The Social Security Administration has announced that National Social Security Month is back. The National Social Security Month is about public awareness, and it was lastly observed during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now making a highly publicized return starting in April and running up to August 14, in honor of the 90th anniversary of Social Security.
What is National Social Security Month?
The SSA has said that the return of the Social Security month is part of a larger initiative to restructure the agency, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure that all Americans have an equal chance and an easy way of accessing their Social Security benefits than in the previous years.
National Social Security Month was lastly celebrated in 2019, and the plan by the SSA to bring it back is to make it bigger than before. If you are a retiree, planning to retire soon, or already receiving Social Security benefits, the comeback of National Social Security Month could impact how you handle your payment issues, how you get help, and how you file for benefits.
Why is National Social Security Month Important?
As said earlier, the comeback of this special month is a part of a larger plan to improve customer service and ensure that all eligible Americans have easy and fair access to their benefits, whether online, in person, or via phone. According to Lee Dudek, the Acting Commissioner of Social Security, the agency is focused on solving issues such as long waiting times, interruptions of online systems, and delayed decision-making that have frustrated beneficiaries.
Lee Dudek did not shy away from blaming the previous administration’s focus on radical DEO and gender ideology for delayed and poor customer service. He promised that the comeback of National Social Security Month will be used to improve customer service and solve all previous problems.
What Changes Will Be Made During National Social Security Month?
In efforts to improve customer service at the SSA, the following major changes will be made:
- Ending work-from-home policies that will now require SSA workers to return to offices full-time.
- Prioritizing front-line support, which will see more staff moved to help with direct customer service.
- Cutting red tape, which will entail the removal of unnecessary management layers to speed up decision making, and shorten waiting times for handling of cases.
- Modernizing SSA computer systems to prevent fraud and errors.
All of these changes are expected to save the agency over $1 billion besides improve its overall service delivery.
What Retirees Should Do During National Social Security Month.
This year’s campaign aims to help Americans learn more about their Social Security benefits and make the process easier. Whether you’re already receiving checks or planning to file soon, here are steps you can take:
- Visit SSA.gov – The Social Security website now includes more tools and resources to help you manage your benefits.
- Check your contact info – Make sure your address and phone number are up to date so you don’t miss any important mail.
- Schedule an appointment – With offices open again, you may be able to speak with someone in person faster than before.
- Watch out for scams and errors – Earlier this month, millions of people got false messages about suspended benefits. Always double-check messages with your local office or on the SSA website.
Experts Urge Caution Despite Positive Changes
While the return of National Social Security Month is a good sign for public outreach, some experts are warning of possible risks. Former Commissioner Martin O’Malley said that recent staffing cuts might still lead to benefit delays. He added that system issues have already caused panic and confusion for millions this year.
So while things may be improving, it’s important to stay alert and keep an eye on your payments.
Conclusion
The return of National Social Security Month is a big deal and it’s part of a wider effort to fix problems and give better service to retirees and others who rely on Social Security. With a focus on accountability and customer service, the SSA is making moves to help more people get the support they need.
If you receive Social Security or are planning to apply, now’s the time to get informed and take action. Visit SSA.gov, check your info, and reach out if you need help. Social Security Month is back, and it’s here to help.