About Tom Margenau

Tom Margenau

Tom Margenau

Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. For many years, he was the director of SSA's public information office at the agency’s headquarters in Baltimore, Md. In that post, he was the chief editor for more than 100 informational publications produced by SSA.

He also was SSA’s deputy press officer for several years, serving in that position as a chief spokesman for the Social Security Administration. Prior to that, he was a speechwriter for the Commissioner of Social Security. Before he moved to SSA's headquarters, he worked for 12 years in Social Security field offices around the country, where he processed Social Security claims while writing Social Security columns for local newspapers.

He has written the “Social Security and You ” column for national syndication since 1997. Margenau graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1971. He is married and has two grown children and five grandchildren.

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Looking Back to 1944 Sep 02, 2026

I am submitting this column to my publisher on Sept. 2nd. That day is significant to me because my wife was born on Sept. 2, 1944. That is 82 years ago. And don't remind me that I married an older woman! I'm 77, so she is almost a half-decade older t... Read More

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Social Security Fast Facts and Figures Aug 26, 2026

If you are doing any kind of research into Social Security issues, the Social Security Administration website has a ton of information for you. SSA's Office of Research, Statistics and Policy Analysis produces a plethora of publications covering almo... Read More

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Disability Means Inability to Work Aug 19, 2026

Q: I have a friend who has various disabilities. She has hearing problems, chronic arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney trouble and other issues. You name it, this poor woman has had it! Yet despite her medical conditions, she has been working most... Read More

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Misinformation from the Next Booth Over Aug 12, 2026

My wife and I were eating in a local restaurant the other day. In the booth right behind me (within easy earshot) were two women whom I would guess were in their mid to late 60s. They were talking about Social Security — their own benefits and ... Read More