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
Do you plan to pay a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter, or other household worker at least $2,300 in 2021? If you pay at least this amount to one person -- including for your household employee’s transportation, meals and housing -- you have some additional financial responsibilities. ...
Read more
One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you can do... ...
Read more
The Social Security Administration's online tools and services save you time and make your life easier. Often, there’s no need to contact your local office. Here are five SSA webpages that can make your life easier... ...
Read more
In March 2020, we temporarily closed all of our Social Security Hearing Offices due to the Coronavirus pandemic and are not offering in-person hearings. During the office closures, we are providing two flexible, safe, and secure hearing options: either a telephone hearing or our new option of an online video hearing. Additional information on both of these hearing options is available here: www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_options.html ...
Read more
Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be. These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income. ...
Read more
Here's some good news for the new year! Nearly 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and SSI payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). ...
Read more
If you’re a small business owner, or you work for one, the Social Security Administration can help make your life easier with its suite of services. These business services allow you to file W-2/W-2Cs online and verify your employees’ names and Social Security numbers against SSA records. ...
Read more
If you're looking for 10 new ways to simplify your life, the Social Security Administration's online services often allow you to do business without visiting a local office or calling on the phone. Here are SSA's top 10 webpages of 2020... ...
Read more
