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New books explain Social Security retirement and disability benefits

By September 17, 2019News

Publisher i30 Media today released its newest IN 30 MINUTES guides: Social Security In 30 Minutes, Volume 1: Retirement Benefits and Social Security In 30 Minutes, Volume 2: Disability Benefits. The two-volume set aims to help readers and family members better navigate the complex rules governing the government-run insurance programs and maximize the benefits that are available to them.

Some 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. They include people who are disabled or retired, as well as the family members of those who are disabled, retired, or deceased. This assistance is divided into two primary programs:

  • Retirement benefits
  • Disability benefits (SSI and SSDI)

Within these programs are subgroups of benefits designated for qualified survivors, spouses, children, ex-spouses, and sometimes parents.

Emily Pogue, authorThe author of Social Security In 30 Minutes is Emily Pogue, a writer who worked for 12 years in the human services field, coordinating services and performing case management for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I was once new to Social Security, and I understand the paralyzing fear people feel when faced with complicated formulas, a slew of obscure terms and acronyms, and pages and pages of rules,” Pogue notes in the introduction. “While the system may be unfamiliar, it is reassuring to know that at the end of the day, millions of people manage to successfully apply for benefits every year.”

Social Security In 30 Minutes is designed to help ease the way, by explaining in plain English how Social Security works, how to apply for benefits, and what recipients and potential recipients need to do to maximize benefits and troubleshoot common problems. For instance, volume 1 makes a point of illustrating the cost of taking retirement benefits too early, while volume 2 goes over the many programs that can help SSI and SSDI recipients return to work (if they are able) and still receive disability benefits.

Social Security In 30 Minutes is available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover editions on socialsecurity.in30minutes.com. The companion website also contains links, blog posts, and additional resources relating to Social Security.

About IN 30 MINUTES Guides

The award-winning IN 30 MINUTES series has helped readers all over the world grasp complex topics, from health to social media. Newton, Massachusetts-based publisher i30 Media Corporation officially launched the series in 2013. The books, blog posts, and online videos have reached hundreds of thousands of people in the years since. Learn more at the official IN 30 MINUTES website.