Social Security can be complicated, but understanding how its programs and services work is an important part of managing your finances.
For people who are blind or have low vision, this knowledge can be particularly valuable. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be part of your financial picture, while retirement benefits and other Social Security services can become important later in life.
The Social Security Administration has created a collection of videos that explain different aspects of its programs and services.
We’ve selected five that are particularly useful starting points.
1. What Is My Social Security?
A personal my Social Security account gives you online access to information and services related to your Social Security record.
If you’ve never created an account, this video provides an introduction to what the account can do and how to get started.
Watch the video:
Having access to your information online can make it easier to stay informed about your benefits and Social Security record.
2. How Social Security Retirement Benefits Work
Retirement planning is something everyone should think about, even if retirement is still many years away.
This video provides an overview of Social Security retirement benefits and explains some of the basic things people should consider when determining whether and when to apply.
Watch the video:
Understanding how Social Security fits into your retirement plan can help you make better decisions about saving and preparing for the future.
3. The Disability Journey
Applying for disability benefits can be a complicated process, particularly when you’re already dealing with a significant disability or change in your ability to work.
This video provides an overview of the disability benefits process and can help you become more familiar with what to expect.
Watch the video:
For people who are blind or have low vision, understanding disability benefits can be an important part of preparing for unexpected changes in employment or income.
4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Eligibility Requirements & Application Process
SSI is a needs-based benefit program that can provide financial assistance to people who meet its eligibility requirements.
If you’re unfamiliar with SSI or wondering whether you might qualify, this video offers an introduction to the program and its application process.
Watch the video:
SSI can also interact with other programs and sources of financial support, so understanding the basics is useful when developing a comprehensive financial plan.
5. How to Spot a Scammer
Social Security beneficiaries can be targeted by people pretending to represent the government.
Scams may involve requests for money, personal information, or other sensitive details.
This video highlights warning signs that can help you recognize potentially fraudulent Social Security communications.
Watch the video:
Taking a few minutes to learn about common scams could help protect both your finances and your personal information.
Social Security Knowledge Is Part of Your Financial Plan
You don’t have to be receiving Social Security benefits today for this information to be useful.
Your circumstances can change. You may experience a disability, change jobs, stop working, start a business, or eventually transition into retirement.
Understanding the programs that may be available to you can help you make more informed decisions when those changes happen.
For people who are blind or have low vision, Social Security knowledge can be especially important because disability benefits may be an important part of a comprehensive financial plan.
Go Beyond the Basics With Penny Forward
The Social Security Administration’s videos are a useful starting point, but there’s much more to understand about how Social Security fits into your financial life.
That’s why Penny Forward created Simplifying Social Security, an online course designed to make Social Security easier to understand.
Penny Forward members get access to Simplifying Social Security as well as our complete library of online courses covering important financial topics.
If you’re looking to build your financial knowledge and make more informed decisions about your future, membership can give you access to these resources in one place.
Understanding your benefits is part of understanding your financial future. The more you know, the better prepared you can be.
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