Save Your Place in Line with Mobile Check-In Express!

Our Mobile Check-In Express feature makes it easier for your clients to check in if they must visit an office.

To use Mobile Check-In Express, your clients can scan the QR code located at the local Social Security office they’re visiting. This will allow your clients to check in for:

• Scheduled and non-scheduled appointments.
• Services—including requesting a replacement Social Security card, a benefit verification letter, proof of income, and more.

For Mobile Check-In Express to work, they must be at the Social Security office and have their mobile location services on. They should also make sure they’re using the latest version of their internet browser. The service is most compatible with Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. Your clients will also want to:

• Ensure they are in the Social Security office when their ticket number is called.
• Enable their mobile notifications. This will:
• Allow them to receive their electronic ticket – so they’ll know their place in line.
• Alert them when we’re ready to help them.
• Provide them with their interview location information.
• Invite them to participate in our feedback survey.

We encourage your clients to use Mobile Check-In Express for any office visits.

Please share this information with your clients.

Save The Date: October National Disability Forum

We will host the next virtual National Disability Forum (NDF) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The title is “Youth Transitioning to Adulthood and Preparing for an Age-18 Redetermination.” The event will take place using Microsoft Teams from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET.

For more information about the NDF, we encourage you and your clients to visit our Advocates page at www.ssa.gov/news/advocates.html . You and your clients can email questions to OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Rehabilitation Act

This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law prohibits disability-related discrimination in programs that are run by federal agencies or receive federal funding. It also protects federal employees and contractors from discrimination.

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that federal contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to recruit, hire, employ, promote, and retain qualified people with disabilities.

Section 503 and Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program

Section 503 provides job opportunities for qualified people with disabilities. Our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help connect your clients with jobs.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment. This allows them to move toward financial independence through work.

Organizations that provide employment-related services, like State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and American Job Centers (AJCs) can help your clients find federal contractors and subcontractors. If they’re eligible for the Ticket Program, an Employment Network (EN) may also help.

Many federal contractors and subcontractors look to State VR agencies, AJCs, and ENs to find qualified candidates with disabilities to fill open positions.

To learn more about the Ticket Program, your clients can visit www.choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. They can ask for a list of service providers or find providers on their own using the Ticket Program Find Help Tool found at www.choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp.

Your clients can also learn more by registering for a free, online event at www.choosework.ssa.gov/wise or text TICKET to 474747 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and they can opt out at any time.

Please share this information with your clients.

National Savings Day Reminds Us to Plan for the Future

National Savings Day is October 12. The day serves as an important reminder for your clients to plan for their financial future.

Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. We have online tools to help your clients understand their potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into their financial future.

Your clients should periodically review their Social Security Statement (Statement) using their personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. The Statement is an easy-to-read summary of the estimated benefits your clients and their families could receive, including potential retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.

Our Plan for Retirement tool in your clients’ personal my Social Security account allows them to check various benefit estimate scenarios. Your clients can compare the effect different future earnings and retirement benefit start dates have on their future benefit amount.

Please let your clients know they can take steps to improve their financial knowledge by signing in to their personal my Social Security account. If they don’t have an account, they can easily create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

If You or Your Clients Fall Victim to a Scam

If your client is a victim of a scam, they should never feel embarrassed. Anyone can become a victim of fraud. The important thing is to report the scam immediately. Advise your clients to:

• Stop communications with the scammer.
• Notify financial institutions and protect their accounts.
• Contact local law enforcement and file a police report.
• File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov and on the FTC website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Report Social Security-related scams to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
• Retain financial transaction information and records of all communications with the scammer.

Please share this information with your clients so they can help their friends, family, and community.