Inspector General Announces 2nd National Slam The Scam Day
Social Securitys Inspector General, Gail S. Ennis, designated Thursday, March 4, 2021 as the second annual National Slam the Scam Day. Slam the Scam raises public awareness about the government imposter telephone scams that continue to spread across the United States. Slam the Scam is part of National Consumer Protection Week, February 28 March 6.
Please encourage your clients to visit our Scam Awareness page at oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information about National Slam the Scam Day and Social Security-related scams. Your clients can also visit our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page for additional resources at www.ssa.gov/antifraudfacts. We hope you will help us Slam the Scam on March 4!
What To Do If Your Clients Are Missing Economic Impact Payments
The Internal Revenue Service issued the third round of Economic Impact Payments in April. Most Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients should have received their EIPs by now. Do you have clients who believe they missed an EIP for themselves, an eligible spouse, or eligible dependents, from this round or any previous round of EIPs?
Your clients can visit our Economic Impact Payments and Tax Credits page at www.ssa.gov/eip to learn more about what steps to take. They may need to file a 2020 tax return with the IRS and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to receive missing first or second EIPs, even if they do not have income to report for 2020. The IRS will send your clients any additional third EIP amount they are eligible for in 2021 separately. Our web page also provides links to the IRS where your clients may be able to file their federal taxes free of charge at www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.
Please let your clients know that they should contact the IRS for questions about tax-related topics and economic income payments.
New Online Payment Option For Social Security Overpayments
We are expanding our online services to provide secure and convenient online features to meet your clients needs. Your clients who have an overpayment may be eligible to make a full or partial electronic payment using Pay.gov or using their bank or financial institutions online bill pay option.
Pay.gov is a secure online service provided by the Department of the Treasury. Our billing notices now include Pay.gov information. For the moment, this service is available only to individuals who are not currently receiving Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments, but need to pay back an overpayment.
Your clients can also choose to use their banks online bill pay. Under this option, your clients can repay an overpayment debt and have it electronically applied to their balance the next day.
Please be sure tell your clients about our new and secure online bill pay options.
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Social Security Launches New Campaign To Fight Scammers
We launched a Public Service Announcement campaign as our latest effort to warn you and your clients about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scam. In the video, Commissioner Andrew Saul explains how to recognize a scam and how to report it. The scammers play on emotions like fear to convince victims to provide personal information or payments in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters may also email fake documents to try to get people to comply with their demands.
I want every American to know that if a suspicious caller states there is a problem with their Social Security number or account, they should hang up and never give the caller money or personal information. People should then go online to report the scam call to Social Security, said Commissioner Saul.
Help your clients learn how to protect themselves and report any suspicious calls or emails right away. You can find additional information about what to look out for on our website at www.ssa.gov/scam. Encourage any client who is a victim of a Social Security-related scam to not be embarrassed and to report the scam at oig.ssa.gov so we can stop these scammers and protect other people. Please share our new Public Service Announcements with your clients at www.youtube.com/socialsecurity.
What Are The Last 4 Digits Of A Ssn Used For
As youve just learned, the last four digits of a SSN are somewhat random. And, its important to remember that by law, only a few organizations have the right to use your SSN: your employer, banks, mutual funds, the IRS, and government programs like workers’ compensation.
Dont underestimate the power of a SSN for each and every person with one in the US. Its essential for the completion of countless processes. The processes include: getting a job, opening financial accounts, enrolling in health insurance, collecting Social Security benefits, obtaining other government services, accessing retirement funds, requesting various public and private services, among many others.
Although its important to always be safe and smart about who youre giving your SSN to, the last four numbers of the SSN are the most important to protect. For this reason, it is recommended not to share it with anyone, not to include it in emails, and not to use it as your security PIN. Your best defense against possible identity theft is to protect the nine digits, but especially the last four.
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My Stimulus Was Sent Today From The Irs But To An Account With The Last 4 Numbers Of My Social On The Irs App Is It A Typo Will This Still Be Sent To My Turbocard
If the direct deposit information in the Refund section of your Form 1040 is your social security number, your refund is being sent been applied to your Turbo Visa Debit Card issued by Green Dot.
You should review the following information:
- I have access to my Turbo Visa Debit Card: If you have access to your Turbo Visa Debit Card, there is nothing more you need to do. You will be able to immediately use the stimulus funds upon deposit on 4/15. You can sign in to your account to check your balance here:
- I no longer have access to my Turbo Visa Debit Card: If you no longer have access to your Turbo Visa Debit Card, dont worry. If you have registered your card and know your login credentials, you can request a replacement card by signing in to your Turbo Visa Debit Card account . If you dont know your account login information, call 888-285-4169 for assistance. You will not be charged for a replacement card or check standard fees will be waived or refunded to you.
Due to unprecedented traffic you may experience some delays on the site or phone line. Everyone is anxious to get their stimulus money, your patience is appreciated.
For additional questions, including how to receive a check, please direct customers to our Turbo Visa Debit Card site:
Social Security Strengthening Our Public Service Together
We are pleased to announce that the Social Security Administration, the American Federation of Government Employees , and the National Treasury Employees Union have reached new six-year national agreements. The AFGE agreement went into effect on October 27, 2019, and the NTEU agreement will be effective November 10, 2019.
These new agreements reflect our commitment to public service. Together with a committed workforce, we will continue to deliver and improve our service to communities nationwide.
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How Does One Apply For An Itin
- Applicants must fill out a W-7 application form and submit it to the IRS along with a completed tax return. Individuals do not need to apply in person. When the application is approved, ITINs are sent to applicants through the mail.
- Applicants are required to submit original documents verifying identity and foreign status. The IRS has issued a list of 13 documents that will be accepted for this purpose. Those documents will be returned to the applicant within 60 days of receipt and processing of the W-7 form.
- There are IRS Acceptance Agents and Taxpayer Assistance Centers available to help persons apply.
In 2015, Congress enacted legislation to clarify the 2012 guidance from the IRS stating that all ITINs issued after December 31, 2012, will have to be revalidated every five years. Additionally, if a person obtains an ITIN but does not use it for three consecutive years, it will expire and will need to be revalidated.
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Understanding Social Security Benefits
Many of your clients may assume Social Security is just a retirement program. While it is true that most of the people receiving benefits are retired, others receive benefits because theyre:
- Disabled
- A spouse or child of someone getting benefits
- A divorced spouse of someone getting or eligible for Social Security
- A spouse or child of a worker who died
- A divorced spouse of a worker who died or
- A dependent parent of a worker who died.
When your clients need a clear understanding of Social Security, share this overview of all Social Security programs and Medicare: Understanding the Benefits www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10024.pdf.
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Appointing A Representative With The New Ssa
We recently launched a new electronic submission option for appointing a representative. The new online Form SSA-1696 is a two-step process that captures the necessary electronic signatures of both the prospective representative and claimant.
The prospective representative must initiate the request. Both the prospective representative and claimant must complete, sign, and submit the document.
We encourage you and your clients to visit www.ssa.gov/representation and select Begin e1696 to learn more about this convenient service.
Making The Most Of America Saves Week
This year, America Saves Week ran from February 22 through 26. ASW is an opportunity for organizations to encourage good financial habits. Its the perfect time to promote helping millions of people prepare for their financial future. Ask your clients to join the #ASW21 movement and use this hashtag when posting about their savings goals on social media.
People who save money and have a retirement plan are twice as likely to save successfully. Daily themes for the week included:
- Monday – Save Automatically.
Please share these helpful resources with your clients today.
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Social Security Disability Demonstration Projects
Social Security is currently running two demonstration projects to help improve our beneficiaries and applicants lives as well as our programs.
For beneficiaries who worry they might lose their monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if they return to work or start to earn more, the Promoting Opportunity Demonstration is a voluntary project that gives them a chance to keep more benefits and potentially increase their total income while using a simpler approach to reporting their earnings. POD will last for approximately four years. Were implementing POD for volunteers in regions of Alabama, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas, and Vermont.
Another study, the Supported Employment Demonstration , aims to provide employment and behavioral health interventions to recently denied disability applicants from 20 states for 36 months.
These studies are voluntary and wont affect an individuals eligibility to receive benefits in the future. To learn more about POD, encourage your clients to visit www.PODSSA.org, and for more information on SED, go to www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/supported_employment.html.
How To Change Your Name On Your Social Security Card
If you or your clients legally changed your name, you need to tell us so we can send a corrected card. You cannot request to change your name via Social Securitys online services.
TTo change your name on your card, you must show us documents that prove your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document that proves your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cant accept photocopies or notarized copies. You can find out which documents you must show to change your name at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10513.pdf.
For complete instructions, you and your clients can visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
You can also locate your local field office at www.socialsecurity.gov/locator.
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Joining Forces To Improve The Representative Payee Program
The Social Security Advisory Board held a policy forum on the Social Security Administrations Representative Payee Program on March 27 at the 20 F Street NW Conference Center. This forum included panels on identifying who needs a representative payee, monitoring representative payee performance, and the way forward.
Currently, more than six million payees manage $80 billion in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 3.5 million adults and 4 million children determined to be incapable of managing their benefits. Projections indicate that the number of people needing assistance will increase dramatically in the coming decades as the population ages. The days discussion included the process of determining capacity, best practices, collaborative efforts and new approaches from the front lines, necessary oversight, program evaluation, and preparing for the future.
You and your clients can read more about Social Securitys Representative Payee Program at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee.
Protecting Your Clients From Scams
Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers try to trick the public into providing personal information or money, and often threaten their victims with arrest. Recently, our Office of the Inspector General has received reports of scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most Federal employees use to gain access to Federal buildings. The scammers may text or email photos of the fake badges to convince potential victims of their legitimacy. These badges use government symbols, words, and even names and photos of real people, which are available on government websites or through internet searches.
If you or your clients receive a suspicious call, letter, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. When Social Security communicates with your clients, we will NEVER:
- Text or email images of an employees official government identification.
- Suspend a persons Social Security number.
- Threaten someone with arrest or other legal action unless they immediately pay a fine or fee.
- Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
- Send official letters or reports containing their personal information via email.
- When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
- As part of our enhanced security when signing in to your personal mySocial Security account.
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New States Can Replace Social Security Cards Online At My Social Security
Social Security continues to improvemySocial Security with features that make doing business with us easier and more secure. Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Virginia are the most recent states to benefit from Social Securitys efforts to make more services available online. Residents of these states join the District of Columbia and 20 other states in being able to request a replacement Social Security card online usingmySocial Security. And we continue to add more states.
Its an easy, convenient, and secure way to request a replacement card online.
Securing today and tomorrow can start now. Putting you in control of your future is a priority for us. Visitmy Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to learn more.
Update: 2020 Trustees Report
On April 22, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance Trust Funds.
The combined trust funds are projected to become depleted in 2035, with 79% of benefits payable after that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2065, with 92% of benefits still payable.
In the 2020 Report to Congress, the trustees also announced:
- The asset reserves of the combined OASDI Trust Funds increased by $2.5 billion in 2019 to a total of $2.897 trillion.
- The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year projection period is 3.21% of taxable payroll higher than the 2.78% projected in last years report.
You and your clients can view the full 2020 Trustees Report at www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2020/.
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The Administration For Community Living Seeks Public Input
The Administration for Community Living wants to hear your best thoughts and ideas for the future activities of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council . The EJCC coordinates activities related to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation across the federal government. They want to know what issues you think the EJCC should prioritize over the next two years.
You can submit comments electronically to with Thoughts and Ideas in the subject line through September 30, 2019.
What they are looking for:
- How have the EJCCs past activities benefitted you or your affiliated programs?
- What activities, tools, resources, or components could most effectively advance elder justice at the state and local levels?
- How could the EJCC benefit the larger elder justice community?
- What is the best way to measure the EJCCs impact and effectiveness?
What they are not looking for:
Please do not use this mailbox to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Any suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation should be reported to your states Adult Protective Services. ACL is also not authorized to receive personally identifiable information beyond the contact information of the person submitting input. They will not review any comment that includes any other personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or Social Security numbers.
You can read ACLs full public input invitation at .
Celebrate Your Independence Control Your Future
As the country celebrated its independence this year, people were accessing their mySocial Security accounts and taking control of their future. Knowing you have access to vital programs and information helps you create security for yourself and your family.
We regularly update mySocial Security with new features to make your life easier. The site now accepts wage reports electronically from Supplemental Security Income recipients and deemors, concurrent beneficiaries, and representative payees. This capability had been available only to Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries and their representative payees.
There are also a growing number of states where, if you have a drivers license or state-issued identification card, you can request a replacement Social Security card online. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to create or access your account now.
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