The Social Security Handbook: Overview of Social Security Programs, 2010 provides information about Social Security programs and services, and identifies rights and obligations under the Social Security laws. The Handbook also contains information about related programs administered by agencies other than the Social Security Administration. The completely updated Handbook, organized by section number, is a readable, easy-to-understand reference for understanding complex Social Security programs and services. It contains information on: _ 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 _ And much more 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 your hospital and Medicare coverage; find what amount of benefits are subject to federal income taxes; check your Social Security earnings and benefits; and get up-to-date news about future Social Security programs and services.