SSA Ditches Dusty Drug Rules: Benefits Get a Cleanup

2026-06182 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

The Social Security Administration is updating how it collects info to keep things secure and easy for you. If you use my Social Security for benefits or direct deposit changes, you’ll need to verify your identity online or in person—no more phone changes. They want your thoughts by April 30, 2026, to make sure this process works well without causing extra hassle or cost.

2026-05600 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

The Social Security Administration wants your feedback on some updated forms they use to collect info, especially about fixing earnings records. If you or someone you know deals with Social Security earnings, this affects you! Comments are open until May 22, 2026, so jump in now to help make the process easier and clearer—no extra costs involved.

2026-03843 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

The Social Security Administration wants your thoughts on some forms they use to pick people who manage benefits for others. They’re updating these forms and asking for feedback by April 27, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and easy. This affects individuals and organizations applying to be payees, with no new costs but a chance to reduce paperwork hassle.

2025-23098 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

The Social Security Administration wants your thoughts on updating some forms they use to help kids get benefits when a parent retires, gets disabled, or passes away. They’re making small changes to make the process easier and less time-consuming. If you have ideas or concerns, speak up by February 17, 2026, so they can hear you before finalizing the updates.

2025-22534 — Rate for Assessment on Direct Payment of Fees to Representatives in 2026

Starting in 2026, the Social Security Administration will keep the fee assessment rate at 6.3% when paying representatives directly from past-due benefits. This means if you have a representative helping you, a small percentage of their fee will cover SSA’s costs. The maximum fee cap is $123, and these rules help keep things fair and clear for everyone involved.

2025-21082 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

The Social Security Administration is teaming up with the IRS to double-check that people getting benefits for age, blindness, or disability are eligible and receiving the right amount. This new program starts January 1, 2026, and runs for 18 months. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until December 26, 2025, to speak up—no personal info, please!

Previous: 2026-06556 — Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing Benefits

Starting April 30, 2026, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) updates how it calculates interest rates for valuing benefits in single-employer pension plans that are ending. This change affects plan sponsors and employers by adjusting the numbers used to figure out what’s owed, helping keep things fair and accurate. If you’re involved with these plans, watch for these new rules between April and July 2026—they could impact money calculations and deadlines.

Next: 2026-06564 — Implementing First Responders Passport Act To Exempt Certain First Responders From Passport Fees

Starting April 3, 2026, certain first responders who help with disaster relief overseas won’t have to pay passport fees anymore. This new rule covers folks working under U.S. government contracts for search and rescue missions abroad, making it easier and cheaper for them to travel when disaster strikes. The government will cover the costs, helping about 400 team members from two Urban Search and Rescue Teams.