The Social Security Handbook: Overview of Social Security Programs, 2018 provides information about Social Security programs and services, and identifies rights and obligations under the Social Security laws.The completely updated Handbook, organized by section number, is a readable, easy-to-understand reference for comprehending complex Social Security programs and services and contains information on several topics relevant to Social Security policies:How Social Security programs are administeredWho is and isn’’t covered under retirement, survivors, disability, and hospital insurance programsWho is responsible for submitting the necessary evidence to support a claimHow claims are processed by the Social Security officeWhat Social Security benefits are owed to youHow to obtain information about your rights under Social Security policyThe 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 hospital and Medicare coverage;*Determine the amount of benefits that are subject to federal income taxes;Check Social Security earnings and benefits; andGet up-to-date news about future Social Security programs and services.