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Articles written by Josh Weller


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  • Happy Thanksgiving from Social Security

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Nov 21, 2024

    Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and to share memories with our loved ones. During this holiday season and throughout life’s journey, we are here to help provide you and your family with services, benefits and information about our programs. Social Security is more than just a retirement program. We provide services that assist many families across this country. We are there for joyous moments like the birth of your child and issuing their first Social Security card. We are there during times of hardship and tragedy to p...

  • Why it's important to check your earnings history

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Oct 31, 2024

    It may have been years or even decades since you thought about how much you earned at your first job. Did you know that you can find out how much you made that first year? Or any year you worked and paid Social Security taxes? Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your future Social Security benefits. We track your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. That is why it’s so important for you to review your earnings record. Even though it’s your employer’s responsibility to provide accurate e...

  • Social Security installs new kiosks to improve customer check-in process

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Oct 24, 2024

    At Social Security we strive to make our services more accessible while maintaining your privacy. We installed new kiosks in most of our local offices to make it easier for you to check in and conduct business with us. The kiosks are private, easy to use without assistance and provide consistent service to our customers. Modifications to earlier screens have improved the check-in process, especially for our customers who are blind or have low vision. Each kiosk is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and includes the...

  • Why it's important to tell us about changes when you get Social Security benefits

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Oct 17, 2024

    If you receive Social Security, you can help to make sure we pay you the right benefit each month. You can do that by telling us about relationship or other life changes that could affect your eligibility for retirement, survivors, or disability benefits – or the benefit amount. You and your family may miss out on additional payments you may be due if you don’t report changes to us in a timely manner. Or you may be overpaid benefits and have to pay us back. What you need to tell us To make sure you are paid correctly and receive the pay...

  • Celebrating 89 years of Social Security

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Sep 26, 2024

    For nearly 90 years, Social Security has provided income protection to millions of retirees, people with disabilities, their dependents and families who’ve lost a family member who worked and paid Social Security taxes before they died. In addition to paying benefits, we issue millions of Social Security numbers each year, maintain wage records to make sure workers get the benefits they have earned, and much more. The scope of what we do is enormous, and we are proud to serve the American people. Whether providing service online at SSA.gov, o...

  • How we protect you from misleading advertising and communications

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Sep 12, 2024

    Social Security works with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who: • Mails misleading solicitations that appear to be from or authorized by Social Security. • Operates an imposter website or social media account designed to look like it belongs to or is aut...

  • Social security supports rural communities

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Aug 29, 2024

    Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Millions count on us — retirees, people no longer able to work due to disability, dependents and survivors. As a member of the Rural Partners Network, we want to continue reaching out to rural communities. We make it easy for you to access our programs and services. Our website offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits. Visit www.ssa.gov/applyonline to learn how to apply for: • Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your be...

  • Supplemental Security Income for children with disabilities

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Aug 22, 2024

    Did you know that Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash payments to children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources? A child must meet all of the following disability requirements to be considered medically eligible for SSI: • The child, if not blind, generally must not be working or earning more than $1550 a month in 2024. • If the child is blind, they must not be working or earning more than $2590 in 2024. The earning amounts usually change every year to keep up with inflation....

  • Ten ways to protect your personal information

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Jun 13, 2024

    Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity theft, and exercising caution. Here are ten things you can start doing now to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft: 1. Protect your Social Security number by keeping your Social Security card in a safe place at home. Don’t carry it with you or provide your number unnecessarily. 2. Be careful when you speak with unknown callers. Scammers may mislead you b...

  • Why it's important to tell Social Security about your financial accounts

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Jun 6, 2024

    Do you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? If so, you need to tell us about any financial accounts you own, alone or with someone else. That’s because SSI is a needs-based program, and eligibility is determined by your resources as well as your income. Examples of financial accounts include: • Checking, savings and credit union accounts. • Christmas club accounts. • Certificates of deposit, also known as CDs. • Stocks and U.S. savings bonds. What you need to tell us You need to tell us about changes to your financial accounts or accoun...

  • Social Security celebrates Women's History Month

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Mar 7, 2024

    March is Women’s History Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face in the 21st century. At Social Security, we provide vital benefits and financial protection for women. Nearly 55% of people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Today, more women work, pay Social Security taxes and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Women have longer average life expectancies and tend to live more years in retirement than men. This means women...

  • Social Security

    Josh Weller, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Denver, Colorado|Feb 15, 2024

    Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other government imposter scams during the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7, 2024. Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many scams. Scammers often take advantage of fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pretend to be Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your...