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
Millions of Americans who get monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits need help managing their money and may need a representative payee. A representative payee is a person or an organization we appoint to receive the Social Security or SSI benefits for beneficiaries who can’t manage or direct the management of their benefits. Representative payees can now get, save, email and print a benefit verification letter for the person they represent using their own my Social Security account. ...
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You can apply for Medicare online, even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits. Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and we usually require no documentation. ...
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For nearly 85 years, our programs have helped provide financial independence. We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Today, applying online is a convenient way to apply for benefits. ...
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You may be surprised to learn that you can access over a dozen Social Security functions, even when you're traveling far from home. The online services page provides you with a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet or computer. ...
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The Social Security Administration pays monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources, and people who are age 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. ...
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With so many services available online through my Social Security, signing up for a secure account will help you conduct Social Security business from home. ...
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During this time when our physical offices are closed to the public, you may wonder, “How can I get help from Social Security without visiting an office?” You can find the answer at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices, which links you to some of our most popular online services. You can apply for retirement and disability benefits, appeal a decision and do much more. ...
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June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Throughout the month, government agencies, businesses, and organizations sponsor events to unite communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, and the private sector to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people. The most effective way to defeat scammers is by knowing how to identify scams then hanging up or ignoring the calls. Read on for more tips that will equip you to recognize and reject a scam before it makes you a victim. ...
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