Archives by: Brandon Smith
About the author
Brandon P. Smith is the author of Northeast Ohio Thrive’s Social Security & You blog. He is a Social Security public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, based in Cleveland. A Cleveland native, he joined the SSA in 2003. He is the primary contact for media relations, outreach, and presentations for the agency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Geauga counties. In addition to other communications awards, Brandon received a Deputy Commissioner Citation from Social Security’s Office of Communication in 2015 for his outstanding public affairs support of the agency’s national communication initiatives.
Brandon Smith Posts
Your personal my Social Security account is here for you at every stage of your career. You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to take advantage of it. ...
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Report cards aren't just for school kids. Social Security achieved the highest score of any federal government agency on the Center for Plain Language’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Report Card. Social Security policies and programs can be complex and difficult to explain. So the agency's A+ use of plain language is clear, easy to understand and useful. ...
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Social Security benefits factor into the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you are covered under Social Security, you should know how much you might receive in future benefits. These monthly payments are likely to be an important part of your retirement income. ...
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Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. OIG can impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. ...
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April is Financial Literacy Month. Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Social Security's online tools can help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future. ...
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The Social Security Administration recently updated its website's homepage with a new design to help you find what you need more easily. SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year; an important tool for providing efficient and equitable access to service. ...
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If you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, you can also receive healthy meals and other nutrition services through the National Senior Nutrition Program. With home-delivered and group meal options, you can get the food you need in a way that works best for you. ...
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For most months in the year, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients get their SSI payment on the first day of the month. But when the first day of the month falls on the weekend or a federal holiday, you receive your SSI payment on the last business day before the first day of the month. That means you may get two SSI payments in the same month. ...
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