June 2023
How We Serve Your Clients Who Have Limited English Proficiency
We strive to deliver great customer service and helpful information to everyone. That includes improving access for underserved communities. We aim to reduce language barriers and increase access to Social Security programs, services, and benefits. If you're assisting a client with limited English proficiency (LEP), know that we have the resources available to help them in their preferred language.
What resources are available?
We encourage you to learn about the resources that are available to serve LEP communities. We provide benefit information online in Spanish – including Retirement, Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at SeguroSocial.gov.
Our free interpreter services are available, by telephone and in person, in more than 200 languages, to your clients who prefer to conduct business in a language other than English. Access these services by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting a local office and asking for an interpreter in their preferred language.
If your clients need information about our programs, we offer publications in languages other than English. Please check out our non-English publications and other resources available in more than 12 languages at www.ssa.gov/multilanguage.
These include:
- A sample Social Security Statement and 10 supplemental fact sheets.
- Social Security Number for Non-Citizens.
- Understanding the Benefits.
Our Language Access Plan showcases our commitment to increase access to benefits and services for people who prefer a language other than English. Your clients can review the updated plan at www.ssa.gov/pubs/LAP2022-23.pdf.
Diversity is one of our nation's greatest strengths. We want to ensure an inclusive environment for everyone we serve.
Please share this information with your clients.
This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Let’s Make a Pledge to Stay in Touch
Older adults are more vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us about the importance of staying in touch with older persons.
Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by the Social Security Act as someone over age 60. This abuse takes many forms – including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, sexual harm, and financial exploitation. More than 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse each year. That number is likely much higher because elder abuse is often underreported – especially in underserved communities.
Abuse victims typically show emotional and behavioral red flags, such as depression, unusual fear or anxiety, or intentional isolation. Many victims are abused by someone they know or trust. It’s important to look for unusual changes in behavior around:
- Family members.
- Staff at inpatient facilities.
- Hired or volunteer caregivers.
- People in positions of trust like doctors or financial advisors.
You can also help make a difference by checking in with older loved ones. Looking for warning signs of mistreatment is the first step to preventing abuse. Signs of physical abuse include bruises, burns, or other unexplained injuries.
There may also be signs of neglect like:
- Poor nutrition or hygiene.
- Lack of necessary medical aids like glasses or medications that a caretaker should be providing.
There may also be indications of financial abuse. These may include:
- Unpaid rent.
- Sudden changes to a will.
- Unusual changes in money management.
- Large or unexplained financial transactions.
- Mortgages despite sufficient financial resources.
- Allowing someone new to access bank accounts.
If you suspect that someone is a victim of elder abuse, don't ignore it! If you or someone you care about is in a life-threating situation, call 911. If you suspect that something isn't right – but nobody seems to be in immediate danger – contact:
You can also find additional local resources by searching the Eldercare Locator for your community.
This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, take some time to call or visit with an older adult. Ask if they are okay and listen to what they tell you. Pay attention to signs of abuse or unusual behavior. Most of all, don’t be afraid to report instances of suspected abuse. Everyone deserves to be safe, regardless of age, and help is available.
Please share this information with your family and friends – and share it on social media.
Fraudsters Never Go on Vacation
Although your clients may be enjoying the summer sun and fun, they should keep in mind that fraudsters don’t go on vacation. Seniors and younger people are particularly vulnerable to scammers who claim to represent Social Security. To protect themselves and their loved ones, your clients can:
The Most Popular Baby Names of 2022 are Here
For all the most popular baby names of 2022, and to see where your or your client's name ranks, visit our Baby Names page at www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames.
While online, users can create their personal my Social Security account. my Social Security is a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing into retirement. Nearly 80 million people have signed up at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and benefited from the many secure and convenient self-service options.
Please share this information with your clients.
What Did Your Clients Earn at Their First Job? Social Security Can Tell Them
Have your clients ever wondered how much they earned during the year that they worked their first job? Or any other year they worked? They can find out by reviewing their Social Security earnings record.
The earnings record will show their income for each year worked and their progress toward future Social Security benefits. We keep track of their earnings so we can pay them the benefits they've earned over their lifetime. That's why it's important that they review their Social Security earnings record.
It's their employer's responsibility to provide accurate earnings information to us. However, they should still review their earnings history and inform us of any errors or omissions. We encourage your clients to learn more on our blog.
Please share this information with your clients.
International Widows’ Day
International Widows’ Day is recognized annually on June 23. We understand the financial difficulty that can come with the loss of a spouse. Social Security provides monthly financial support to the surviving spouse. Eligibility depends on a person’s age, disability determination, and if they have the deceased person’s child in their care.
If your client lost a spouse, please encourage them to learn more at www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors.
