February 2020
Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers
We launched a Public Service Announcement campaign as our latest effort to warn you and your clients about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scam. In the video, Commissioner Andrew Saul explains how to recognize a scam and how to report it. The scammers play on emotions like fear to convince victims to provide personal information or payments in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters may also email fake documents to try to get people to comply with their demands.
“I want every American to know that if a suspicious caller states there is a problem with their Social Security number or account, they should hang up and never give the caller money or personal information. People should then go online to report the scam call to Social Security,” said Commissioner Saul.
Help your clients learn how to protect themselves and report any suspicious calls or emails right away. You can find additional information about what to look out for on our website at www.ssa.gov/scam. Encourage any client who is a victim of a Social Security-related scam to not be embarrassed and to report the scam at oig.ssa.gov so we can stop these scammers and protect other people. Please share our new Public Service Announcements with your clients at www.youtube.com/socialsecurity.
New Rule Modernizes How We Award Disability Benefits
Your clients deserve a timely and accurate decision regarding their disability claim. To help us do that, we must modernize the rules and standards we use to evaluate how we determine disability benefits.
We updated a rule that has been in the works for a number of years and updates an outdated policy that made the inability to communicate in English a factor in awarding disability benefits. Learn more about why we are making this much-needed change on our blog at https://blog.ssa.gov/new-rule-modernizes-how-we-award-disability-benefits.
Commissioner Andrew Saul AARP Interview
In a recent interview with the AARP, Commissioner Andrew Saul outlined his vision for improving customer service at the Social Security Administration. The Commissioner discussed his plan to shorten wait times in our offices and on the phone, modernize our disability program, and fight Social Security scams.
“It's been, of course, a real learning experience, but the most significant thing is that whatever we do from here on in, the SSA has to be for the benefit of our customer. We are here to service them. It's become kind of the watchword, that whatever decision we make, it has to be for the good of the beneficiaries.”
You and your clients can read the entire interview at www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/info-2020/andrew-saul-interview.html.
Social Security Celebrates Black History Month
In February, we echo the President’s Proclamation as we “honor the extraordinary contributions made by African Americans throughout the history of our Republic, and we renew our commitment to liberty and justice for all. Their fight for equality, representation, and respect motivates us to continue working for a more promising, peaceful, and hopeful future for every American.”
We are here to help all Americans. Encourage your clients to visit us at www.ssa.gov/people/africanamericans or our other People Like Me pages at www.ssa.gov/people/ as they plan for their future financial security.
Get Your Benefit Statement Online as Tax Day Approaches
The Benefit Statement, also known as the Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) or 1042S (SSA-1042S), is a tax form we mail in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. If they misplaced or did not receive it, your clients can get a copy of their SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S right now with their personal my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Keep in mind that Social Security benefits may be taxable. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.html to learn more.
America Saves Week and Social Security
This year, America Saves Week (ASW) runs from February 24 through 29. This week is an excellent opportunity for organizations to promote good financial habits. It is the perfect time to promote helping millions of people prepare for their financial future. Encourage your clients to join the #ASW20 movement and use this hashtag when posting about their savings goals.
It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically. Savers with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully. Pledge to save during America Saves Week at www.americasavesweek.org.
To help your clients with their retirement saving goals, we have many tools for retirement planning. Your clients can access our online information and resources at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire.
Social Security Update 2020
Every year, Social Security provides new information about Social Security taxes, benefits, earnings limits, and Medicare costs. By law, many of the numbers change automatically each year to keep up with changes in price and wage levels. This information is important for people who:
- Work and want information on taxes and work credits.
- Receive Social Security benefits and want to know the earnings limits.
- Receive Supplemental Security Income and want information on payment maximums.
Give your clients the updated 2020 Social Security data with our shareable publication: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10003.pdf.
