Social Security Handbook 2018: Overview of Social Security Programs

This Handbook provides information on

• how Social Security programs are administered;
• who is and isn’t covered under the insurance programs;
• how claims are processed;
• what benefits are included; and
• how to obtain more information about Social Security policies

This Handbook provides information about Social Security programs and services, and identifies rights and obligations under the Social Security laws. It provides information on various topics, including how Social Security programs are administered; who is and isn’t covered under retirement, survivors, disability, and hospital insurance programs; how claims are processed by the Social Security office; what benefits are owed to you; and how to obtain information about your rights under Social Security policy.

·How Social Security programs are administered
·Who is and isn't covered under retirement, survivors, disability, and hospital insurance programs
·Who is responsible for submitting the necessary evidence to support a claim
·How claims are processed by the Social Security office
·What Social Security benefits are owed to you
·How to obtain information about your rights under Social Security policy

The Handbook is designed to help users understand the gray areas of the Social Security Act, and to provide critical information about rights and obligations under Social Security laws.

The Handbook outlines how to:
·Protect your benefits and avoid benefit loss;
·Monitor government agencies and get information about policy changes that will affect your benefits;
·Make the most of hospital and Medicare coverage;
·Determine the amount of benefits that are subject to federal income taxes;
·Check Social Security earnings and benefits; and
·Get up-to-date news about future Social Security programs and services.