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<h1 class="m-fs4 fw7 mt2 mb2 headline">How Connecting to Benefits Programs Can Save You Money </h1>
<p class="fs1 mb2 gray-lighter bc-gray metabox">May 16, 2024 •
By <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/author/fbd00670f287e1614da8e6d855ffa2ce3344bbf2/" title="Posts by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, National Council on Aging (NCOA)" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, National Council on Aging (NCOA)</a> </p>
<span class="bsf-rt-reading-time fs1">
Reading Time: 2 Minutes </span>
<p class="fs1 bb bc-gray pb3"><strong><em>Last Updated:&nbsp;May 17, 2024</em></strong></p>
<div class="mt4 generic-content">
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8058" src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ramsey-Alwin-e1715781906596-230x300.jpg" alt="A photo of Ramsey Alwin" width="230" height="300" srcset="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ramsey-Alwin-e1715781906596-230x300.jpg 230w, https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ramsey-Alwin-e1715781906596-785x1024.jpg 785w, https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ramsey-Alwin-e1715781906596-768x1002.jpg 768w, https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ramsey-Alwin-e1715781906596-800x1044.jpg 800w, https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ramsey-Alwin-e1715781906596.jpg 1133w" sizes="(max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px" />The cost of aging in America is on the rise. Social Security provides retirees with a stable income. Unfortunately, its not always enough to cover the costs of health care, food, housing, and utilities. When the cost of living rises faster than your income, it can be difficult to make ends meet in retirement.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto">A rise in the cost of living can cause financial strain and hardship. The latest </span><a href="https://ncoa.org/article/latest-census-bureau-data-shows-americans-65-only-group-to-experience-increase-in-poverty"><span data-contrast="none">U.S. Census Bureau data</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> shows that poverty increased among adults aged 65 and older from </span><b><span data-contrast="auto">10.7%</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> in 2021 to </span><b><span data-contrast="auto">14.1%</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> in 2022. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto">The good news is there are public and private benefits programs that can help older adults afford daily expenses. The bad news is that millions of eligible people are missing out on this help. </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="TextRun SCXW54248300 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW54248300 BCX8">T</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW54248300 BCX8">he </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW54248300 BCX8" href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/30-billion-left-on-the-table-connecting-more-older-adults-with-money-saving-public-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW54248300 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW54248300 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">National Council on Aging </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW54248300 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">(NCOA) </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW54248300 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">estimates</span></span></a> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">that eligible older adults leave </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">$30 billion</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8"> in benefits on the table every year</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">because they </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">dont</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8"> know about these programs or how to apply</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8"> </span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">These </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41415104 BCX8">are a few of the biggest missed benefits:</span></span></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The</span> <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-snap-and-how-do-i-apply"><span data-contrast="none">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> (SNAP) helps low-income individuals afford groceries. The average monthly SNAP benefit for an older adult living alone in 2020 was $105 per month, but nearly half of those who qualify for the program do not enroll. Thats an estimated 5 million people who are missing out on food assistance, amounting to </span><b><span data-contrast="auto">$6.3 billion</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> each year. To learn more about applying for SNAP, </span><a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/save-time-applying-for-snap-and-ssi/"><span data-contrast="none">visit Social Securitys blog</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The </span><a href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/part-d-low-income-subsidy-extra-help-eligibility-and-coverage-chart"><span data-contrast="none">Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> (LIS, or </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">Extra Help</span></i><span data-contrast="auto">) lowers out-of-pocket costs for medications. Social Security estimates the annual value of </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">Extra Help</span></i><span data-contrast="auto"> at $5,300 per recipient. NCOAs research found roughly 2 million people who are eligible for this program dont sign up. This result is </span><b><span data-contrast="auto">$10.6 billion</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> yearly in missed benefits. </span><span data-contrast="none">Please see Social Securitys publication,</span><a href="https://ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10508.pdf"><i><span data-contrast="none">Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan</span></i></a><span data-contrast="none">, for more information.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-are-medicare-savings-programs-msps"><span data-contrast="none">Medicare Savings Programs</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> pay for a persons monthly Part B premium ($174.70 per month in 2024). NCOA estimates that as many as 2 to 3 million people are missing out on this assistance, totaling up to </span><b><span data-contrast="auto">$5.94 billion</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> in forfeited benefits.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto">There is a safe and trusted way to find out if you may be eligible for these or other benefits programs. Its called </span><a href="http://www.benefitscheckup.org/"><span data-contrast="none">BenefitsCheckUp®</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. NCOA offers this free, easy-to-use tool that features more than 2,000 public and private benefits programs available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Visitors enter confidential information while remaining anonymous. They instantly get a report of programs they may be eligible for—plus next steps on how to apply.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto">NCOA believes every American deserves to age with financial security. </span><a href="http://www.benefitscheckup.org/"><span data-contrast="none">BenefitsCheckUp®</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> is one simple step you can take to age well. Start your checkup today!</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto">Please share this information with those who may need it.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><i><span data-contrast="auto">Our posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-Social Security organization, author, or webpages.</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}"> </span></p>
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<hr class="mb2 after-content"><p class="fs1 gray-lighter"><strong>Tags:</strong> <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/tag/general-information/" aria-label='General Information Tag' rel="tag">General Information</a>, <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/tag/medicare/" aria-label='Medicare Tag' rel="tag">Medicare</a>, <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/tag/social-security-benefits/" aria-label='Social Security benefits Tag' rel="tag">Social Security benefits</a></p> <a class="btn px3" href="#comments-anchor">See Comments</a>
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<h2 class="fs2 fw6 mb0 mt4">About the Author</h2>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0"><a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/author/fbd00670f287e1614da8e6d855ffa2ce3344bbf2/" title="Posts by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, National Council on Aging (NCOA)" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, National Council on Aging (NCOA)</a></h3>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Quacy M.</h3>
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<time datetime="September 7, 2024 10:31AM">
September 7, 2024 10:31AM </time>
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<p>everybody living off my soical secuity can have a big earthquake in the ground or a big hole in the ground</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Imscared t.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="July 18, 2024 3:35PM">
July 18, 2024 3:35PM </time>
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<p>I think a large problem with SSI or SSDI is yall require those forced on the programs spend any savings they may have before they can receive their benefits. Those savings could be used later when needed such as buying a house or in an emergency. But no your solution is to force the person down to poverty and to stay in poverty as fast as possible with no way out! If the person wants to go back to work they have no way to go back to work! If the person has been on any of these programs for a long period of time how the hell are they supposed to go back to work? Pull the money out of their ass and buy a car for work? Maybe use credit to buy a car but what if they find out they cant work. They only make it 3-4 months during their trial period. Then they are stuck with something they cant use plus a large debt!</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Dalphin T.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 24, 2024 10:41AM">
June 24, 2024 10:41AM </time>
</p>
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<p>Hi, my son receive disablity but not enough to paid his light bill. Is there anyway he could get help with that.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">S.D.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 25, 2024 8:16AM">
June 25, 2024 8:16AM </time>
</p>
</div>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Thanks for reading our blog and for your question, Dalphin. Your son may be able to receive help through the <a href="https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/623" rel="nofollow ugc">Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program</a> (LIHEAP). To learn about services in his community and to find out if hes eligible, he can contact his state or local social services agency or welfare office. We hope this helps. </p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Katherine</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 21, 2024 1:03PM">
June 21, 2024 1:03PM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Why did my mom receive a payment for $174.70 on June 18th? Thats not normally when she receives her benefit. She just turned 70 in April and is on Medicaid and in a nursing home. I&#8217;m confused&#8230;.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">S.D.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 24, 2024 6:00PM">
June 24, 2024 6:00PM </time>
</p>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Hi, Katherine. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. For your mothers security, we do not have access to her private information in this venue. The 2024 Medicare Part B premium is $174.70 per month. The payment your mother received may be reimbursement for her premium because she has both Medicaid and Medicare. Our notices are sent by mail through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). If your mother hasnt received a notice with an explanation of the recent payment she received and you still have questions, she can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or contact her local <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/locator" rel="nofollow ugc">Social Security office</a>. If your mother needs help managing her benefits, you may want to apply to become her representative payee. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm" rel="nofollow ugc">Representative Payee</a> page. We hope this helps. </p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Misty G.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 10, 2024 2:31AM">
June 10, 2024 2:31AM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>I noticed there are programs to help the retired seniors but what about the younger disabled people whom can&#8217;t work and haven&#8217;t paid in enough to draw enough to barely live on. I am 42 and what I draw I stuggle to live and can&#8217;t get hud nor section 8 and it&#8217;s haven&#8217;t been able to get low income housing. Is there any help out there for people like me???</p>
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src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/themes/firefly/assets/images/logo.jpg"/>
<div class="mt3 ml3">
<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">T.Y.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 25, 2024 12:55PM">
June 25, 2024 12:55PM </time>
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Hi, Misty. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. If you have low income and limited resources, you may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to monthly Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. To be eligible for SSI and SSDI &ndash; commonly referred to as &ldquo;concurrent&rdquo; benefits &#8211; your SSDI must be less than $963 in 2024 (the SSI monthly Federal payment amount plus $20). You can find more information on eligibility requirements for SSI and how to apply at&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.ssa.gov/ssi"><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #990000; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #212121; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;">.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> We hope this information is helpful.</span></span></p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">James J.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="November 11, 2024 1:20AM">
November 11, 2024 1:20AM </time>
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Now you see why everybody taking penalty chances.. I&#8217;m 43 and I&#8217;m gone do whatever the hell I want to do to makeit. It don&#8217;t make no sense that 90% of people you&#8217;re meeting or homeless. So now if the government don&#8217;t give a DAME I DON&#8217;T EATHER</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Barbara S.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="May 31, 2024 12:24PM">
May 31, 2024 12:24PM </time>
</p>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>I have been seeing things which say ssa is changing, is going to provide money for food, is going help with other things, etc.<br />
I would like to know what is true and what is just nonsense.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Nancy S.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="July 29, 2024 3:12AM">
July 29, 2024 3:12AM </time>
</p>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>I am in need of rental assistance. I recieve $962. Per month. S.S.I. and S.S.A. combination. My rent is going up to $ 900. Per month. I really don&#8217;t know to do. Then I find out that I have cancer.</p>
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src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/themes/firefly/assets/images/logo.jpg"/>
<div class="mt3 ml3">
<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">S.D.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="August 6, 2024 1:31PM">
August 6, 2024 1:31PM </time>
</p>
</div>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Were sorry to learn of your situation, Nancy. You may be able to receive housing assistance from the state in which you live. To learn about services in your community and to find out if you are eligible, you can contact your state or local social services agency or welfare office. For other resources, including BenefitsCheckUp, you may want to read our blog, <em><a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/how-connecting-to-benefits-programs-can-save-you-money/" rel="ugc">How Connecting to Benefits Programs Can Save You Money</a></em>. We hope this helps. </p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Solki</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="May 29, 2024 1:39PM">
May 29, 2024 1:39PM </time>
</p>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Have only 19 years of work .<br />
Still working &amp; getting benefits from SSA also<br />
. Will my benefits increase every year because I am still working &amp; replacing zeros in my work record years ?</p>
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src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/themes/firefly/assets/images/logo.jpg"/>
<div class="mt3 ml3">
<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">S.S.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="May 30, 2024 12:53PM">
May 30, 2024 12:53PM </time>
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Hi, Solki. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. If you work while receiving Social Security benefits, your monthly benefit amount could go up. Each year, we review the records of all working Social Security beneficiaries to find out if your additional earnings will increase your monthly benefits. If youre due an increase, well send you a letter with your new benefit amount. For more information, visit our <a href="https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-01921" rel="nofollow ugc">Frequently Asked Questions</a> and our <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html" rel="nofollow ugc">Receiving Benefits While Working</a> webpage. We hope this helps.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Solki</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="May 25, 2024 6:28PM">
May 25, 2024 6:28PM </time>
</p>
</div>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>I am 68 . Get SSA benefits after my achieving full retirement age .have 19 years of work history .<br />
I am still working &amp; every year my income higher than previous year .<br />
Every year I get adjustment of benefits after reviewing my income .<br />
This year I did not get any revision of benefits in spite of working full 2023 which was my 19th years of work only .<br />
Please help</p>
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src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/themes/firefly/assets/images/logo.jpg"/>
<div class="mt3 ml3">
<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">S.S.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="May 30, 2024 6:58AM">
May 30, 2024 6:58AM </time>
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>We&rsquo;re sorry to hear about your experience, Solki. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak with a supervisor during your next call or visit. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this is resolved soon.</p>
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