Mind the Gap campaign: mature couple relaxing at home

Navigating the Social Security-Medicare Gap

By Anita Kulakowski, Integrated Benefits, Inc 1. Understanding the Wait Time for Medicare After Receiving SSDI Most people know that Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to individuals who are 65 years and older. But, did you know that people who have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least two…

Worker and family relaxing outside together. Plan. Prepare. Protect.

Federal Disability Insurance Provides Critical Protection to Millions of American Workers

By Steve Perrigo Editor’s Note: It would surprise many employees to know they already have access to disability coverage. If you’ve paid FICA taxes for five of the last 10 years, your Social Security Disability Insurance policy is paid up. Two years into a pandemic and the changing economy and Great Resignation forced U.S. employees…

Couple at home feeling good about their financial and retirement planning. Plan. Prepare. Protect.

Including Social Security in Your Financial and Retirement Planning (pt 2)

Ted Norwood Editor’s Note: In part two of Ted Norwood’s post on Social Security, financial planning, and retirement, the author explains the various Social Security benefits and impact they may have on your financial status. (Click here to read Part 1 of this post.) Financial Planning, Protection and Retirement The basics The basic principles are…

Couple at home working on their financial and retirement planning. Plan. Prepare. Protect.

Including Social Security in Your Financial and Retirement Planning (pt 1)

Ted Norwood Editor’s Note: You are about to enjoy the most entertaining and informative blog post I’ve ever had the pleasure of editing about Social Security benefits. Read on to learn more about what the Social Security Administration and chocolate chip cookies have in common. Thinking about protecting your family’s income, your children’s future, and…

Disabled woman applying for social security disability insurance benefits online

How the Pandemic is Impacting Your SSDI Application

By Matthew Imhoff The Social Security Administration made changes to the Social Security Disability Insurance application and hearing processes during the pandemic. This podcast transcript summary reviews the impact of these changes — many of which are positive.   The Social Security Administration was not immune to COVID-19. Like every other aspect of life that…

Social Security Act 2100, Choosing Resilience, Living Fully: Open Enrollment 2021

Social Security Act 2100: Unlikely to Pass, but a Step in the Right Direction

By Michael Mattison     There’s been a lot of buzz around the industry about the recently introduced Social Security Act 2100. If passed, this bill would:   Eliminate the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits Provide caregiver credits for individuals that left the workforce to care for children or other dependents Extend student benefits…

Mature woman accessing the Social Security Administration online portal: Choosing Resilience, Living Fully: Open Enrollment 2021

The Positive Impact of COVID-19 on the Social Security Administration

By Michael Mattison Editor’s Note: The Social Security Administration was not immune to COVID-19. Like every other aspect of life that changed with the pandemic, the SSA needed to pivot in order to serve the public.  While this was a daunting task, the organization transitioned into an almost entirely remote workforce over the span of…

The pandemic's affect on Social Security

COVID-19 and the Social Security Administration

Though COVID-19 threatens everyone, the elderly face the greatest peril, including – possibly –the United States Social Security Administration. SSA turned 85 years old in August 2020, and it is time to check in on how the pandemic is affecting the department.   Social Security administers retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance, survivor, Supplemental Security Income…