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
When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, you can complete your application online in as little as 15 minutes at ssa.gov/retirement. You will be contacted if further information is needed. You can check the status of your application with your personal "my Social Security" account. ...
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You can get so much accomplished on Social Security's website. Use your personal my Social Security account to check your Social Security record and complete your business conveniently and securely from home or on the go. ...
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As tax-prep season approaches, receiving your annual Social Security Benefit Statement just got easier. The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S, is a tax form mailed each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received in the previous year. You can use this information when you file your tax return. ...
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Did you know that you can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to retire? And it takes less than 10 minutes! If you want to start receiving Medicare at age 65, you must apply for Medicare no earlier than three months before your 65th birthday and no later than three months after that birthday. ...
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Some people who receive monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments may need help managing their money. When Social Security learns you need help, they'll help you find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits. A representative payee receives your monthly benefit payment on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your current needs. ...
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Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises. This change means prices for goods and services are a little more expensive, so the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs. ...
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More women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income in the 21st century than at any other time in our nation’s history while also facing greater economic challenges in retirement than men. Women generally live longer than men while often having lower lifetime earnings. Find out how Social Security can help. ...
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When it comes to Social Security, there’s no better place to do your business or get answers than on the website. Here are Social Security's top 10 web pages of 2021, featuring online services to better serve you. ...
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