recognizing the significant accomplishments of women.
This month is an ideal opportunity to encourage the women in your life to plan for retirement. Even in 2024, women continue to face unique economic challenges. Women are more likely to earn less than men and to work part time. Because women tend to live more years in retirement, they’re more likely to exhaust their other sources of income and rely more heavily on Social Security, especially in their later years.
One of the best ways women can prepare for their financial future is to open a personal my Social Security account and review their Social Security Statement. It shows estimates of their future retirement benefits at various ages.
During Women’s History Month, please encourage your clients to learn more about Social Security’s importance to women. Visit our Social Security for Women webpage, where you’ll find our:
Please share this information with the women in your life – clients, colleagues, family members, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Revision of the Timeframes on the Notice for Third-Party Internet Disability Claims
Dear Colleague,
In the past, the notice sent to claimants when we receive disability internet claims submitted by a third-party stated that claimants would receive a disability determination within 90-120 days. However, due to the backlog of initial disability claims, it has been taking an average of 200-230 days for claimants to receive a disability determination.
We understand this may be confusing to claimants and can result in unnecessary calls to our offices. To provide better expectations for when a claimant should expect to receive a decision, we have updated the notice to reflect the current timeframe of 200-230 days.
We continue to review and update our notices to ensure they are clear and accurate. This is the first change with more expected to come.
We appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Slam the Scam - Protect Your Clients Against Social Security Imposter Scams
Dear Colleague,
The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 7, 2024, 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 3 - 9, 2024. We are asking you to share information about “Slam the Scam” Day with your clients, friends, and family.
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 228,282 complaints of government imposter scams, with Social Security as the most frequently impersonated agency. Over 14% said they lost money to a scammer — a total of more than $126.5 million for Social Security scams. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.
Recognizing the basic signs of a scam is helpful in stopping fraudulent activity. Remember:
- Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
- Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.
Remind your clients, friends, and family to:
- 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.
Read and share our Scam Awareness Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic. Visit FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week for additional resources and activities.
Together, we will remain vigilant against government imposter scams and help protect people from fraud.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
SSA Publishes Proposed Rule for Payroll Information Exchange to Reduce Improper Payments
Dear Colleague,
Today, we published a proposed rule, “Use of Electronic Payroll Data to Improve Program Administration,” describing the agency’s plans for accessing and using information from payroll data providers to reduce improper payments.
Visit our blog for more details.
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
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
SSA’s Equity Action Plan - Updates
Dear Colleague,
Increasing access to programs and improving service are the main goals of our updated Equity Action Plan, released today.
Read our blog to learn more. You may also visit our new webpage at www.ssa.gov/equity.
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
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Social Security Celebrates National Black History Month
Dear Colleague,
In February, we recognize and celebrate National Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. At Social Security, we understand that our services and benefits touch the lives of all Americans, and we are committed to advancing equity and ensuring access for everyone.
We are proud to share the tools and resources we’ve developed to help educate and inform the African American community about our programs. These include:
Visit our African Americans webpage to learn more. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and services they need.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
Save the Date - Slam the Scam Day 2024
SAVE THE DATE!
National Slam the Scam Day
Thursday, March 7, 2024
The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General are partnering with other government agencies for the 5th Annual Slam the Scam Day. Please join us, as part of National Consumer Protection week, as we work to raise public awareness of government imposter scams.
We encourage you to visit our Slam the Scam Resources page for more information on this year’s campaign. Also, we’d like to feature organizations on this page that are committed to helping us “Slam the Scam!” Contact us at OEA.net.post@ssa.gov for more information.
Tax Season – Time to Prepare!
Dear Colleague,
As another tax season approaches, now is the time to remind your clients to begin gathering forms and documentation from the previous year. The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits your clients received from us in the previous year, so they know how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on their tax return.
If your clients misplace their Benefit Statement, they can instantly get a replacement form with a personal my Social Security account. Replacement tax forms for the previous tax year are generally available beginning February 1 of each year.
To further assist your clients, the IRS Tools webpage offers a wide range of resources that can greatly simplify the tax preparation process. Individuals can use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to get answers to common tax questions and determine if their Social Security benefits are taxable. Additionally, the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide free tax help for the elderly, the disabled, low-to-moderate income and people with limited English proficiency. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool at www.irs.gov/VITA or call 800-906-9887.
Visit our Information for Tax Preparers webpage to learn more.
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
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach
How We Serve People Who Have Limited English Proficiency
Dear Colleague,
If you assist clients with limited English proficiency (LEP), you should know that we have resources available in different languages to help them conduct their business with us in their preferred language. By addressing language and other barriers, we can help more people access Social Security programs, services, and benefits.
Our free interpreter services are available to people who prefer to conduct business in a language other than English. We offer interpreters in more than 200 languages to help customers communicate and understand important information. Customers can obtain these services by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting a local office and asking for an interpreter.
Our website provides online resources in Spanish including information about retirement benefits, disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
We offer the instructions for applying for a Social Security Number card in 17 languages (including English and Spanish). Applicants can use the new instructional guides to complete the official SS-5 English form.
We offer many of our publications in languages other than English. Please check out Social Security Information in Other Languages page to view these resources, which include:
- Social Security Numbers for Non-Citizens
- Understanding the Benefits
- A sample Social Security Statement and 10 supplemental fact sheets
We strive to improve our customer service and provide helpful information to everyone. You can learn more about our commitment to increase access to benefits and services for LEP customers in our Language Access Plan.
Please share this information with your colleagues, friends, and family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Camarena
Associate Commissioner
Office of Public Inquiries and Communication Support
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach