Columnists

Rebecca Rose, Senior Public Affairs Specialist in SSA’s Office of Inspector General’s Division of Communications, joined episode 5 of SSA Talks to discuss Social Security scams and how to recognize them. Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam. In this episode Rebecca discusses the four…

“It’s not the size of the dreamer, it’s the size of the dream.” -Billie Jean King The summer after sixth grade was a great one for me. There I was with my bell bottoms and brown leather clogs, listening to Andy Gibb on the radio, getting ready for junior high. My friends and I spent…

There was no underestimating the size of the walleye I hooked. He was a dandy, 5 or 6 pounds a least and maybe bigger. You could see him easily as I fought him alongside the boat, with my fishing partner whackin’ at him with the dip net, something like a great blue heron would stab…

Your personal my Social Security account is here for you at every stage of your life. You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to take advantage of it. With an account, you can conduct much of your Social Security business online. For example, you can request a replacement Social Security card…

When I was a youngster playing an old-school Nintendo game called Duck Hunt, I remember on several occasions advancing through the various levels of the game, after which the digital ‘ducks’ really began to fly with considerable speed. At some point, those fake ducks would fly around and change direction so quickly that I would…

If you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within 3 months before or after turning age 65, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period. The period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. If you didn’t enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible, you may…

That rumble you hear in the distance is Democrats beating a hasty retreat. The recent election proved a repudiation of all things liberal. American common sense is back in fashion and long overdue. Things are suddenly different. Sure, Democrats have lost elections before, but not like this. They kicked over a hornet’s nest of public…

I never hope to meet an opponent in this life who is any more difficult, more stubborn or less ready to listen to reason than myself. That’s right, I consider myself to be my biggest challenge, a foe who at moments has driven me to the brink of insanity. Of all the hardheaded customers I…

If I were a graduating kid today I would get rich and never work for anyone. First I would find 5 or 10 acres off a main highway close to town and erect a metal building at the front. Then I’d find me the very finest pair of auto mechanics and a pair of the…

We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website –www.SSA.gov– offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits. You can apply for: – Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits to start in no more…