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Articles written by Josh Weller


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  • Will remarrying affect my Social Security benefits?

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Nov 28, 2024

    Are you getting remarried? If so, we can help you with Social Security related questions regarding your remarriage. You may be wondering how your new marriage affects your Social Security benefits now or in the future. Remarrying may affect your benefits if you receive (or expect to receive) any of the following: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments – Your SSI eligibility and payment amount may change (or stop) due to your new spouse’s income and resources. Surviving spouse or divorced surviving spouse benefits If you remarry before age...

  • Social Security can help you start or return to work

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Nov 14, 2024

    If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and want to start or return to work, we can help. Ticket to Work (Ticket) is a program that supports career development for SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients who want to work and achieve financial independence. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. Learn more about the Ticket program at www.ssa.gov/work 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. Our...

  • Veterans and active-duty military members: Social Security has your back!

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Nov 7, 2024

    Veterans Day is on Monday, November 11, 2024. We honor all veterans who served our country and risked their lives to protect us. If you know a veteran, please let them know about our Military and Veterans webpage at www.ssa.gov/people/veterans. On that page, we have information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for veterans, including: How SSDI benefits are different from benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. How we expedite the processing of Social Security di...

  • Social Security supports teachers

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Sep 19, 2024

    A well-informed instructor can have a powerful influence on their students. That's why we created the Educator Toolkit. This toolkit is easy to use and provides shareable online resources that teachers can use to engage students and educate them about Social Security. The Educator Toolkit includes: • Lesson plans with objectives. • Infographics and handouts for each lesson plan. • Links to Social Security web pages. • Talking points. • Quiz questions and answers. We value the efforts all teach...

  • Combating elder abuse

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Sep 5, 2024

    Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an adult over age 60. This abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, sexual and financial exploitation, as well as neglect. In the United States, an estimated one in ten adults over the age of 60 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 iso...

  • Social security supports rural communities

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Aug 29, 2024

    Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Millions count on us — retirees, people no longer able to work due to disability, dependents and survivors. As a member of the Rural Partners Network, we want to continue reaching out to rural communities. We make it easy for you to access our programs and services. Our website offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits. Visit www.ssa.gov/applyonline to learn how to apply for: • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your be...

  • How we serve people who have limited English proficiency

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Jul 25, 2024

    We strive to deliver great customer service with helpful information for everyone. This includes improving access for underserved communities. We aim to reduce language barriers and increase access to Social Security programs, services, and benefits. If you are a person with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), know that we have the resources available to help you in your preferred language. We encourage you to learn about the resources that are available to serve LEP communities. What resources are available? We offer publications in languages...

  • Social Security's top 5 ways to protect against identity theft

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Jul 18, 2024

    Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you or steal from you. It is important that you stay safe online. Please review these data privacy and identity protection resources: 1. A great online resource is www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You can visit this page to open a secure my Social Security account, keep track of your earnings record, and identify any suspicious activity. 2. Our blog post, Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves, helps you understand how to spot, prevent, and report identity theft. You can check o...

  • Social Security's top five ways to protect against identity theft

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Jul 11, 2024

    Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you or steal from you. It is important that you stay safe online. Please review these data privacy and identity protection resources: 1. A great online resource is www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You can visit this page to open a secure my Social Security account, keep track of your earnings record, and identify any suspicious activity. 2. Our blog post, Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves, helps you understand how to spot, prevent, and report identity theft. You can check o...

  • Why it's important to tell Social Security about your financial accounts

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Jun 6, 2024

    Do you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? If so, you need to tell us about any financial accounts you own, alone or with someone else. That’s because SSI is a needs-based program, and eligibility is determined by your resources as well as your income. Examples of financial accounts include: • Checking, savings and credit union accounts. • Christmas club accounts. • Certificates of deposit, also known as CDs. • Stocks and U.S. savings bonds. What you need to tell us You need to tell us about changes to your financial accounts or accoun...

  • Social Security omits food from in-kind support and maintenance calculations

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|May 30, 2024

    Supplement Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness. It also provides monthly payments to adults aged 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. People applying for and receiving SSI must meet eligibility requirements, including income and resource limits. Under our current rules, we include food assistance as unearned income when calculating In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM). We understand th...

  • How you can protect yourself from identity thieves

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|May 9, 2024

    Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you or steal from you. These crimes can impact your physical, mental and emotional health and lead to lost opportunities that are often hard to measure. Learning more about identity theft can help you keep your personal information safe. Types of Identity Theft There are two types of identity theft you should be aware of: • Thieves stealing your data, physically or digitally, without contacting you directly. • Thieves contacting you directly and convincing you to pro...

  • Protecting yourself from QR code fraud

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|May 2, 2024

    Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website. However, scammers can create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information. For example, scammers may: • Cover official QR codes with fake ones on parking meters, menus or magazines. • Send QR codes via email or text message pretending to be from delivery companies. • Request that you confirm your information...

  • My Social Security: it's not just for retirees

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Apr 18, 2024

    A personal My Social Security account can be helpful in so many ways. You can benefit from its personalized tools even if you are not retired or close to retirement. With your personal my Social Security account, you can do much of your business with us online. You rarely need to call or visit a local Social Security office once you have one. Let’s look at some of the features offered by an account. If you do not receive benefits, you can: • Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia). • Check perso...

  • Social security's top five scam awareness articles

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Apr 4, 2024

    Did you join us for Slam the Scam Day in March? If so, you know how important it is to raise awareness about government imposter scams. That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to protect yourself. Check out our top 5 scam awareness articles below: 1. We work with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. In How We Protect You from Misleading Advertising and Communications, we detail what to do if you receive a suspicious advertisement or imposter communication. P...

  • Plan for your future during Financial Literacy Month

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Mar 28, 2024

    We celebrate Financial Literacy Month (FLM) every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. FLM also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools are here to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future. You should periodically review your Social Security Statement (Statement) using your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Your Statement is an easy-to-read summary of the...

  • How to spot an imposter social media account

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Mar 21, 2024

    Want to learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts? The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family. How fraudsters create imposter accounts Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and vocabulary, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us. They also create imposter social media pages of Social Security and OIG officials, such as the Commissioner or the Inspector General. Protect your personally identifiable information We will n...

  • Making the most of America Saves Week 2024

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Mar 21, 2024

    America Saves Week, which runs from April 8 to 12 this year, is an excellent opportunity for organizations to promote good financial habits and for people to assess their own saving status. This year’s theme is “Saving for What Matters Most.” Planning and saving are key to a successful retirement. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better off you will be. People with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully. Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically. During America Saves Week, we encourage you to pledge to start...

  • How we protect you from misleading advertising and communications

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Mar 7, 2024

    Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. For example, the OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who: • Mails misleading solicitations that appear to be from or authorized by Social Security. • Operates an imposter website or social media account designed to look like it bel...

  • Social Security celebrates Women's History Month

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Feb 29, 2024

    March is Women’s History Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face in the 21st century. At Social Security, we provide vital benefits and financial protection for women. Nearly 55% of people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Today, more women work, pay Social Security taxes and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Women have longer average life expectancies and tend to live more years in retirement than men. This means women...

  • Social Security

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Feb 22, 2024

    Are you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving them? Did you know that you can also receive healthy meals and other nutrition services through the National Senior Nutrition Program? Local meal programs in communities across the country are waiting to serve you. As we age, we have different needs, different ways we take care of our health and different nutrients we need to get from our food. But we don't always have enough healthy food or the desire to prepare or...