Don’t be misled by false Medicare or Social Security advertisements
Online and otherwise, there’s a lot of information out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell what sources are credible. With millions of people relying on Social Security, scammers target audiences who are looking for program and benefit information.
The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).
People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare.” Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting:
■ A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name;
■ A Social Security card to replace a lost card;
■ A Social Security Statement; and
■ A Social Security number for a child.
If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope, to:
Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.
You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publication “What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising” at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510005.pdf.
You can also report Social Security fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa. gov/report.
Applying online for Social Security: Applying online is the fastest way to get Social Security benefits. Here are some of the types of benefits you can apply for:
■Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
■Disability – You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started. Apply for Disability at www.socialsecurity. gov/disabilityonline.
■Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Many people need assistance with the cost of medications. Apply for Extra Help at www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020.
■Medicare – Medicare is a national health insurance program administered by the U.S. federal government that began in 1966. You can apply online or continue an application you already started at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
■Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. You may be able to apply online if you meet certain requirements. See if you can apply online for SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/ssi.