The five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has been eliminated. This change, enacted by the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019, applies to those approved on or after…
SSDI is an absolute lifeline for many. The difficulty when navigating the application process for many older recipients has reached a critical point. As Frank Bisignano assumes leadership as the new head of the SSA, advocates are urging the SSA…
The new digital feature will allow individuals who have either forgotten their Social Security number or who have lost their Social Security cards to access their personal number online through the agency’s My Social Security website. They will also be…
The future is coming on fast. Starting this summer, the SSA will offer a digital version of the Social Security card through its My Social Security website. This option is intended to reduce the inconvenience of lost or stolen physical…
Though some updates can be made by phone if users can verify their identity online, advocates argue this system is too complex for many seniors and people with disabilities. Despite these efforts, fraud involving direct deposit misdirection remains extremely rare.…
The Trump administration had pushed for more in-person verification to combat fraud, including requiring office visits for certain claims. While the SSA has since relaxed some of those rules, direct deposit changes still typically require online or in-person updates. This…
Long hold times and technical issues continue to frustrate users of SSA’s 800 number and website. These problems, lawmakers note, have persisted across multiple administrations. In response, the SSA is modernizing its telecom systems to improve service and promote online…
As of May 5, the federal government resumed efforts to collect defaulted student loans. The Education Department may now use the Treasury Offset Program to garnish Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and wages. Other deductions may also apply for overdue…
The SSA frequently issues repayment demands for overpaid benefits, which may be reclaimed by withholding future checks. Under President Biden, the default withholding rate was lowered to 10% to ease financial strain. However, under Trump, the agency announced a return…
A major update came with the enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act in January, benefiting nearly 3 million individuals. This law boosts monthly payments for those who receive non-Social Security pensions such as teachers, firefighters, and certain federal workers…