Crystal Clear Medicare

04/14/2026

Urgent reminder!

The Social Security Administration has issued an urgent warning about an increase in scams impersonating their officials to steal personal information and benefits.
The Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration reports a significant uptick in these scams, which aim to obtain individuals' information and benefits.
Government imposter scams
Known as government imposter scams, these fraudulent emails pretend to be from the Social Security Administration, claiming to provide access to recipients' Social Security statements.
The bogus emails claim to include a statement of benefits and a link to click on to get that statement.
To make the scam even more convincing, the scammers are now using the names of actual employees from the Social Security Administration and sometimes attach a picture of the real employee to prove the email is legitimate.
Warning signs
• Warning signs to watch for include messages claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download.
• You can download your statement, but only if you have already established a login on the real Social Security website.
• Also, watch for embedded links or attachments labeled as statements or documents, messages telling you to act immediately, and sender addresses that do not end in ".gov."
For many older adults, their Social Security benefits are a true
lifeline.
Do not take any chances of putting those benefits in danger.

Feel free to contact me at 412-716-4942 or my daughter Dvonya Sedlacko-Stephens 412-657-3889 for questions or concerns.

04/05/2026

10/24/2025

Social Security Administration TODAY

Services are still available with your online My Social Security account.
As Congress works to pass a new federal budget, the government is currently shut down. We know this raises questions. We have answers to the most commonly asked questions about how the shutdown impacts you.

Will the Shutdown Affect Payments?

No, it will not affect payments. If you receive benefits, payments will continue without interruption. You will receive your benefits on time, with no changes to payment dates.

What Services Are Available Online?

We are constantly expanding our online services to give you freedom and control when conducting business with Social Security. Today, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

Request a replacement Social Security or Medicare card
Access benefit verification letters
Apply for benefits
Check your application or appeal status
Access your Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) notice up to three weeks earlier than by mail (if you sign up for digital notices before November 20)
Change your address
Set up or change direct deposit
Print your 1099
View your latest statement
Review your earning history
Are Local Offices Open?

Offices are open, but not all in-person services are available. We encourage you to use your personal my Social Security account to easily access SSA services and benefits online. Log in to your existing account to access these services.

For more information, please check out this helpful blog post or visit our website for shutdown information.

Federal Government Shutdown Information