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
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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"One of our most important responsibilities is to protect the hard-earned money you pay into Social Security, which is why we have zero tolerance for fraud," says Brandon P. Smith, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist. "We take fraud claims seriously and investigate them thoroughly. We innovate and develop anti-fraud initiatives because any level of fraud is unacceptable." ...
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Benefits the Social Security Administration provide can help the families of military service members. For example, widows, widowers and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about those benefits at www.ssa.gov/survivors. ...
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We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4 through May 8 and honor all educators who prepare our students for the future. That’s why the Social Security Administration provides eas- to-access, shareable online resources for teachers to engage students and educate them on Social Security. ...
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If you want to apply for either your own or your spouse’s benefits, you must be at least 61 years plus 8 months old. Visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to learn more about the process. Explore more about your eligibility by visiting Social Security's Benefits Planner page at www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html for more information. ...
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You can apply online for Medicare, even if you're not ready to retire. Fast and easy, applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and usually no required documentation, either. ...
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If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must notify Social Security right away so you can get a corrected card. You need an updated Social Security card to work, collect Social Security benefits and receive certain government services. You cannot apply to change your name online. ...
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Social Security cares about accuracy and we want you to get the exact benefit amount you deserve. Changes in the law affect how we calculate monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. ...
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