Social Security
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on SSA.gov
The SSA.gov website provides Cost of Living (COLA) information for Social Security beneficiaries, including:
- Latest Cost of Living Adjustment
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (Publication)
- The Story of COLAs
- Actuarial resources
- Effect of COLA on Social Security Benefits
Understanding the Benefits
Section of the SSA.gov website that helps one better understand the program, the application process, and the online tools and resources that are available.
♦ LEARN ♦ APPLY ♦ MANAGE ♦
» An overview of all Social Security programs and Medicare, 2022 «
Understanding the Benefits (EN-05-10024) as PDF file in English; 32 pages
Understanding the Benefits (FR-05-10024) as PDF file in French; 16 pages
Understanding the Benefits (ES-05-10924) as PDF file in Spanish; 30 pages
Windfall Elimination Provision and Foreign Pensions
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is a provision in United States law that changes the way your U.S. Social Security benefits are calculated. WEP can reduce your U.S. retirement or disability benefits if you receive a pension based on work and you did not pay U.S. Social Security taxes on those earnings.
This site contains a WEP Screening Tool for foreign pensions. By answering a few questions in this tool, you can learn if WEP will reduce your U.S. Social Security benefit.
Windfall Elimination Provision for Foreign Pensions Screening Tool
The Social Security Office of Retirement Policy’s Program Explainer: Windfall Elimination Provision
BACKGROUND: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is a formula used to adjust Social Security worker benefits for people who receive “non-covered pensions” and qualify for Social Security benefits based on other Social Security-covered earnings. A non-covered pension is a pension paid by an employer that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary, typically, state and local governments or non-U.S. employers.
HOW THE WEP WORKS: Social Security benefits are calculated by applying three different percentages to a person's lifetime average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) and adding them up to obtain the worker's monthly benefit (primary insurance amount (PIA)) at full retirement age.
(Extensive details are available in this Program Explainers page; click on this panel's title to go to that site.)
Most Asked Questions
The SSA website provides answers to frequently asked questions, such as:
- How do I apply for a new or replacement Social Security number card?
- How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?
- How can I get a Social Security Statement that shows a record of my earnings and an estimate of my future benefits?
- How can I change my address?
- How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment?
- How long will it take to get a Social Security card?
- What is the eligibility for Social Security spouse’s benefits and my own retirement benefits?
- How do I get a replacement Medicare card?
- What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?
- What is a “my Social Security” online account and how do I get one?
Publications
The Social Security Administration website provides numerous publications on a wide range of related topics, and members are encouraged to visit the site. The folloiwng publications were obtained from the SSA.GOV site, and are provided for ease of reference:
A Guide for Representative PayeesPDF
Foreign Workers & Social Security NumbersPDF
How International Agreements Can Help YouPDF
How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member DiesPDF
How Work Affects Your BenefitsPDF
Identity Theft & Your Social Security NumberPDF
Replacement Social Security Card for Non-US CitizenPDF
Replacement Social Security Card for US CitizenPDF
Retirement Information for Medicare BeneficiariesPDF
Social Security Numbers for NoncitizensPDF
What Same-Sex Couples Need to KnowPDF
When to Start Receiving Retirement BenefitsPDF
Windfall Elimination ProvisionPDF
Windfall Elimination Provision – Program ExplainerPDF
Your SSA Payments While Outside the USPDF
Forms
This SSA website page provides access to Social Security Forms as downloadable documents or as online links. The site indicates the following:
All forms are FREE. Not all forms are listed. If you can't find the form you need, or you need help completing a form, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office and we will help you. If you download, print and complete a paper form, please mail or take it to your local Social Security office or the office that requested it from you.
Online Services
This SSA website page provides links to a number of services available online, such as:
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Apply for Social Security benefits
- Get your Social Security Statement
- Appeal a decision
- Find out if you qualify for benefits
- Get a letter saying you don't receive benefits
- Block electronic access to your information
Social Security – Service Around the World
Click this panel's title to take you to the SSA’s Office of Earnings & International Operations (OEIO) home page. The purpose of this site is to assist Social Security customers who are outside the U.S. or planning to leave the U.S.
OEIO is responsible for administering the Social Security program outside the U.S. and for the implementation of the benefit provisions of international agreements. Since SSA has no offices outside the U.S., OEIO is assisted by the Department of State's embassies and consulates throughout the world.
Foreign Countries Served by Social Security Administration
If you live outside of the United States, there are a number of Social Security Field Offices and American embassies and consulates who have specially trained personnel to assist you in seeking Social Security services. You can access information to contact our Social Security and consular staff by locating your country in the link below:
Country and Region Office Contact InformationOpens a new window