I was contacted
on January 30, 2012
by
Everett M. Lo Regional Public Affairs
Office of the Social Security Administration - New York Region. He
sent me some very informative articles that will be great to put online
for our members. I have created a page dedicated to this SSA
information. Check back every month to see new articles added - Updated
10/10/2020
ACCESS SOCIAL SECURITY FROM JUST
ABOUT ANYWHERE -
10/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
You can access our
programs and services from just about anywhere with your personal and
secure my Social Security account. It’s easy to sign up for one, and it
will give you access to important information you can’t find anywhere
else. With your personal my Social Security account, you can:
• Use our Retirement Calculator to compare future benefit estimates for
different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits.
• Check the status of your application or appeal for benefits.
• Review your work history.
• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most States).
If you already receive benefits, you can also:
• Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.
• Set up or change your direct deposit.
• Change your address.
• Request a replacement Medicare card.
• Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).
You can even use your personal my Social Security account to opt out of
receiving certain notices by mail, such as the annual cost-of-living
adjustments and the income-related monthly adjustment amount notice.
These notices are now available in your Message Center when you sign in
to your account.
Please let your friends and family know that they can create their own
my Social Security account today at
www.ssa.gov/myaccount
NEW BENEFIT VERIFICATION LETTERS -
10/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
We are excited to announce
the release of a new, standardized Benefit Verification letter.
People receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
benefits can obtain their letter by using their personal my Social
Security account. You can use the letter as proof of income for loans,
housing assistance, mortgage, and other verification purposes.
Please create your personal my Social Security account to access your
new Benefit Verification letter online in a safe, quick, and convenient
way without needing to contact us. People not receiving benefits can use
their account to get proof that they do not receive benefits, or proof
that benefits are pending, in the same standardized letter. Individual
representative payees can also use the new my Social Security
Representative Payee Portal to access the new Benefit Verification
letter online for themselves or their beneficiaries.
You can access your Benefit Verification letters at
www.ssa.gov/myaccount If you
don’t want to use your personal my Social Security account, you can call
our National 800 Number to speak with a representative or to use the
Interactive Voice Response system. You can also contact your local
office.
SOCIAL SECURITY CAN HELP WITH
YOUR PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT -
10/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you rely on
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security
Disability (SSDI) benefits and want to start working or return to work,
we can help. A Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a rule under
SSI to help people with disabilities return to work. If you receive SSI
or could qualify for SSI after setting aside income or resources so you
can pursue—or achieve—a work goal, you could benefit from a PASS.
How does a PASS help someone return to work?
• We base SSI eligibility and payment amounts on income and resources
(things of value that the individual owns).
• PASS lets a disabled individual set aside money and things he or she
owns to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work
goal.
• The objective of the PASS is to help disabled individuals find
employment that reduces or eliminates SSI or SSDI benefits.
You can read all about the PASS program at
www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11017.pdf.
The plan must be in writing, and Social Security must approve it
beforehand. To start, contact your local Social Security office for an
application (Form SSA-545-BK) or you can access the form at
www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-545.html.
There are many people who can help you write a PASS, including a Ticket
to Work service provider, a vocational counselor, or a relative. Social
Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development
for SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients who want to work and progress
toward financial independence. The Ticket program is free and voluntary.
Please call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or
1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET to learn
more about the Ticket program.
Your job isn’t just a source of income — it can be a vehicle to
independence or a beginning to fulfilling your dreams. Let Social
Security’s PASS help you achieve your goals.
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY
SURVIVORS BENEFITS-
10/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
We are here for surviving
family members when a worker dies. In the event of your death, certain
members of your family may be eligible for survivors benefits. These
include widows and widowers, divorced widows and widowers, children, and
dependent parents.
The amount of benefits your survivors receive depends on your lifetime
earnings. The higher your earnings, the higher their benefits. That’s
why it’s important to make sure your earnings history is correct in our
records. You can do this by creating a personal my Social Security
account at
www.ssa.gov/myaccount. A my Social
Security account is secure and gives you immediate access to your
earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and a printable
Social Security Statement to see an estimate of survivors benefits we
could pay your family.
You may also want to visit our Benefits Planner for Survivors to help
you better understand your and your family’s Social Security protections
as you plan for your financial future at
www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors.
Please visit
www.ssa.gov or read our publication
Survivors Benefits at
www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf for
more information. You can also help us spread the word by sharing this
information with your family and friends.
SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM EXPERTS
CAN ANSWER YOUR IMPORTANT QUESTIONS -
10/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
There are many online
resources about Social Security, so it is important that you come to us
as the first place for answers. You can find many of the answers about
our programs and services on our Frequently Asked Questions page at
faq.ssa.gov. We feature our most-asked
questions at the top of the page to help you find answers to the most
common questions quickly, like:
• Are Social Security services affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• What should I do if I receive a call from someone claiming to be a
Social Security employee?
• How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?
• How do I apply for a new or replacement Social Security number card?
• How can I get a Social Security Statement that shows a record of my
earnings and an estimate of my future benefits?
You can also browse by topics like:
• Disability.
• Social Security Payments.
• Retirement.
• Medicare.
You can visit our publications library at
www.ssa.gov/pubs for detailed
information on nearly all of our topics. We make each publication
available in text, audio, and downloadable formats.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPOUSE’S
BENEFITS -
5/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
With more than 80 years of
service, the Social Security Administration has helped secure today and
tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support
you throughout life’s journey. In May, we recognize Older Americans
month and we encourage you to participate by learning about available
Social Security benefits. Did you know that you may be able to receive
benefits on your spouse’s record if you have not worked or do not have
enough Social Security credits to qualify for your own Social Security
benefits? To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be:
o 62 years of age or older; or
o Any age and care for a child who is younger than age 16 or who is
disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.
Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your
spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you
choose to receive spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement
age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit.
If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you
will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount – up to half the amount
your spouse can receive. You will also get your full spouse’s benefit if
you care for a child who is younger than age 16 or who has a disability
and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.
If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement
benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher
spouse benefit. For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of
$250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400. At her full retirement age, she
will receive her own $250 retirement benefit. We will add $150 from her
spouse’s benefit, for a total of $400.
Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at
least 61 years and 8 months old? Visit
www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to
learn more about the process.
Are you divorced, but your
marriage lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on
your former spouse’s record. Explore more about your eligibility by
visiting our Benefits Planner page at
www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html
for more information.
SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTS YOUR
INVESTMENT -
5/10/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
We provide benefits to
about one-fifth of the American population and help protect workers,
children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. In 2020, we will
pay about one trillion dollars in Social Security benefits to roughly 65
million people.
One of our most important
responsibilities is to protect the hard-earned money you pay into Social
Security, which is why we have zero tolerance for fraud. We take fraud
claims seriously and investigate them thoroughly. We respond quickly and
decisively to prevent and detect fraud. For example, we monitor
transactions to detect actions that demonstrate an intent to defraud the
American people. We will continue to innovate and develop anti-fraud
initiatives because any level of fraud is unacceptable.
Recently, we launched a
Public Service Announcement as our latest effort to caution you about
the ongoing nationwide telephone scam. The video features a message from
our Commissioner, Andrew Saul. Along with our Office of the Inspector
General, we continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls,
text messages, and emails from people who falsely claim that they are
government employees. The scammers play on emotions like fear to
convince people to provide personal information or money in cash, wire
transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters also email fake documents in
attempts to get people to comply with their demands.
“I want every American to
know that if a suspicious caller states there is a problem with their
Social Security number or account, they should hang up and never give
the caller money or personal information. People should then go online
to report the scam call to Social Security,” said Commissioner Saul. You
can report these scams at
oig.ssa.gov
Learn how to protect
yourself and report any suspicious calls or emails right away. If you
have already been a victim of one of these scams, please do not be
embarrassed. Instead, report the scam at
oig.ssa.gov so we can stop these
scammers and protect others. Please share our new Public Service
Announcement video with your friends and family at
www.youtube.com/socialsecurity
Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers -
1/28/2020
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
The Social Security
Administration launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign
to continue warning people about the ongoing nationwide telephone
impersonation scheme. The PSAs feature a message from Social Security
Commissioner Andrew Saul. Social Security and its Office of the
Inspector General (OIG) continue to receive reports about fraudulent
phone calls from people falsely claiming to be Social Security
employees. The scammers mislead victims into making cash or gift card
payments for help with purported identity theft, or to avoid arrest for
bogus Social Security number problems.
“I want every American to know that if a suspicious caller states there
is a problem with their Social Security number or account, they should
hang up and never give the caller money or personal information. People
should then go online to oig.ssa.gov to report the scam call to Social
Security,” said Commissioner Saul.
People should also be on the lookout for a new version of this scam.
Fraudsters are now emailing fake documents in attempts to get people to
comply with their demands. Victims have received emails with attached
letters and reports that appear to be from Social Security or the OIG.
The letters may use official letterhead and government jargon to
convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings
and grammar mistakes.
Social Security employees do occasionally contact people--generally
those who have ongoing business with the agency--by telephone for
business purposes. However, Social Security employees will never
threaten a person, or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or
increase, in exchange for information or money. In those cases, the call
is fraudulent and people should just hang up.
Generally, the agency mainly calls people who have recently applied for
a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and
requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a
phone call from the agency. If a person is not in one of these
situations, they normally would not receive a call from the agency.
Social Security will not:
• Tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended.
• Contact you to demand an immediate payment.
• Ask you for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Require a specific means of debt repayment, like a prepaid debit card,
a retail gift card, or cash.
• Demand that you pay a Social Security debt without the ability to
appeal the amount you owe.
• Promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange
for information or money.
If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record,
in most cases Social Security will mail a letter. If a person needs to
submit payments to Social Security, the agency will send a letter with
instructions and payment options. People should never provide
information or payment over the phone or Internet unless they are
certain of who is receiving it.
FREE UP YOUR TIME BY USING MY
SOCIAL SECURITY-
11/6/2019
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Time is one of our most
valuable commodities. That’s why at Social Security, we are constantly
improving our online resources to make doing business with us easier and
faster.
With a my Social Security
account, those receiving benefits can change their address and direct
deposit information; get proof of their benefits; and request
replacement documents, like a Medicare card. If you aren’t currently
getting benefits, you can check your earnings record, get estimates of
your future benefits, and view your Social Security Statement. In many
states, you can even request a replacement Social Security card online.
See everything you can do with a my Social Security account and open one
today at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
You don’t need a my Social
Security account to:
o Select or change the way you receive information from Social Security
if you are blind or visually impaired at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/people/blind
o Block electronic and automated telephone access to your personal
information at
www.socialsecurity.gov/blockaccess
o Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp
Be sure to share my Social Security with friends and family. By freeing
up their time, they may plan on spending more of their valuable time
with the people they love.
CERTAIN DISABILITY PAYMENTS AND
WORKERS' COMPENSATION MAY AFFECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS-
11/6/2019
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Many people working
nowadays have more than one job. This means they have several sources of
income. It’s important to keep in mind that having multiple sources of
income can sometimes affect your Social Security benefits; but, it
depends on the source.
Disability payments from
private sources, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, don’t
affect your Social Security disability benefits. Workers’ compensation
and other public disability benefits, however, may reduce what you
receive from Social Security. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to
a worker because of a job-related injury or illness. These benefits may
be paid by federal or state workers’ compensation agencies, employers,
or by insurance companies on behalf of employers.
Public disability payments that may affect your Social Security benefits
are those paid from a federal, state, or local government for disabling
medical conditions that are not job-related. Examples of these are civil
service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits, and
state or local government retirement benefits that are based on
disability.
Some public benefits don’t
affect your Social Security disability benefits. If you receive Social
Security disability benefits, and one of the following types of public
benefits, your Social Security benefits will not be reduced:
o Veterans Administration benefits;
o State and local government benefits, if Social Security taxes were
deducted from your earnings; or
o Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
You can read more about
the possible ways your benefits might be reduced at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10018.pdf
Please be sure to report changes. If there is a change in the amount of
your other disability payment, or if those benefits stop, please notify
us right away. Tell us if the amount of your workers’ compensation or
public disability payment increases or decreases. Any change in the
amount or frequency of these benefits is likely to affect the amount of
your Social Security benefits.
An unexpected change in
benefits can have unintended consequences. You can be better prepared if
you’re informed and have financially prepared yourself. Visit our
benefits planner webpage at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners for
information about your options for securing your future.
3 REASONS WHY SOCIAL SECURITY IS
IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN-
11/6/2019
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
More women work, pay
Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income
than at any other time in our nation’s history. Yet, on average, women
face greater economic challenges than men in retirement.
Nearly 55 percent of the
people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Women generally
live longer than men while often having lower lifetime earnings. And
women usually reach retirement with smaller pensions and other assets
compared to men. Social Security is vitally important to women for these
three key reasons.
You could be eligible for
your own benefits if you:
• worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10
years and
• have earned a minimum of 40 work credits.
Once you reach age 62, you
could be eligible for your own Social Security benefit. Whether you’re
married or not and whether your spouse collects Social Security or not,
you could be eligible. If you’re eligible and apply for benefits on more
than one work record, you generally receive the higher benefit amount.
The sooner you start
planning for retirement, the better off you’ll be. We have specific
information for women at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/people/women
Email or post this link to friends and family you love.
SOCIAL SECURITY HELPS VETERANS AND
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS-
11/6/2019
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Every year on Veterans
Day, our nation honors the people who risk their lives to protect our
country. Social Security’s disability program is an important part of
our obligation to wounded warriors and their families.
For military members who
return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn
to. If you know any wounded veterans, please let them know about Social
Security’s Wounded Warriors website. You can find it at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors
The Wounded Warriors
website answers many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful
information about disability benefits, including how veterans can
receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available
through Social Security are different than those from the Department of
Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.
The expedited process is used for military service members who become
disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001,
regardless of where the disability occurs.
Even active duty military
who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave
should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to
work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of
military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security
disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security
disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or
profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from
applying for disability benefits from Social Security.
Social Security honors
veterans and active duty members of the military every day by giving
them the respect they deserve. Let these heroes know they can count on
us when they need to take advantage of their earned benefits. Our
WebPages are easy to share on social media and by email with your
friends and family.
SEASONAL WORK WHILE GETTING
SOCIAL SECURITY-
11/6/2019
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Many people pick up
side jobs when the holiday shopping season comes around. It’s a good way
for you to make some extra income during the busy season. Or you can
ease back into work if you have been out of the labor force for a while.
We’re here to help you navigate seasonal employment if you get Social
Security.
You can get Social
Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But
if you’re younger than full retirement age and earn more than certain
amounts, your benefits will be reduced, although not dollar for dollar.
Your benefits could increase when you reach full retirement age. You can
read more about employment while retired at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html
Special rules make
it possible for people that receive Social Security disability benefits
to work and still receive benefits. The same goes for or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI). If you want to try working again, seasonal work
could help you ease back into the work force. Read Working While
Disabled at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf or visit our
Ticket to Work website at
https://choosework.ssa.gov for more
information.
Keep in mind that
you must report all earnings, including your seasonal earnings, to
Social Security. Your earnings also count toward your future benefits.
You earn Social Security credits when you work in a job and pay Social
Security taxes. We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social
Security credits. You can learn more at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf
Employment can bring
positive change to your life in many ways, providing independence and
community involvement. Social Security is here to help. Please share
this information with friends and family.
BEAT PROCRASTINATION BY CHANGING
YOUR DIRECT DEPOSIT EARLY-
9/1/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
September 6 is National Fight Procrastination Day. With our busy lives,
it is easy to fall into that cycle of constantly postponing some tasks
because of other things we need to address right now. This may be true
for you when it comes to changing your payment method for Social
Security benefits. Unfortunately, procrastinating on reporting changes
can lead to delayed payments, resulting in undue hardship with bills and
living expenses. Ultimately, it’s less hassle — and less stressful — if
you report a direct deposit change as soon as it occurs.
How can you change your direct deposit information with Social Security?
The most convenient way is by creating a my Social Security account
online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount Once
you create your account, you can update your bank information without
leaving the comfort of your home. Another way to change your direct
deposit is by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
1-800-325-0778) to make the change over the phone. If you prefer to
speak to someone in-person, you can visit your local Social Security
office with the necessary information.
What exactly will Social Security need to make the direct deposit
change? Because we are committed to protecting your personal
information, we need some form of identification to verify who you are.
If you are online, we verified your identity when you initially created
your my Social Security account. All you need to do is log in at
www.socialsecurity.gov/signin with your
secure username and password to gain instant access to your information.
If you call Social Security, we will ask identifying questions to ensure
we are speaking to the right person. If you visit the office, you will
need to bring a driver’s license or some form of ID with you. Once we
have identified you are the correct person and are authorized to make
changes on the Social Security record, all we need is the routing
number, account number, and type of account established. We don’t ask
for a voided check, nor do we obtain verification from the bank.
Therefore, you should be sure you are providing accurate information to
us.
The day of the month you report the direct deposit change makes all the
difference. Though the exact date varies each month, generally, you will
need to report changes by the 15th to see the effect on the next check.
When the 15th falls on the weekend or a holiday, the cutoff is usually
the previous business day. For example, if you switched banks or have a
new account in September, you will need to provide the new information
to Social Security by September 14 to receive your next payment in the
new account. If you don’t report this change to us until September 28,
your next payment will go into the old account.
Because you may be unsure if your direct deposit change will affect your
next payment, we highly recommend that you do not close the old bank
account until you have seen your first Social Security deposit in the
new bank account. That way, you can feel secure you will receive your
benefits on time, regardless of when the change was reported to Social
Security. Waiting until you see the deposit in your new account also
gives you the extra peace of mind that we processed the change
correctly.
The first step in fighting procrastination is increased awareness.
Knowing how easy it is to report a direct deposit change, what
information to report, and when, can encourage you to get in touch with
Social Security at the earliest possible moment. In addition, making
sure we know about a change early ensures we help make the transition as
smooth as possible.
When you have to report changes, be sure to contact us or visit us
online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Social Security always strives to put you in control by providing the
best experience and service no matter where, when, or how you decide to
do business with us.
HOW SOCIAL SECURITY DEFINES
DISABILITY -
9/1/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Disability affects millions of Americans, in one form or another. Social
Security is here to help you and your family, but there are strict
criteria for meeting the definition of disability. The definition of
disability under Social Security is also different than it is for other
programs. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability.
We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
o You can’t do work that you did before;
o We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical
condition(s); and
o Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one
year or to result in death.
This is a strict definition of disability.
Social Security is also required by law to review the current medical
condition of all people receiving disability benefits to make sure they
continue to have a qualifying disability. Generally, if someone’s health
hasn’t improved, or if their disability still keeps them from working,
they will continue to receive benefits.
To help us make our decision, we’ll first gather new information about a
benefit recipient’s medical condition. We’ll ask their doctors,
hospitals, and other medical sources for their medical records. We’ll
ask them how their medical condition limits their activities, what their
medical tests show, and what medical treatments they have been given. If
we need more information, we’ll ask them to go for an examination or
test for which we’ll pay.
DON’T BE MISLED BY FALSE
MEDICARE OR SOCIAL SECURITY ADS-
9/1/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Online and otherwise,
there’s a lot of information out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to
tell what sources are credible. With millions of people relying on
Social Security, scammers target audiences who are looking for program
and benefit information.
The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare
advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using
words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead
people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or
endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (Medicare).
People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social
Security” or “Medicare”. Often, these companies offer Social Security
services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly
from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting:
o A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name;
o A Social Security card to replace a lost card;
o A Social Security Statement; and
o A Social Security number for a child.
If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the
complete ad, including the envelope, to:
Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
Social Security Administration
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading
our publication What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10005.pdf
You can also report Social Security fraud to the Office of the Inspector
General at
oig.ssa.gov/report
MEDICARE, EXPLAINED -
9/1/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security and Medicare have a few things in common. Both programs
help safeguard millions of Americans as well as improve the quality of
life for our family and friends. Although both programs are household
names, many people may not be familiar with the details of Medicare.
Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or
older. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t
cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have
choices for how you get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have
original Medicare coverage, you can buy a Medicare supplement policy
(called Medigap) from a private insurance company to cover some of the
costs that Medicare does not.
Medicare has four parts:
o Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a
hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay). Part A
also pays for some home health care and hospice care.
o Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for services from
doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health
care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.
o Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) includes all benefits and
services covered under Part A and Part B. Some plans include Medicare
prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) and other extra benefits
and services.
o Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the
cost of prescription drugs. Some people with limited resources and
income may also be able to get Extra Help with the costs—monthly
premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments—related to a
Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth
about $4,900 per year. You must meet the resources and income
requirement.
If you can’t afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other medical
costs, you may be able to get help from your state. States offer
programs for people eligible for or entitled to Medicare who have low
income. Some programs may pay for Medicare premiums and some pay
Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. To qualify, you must have Medicare
Part A and have limited income and resources.
REACHING RETIREMENT AGE? HERE’S
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW -
2/1/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Every birthday deserves
celebration, but some seem a little more special than others. Think of a
baby’s first birthday. Sweet 16. The “Big 4-0.” Then, before you know
it, along comes 65. This last milestone is especially important to
retirees.
For nearly half a century, American workers looked to 65 as the age at
which they could stop working and finally reap their full retirement
benefits under the Social Security Act of 1935. Today, however,
the full retirement age is now 66 or 67, depending on when you were
born. In 1983, Congress changed the law to increase the retirement age
gradually over a 22-year period, citing improvements in the health of
older people and increases in average life expectancy. To find out your
full retirement age, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/ageincrease.html
If you’ve contributed enough to the Social Security system through
payroll taxes, you still can claim your retirement benefits at 65 — or
62, 63, or 64, for that matter — but your monthly payments will be
permanently reduced.
For help deciding which age is right for you to start receiving Social
Security retirement benefits, read, “When to Start Receiving Retirement
Benefits” at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf
That said, age 65 should still factor in prominently as you prepare for
retirement and a stable financial future, because that’s when most
American workers first become eligible for Medicare health insurance
coverage.
To see if you’ve earned enough credits through work to qualify for
Medicare at age 65, view your Social Security Statement online using
your personal my Social Security account. Create or log on to your
account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65,
we’ll automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
and Medicare Part B (supplemental medical insurance) effective the first
day of the month you turn 65. Watch your mailbox a few months before
your birthday for your Medicare card.
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare starts three months before
your 65th birthday month and continues for three months after. To learn
more about Medicare enrollment and coverage, please visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare To
learn more about Medicare coverage, visit
www.medicare.gov
Social Security is with you through life’s journey, on your first
birthday and the many more that follow. Learn how we help you and your
family secure today and tomorrow through our financial benefits,
information, and planning tools at
www.socialsecurity.gov
WHAT DAY OF THE MONTH DO I GET
MY SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT? -
2/1/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Timing is everything, and
the arrival time of your monthly payment from Social Security can be key
to keeping your financial house in order.
As you budget to pay your bills and save for future needs, keep in mind
that your monthly retirement or disability benefit will be paid at the
same time each month. To see your next payment date, create or log on to
your my Social Security online account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and go
to the “Benefits & Payments” section.
In general, here’s how we assign payment dates:
o If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, you’ll be
paid on the second Wednesday of the month;
o If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, you’ll be
paid on the third Wednesday of the month; and
o If you were born after the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the
fourth Wednesday of the month.
There are exceptions. For example, children and spouses who receive
benefits based on someone else’s work record will be paid on the same
day as the primary beneficiary.
For others, we may issue your payments on the 3rd of each month. Among
other reasons, we do this if:
o You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997;
o You also receive a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment;
o Your Medicare premiums are paid for by the state where you live; or
o You live in a foreign country.
Individuals who receive SSI payments due to disability, age, or
blindness receive those payments on the 1st of each month.
If your payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, you can
expect to receive that month’s payment on the weekday immediately prior.
Social Security is with you through life’s journey, helping you to
secure today and tomorrow through important financial benefits,
information, and planning tools. To learn more, please visit
www.socialsecurity.gov
4 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AS
YOU PLAN FOR RETIREMENT-
1/25/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Deciding when to
start receiving your retirement benefits from Social Security is a
decision that only you can make, and you should make that decision with
as much information as possible. There are a lot of important questions
to answer.
Should you claim benefits earlier and get a smaller monthly payment for
more years? Or should you wait and get a bigger monthly amount over a
shorter period?
There are no right or wrong answers, but we encourage you to consider
these four important questions as you plan for your financially secure
retirement:
How much money will I need to live comfortably in retirement?
Anticipate what your expenses will be in
retirement, including things like mortgage payments or rent, utilities,
healthcare insurance and related costs, food, personal care, car
payments and maintenance, entertainment, hobbies, travel, and credit
card or other debt. Also, consider whether you’ll need to provide for
your spouse, children, or grandchildren.
What will my monthly Social Security retirement benefit be?
The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2018
is $1,404 (up from $1,377 in 2017). The average monthly Social Security
benefit for a disabled worker in 2018 is $1,197 (up from $1,173 in
2017). As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires
40 credits (usually about 10 years of work). The Social Security Act
details how the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated.
You can read more about the COLA at
www.socialsecurity.gov/cola The
best way to get an estimate of your retirement benefit is with a my
Social Security account. Get yours today at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Will I have other income to supplement my Social Security benefits?
Secure your financial future with a retirement portfolio that includes
savings, investments, and possibly a pension plan. If you’re willing and
able, you may choose to increase your income by working past retirement
age. Social Security replaces a percentage of a worker’s pre-retirement
income based on your lifetime earnings. The amount of your average wages
that Social Security retirement benefits replaces varies depending on
your earnings and when you choose to start benefits. If you start
benefits at age 67, this percentage ranges from as much as 75 percent
for very low earners, to about 40 percent for medium earners, to about
27 percent for high earners. If you start benefits after age 67, these
percentages would be higher. If you start benefits earlier, these
percentages would be lower. Most financial advisors say you will need
about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in
retirement, including your Social Security benefits, investments, and
other savings.
How long do I expect my retirement to last?
Anticipate the length of your retirement, keeping in mind that many
American workers will live much longer than the “average” retiree.
Consider your health, family longevity, and lifestyle. Your Social
Security retirement benefits will provide continuous income for as long
as you live, protecting you even if your other sources of income run
out. Discover your life expectancy with our online calculator at
https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/population/longevity.html
No one can predict the future perfectly, but careful planning and
preparation will help you to make a well-informed decision about when to
start receiving your Social Security benefits.
If you’ve contributed enough to the Social Security system through FICA
payroll taxes, you can receive your full retirement benefit at age 66 or
67 depending on when you were born. You may also claim it sooner,
starting at age 62, at a permanently reduced rate. Or you may wait until
after your full retirement age, increasing your benefit amount by up to
8 percent per full year to age 70.
Social Security is with you through life’s journey, and we’re here to
help you prepare for a financially secure future for you and your
family. We invite you to use our online retirement planners at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire
ROSIE
THE RIVETER: WORKING WOMEN’S ICON -
1/25/2018
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
“Rosie the Riveter” is an
American icon representing women working in factories during World War
II. These women learned new jobs and filled in for the men who were away
at war. They produced much of the armaments and ammunition to supply the
war effort.
They also paid FICA on their wages, contributing to the Social Security
program. These “Rosies” embodied the “can-do” spirit immortalized in a
poster by J. Howard Miller. Both the image and the spirit live on today.
If you asked Rosie about Social Security, she would use her rivet gun to
drive home the value of Social Security for women. More Rosie's work
today, and nearly 60 percent of people receiving benefits are women.
Women tend to live longer than men, so Social Security’s
inflation-adjusted benefits help protect women. You can outlive your
savings and investments, but Social Security is for life. Women provide
their own basic level of protection when they work and pay taxes into
the Social Security system. Women who have been married and had low
earnings or who didn’t work may be covered through their spouses’ work.
Today’s Rosie will turn her “can-do” spirit to learning more about
Social Security and what role it will play in her financial plan for the
future. She focuses on our pamphlet called What Every Woman Should Know
available at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10127.html
for a game plan.
She rolls up her sleeves and sets up her my Social Security account
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to
review her earnings and estimates. If she finds an incorrect posting,
she’ll locate her W-2 form and quickly contact Social Security to
correct it because she understands these are the earnings used to figure
her benefits.
She dives into understanding benefits at our planner pages at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. She
examines how marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, work, and other
issues might affect her benefits. She studies our fact sheet When to
Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs to help her
decide when it’s time to lay down the rivet gun. And when the time is
right, she will file for retirement benefits online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire
Whether it was keeping the war effort production lines humming or
discovering what is available to her from Social Security, Rosie
symbolizes the motto: “We Can Do It.” Rosie and millions like her rely
on the financial protection
provided by Social
Security in assembling their own
financial futures.
EX-SPOUSE BENEFITS AND HOW THEY
AFFECT YOU-
10/24/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Just like during tax
season, it’s good to have all the information you need early so you can
prepare and get any money you are due.
If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to
Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible
to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must
have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you have
since remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former spouse’s
record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death.
Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit
amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's
work. In other words, we’ll pay the higher of the two benefits for which
you’re eligible, but not both.
You can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if he or
she hasn’t retired, as long as you divorced at least two years before
applying. If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to
apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your
ex-spouse's full retirement amount or disability benefit. The same rules
apply for a deceased former spouse.
The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits of your
ex-spouse and his or her current spouse. Visit Retirement Planner: If
You Are Divorced at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html to find
all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced
spouse. Our benefits planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit
amount. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you may still quality
for widow’s benefits. You’ll find information about that in a note at
the bottom of the website.
Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.htmltoday to learn whether you’re eligible for benefits on your
ex-spouse’s record. That could mean a considerable amount of monthly
income. What you learn may bring a smile to your face … even on tax day!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS -
12/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security is with you throughout life's journey. We’re here for
you if the unexpected happens. We are there for you when you finally
stop working as well. We provide vital financial support to tens of
millions of American workers, primarily through retirement benefits. But
we’re also there for you if the unexpected happens and a serious medical
condition stops you from working and being able to support yourself and
your family.
In such cases, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits,
which replace a portion of lost income when a worker becomes seriously
disabled. Here are three of the key factors we use to determine if you
may qualify for Social Security disability benefits:
o You must have a lasting medical condition so severe that it prevents
you from doing the work that you did in the past or adjusting to other
types of work;
o Your physical or mental impairment(s) must have lasted or be expected
to last at least a year or result in death; and
o You must have worked long enough — and recently enough — in jobs
covered by Social Security.
You become eligible for Social Security benefits by working and paying
FICA taxes, which translate into Social Security “credits.” How many
credits you need to receive disability benefits depends on how old you
are when you become disabled.
For example, if you become disabled at age 31 or older, you generally
must have earned at least 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before
you became disabled. Twenty credits are equal to five years of
substantial earnings. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
To see how many credits you have earned and to estimate future benefits,
please log in to or create your my Social Security online account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Those who have not worked enough to qualify for Social Security benefits
may be eligible for help through our Supplemental Security Income
program, or “SSI.” SSI provides financial assistance to disabled
children and adults, as well as the aged and blind people, who have
little or no income or resources. Learn more about SSI at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Social Security helps you and millions of other Americans secure today
and tomorrow by providing important financial benefits, information, and
planning tools. Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
SOCIAL SECURITY’S GIFT TO
CHILDREN IS SECURITY -
12/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
During the holiday season,
most of us, regardless of religion or beliefs, focus on the children we
love. Caring for children is one of the best ways to safeguard the
future. And we at Social Security know a thing or two about helping
children.
The application for a Social Security number and card is sometimes
overlooked in the paperwork that parents fill out in preparation for a
child’s birth. Typically, the hospital will ask new mothers if they want
to apply for a Social Security number for their newborn as part of the
birth registration process. This is the easiest and fastest way to
apply. The Social Security card typically arrives about a week to ten
days after that little bundle of joy! You can learn about Social
Security numbers for children by reading our publication, Social
Security Numbers for Children, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
A child needs a Social Security number if he or she is going to have a
bank account, if a relative is buying savings bonds for the child, if
the child will have medical coverage, or if the child will receive
government services. You’ll also need a Social Security number for a
child to claim him or her on your tax returns.
If you wait to apply, you will have to visit a Social Security office
and you’ll need to:
o Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
o Show us original documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age,
and identity; and
o Show us documents proving your identity.
A child age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number
must appear in person for the interview, even though a parent or
guardian will sign the application on the child’s behalf.
Children with disabilities are among our most vulnerable citizens.
Social Security is dedicated to helping those with qualifying
disabilities and their families through the Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) program. To qualify for SSI:
o The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination
of conditions, resulting in “marked and severe functional limitations.”
This means that the condition(s) must severely limit your child’s
activities;
o The child’s condition(s) must be severe, last for at least 12 months,
or be expected to result in death; and
o The child must not be working and earning more than the Substantial
Gainful Activity limit ($1,180 a month in 2018).
If your child’s condition(s) does not result in “marked and severe
limitations,” or does not result in those limitations lasting for at
least 12 months, your child will not qualify for SSI.
Family resources are also considered. If the parents of the child or
children have more resources than are allowed, then the child or
children will not qualify for SSI. You can read more about children’s
benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf.
Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/people/kids to
learn more about all we do to care for children. Social Security is with
you and your children through your life’s journey, securing today and
tomorrow.
IS IT MEDICARE OR MEDICAID?
-
12/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
A lot of people have a
difficult time understanding the difference between Medicare and
Medicaid. Both programs begin with the letter “M.” They’re both health
insurance programs run by the government. People often ask questions
about what Medicare and Medicaid are, what services they cover, and who
administers the programs.
Let’s start with Medicare. Medicare is the national healthcare program
for those aged 65 or older and the disabled. You pay for some Medicare
expenses by paying the Medicare tax while you work. The Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services is the agency in charge of both Medicare
and Medicaid, but you sign up for Medicare A (Hospital) and Medicare B
(Medical) through Social Security.
You can apply for Medicare online from the convenience of your home at
the link on our website:
www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare. If
you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you
reach age 65 or are in the 25th month of receiving disability checks, we
will enroll you automatically.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug)
plans are available for purchase in the insurance marketplace. Social
Security administers a program called Extra Help to help people with low
income and low resources pay for premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance
costs for Part D plans. You can find out more about Extra Help and file
for it at
www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp.
Each year, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes
Medicare and You available online at their website at
www.medicare.gov/medicare-and-you/medicare-and-you.html. This
publication is a user’s manual for Medicare.
Each state runs their own Medicaid program under guidance from the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid offers care for the
most vulnerable among us. While it does not require paying taxes while
working, it does have guidelines about how much income and resources you
can have to qualify. Medicaid provides coverage for older people, people
with disabilities, and some families with children. Each state has its
own eligibility rules and decides which services to cover. The names of
the Medicaid program may vary from state to state. You can read about
each state’s Medicaid program at
www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/by-state/by-state.html.
You can find each state’s Medicaid contact information at
www.medicaid.gov/about-us/contact-us/contact-state-page.html.
Medicare and Medicaid are two of the major insurance programs that
provide healthcare to the American public. Understanding each program,
as well as how the two programs differ, can help you and those you care
about find the right healthcare program.
5 WAYS SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTS
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY -
12/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Next payday, when you see
a portion of your wages go toward FICA taxes, rest easier knowing that
your investment in Social Security brings a lifetime of protections for
you and your family.
From your first job and throughout your career, we track your earnings
and give you credits for the contributions you’ve made through payroll
taxes. Those credits can translate into important future benefits. As
you prepare for a financially secure future, you should know about these
five benefits that you, your spouse, and your children may become
eligible for through Social Security:
Retirement benefits provide you with a continuous source of income later
in life. If you’ve earned enough credits, you can start receiving your
full retirement benefits at age 66 or 67 — depending on when you were
born. You may choose to claim these benefits as early as age 62 at a
permanently reduced rate, but waiting until after your full retirement
age increases your benefit amount by up to 8 percent per year to age 70.
Plan for your retirement at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire.
Disability benefits offer a financial lifeline if you’re struck by a
serious medical condition that makes it impossible for you to work and
provide for yourself and your family and is expected to last at least
one year or to result in death. Learn more at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Child benefits support your minor children while you’re receiving Social
Security retirement benefits or disability benefits. This financial
support also is available to adult children who become disabled before
age 22. Grandchildren and stepchildren may qualify in certain
situations. Please see: wwww.socialsecurity.gov/people/kids.
Spousal benefits supplement a couple’s income if one of the two never
worked or had low lifetime earnings. In some cases, this benefit is also
available to divorced spouses. Please see:
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/applying6.html.
Survivor benefits ease the financial burden on your loved ones after you
die by providing monthly payments to eligible widows, widowers,
children, and dependent parents. It’s likely the survivor benefits you
have under Social Security carry greater value than your individual
life-insurance policy. Read more about survivor benefits at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors.
You must meet specific eligibility requirements to receive any type of
Social Security benefits.
Currently, Social Security provides benefits to more than 61 million
American workers and their families. And we’ll be there for you and your
family through life’s journey.
Learn more about all of our programs at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
13 FEARLESS THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER-
10/24/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
While many of us look
forward to Friday, with its end-of-the-workweek designation and our
weekend plans, certain cultures consider it an unlucky day. Some people,
suffering from triskaidekaphobia, are truly terrified of the number 13.
Combine the two factors and it’s not surprising that many believe that
Friday the 13th is a frightening day.
While superstitions play an important part in the Friday the 13th
jitters, we offer a different approach to this “unlucky” day with 13
fearless things to know about your Social Security number and card.
1. Your Social Security number is your link to Retirement or Disability
benefits since we use it to record your wages and earnings.
2. There is no charge to obtain a Social Security number and card. This
service is free.
3. We keep your records confidential and don’t disclose your number to
anyone, except when the law requires, or when your information connects
you with other government health or social services programs.
4. To prevent identity theft, keep your Social Security card in a safe
place with your other important papers and be careful about sharing your
number. If asked for your number, find out why your number is needed,
how it will be used, and what happens if you refuse to provide it.
5. While you need a Social Security number to get a job or for other
services, you often don’t need to show your Social Security card. Many
organizations can verify your Social Security number directly with us.
6. If your Social Security card is lost, you can replace it up to three
times a year with a lifetime limit of 10 replacement cards. Legal name
changes and other exceptions will not count toward these limits.
7. You can request a replacement Social Security card with the ease and
convenience of our online services if you have a my Social Security
account and meet our qualifications. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
8. If you suspect someone is using your number for work purposes,
contact us to report the problem so we can review your earnings and
verify that our records are correct. You also may view your annual
earnings by accessing your Social Security Statement, one of the many
services available with a my Social Security account.
9. If you suspect someone is misusing your number to create credit or
other problems for you, report the identify theft with the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) at
www.identitytheft.gov or by calling
1-877-IDTHEFT. We also recommend that you contact the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) if fraudulent tax refunds or reporting is involved,
quickly file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
at www.ic3.gov, and monitor your credit reports.
10. The nine-digit Social Security number was initiated in 1936 for
tracking workers’ earnings over the course of their lifetimes for
benefits, not with the intent of personal identification. Since 1936, we
have issued over 30 different versions of the Social Security number
card.
11. Until June 2011, the first three digits of a Social Security number
were determined by the geographical region in which the person lived.
Numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moving westward.
Residents on the east coast often have lower numbers than those on the
west coast. Any number beginning with 000 will never be a valid Social
Security number.
12. Beginning in June 2011, we assigned Social Security numbers
randomly, which protects the integrity of the Social Security number,
eliminates the geographical significance of the first three digits of
the Social Security number, and extends the longevity of the nine-digit
Social Security number.
13. Since November 1936, we have issued 453.7 million different numbers
and there are approximately 420 million numbers available for future
assignments. We assign about 5.5 million new numbers a year.
Fear not, if you properly protect your Social Security number and card.
Information about applying for a Social Security card, name changes,
identity theft, and other answers to frequently asked questions is
available at
www.socialsecurity.gov, or by calling
us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
A CALCULATED RETIREMENT-
10/24/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Calculating when you
should retire requires evaluating all sources of your retirement income.
There are many factors to consider, including your personal retirement
goals. With multiple factors affecting your decision, sometimes it’s
difficult to see the big retirement picture.
Social Security secures your today and tomorrow by offering a webpage of
calculators to help you plan your Social Security retirement benefits.
You can access our online calculators at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.html to
get started planning.
Visit our calculator page and fine-tune your benefit estimate by using
the Retirement Estimator if you have the required 40 work credits.
Changes in your personal circumstances may cause changes in the number
of years you work before you retire. Suppose you had planned to work an
additional ten years before retiring, but now you are considering moving
that up to the end of this year. How can you determine how much the
difference in dollars in the monthly benefits will be? You can create
one estimate with your projected earnings through this year and another
including the next ten years. These are estimates, but they will give
you an approximation for each retirement age to help you make your
decision.
You can also use our Online Calculator if you don’t have 40 work
credits. You need to enter all of your earnings manually, but you can
project future earnings through your potential retirement date. Again,
this is an estimate based on your future estimated earnings, but it
provides you with planning numbers.
These three calculators will meet almost everyone’s pre-retirement
planning needs. But, wait, there’s more. Use the Life Expectancy
Calculator for a rough estimate of how long you might live. The
Retirement Age Calculator determines your full retirement age and shows
the differences when benefits are taken early. The Early or Late
Retirement Calculator can show the differences in benefit amount if you
file early or wait until later to start benefits. You can use the
Benefits for Spouse Calculator to find out how your spouse’s benefit
changes if taken early. You can access all of these at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.html
Another great planning tool is the Social Security Statement. Get yours
today with a my Social Security account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
With our calculators doing all the number crunching, we make the big
picture easier to see. The road to retirement is in the viewfinder and
you have your resources ready. Now that you know which calculator to
use, you can start figuring your best retirement option for a calculated
retirement.
ACCESS MY SOCIAL SECURITY ON THE
GO!-
10/24/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Smartphones have been in
our lives for over a decade and have changed the way we interact with
each other. Social Security is at the forefront of technological
advancements, making your online business with us easier and more
secure.
About a third of the visitors to
SocialSecurity.gov use their smart
phones to learn about our programs, find answers to their questions, and
access our online services. Now you can access your personal my Social
Security account on the go or from the comfort of your home. By visiting
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount,
you can:
o Request a replacement Social Security card, if you meet certain
requirements;
o Check the status of your application or appeal.
o Get your Social Security Statement to review estimates of your future
retirement, disability, and survivors benefits;
o Check your earnings every year to verify the amounts that we recorded
are correct; and
o See the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.
There are even more things you can do with my Social Security if you’re
receiving benefits. You can get a letter that verifies your benefit
amount, check your benefit and payment information and your earnings
record, and change your address and phone number. You also can request a
replacement Medicare card, confirm changes to your direct deposit
information, and even get a replacement SSA-1099 for tax season.
We’re continuing to improve my Social Security all the time and make
more services available online. Residents of the District Columbia and
more than 20 states can now request a replacement Social Security card
online using my Social Security. It’s an easy, convenient, and secure
way to request a replacement card online.
To request a replacement card online, you must:
o Have or create a my Social Security account;
o Have a valid driver’s license in a participating state or the District
of Columbia (or a state-issued identification card in some states);
o Be age 18 or older and a United States citizen with a domestic U.S.
mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses); and
o Not be requesting a name change or any other changes to your card.
Securing today and tomorrow can start now. Putting you in control of
your future is a priority for us. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount today
to learn more and to sign up for your own account.
HOW DID THEY DO IT WITHOUT
COMPUTERS?-
10/24/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
More than 85 percent of
American homes have some sort of computer. Millions of people rely on
computers daily to access, formulate, and store information. People use
computers for everything from sharing family pictures to shopping to
banking and paying bills. But, we haven’t always been able to count on
the convenience of the computer to make our lives easier.
How did Social Security, one of the world’s largest “bookkeeping
operations”, manage to keep records of our nation’s workers before we
had computers? How did we match workers with their earnings?
We used a process called the “Visible Index” that used tiny, bamboo
strips wrapped in paper that were inserted into metal panels. The panels
could be flipped back and forth to view the information on each side.
Clerks had to look at each strip to find the exact Social Security
number for a specific person. In 1959, when Social Security began
converting information to microfilm, there were 163 million individual
strips in the Visible Index.
The workers’ names were filed alphabetically by surname using a phonetic
pronunciation code to ensure consistent filing. There were hundreds of
thousands of people with the same surname. How did the staff meet the
challenge? By knowing the system. Clerks familiar with the Index could
locate a specific record within 60 seconds.
The Index took about 24,000 square feet of floor space and was extremely
heavy. No building in the District of Columbia had floors sturdy enough
to support the ever-increasing load. These weighty considerations led to
Social Security getting its first large-scale computer, an IBM 705.
Starting in 1956, the 705 was tasked with handling most of the
accounting functions for the agency. It was still humming when it was
replaced by a later generation of computers in 1961.
Back in 1937, there were only about 26 million American workers; but
today, Social Security processes 260 million worker’s annual wage
reports. We have changed over time to meet the challenges of recording
worker’s earnings correctly. Today, you don’t need a clerk or a visit to
a local Social Security office to check your own information. That’s
right. You can check yours now by either using your existing my Social
Security account or by setting one up at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Changing to meet challenges is just one of the ways we secure your today
and tomorrow. You can read more about the history of Social Security at
www.socialsecurity.gov/history/index.html
RETIRING ABROAD? WHAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING BENEFITS OVERSEAS -
10/24/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Retiring outside of the
United States can be an exciting way to spend your golden years. Perhaps
retirement in Poland or Peru is in your plans. In many cases, it’s
possible to receive your Social Security retirement benefits while
living abroad. Our website can help you navigate your benefit
eligibility while living overseas.
If you’ve worked in both the United States and another country, it may
be possible for your credits to combine for a larger benefit. Currently,
there are 25 countries with such international agreements with the
United States. To find out if you have qualifying work in a country with
such an agreement, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/international
You can receive benefits
in many countries. To find out whether you can receive your benefits in
the country where you are retiring, you should use our Payments Abroad
Screening Tool at
www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html
There are easy ways to get
in touch with us and report changes to Social Security when you live
overseas. You can contact your local U.S. embassy, write to us by mail,
or call us at 1-800-772-1213. You can find other information in regards
to living overseas at www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign.
Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey, even if that
journey takes you outside the United States. You can always access our
wide range of safe and secure online resources at
www.socialsecurity.gov
ADDING ADDITIONAL SECURITY TO
PROTECT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU -
06/05/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you’re 18 or older and
work, open your my Social Security account today at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Make
sure your earnings information is correct. If you’re receiving benefits
already, manage your information online!
Social Security continues to evaluate and improve how we protect what’s
important to you. We take this responsibility seriously, and we have a
robust cybersecurity program in place to help protect the personal
information you entrust to us. Adding additional security measures to
safeguard your personal information — but making them easy to use — is a
vital part of keeping you safe and secure.
Most people who do business with us online use our my Social Security
portal, where, if you currently receive benefits you can:
o Request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain
requirements;
o Get your benefit verification letter;
o Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record;
o Change your address and phone number;
o Start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment;
o Request a replacement Medicare card; and
o Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
If you currently don’t receive benefits, you can request a replacement
Social Security card if you meet certain requirements, check the status
of your application or appeal, as well as access a number of other
useful resources. Since my Social Security became available in May 2012,
more than 30 million people have created and use my Social Security
accounts.
As of June 10, 2017, we require a second method to check the
identification of my Social Security account holders when they register
or sign in. This is in addition to the first layer of security, a
username and password. You will be able to choose either your cell phone
or your email address as your second identification method. Using two
ways to identify you when you log on will help better protect your
account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud. If you plan
to select email as your second method, you can ensure that the one-time
security code email does not go into your spam or junk folder by adding
NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list.
We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available
to protect our customers’ data. This new security advancement is just
one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety of the resources entrusted to
us.
The my Social Security portal will also now automatically adjust to the
size of the screen and kind of device you are using – such as a tablet,
smart phone, or computer. No matter what type of device you choose, you
will have full, easy-to-use access to your personal my Social Security
account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Our new my Social Security design puts you in control — whether you’re
using a computer, smart phone, or tablet.
SECURE YOUR FUTURE WITH NATIONAL
SOCIAL SECURITY MONTH-
04/07/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
For more than 80 years,
Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow with information,
tools, and resources to meet our customers’ changing needs and
lifestyles.
In April, we celebrate National Social Security Month and encourage you
to know your Social Security by exploring what you can do online at
www.socialsecurity.gov Social
Security is collaborating with groups and organizations around the
country to host numerous events and activities to raise awareness about
our many valuable benefits, services, and programs.
What Social Security Offers
Easy accessibility:
www.socialsecurity.gov is available
24/7 with detailed information, publications, Frequently Asked
Questions, and other resources for almost any circumstance. Whether you
want to estimate the amount of your future Social Security benefits,
replace a lost Social Security card, or apply for retirement,
disability, or survivors benefits,
www.socialsecurity.gov is your reliable
source for information to help you and your loved ones.
Convenient services: Our convenient and secure online services at
www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices
put you in control. You can apply for Social Security benefits, check
the status of your application or appeal, get an instant benefit
verification letter, verify your lifetime earnings, block electronic
access to your information, and so much more — all without having to
visit a local office or calling to speak to a representative.
Secure interaction: One of our most important responsibilities is
protecting your personal information and your financial contributions.
We use state-of-the-art systems for this, conduct continuous reviews to
help us ensure proper payments, and much more. And we work hard to
educate everyone on best practices for protecting their Social Security
number.
We’re committed to safeguarding the information and resources entrusted
to us. Are you looking for secure access to your Social Security
information? Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and
create your personal my Social Security account.
Join our efforts to promote National Social Security Month. Share our
message: “Get to know your Social Security and see what you can do
online” by sharing our social media posts on Facebook and Twitter. Or
you can create your own message expressing the success you’ve had with
our many services and programs. We’re here for you, through life’s
journey, at
www.socialsecurity.gov
RECEIVING HOUSING BENEFITS? A
TRIP TO SOCIAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE NECESSARY -
03/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security is
constantly evolving to make your life easier. If you are currently
receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), and are reapplying for benefits, or are assisting
someone with their application, a trip to the Social Security office is
probably not necessary even if verification of Social Security benefits
is needed.
Because of a data exchange established between Social Security and HUD,
most people do not need to contact Social Security for a benefit
verification letter. HUD administrators processing a Recertification
Application for Housing Assistance can use their Enterprise Income
Verification (EIV) System to verify Social Security and Supplemental
Security Income benefits.
Public housing agencies, private owners, and management agents
administering HUD rental assistance programs may get registration
information about EIV by logging onto the following websites:
go.usa.gov/x97mH or
go.usa.gov/x97m6
If you are a new applicant for housing assistance, you can provide your
HUD administrator with your Social Security award letter, Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA) notice, SSA-1099, or other SSA benefit document you
should have received at the beginning of the calendar year or when you
began receiving benefits, whichever is later.
We created these data exchange agreements to help you get the support
you need at the first point of contact, even if that’s not with Social
Security. If you do need to provide proof of Social Security benefits
yourself, we have another way to save you a trip to Social Security. You
can get an instant benefit verification letter with a personal my Social
Security account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO START
RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS? -
03/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Enjoying a comfortable
retirement is everyone’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security has
been helping people realize those dreams, assisting people through
life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you
can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or
wait until your “full retirement age.” There are benefits to either
decision, pun intended.
Full retirement age refers
to the age when a person can receive their Social Security benefits
without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time.
In other words, you don’t actually need to stop working to get your full
benefits.
For people who attain age 62 in 2017 (i.e., those born between January
2, 1955 and January 1, 1956), full retirement age is 66 and two months.
Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law
passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning
with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for people born
after 1959.
You can learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to
look up your own at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html
You can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or
any time after that. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly
benefit will be, although it stops increasing at age 70. Your monthly
benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before
your full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits
in 2017 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced
permanently by about 26 percent.
On the other hand, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until
after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefit will be
higher. The amount of this increase is two-thirds of one percent for
each month –– or eight percent for each year –– that you delay receiving
them until you reach age 70. The choices you make may affect any benefit
your spouse or children can receive on your record, too. If you receive
benefits early, it may reduce their potential benefit, as well as yours.
You need to be as informed as possible when making any decision about
receiving Social Security benefits. Read the publication When to Start
Receiving Retirement Benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf
If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age,
you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your
benefits. Social Security may withhold or reduce your benefits if your
annual earnings exceed a certain amount. However, for every month
benefits are withheld, it increases your future benefits. That’s because
at your full retirement age Social Security will recalculate your
benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which benefits were
reduced or withheld due to your excess earnings. In effect, it’s as if
you hadn’t filed for those months. You can learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html
Social Security’s mission is to secure your today and tomorrow. Helping
you make the right retirement decisions is vital. You can learn more by
visiting our Retirement Planner at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire
PLANNING WILL HELP YOU SEE GREEN
IN RETIREMENT -
03/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security has been a
cornerstone of financial security for over 80 years. As you might
already know, a lifetime of measured discipline can ensure a comfortable
retirement. Social Security can help you plan, save, and see plenty of
green in your golden years.
Social Security is part of the retirement plan of almost every American
worker. If you’re among the 96 percent of workers in the United States
covered under Social Security, it is helpful to know what benefits you
are entitled to. Social Security bases your benefit payment on how much
you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result
in higher benefits. If there were some years you didn’t work or had low
earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you worked steadily.
How do you know what your retirement benefits might be so you can plan?
Create a safe and secure my Social Security account to view estimates of
your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and
create your account today.
Social Security benefits help secure your today and tomorrow, but many
people will need more retirement income. Saving for retirement is key.
You might also have a pension or 401k. Combining as many savings
resources will mean more income once you retire.
Your personal my Social Security account continues to benefit you once
you file for benefits and beyond. Use your account to check the status
of your application and, once you are receiving benefits, use your
account to manage them. For example, you can start or change your direct
deposit, change your address and phone number, get proof of benefits,
and much more—online and at your convenience. Learn about all the great
advantages of having your own my Social Security account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Social Security puts you in control. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov regularly to
access the ever-evolving tools and information we provide.
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS MAKE OUR
NATION STRONGER-
03/06/2017
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
At first, seeing taxes
taken out of your paycheck can be a little disappointing. However, you
can take pride in knowing you’re making an important impact each week
when you contribute to Social Security. Understanding how important your
contribution is takes some of the sting away because your taxes are
helping millions of Americans — and protecting you and your family for
life — as well as wounded warriors, the chronically ill, and disabled.
By law, employers must withhold Social Security taxes from a worker’s
paycheck. While usually referred to as “Social Security taxes” on an
employee’s pay statement, sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA”
which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the
original Social Security Act. In some cases, you will see “OASDI” which
stands for Old Age Survivors Disability Insurance.
The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection — for
retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die,
your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits
based on your work as well.
Because you may be a long way from retirement, you might have a tough
time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in
the future. But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you’re
paying can provide valuable disability or survivors benefits now in the
event the unexpected happens. Studies show that of today’s 20-year-olds,
about one in four will become disabled, and about one in eight will die,
before reaching retirement.
Be warned: if an employer offers to pay you “under the table,” you
should refuse. It’s against the law. They may try to sell it as a
benefit to you since you get a few extra dollars in your pay. But you’re
really only allowing the employer to cheat you out of your Social
Security credits.
If you’d like to learn a little more about Social Security and exactly
what you’re building up for yourself by paying Social Security taxes,
take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn Credits, at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html
If you have a friend who lost a parent when they were a child, they
probably got Social Security survivors benefits. Social Security helps
by providing income for the families of workers who die. In fact, 98 of
every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And
Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal
program. You can learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors
SOCIAL SECURITY COVERS YOU WHEN
YOU’RE ABROAD -
11/7/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security has you
covered, even outside our nation’s borders. We’re with you through
life’s journey, even if you’re traveling outside the United States. Many
people who travel or live outside the country receive some kind of
Social Security benefit, including retired and disabled workers, as well
as spouses, widows, widowers, and children.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments
outside the United States as long as you are eligible. When we say you
are “outside the United States,” we mean you’re not in one of the 50
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Once you’ve been
outside the United States for at least 30 days in a row, we consider you
to be outside the country. Whether you’re off to Europe, or considering
a stay in our newly reopened neighbor, Cuba, you may be able to receive
your Social Security benefits even while you’re outside the United
States. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you cannot
receive benefits if you’re outside of the United States for a month or
more.
If you’re traveling outside the U.S. for an extended amount of time,
it’s important that you tell Social Security the date you plan to leave
and the date you plan to come back, no matter how long you expect your
travel to last.
You can use this online tool to find out if you can continue to receive
your Social Security benefits if you are outside the United States or
are planning to go outside the United States at
www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html
This tool will help you find out if your retirement, disability, or
survivor’s payments will continue as long as you are eligible, stop
after six consecutive calendar months, or if certain country-specific
restrictions apply.
When you live outside the United States, we send you a questionnaire
periodically. Your answers will help us figure out if you still are
eligible for benefits. Return the questionnaire to the office that sent
it as soon as possible. If you don’t, your payments will stop. In
addition to responding to the questionnaire, notify us promptly about
changes that could affect your payments.
You can also read the publication titled Your Payments While You Are
Outside the United States at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs
Securing today and tomorrow is our priority, no matter where you might
be living.
DON’T BE SKEPTICAL, SOCIAL
SECURITY IS HERE TO STAY-
10/17/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
It’s healthy to be skeptical in a world of
uncertainties. Major news networks sometimes broadcast conflicting facts
that require a bit of research to verify. There’s even a day in October
dedicated to skeptics. So, this is the perfect time to tell all the
skeptics that there’s no reason to think Social Security won’t be here
for you well into the future.
Recently, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its 76th annual
report to Congress presenting the financial status of the Social
Security trust funds for the short term and over the next 75 years.
We’re pleased that legislation signed into law by President Obama last
November averted a near-term shortfall in the Disability Insurance (DI)
trust fund that was detailed in a previous report.
With that small, temporary reallocation of the Social Security
contribution rate, the DI fund will now be able to pay full benefits
until 2023, and the retirement fund will be adequate into 2035. It is
important that members of Congress act well before 2023 in order to
strengthen the finances of the program. As a whole, Social Security is
fully funded until 2034, and after that it is about three-quarters
financed.
Many people wonder if Social Security will be there for them. Here’s a
fact that will relieve any skepticism you might have: the increased cost
of providing Social Security benefits for Baby Boomers is less than the
nation’s increase in spending was for public education when the baby
boomers were children.
Put your skepticism aside and rest assured that Social Security is with
you today and will be with you tomorrow. You can read the entire report
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2016
DISCOVER A WHOLE WORLD OF
RETIREMENT POSSIBILITIES-
10/17/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Christopher Columbus might
be one of the most famous explorers in America. He’s credited with
discovering the New World, though Native Americans were here long before
the Italian sailor.
Centuries later, there are new horizons to explore and you can do it
from the comfort of your home or office. With Social Security, you can
discover a new world of information and services at
www.socialsecurity.gov
For example, you can apply online for Social Security retirement
benefits. Not sure whether you’re ready for retirement? We can help you
plot your course with our online benefit planners. Perhaps the most
impressive of these planners is the online Retirement Estimator, which
you can use to get quick and accurate estimates of your retirement
benefits based on different scenarios. You also can apply online for
disability benefits and even apply online for help to pay the costs of
the Medicare prescription drug program at
www.socialsecurity.gov
One of our most powerful tools is our website: my Social Security.
Create your online account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and
then you'll always have quick and easy access to see and update your
information. You can use my Social Security to get estimates of your
retirement, disability, and survivors benefits; view your earnings
record; and get estimates of the Social Security and Medicare taxes
you've paid.
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can use your
account to get an instant benefit verification letter, check your
benefit and payment information, and to change your address, phone
number, and direct deposit information. If you receive Medicare, you can
get a replacement Medicare card using my Social Security. Whether you
receive benefits or not, you may be able to apply for a replacement
Social Security card in certain states, all online.
We’ve made exploring your bright future secure and easy at
www.socialsecurity.gov Remember, we’re
with you through life’s journey. Social Security online tools will help
you decide when to weigh anchor, and venture into the seas of
retirement.
FOCUS ON RETIREMENT
PLANNING — IT’S YOUR FUTURE -
9/1/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
When most people begin
their career, retirement is the farthest thing from their mind. Instead,
they focus on trying to purchase a home, start a family, or perhaps save
money for travel. Retirement seems so far away for many younger people
that they delay putting aside money. However, it’s very important to
save for the future — if you want to enjoy it.
An employer-sponsored retirement plan or 401(k) can be a useful way to
set aside funds for retirement, especially if your employer offers
matching funds on what you invest. If you don’t work for an employer
that offers this type of plan, there are many other plans designed to
help you save for retirement.
From solo 401(k)s to traditional and Roth IRAs, there are programs
designed to fit a multitude of budgets. The earlier you start to save,
the more funds you’ll have ready for retirement.
In addition to traditional programs, the U.S. Department of the Treasury
now offers a retirement savings option called myRA. There’s no minimum
to open the account, you can contribute what you can afford, and you can
withdraw funds with ease. To learn more about myRA, visit
www.myra.gov
And, as always, there is Social Security, which is funded by taxes you
pay while you work. To get estimates of future benefits and check your
earnings record for accuracy, you can create a my Social Security
account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Prepare for your future and start saving — and planning — today!
PREPARE FOR YOUR
DISABILITY INTERVIEW: TIPS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY-
9/1/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
When a person becomes
disabled, it can be a very stressful time in their life. There are many
questions and unknowns when you have to transition out of the workforce
due to medical issues. While an employer may offer short or long-term
disability, most people faced with a disability will file for benefits
with Social Security.
If you’re facing life with a disability and don’t know where to start,
we encourage you to visit our website at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi
You can apply for benefits on our website; it’s the most convenient way.
Additionally, you can contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
or visit your local office if you wish to apply for disability benefits.
When applying for benefits, you should be prepared to answer a number of
questions including:
• When your conditions became disabling:
o Dates you last worked;
o The names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits to your
doctors;
o The names of medications that you take and medical tests you’ve had;
and
o Marital information.
• In addition, if you plan on applying for Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) disability payments, for people with low income who haven’t paid
enough in Social Security taxes to be covered, we will ask you questions
about:
o Your current living arrangement, including who lives there and
household expenses;
o All sources of income for you and your spouse, if applicable; and
o The amount of your resources, including bank account balances,
vehicles, and other investments.
Remember, we are there when you might be faced with one of the hardest
obstacles of your life. Social Security helps secure today and tomorrow
with critical benefits for people with severe disabilities, not just
during retirement.
PREPARE FOR YOUR
DISABILITY INTERVIEW: TIPS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY-
9/1/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security joins you
and your family in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from
September 15 to October 15.
We know the contributions of Hispanics can be traced to before the
origins of the United States with the discovery, exploration, and naming
of many places in our nation, such as state names like California,
Colorado, and Texas and city names like San Antonio, Santa Barbara, and
Boca Raton. Hispanics have influenced every facet of life, from language
to our cultural development. Hispanics play a crucial role in American
life.
The most important things to you are your family and maintaining the
feeling of individuality through your language. That’s why Social
Security provides a website —
www.segurosocial.gov — with a variety
of publications and services in Spanish that are important to you and
your family.
If you need to apply for your first Social Security number or a get a
replacement Social Security card, we invite you to read our publications
Social Security Numbers for Children and Your Social Security Number and
Card.
We offer a toll free number, 1-800-772-1213, which provides automated
instructions for Spanish speakers. We also try to have employees
available on the phone and in many of our offices who speak Spanish.
However, if you need an interpreter, you can go to
www.segurosocial.gov/espanol/interpreter.htm
to find out more about our free interpreter services.
Just as grandparents help guide their grandchildren through life’s
journey, we at Social Security are with you throughout yours. The
services we provide guide you through your journey from birth, with your
first social security card, to your dream of a secure retirement.
You don’t have to wait to find out what your retirement benefits may be.
We provide the Retirement Estimator, one of our most popular online
calculators, in Spanish. It offers instant, approximate estimates of
your future retirement benefits. Try it for yourself at
www.segurosocial.gov/calculador
Remember what your father wisely said to you: “It is up to this
generation to secure our community’s today and tomorrow."
Whether it’s through our website, visiting one of our offices, or
calling our toll free number, we at Social Security maintain our
commitment of providing first-class service to the nation’s growing
Latino community.
To learn more, visit
www.segurosocial.gov
SOCIAL SECURITY COVERS
CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER -
9/1/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
The effects of cancer on
our society are devastating for those directly and indirectly dealing
with the disease. Sadly, thousands of people under the age of 20 are
diagnosed with cancer every year, and it remains the leading cause of
disease-related death for children. We honor the courage of children who
are battling the many forms of cancer, as well as the young people who
lost their lives to these terrible diseases.
Social Security provides benefits for children who suffer from many
disabling diseases, including some forms of cancer. These benefits could
help with the additional costs of caring for an ill child. Although
children haven’t paid Social Security taxes and, thus, cannot be covered
for Social Security disability benefits, they may receive disability
benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI
pays benefits to disabled children who have limited income and
resources.
If you wish to apply for benefits for your child, you’ll need to
complete an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and a
Child Disability Report. The report collects information about your
child’s disabling condition, and about how it affects his or her ability
to function.
Here are the steps to apply.
o Review the Child Disability Starter Kit. This kit answers common
questions about applying for SSI benefits for children, and includes a
worksheet that will help you gather the information you will need. You
can view the starter kit at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_eng.htm
o The SSI program has strict limits on the amount of income and assets
you can have. It is a “needs-based” program for people who have low
family income and resources. Contact Social Security right away to find
out if the income and resources of the parents and the child are within
the allowed limits, and to start the SSI application process.
o Fill out the online Child Disability Report. At the end of the report,
we’ll ask you to sign a form that gives the child's doctor(s) permission
to give us information about the child’s disability. We need this
information to make a decision on your child’s application. The Child
Disability Report is available in the Child Disability Starter Kit.
Social Security also has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to
applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that they obviously
meet our strict disability standards. Social Security’s Compassionate
Allowances program enables us to quickly identify diseases and other
medical conditions that invariably qualify under the listing of
impairments based on minimal objective medical information. The
Compassionate Allowances list allows Social Security to identify the
most seriously disabled people for allowances based on objective medical
information that we can obtain quickly. Compassionate Allowances is not
a separate program from the SSI program. Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances
Social Security is here to provide benefits for the most vulnerable
members of our society — including children with severe disabilities. If
you or anyone in your family needs assistance, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
RETIRING OVERSEAS? WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING BENEFITS ABROAD -
9/1/2016
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York
There are a number of
people who choose to live their retirement years in places outside of
the United States. Perhaps retirement in Thailand or Portugal is in your
plans. Maybe you plan to split your year between Central Europe and
Central Asia. In many cases, it’s still possible to receive your
retirement benefits while living abroad. Our website can help you
navigate your benefit eligibility while living overseas.
If you’ve worked in both the United States and another country, it may
be possible for your credits to combine for a larger benefit. Currently,
there are 25 countries with such international agreements with the
United States. To find out if you have qualifying work in a country with
such an agreement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/international.
There are easy ways to get in touch with us and report changes to Social
Security if you live overseas. You can contact your local U.S. embassy,
write to us by mail, or call us at 1-800-772-1213. You can find other
information in regards to living overseas at
www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign
SOCIAL SECURITY
DISABILITY HELPS PEOPLE WHO WORK -
10/22/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York
People with disabilities
are challenged with both overcoming barriers and with convincing others
that those barriers do not define them.
That’s why we wanted to mark this October’s National Disability
Employment Awareness Month by reminding you that Social Security is an
earned benefit for millions of disabled individuals, and we can assist
them in going back to work.
The Social Security disability insurance program, or SSDI, is perhaps
the most misunderstood program of Social Security. Some people may think
that SSDI recipients have never worked and are taking advantage of the
system by receiving money for minor impairments.
Nothing could be further from the truth. First, anyone who qualifies for
SSDI must have worked enough to pay into the system and be “insured.”
Second, Social Security has some of the strictest requirements in the
world for disability benefits. To qualify, a person must not only have
an impairment that will last one year or more, or result in death, but
they must be unable to perform any substantial work.
Consequently, Social Security disability beneficiaries are some of the
most severely impaired people in the country, and they greatly depend on
their benefits. You can learn more by visiting the Faces and Facts
website at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts
At the website, you will find many personal stories of those who have
benefited from Social Security when they needed it most.
We also have incentives that give beneficiaries with disabilities — who
are able — the opportunity to return to work. These work incentives
include continued cash benefits for a period of time while you work,
continued Medicare or Medicaid coverage, and help with education,
training, and rehabilitation to start a new line of work. In some cases,
we may even be able to deduct certain impairment-related work expenses
from your countable income, making it possible to earn more and also
remain eligible to receive benefits. Examples of these expenses are
wheelchairs, transportation costs, and specialized equipment needed for
work.
Social Security also offers the Ticket to Work program, which gives
participants a “ticket” to go back to work while keeping their
disability benefits. This program is free and voluntary. Ticket to Work
gives access to an employment network, which offers assistance with job
searches and placement, and vocational rehabilitation and training.
Those who enroll find the Ticket to Work program makes it easier to
explore whether going back to work is right for them. Some even find
that they are able to eventually get back to work and earn far more than
the disability payments they once received.
Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/
work for more
information on the Ticket to Work program and work incentives. You may
also call 1-866-968-7842 (TDD 866-833-2967).
MAKE YOUR FUTURE A GOOD
ONE WITH THE RETIREMENT ESTIMATOR -
10/22/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
In 1985, after making it
back to the future from 1955, Marty joined Doc for a drive 30 years into
the future. That future is now.
If the alternate 2015 of the Back to the Future film series were
accurate, we’d be easing along on hover boards, navigating skyways in
flying cars, and enjoying the luxuries of self-lacing sneakers and
self-fitting jackets.
In that imagined 2015, we conduct business by fax and watch multiple
channels of entertainment on the wall.
In some ways, the real 2015 is far more advanced than the imagined one
of the movies. You don’t see any computers or online services in the
movie — let alone the computers most of us carry around with us in the
form of smart phones and tablets.
In the real 2015, you can do a far better job of predicting your own
future. Just visit the Retirement Estimator at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire/estimator.html
With the
Retirement Estimator, you can plug in some basic information to get an
instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits. Different
choices in life can alter the course of your future, so try out
different scenarios such as higher and lower future earnings amounts and
various retirement dates to get a good prediction of how such things can
change your future benefit amounts.
As Doc said in the final moments of the film series, no one’s future has
been written yet. “Your future is what you make it. So make it a good
one.”
With the information you get from the Retirement Estimator, you’ll have
a better idea of what types of savings and pensions you may need, and at
what age you should consider retiring — to make your future the best it
can be.
You don’t need a converted DeLorean or flux capacitor or even a team of
creative filmmakers to predict your future. Just visit the Retirement
Estimator at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire/estimator.html
THIS INTERNATIONAL
SKEPTICS DAY, CHECK YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT -
10/22/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
We have created an easy way to cast aside doubt about Social Security,
and you can access this resource any time of the year, day or night. You
can clear any amount of skepticism you might have about your Social
Security earnings by creating a safe and secure my Social Security
account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
With a my Social Security account, you can instantly check your Social
Security Statement. Financial experts have said that your Statement is
“… probably the most crucial financial planning document for every
American.”
By thoroughly checking your Social Security Statement, you can make sure
each year that your work was correctly documented. This will ensure you
get a correct Social Security benefit when you start collecting.
There are many other valuable features of my Social Security that will
stave off that skepticism. You can:
• Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year;
• Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still working;
• Get a letter with proof of your benefits if you currently receive
them; and
• Manage your benefits:
o Change your address;
o Start or change your direct deposit;
o Get a replacement Medicare card; and
o Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
If you do find a discrepancy on your Statement, you will need to collect
the proper documentation from your employer to correct any
misinformation and submit it to Social Security. For detailed
instructions, you can access the publication How to Correct Your Social
Security Earnings Record at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs
Join the over 20 million people who are accessing their personalized
accounts from the comfort of their home or office at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Replacing Your Social
Security Card? Know Before You Go-
8/3/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Keeping your Social
Security number card in a safe place is vital to protecting you against
identity theft. Never keep it in your purse or wallet — this is the most
common way people lose their card. No matter how hard you try to keep
track of your important documents, sometimes they get lost or even
stolen.
Getting a replacement Social Security number card is free, but you will
have to provide the proper documents to get a new one. Being prepared
will save you time at the Social Security office or card center. If you
are replacing your card, you will need original or certified copies of
the required documents, which include:
1. Proof of citizenship:
If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with us, we
need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. We can accept only certain
documents as proof of U.S. citizenship, like your U.S. birth certificate
or U.S. passport.
2. Identity:
We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable
document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying
information (date of birth or age), and preferably, a recent photograph.
For example, as proof of identity, we must see your:
• U.S. driver’s license;
• State-issued non-driver identification card; or
• U.S. passport.
If you do not have one of these specific documents, or you cannot get a
replacement for one of them within ten days, we will ask to see other
documents, including a(n):
• Employee identification card;
• School identification card;
• Health insurance card (not Medicare card); or
• U.S. military identification card.
Remember, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year or ten in
your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count
toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that
require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may
not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to
prevent a significant hardship. Legal name changes and other exceptions
do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration
status that require card updates may not count toward these limits.
Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need
the card to prevent a significant hardship. Legal name changes and other
exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in
immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these
limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove
you need the card to prevent a significant hardship. Legal name changes
and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. Also, you may not
be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to
prevent a significant hardship.
What’s more important than having your card is knowing your Social
Security number. This is how we identify you, tally your wages
correctly, and how we eventually issue you accurate retirement benefits.
You might not even need your card for identification purposes if you
know and consistently use your correct number.
Your Social Security
Record at Your Fingertips-
8/3/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
With today’s technology,
you may never have to go to an office or even make a phone call to do
your business with Social Security. Current workers and people who
receive benefits can join the millions who already interact with the
agency by computer or tablet by opening a free my Social Security
account. It’s easy, safe, and, most of all, secure. You’ll only need a
few minutes at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to
sign up.
You are never too young to start thinking about your financial future. A
my Social Security account is very valuable for younger people who don’t
receive benefits yet. Young workers can use the best free retirement and
financial planning tool available. Once you open a my Social Security
account, you can have access to and — at the same time — download your
Social Security Statement. With your Statement you can review
• Estimates of your potential future retirement and disability benefits;
• Estimates of survivors benefits for your spouse and children, if you
should die;
• Your earnings record to confirm the accuracy; and
• The estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.
If you already receive Social Security benefits, with a my Social
Security account you can
• Get a benefit verification letter;
• Change your address and phone number;
• Start or change direct deposit of your benefits payment;
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season; and
• If you’re signed up for Medicare, order a Medicare replacement card.
To open your free my Social Security account, you must be at least age
18 and have a
• valid email address;
• Social Security number; and
• U.S. mailing address.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up, and it’s easy to do. There’s an
informative video and frequently asked questions on our website to help
you.
So, go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and
open your own, secure my Social Security account today. Then you can
join the millions who can plan, invest, and save for a secure retirement
with confidence.
Social Security Matters
-
8/3/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security recently
launched its new blog, Social Security Matters. This is our new location
for engaging with you by answering questions and concerns in a more
sharable and interactive way. This is where you’ll see the latest Social
Security news, like added features to my Social Security, helpful tips
about retirement and other benefits, and much more.
Think of the blog as a dashboard for the latest news and updates that
affect retirement, survivors and disability benefits, veterans, the
chronically ill, and anyone entitled to our broad range of services. We
already communicate with you using Facebook and Twitter. This new blog
is a meaningful enhancement to our social media outreach. Social
Security Matters is easy-to-navigate and user-friendly — tags categorize
the topics you care about into organized sections. This way you will
always find the answers you are looking for.
Social Security Matters allows us to speak to a broad audience in
articles that explain how our programs and services affect you. And the
blog lets you provide meaningful feedback that can help us serve the
public more effectively. The blog will also be a platform for interviews
with experts and a way to spotlight the important work we do.
You know how much we matter to our beneficiaries. We’d like you to share
that news. Social Security Matters lets you share our posts on social
media with a click of a button. Additionally, you can subscribe to our
blog and get Social Security news as it happens. Simply select the blue
button titled “Get blog updates.”
You matter to us, and with Social Security Matters, we think of you with
every new post. Our comment section allows you to voice your thoughts
and ask questions of us to address. The conversation is growing every
day. No matter what, we want to know that we are doing our absolute best
to serve you, and a big part of that is listening to what you have to
say. Come see what matters to you at
blog.socialsecurity.gov
A Day Dedicated to the
New You-
2/4/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Proudly displaying your
new last name on a marriage certificate is only the first step in
legally changing your name. Now that the wedding and honeymoon are over,
you need to tell Social Security so you can get a corrected Social
Security card.
February 18 is “Get Another Name Day.” It’s the perfect day for you to
get a replacement, corrected, or original Social Security card—but only
if you really need one. Of course, you can do this any time, but you
should do it as soon as possible after your name changes.
If you have changed your name, whether due to marriage, divorce, or for
another reason, the way to change your name with Social Security is to
apply for a corrected Social Security card. This ensures that your legal
name matches our records, thus avoiding possible problems in the future,
such as a delay in obtaining any federal tax refund owed or not getting
full Social Security credit for all your earnings.
There are a number of other reasons you may want to get a Social
Security card: starting a new job, verifying eligibility for government
services, opening a bank account, obtaining medical coverage, filing
taxes, and legally changing your name. In most cases, unless an employer
or other entity specifically requests to see your card, all they really
need is your number. But, be cautious when sharing your Social Security
number. People who commit fraud or want to steal your identity will
often ask for your Social Security number. Always verify the identity of
anyone who is asking, whether you’re online, on the phone, or
face-to-face.
If you just had a baby, he or she will need a Social Security number.
The main reason is to show your child’s dependent status on your tax
return. In most cases, you apply for your newborn’s Social Security card
and number, as well as the baby’s birth certificate, in the hospital.
If you need a new, replacement, or corrected Social Security card, you
can find all the details at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
including the “Learn What Documents You Need” page, which lists the
specific documents we accept as proof of age, identity, and citizenship.
Each situation is unique, but in most cases, you simply need to print,
complete, and either mail or bring the application to Social Security
with the appropriate documentation (originals or certified copies only).
After you receive your Social Security card, don’t carry it with you. To
reduce your risk of identity theft, keep your card in a safe place with
your other important papers.
Ring in the New Year
with a COLA-
1/27/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Happy New Year from Social
Security! Put down the champagne and ring in the New Year with a COLA!
And we don’t mean the soda. In 2015, nearly 64 million Americans who
receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will
receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to their monthly
benefit payments of 1.7 percent.
The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2015
is $1,328 (up from $1,306 in 2014). The average monthly Social Security
benefit for a disabled worker in 2015 is $1,165 (up from $1,146 in
2014).
For people who receive SSI, the maximum federal payment amount increased
to $733 (up from $721 in 2014).
Other Social Security changes in 2015 are also worth noting. For
example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security
payroll tax will increase to $118,500 (up from $117,000 in 2014). A
worker will earn one credit toward Social Security coverage after paying
taxes on $1,220 in earnings in 2015 (up from $1,200 in 2014). As a
reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits
(usually about10 years of work).
Information about Medicare changes for 2015 is available at
www.medicare.gov
The Social Security Act
outlines how the COLA is calculated. To read more about the COLA, please
visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/cola
Unflinching in the
Fight Against Fraud-
1/27/2015
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you’re like most
people, you protect what’s valuable to you.
To protect your family financially, you buy health and life insurance.
To protect your home, you get homeowner’s insurance, a security alarm,
or perhaps a large dog. To protect your jewelry, you hide it in a safe
place or buy insurance in case you need to replace it. To protect your
money, you invest it, perhaps in a bank that offers FDIC coverage.
Social Security is much the same. We value the people we serve, our
employees who work hard to provide world-class customer service, and the
integrity of our programs. We protect these by using many tools to
identify, prevent, and stop fraud, and we seek the maximum punishment
for those who commit it.
The tools we use help us predict where fraud may occur, and, by
monitoring cases closely, we identify fraud sooner rather than later. We
also have stiff penalties that discourage people from committing fraud.
Social Security has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud. While we cannot
prevent every instance of fraud any more than law enforcement can
prevent all crime, we aggressively investigate and pursue prosecution of
those who try to cheat the system. Our message to those who would
defraud Social Security is clear: We will find you; we will prosecute
you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we
will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen.
Social Security takes fraud seriously and so should you. If you suspect
someone is committing Social Security fraud, report it online at
http://oig.ssa.gov/report or call the
Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
Message from webmaster -
8/27/2014
This morning I got my
usual monthly letter from Everett Lo with only one topic and that was
that you should create a my Social Security account if you do not have
one or if you already have one you should sign on and see what's new.
As with anything that's new you will hit a few bumps but if you hang in
there its worth it. Please remember when you create your account
copy the password and all challenge questions somewhere because if you
don't have these handy it will take an act of congress to get signed on.
First bump, I haven't
signed on in a year so of course I couldn't so I did what I always do
call the Social Security Help Desk. It seems they make you change
your password every six months so the woman I spoke to told me to say I
forgot my password and the system will let me change my password.
Remember of course you cannot use the old password.
I had a very enjoyable
conversation with the help desk and she told me that Social Security To
help combat the rising threat of fraud and identity theft, they will no
longer issue Social Security number printouts beginning in August 2014.
You can sign-on and see everything you ever wanted to know about your
Social Security benefits and print out your benefits on-line.
The national "help desk"
is open from 7:00am to midnight EST and the telephone number is (800)
772-1213
IS A NEW SOCIAL
SECURITY CARD IN YOUR CARDS?
- 7/23/2014
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
To help combat the rising
threat of fraud and identity theft, Social Security will no longer issue
Social Security number printouts beginning in August 2014. If you need
written confirmation of your Social Security number—perhaps your new
employer needs verification—and you can’t find your Social Security
card, you can apply for a replacement.
But do you really need a replacement? In most cases, you don’t need your
card as long as you know your number. For all intents and purposes, your
number is your card. Usually providing your number and identifying
information is enough.
In the event you really do want or need a replacement card, either for
yourself or for a child, you can find all of the details you need at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
The “Social
Security Number and Card” page provides information on how to obtain a
replacement card and what specific documents you need to provide.
Need a Social Security card for your new baby to claim him or her as a
dependent on your tax return or to apply for government or social
service benefits? In most cases, an application for your newborn’s
Social Security card and number is taken in the hospital when you apply
for your baby’s birth certificate. If not, you can request one for your
child the same way you do for yourself.
Whether you need a Social Security card for yourself or your child, it’s
easy—and free—to apply for one. But consider whether a new Social
Security card is really in the cards for you. It may be that your “card”
is already with you—in your head.
While you’re at our website, open your free my Social Security account
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount It can
help you plan for retirement, check your earnings history, request your
Social Security Statement, and more.
Learn more about your Social Security card and number at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
MEDICARE IS HERE TO
STAY
- 7/23/2014
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Medicare went into effect
48 years ago on July 1, 1966. Earlier that same year, Medicare workers
went door to door trying to get seniors to sign up. Medicare was not the
cornerstone then that it is today and people did not know whether it was
going to work for the long haul.
Now, nearly half a century later, Medicare remains one of the most
popular government programs in the nation.
We can’t see the future, but one thing’s for sure: Medicare is here to
stay. Medicare provides health insurance to more than 50 million
Americans. Forty-two million are people age 65 and older and the other 8
million are younger and have disabilities.
Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65.
The four parts of Medicare are parts A, B, C, and D.
• Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient hospital care,
skilled nursing care, hospice care, and home health care. Most people
get Medicare Part A premium-free since it is earned by working and
paying Social Security taxes.
• Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover services from doctors and other
outpatient health care providers, outpatient care, home health care,
durable medical equipment, and some preventive services. Most people pay
a monthly premium for Part B. In 2014, the premium for most people is
$104.90, the same as it was in 2013. Some high-income individuals pay
more than the standard premium. Your Medicare Part B premium also can be
higher if you do not enroll when you are first eligible, also known as
your initial enrollment period. There also is a Medicare Part B
deductible of $147 in 2014.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) allows you to choose to receive all of
your health care services through a provider organization. This plan
includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B,
usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage, and may include
extra benefits and services at an extra cost. You must have Part A and
Part B to enroll in Part C. Monthly premiums vary depending on your
state, private insurer, and whether you select a health maintenance
organization or a preferred provider organization.
• Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of
prescription drugs. Many people pay a premium for Part D. However,
people with low income and resources may qualify for extra help from
Social Security to pay the premium and deductible. To see if you qualify
for extra help visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp
Will you be age 65 soon? Even if you decide not to retire, you should
consider applying for Medicare. You can apply in less than 10 minutes
using our online Medicare application. Do it today at
www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly
To learn more about applying for Medicare when you plan to delay
retirement, read our publication Applying For Medicare Only—Before You
Decide, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs
SOCIAL SECURITY HONORS
VETERANS
- 7/23/2014
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
In the United States, people do a lot to recognize
and honor the heroes who serve in the Armed Forces and those who paid
the ultimate sacrifice. July is an appropriate month to recognize
veterans and wounded warriors, as we celebrate our nation’s
independence.
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law a measure to
award the U.S. Medal of Honor “to such noncommissioned officers and
privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in
action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present
insurrection.” The first Medal of Honor went to Private Jacob Parrott
during the Civil War for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase.
According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a total of 3,487
medals have been awarded.
Such recognition is important, but perhaps just as important is awarding
Social Security benefits to veterans as well. Earnings for active duty
military service or active duty training have been covered under Social
Security since 1957. Social Security also has covered inactive duty
service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) since
1988.
In fact, more than one out of five adult Social Security beneficiaries
has served in the military. Veterans and their families make up 35
percent of those receiving Social Security. If you served in the
military before 1957, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but you
received special credit for some of your service.
You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement.
Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of
your military retirement benefits. You’ll get your full Social Security
benefit based on your earnings.
If you served in the Armed Forces and you’re planning your retirement,
you’ll want to read our publication, Military Service And Social
Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. If you are disabled and can no
longer work, you may also want to read our publication, Disability
Benefits For Wounded Warriors, available at the same web address. Note
that Social Security offers veterans expedited processing on their
applications for disability benefits.
Another reason July is significant to veterans: on July 3, 1930,
Congress signed a bill to authorize the President to issue an executive
order establishing the Veterans Administration, or VA. President Herbert
Hoover signed Executive Order 5398 to create the VA on July 21 of that
same year, 84 years ago. Learn more about the VA and types of benefits
it provides at www.va.gov.
Also, you can learn more about military service and Social Security
benefits by visiting the Military Service page for wounded warriors and
veterans at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/veterans.htm
Social Security thanks you for your service, and we hope we can now be
of service to you.
Your Spouse May Be
Covered by Social Security - 2/04/2014
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you have a spouse who
does not earn an income or who earns less than you do, your spouse
(including a same-sex spouse) may be entitled to Social Security
spouses’ benefits based on your record.
Social Security can be an important financial asset for married couples
when the time comes to apply for retirement benefits. In many cases, one
spouse may have earned significantly more than the other, or may have
worked longer. Or it could be that one spouse stayed home to do the work
of raising the children, caring for elderly family members, or managing
the household while the other focused on a career.
Whatever your situation, Social Security will look at all possibilities
to make sure both spouses receive the maximum Social Security benefits
possible, whether based on each spouse’s earnings record or the higher
wage-earner’s record.
Your spouse can apply for benefits the same way that you apply for
benefits on your own record. He or she can apply for reduced benefits as
early as age 62, or for 100 percent of the full retirement benefits at
“full retirement age.” Not sure what the full retirement ages are? To
learn your and your spouse’s full retirement ages, based on birth year,
visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm
The benefit amount your spouse can receive at full retirement age can be
as much as one half of your full benefit. If your spouse opts for early
retirement, the benefit may be as little as a third of your full benefit
amount. Note that benefits paid to your spouse do not decrease your
benefit amount.
If you have already reached full retirement age but continue to work,
you can apply for retirement benefits and request to have the payments
suspended until as late as age 70. This would let you earn delayed
retirement credits that will mean higher payments later, but still would
allow your spouse to receive a spouse’s benefit.
People can also apply for spouse benefits based on the earnings record
of an ex-spouse or deceased spouse if married for at least 10 years.
Spouses can consider a number of options and variables. We make it
easier to navigate them. A good place to start is by visiting our
benefits planner at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners Take note of the
“Benefits As A Spouse” section.
If you are ready to apply for benefits, the fastest, easiest, and most
convenient way is to apply online! You can do so at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline and
complete your application in as little as 15 minutes.
Due to a Supreme Court decision, we now are able to pay benefits to some
same-sex couples. We encourage people who think they may be eligible to
apply now. Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples
Whether you receive benefits on a spouse’s record or your own, rest
assured we will make sure you get the highest benefit for which you
qualify. Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov
CHECK IN WITH SOCIAL
SECURITY BEFORE TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
-
12/15/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Mark Twain once advised
people to “Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover.”
Americans today have taken that advice to heart, and are visiting places
around the globe–often for vacations, and sometimes to relocate in
another country. If you are one of these people and receive Social
Security benefits, we offer a special website: “Social Security Payments
Outside the United States.” Here you can find answers to such questions
as “will my Social Security payments be affected? Do I have to let
Social Security know I’m out of the country? When should I do it? What
happens if I need to contact Social Security while I am out of the
country?”
You can find answers to all of these questions and others at
www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments.html
The website features a “Payments Abroad Screening
Tool”, which asks you a few short questions to determine if your
payments can continue.
The page also offers links to publications, such as Your Payments While
You Are Outside The United States, which explains how your benefits may
be affected and other important information you need to know about
receiving Social Security benefits while outside the country.
And one more important point to note. If you receive Social Security
benefits as a dependent or survivor there are additional United States
residency requirements that may affect your benefit payments while you
are outside the United States.
It also is important to note that there are different provisions for
anyone receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Once you
have been outside the United States for 30 or more days in a row, your
SSI cannot start again until you have been back in the country for at
least 30 consecutive days. There are special rules for dependent
children of military personnel who leave the United States and
exceptions for students studying abroad.
Share a Social Security
Tip with Your Wise Elders
-
09/25/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
While the baby boom era is
behind us, the effects will live on. The number of people reaching the
autumn season of life is higher than ever. In fact, the World Health
Organization reports that there are around six hundred million people
aged 60 and older living in the world today. That number is expected to
double by 2025 — a short 12 years from now — and is expected to reach
about two billion by 2050.
In the United States, 10,000 people reach retirement age every single
day.
The elders of a community are often known as wise sages that younger
people go to for advice; older people have the life experience and
reflection that younger people lack. But given the fast-paced changes
the world now experiences, with new technologies becoming outdated in a
matter of years or even months, there may be some helpful insights you
can share with your elders.
For example, if you know someone who is nearing retirement age, tell
them about
www.socialsecurity.gov They may
not be aware of the helpful and easy-to-use tools available to them.
It’s no exaggeration to say that even someone who does not use the
Internet on a regular basis can easily plan their retirement or even
complete their retirement application online in a matter of minutes —
much less time than it would take to drive to a local Social Security
office.
The best starting place for anyone thinking about retirement is Social
Security’s Retirement Estimator. Use it to get an instant, personalized
estimate of future retirement benefits in a matter of minutes. Spend a
few more minutes plugging in different information, such as different
projected future wages and different retirement dates, to help make a
wise decision on the best retirement date. The Retirement Estimator is
available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator
Then there’s the online retirement benefit application. In as little as
15 minutes, a person can apply for Social Security benefits and submit
their application online. In most cases, once one submits the
application, there is nothing more to do but wait for the first payment.
It’s really that simple. And, if one decides they’d like to double-check
some information before submitting the application, that’s fine too. The
application can be paused and then restarted at any time during the
process. It’s all available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline
It makes sense to go to our elders for advice and guidance. But in this
technology-driven world, we may be able to offer a little advice to the
sages as well. A good bet is to tell the older adults in your life about
www.socialsecurity.gov
If You Can’t Work Due
to A Disability, Social Security Can Help
-
09/25/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you are disabled
and you’re no longer able to work, you should learn how Social Security
can help you.
Disability is something most people do not like to think about; however,
the unfortunate reality is this: the chances that you will become
disabled are probably far greater than you realize. Studies show that a
20-year-old worker has a more than one in four chance of becoming
disabled before reaching retirement age.
Social Security pays benefits to people with disabilities through the
Social Security disability insurance program, which is financed by
Social Security taxes. If you qualify, you can receive a monthly
disability benefit from Social Security for as long as your disability
keeps you from working. The amount of your benefit is based on your
average lifetime earnings. Potential Medicare coverage is dependent on
several factors and usually starts after you receive disability cash
benefits for 24 months.
When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. The
number of credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on
your age, and some of the work must be recent. For example, if you
become disabled after age 31, you need to have worked at least a total
of 10 years, including five of those having been worked within the past
10 years. But if you become disabled before age 24, you need only one
and a half years of work in the past three years.
If you have a disability that keeps you from working, the time to get
started with your application is now. That’s because it takes time to
determine whether you qualify for benefits. It usually takes about three
to five months for a medical decision from the state agency that
evaluates your condition. If your application is approved, your first
Social Security disability payment will be made for the sixth full month
after the date we determine that your disability began.
Given the time it can take, it’s in your best interest to do everything
you can to speed up the process. The best first step is for you to read
our online publication, Disability Benefits, at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs It
will tell you all about the process, including the information you will
need to apply for benefits.
Then, take advantage of our online disability starter kits. You will
find them on our disability website at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
From that page, simply select the option to apply for benefits online,
and on that page you will find the disability starter kits. There is one
kit for children and one for adults. Each kit is available in both
English and Spanish. The starter kits help you begin the process by
providing information about the specific documents and the information
that we will request from you.
Take a look at the
disability starter kit now at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
Once you complete the online disability starter kit and you’re ready to
apply, the most convenient way to do that is also online. Just go to the
same disability website at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
You Know Where to Find
Us (Because We Make It Easy) - 08/30/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you’ve read anything about Social Security in recent years, then you
probably know that our most convenient office location is wherever you
happen to be — thanks to
www.socialsecurity.gov Whether
you’re on your home or office computer, or at the park or the beach with
a mobile device, Social Security’s online office is just a click away.
However, we recognize that some people prefer to do business with us
face-to-face. If that’s you, we still would like to let you know about
an online feature that can make finding your nearest Social Security
office much easier.
From your computer or your mobile device, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/locator That link will take you to our Social
Security Office Locator. Once there, key in your ZIP code and you’ll get
the address, phone number, and hours of the Social Security office
closest to you.
The Locator page also gives you the option to see a map and get
directions. If you are on the run and have your mobile device, this
feature has the capability to “Map It,” providing turn-by-turn
directions, making it easy to get to the office from where you are at
the time. Of course, it’s still up to you to find a place to park (if
needed).
You don’t have to worry about parking or traffic or lines if you
transact your business at our online office on our website. If you can
use our online Office Locator, you’ll probably be able to easily take
advantage of our other online features.
We also encourage you to set up a my Social Security account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Then you will have quick and easy access to a number of personalized,
secure services. Get your Social Security Statement online, or if you
already receive benefits, get an instant benefit verification letter
right over the computer.
You may just want some information. You can get that online as well.
Browse our library of publications, which you can read or listen to, at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Get the Social Security forms you need at
www.socialsecurity.gov/online
Or, get an answer to a question by visiting our frequently asked
questions at
www.socialsecurity.gov/faq
Get Your Benefit
Verification Letter Online - 08/30/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Do you need a letter from Social Security verifying your benefits? The
fastest, easiest, most convenient way to get a benefit verification
letter these days is to go online to
www.socialsecurity.gov
You may need a benefit verification letter for a number of reasons.
Perhaps you need proof of income for a loan or to verify your monthly
income for housing, or state or local benefits. You may need proof of
your current Medicare health insurance status. In some cases, a person
may need proof of retirement status, disability status, or age. For any
of these situations, a benefit verification letter will provide the
proof you need.
Sometimes a benefit verification letter is called a budget letter,
benefits letter, proof of income letter, or proof of award letter. Don’t
let the different titles confuse you; they are all the same thing: a
benefit verification letter. Whatever the reason you need your benefit
verification letter, you can get yours immediately online for free.
To get your benefit verification letter, simply visit us online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
and set up a my Social Security account. To create an account, you must
provide some personal information about yourself and give us answers to
some questions that only you are likely to know. They are the same types
of questions you would encounter if you were trying to open an online
account at a financial institution or obtain your credit report.
Next, you create a unique username and password that you will use to
access your online account. This process protects you and keeps your
personal Social Security information private.
Once you’ve established your account, it will be simple for you to come
back and transact business with Social Security in the future. For
example, in addition to getting another benefit verification letter in
the next year or two, you can check your benefit and payment information
as well as your earnings record. You also can change your address, phone
number, and direct deposit information.
So remember: there’s no need to fight traffic and visit a busy
government office in order to obtain proof of your benefits. Simply
visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
and establish a my Social Security account so you can obtain your
benefit verification letter online in a matter of minutes.
SPOUSES HAVE A SIGNIFICANT
BENEFIT - 08/11/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Social Security can be an
important financial asset for married couples when the time comes to
apply for retirement benefits. In many cases, one spouse may have earned
significantly more than the other, or have worked for a longer span of
years. Or it could be that one spouse stayed home to do the work of
raising the children or caring for elderly family members while the
other focused on a career.
Regardless of your situation, Social Security will look at all
possibilities to make sure both spouses receive the maximum benefit
possible.
Even if you have not paid Social Security taxes, it’s likely you’ll be
eligible to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. If you did work
and pay into Social Security, we will check eligibility based on your
work record and your spouse’s to see which amount is higher.
You can apply for spouses benefits the same way that you apply for
benefits on your own record. You can apply for reduced benefits as early
as age 62, or for 100 percent of your full retirement benefits at your
“full retirement age. ” You can find your full retirement age, based on
your birth year, at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm
The benefit amount you can receive as a spouse, if you have reached your
full retirement age, can be as much as one half of your spouse’s full
benefit. If you opt for early retirement, your benefit may be as little
as a third of your spouse’s full benefit amount.
If your spouse has already reached full retirement age but continues to
work, your spouse can apply for retirement benefits and request to have
the payments suspended until as late as age 70. This would allow the
worker to earn delayed retirement credits that will mean higher payments
later, but would allow you to receive your spouse’s benefit.
You can also apply for spouse benefits based on the earnings record of
an ex-spouse or deceased spouse if you were married for at least 10
years. Spouses can consider a number of options and variables. We make
it easier to navigate them. A good place to start is by visiting our
benefits planner at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners
Take note of the “Benefits As A Spouse” section.
If you are ready to apply for benefits, the fastest, easiest, and most
convenient way is to apply online! You can do so at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline
Whether you receive benefits on a spouse’s record or your own, rest
assured we will make sure you get the highest benefit we can pay you.
Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov
IN THE AFTERMATH OF DISASTER,
SOCIAL SECURITY CAN HELP - 08/11/2013 By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
For some, recent years have been made difficult by natural disasters.
Fatal tornadoes in Oklahoma. Massive wildfires and strong earthquakes in
Colorado and California. Landslides in Washington. Flooding in Texas,
North Carolina and Florida. Hail storms in Tennessee. Hurricane Sandy
along the Eastern seaboard. And now, we brace ourselves for yet another
hurricane season.
In addition to the catastrophes caused by Mother Nature, there are
man-made tragedies, such as the theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado
that killed 12 and injured 58; the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre
in Newtown, Connecticut , which left 26 children and staff members dead;
and the Boston Marathon explosions, killing three and injuring more than
260.
When disasters strike, despite the immediate response by so many
well-intentioned people and organizations, it’s often hard to know where
to turn. But when it comes to the need for disability and survivors
benefits, Social Security is always here to serve those who require our
services.
Dependent survivors of wage earners, such as spouses, minor children,
and in some cases parents or grandchildren, may be eligible for survivor
benefits when the family’s provider dies. The sad fact is that about one
in eight of today’s 20 year-old workers will die before reaching age 67.
The good news is about 96 percent of people age 20 to 49 who work have
survivors insurance protection if they die and leave behind young
children and surviving spouses.
Social Security is here to help people inflicted with disabling
conditions as well. In fact, disabled workers account for about 19
percent of all Social Security benefits paid. One in four of today’s 20
year-old workers will become disabled before reaching age 67.
Our emergency services reach more than the limited numbers of people who
die or become disabled as a result of a tragedy. For example, if you are
still receiving a paper check and the delivery of mail is interrupted
due to severe weather, in many cases any Social Security office can
issue an immediate replacement payment. To avoid this situation,
however, switch to electronic payments as required by law. Even if your
mailbox — or home — is destroyed due to an emergency, or you are
evacuated or displaced, your payment will always arrive on time every
time if you receive it electronically.
Sometimes, emergencies cause Social Security offices to close. If you
want to check whether your local office is open, the best place to go is
to Social Security’s Office Closings And Emergency Information page at
www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency
This site is a great place to visit before you try to go to an office,
especially when severe weather is affecting your area.
The emergency page also offers valuable FEMA advice that can help you
prepare for or cope with emergency situations.
While we all hope and pray to avoid disasters, unfortunately, they are
bound to occur. The best we can do is to be as prepared as possible to
deal with them if they happen. And know that Social Security will be
here for you when you need it.
APPLY FOR DISABILITY
BENEFITS FROM THE CONVENIENCE OF HOME - 06/16/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Have you been thinking
about applying for Social Security disability benefits, but you are
unable to visit a Social Security office to complete the interview? Or
perhaps your disabling condition makes it difficult to visit a Social
Security office. We have good news: you can complete your application
for Social Security disability benefits from the convenience of your
home. Get started at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
The application process involves determining 1) whether you have
sufficient work to be eligible for Social Security; 2) the severity of
your medical condition; and 3) your ability to work. Because we
carefully review so many cases — more than three million each year — it
can take us three to five months to determine whether you are eligible
to receive benefits.
The amount of time it takes to make a decision on your application can
vary depending on a number of factors, such as:
• the nature of your disability;
• how quickly we obtain medical evidence from you, your doctors,
hospitals, or other medical sources; and
• whether we need to send you for a medical examination to obtain
evidence to support your claim.
We have several important initiatives to speed up the process. For
example, our Compassionate Allowances initiative allows us to fast-track
certain cases of individuals with very severe disabilities. Two hundred
different types of disabilities qualify for this expedited decision, and
the list continues to expand. Since Compassionate Allowances began in
2008, the agency has fast-tracked more than 250,000 disability
applications, getting benefits to people in a matter of days instead of
months. Learn more about Compassionate Allowances at
www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances
Another way we speed up decisions is with our Quick Disability
Determinations initiative, which uses technology to identify applicants
who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our
decisions on those cases. Read more about Quick Disability
Determinations at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm
There are things you can do to help speed up the decision process too.
The more information you provide up front, the less time it will take us
to obtain the evidence we need — and the faster we can make a decision
on your application. The types of information we need include:
• medical records or documentation you have; we can make copies of your
records and return your originals;
• the names, addresses, and phone numbers for any doctors, hospitals,
medical facilities, treatment centers, or providers that may have
information related to your disabling condition;
• the names, addresses, and phone numbers for recent employers and the
dates you worked for each employer; and
• your federal tax return for the past year.
If you’re not able to work due to a disability and getting to an office
is troublesome, don’t worry. You can apply online for Social Security
disability benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
YOUNG WORKERS, MEET
SOCIAL SECURITY - 06/16/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Welcome to the
workforce, new workers! Whether you’re beginning the career of a
lifetime or just earning some extra money for the school year to come,
there is one question that is likely to hit you when you see your first
pay stub: “What is the FICA, and why is my paycheck less because of it?”
Generally, employers are required to withhold Social Security and
Medicare tax from a worker’s paycheck. Your employer matches the amounts
you pay in Social Security and Medicare taxes. Usually the money we
withhold is referred to as “Social Security taxes” on the employee’s
payroll statement. Sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA taxes,”
which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, and sometimes
OASDI, or Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance. Name aside, what’s
important is how that money is being used, and what’s in it for you down
the road.
The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection, when you
eventually retire or if you become disabled. If you die, your dependent
children and spouse may be able to receive survivors benefits based on
your work. Today you probably have family members — grandparents, for
example — who already enjoy Social Security benefits that your Social
Security taxes help provide.
You may be a long way from retirement now, so you may find it hard to
appreciate the value of benefits that could be 40 or 50 years away. But
consider that your Social Security taxes could pay off sooner than you
think. Social Security provides valuable disability benefits — and
studies show that a 20-year-old has about a three in 10 chance of
becoming disabled sometime before reaching retirement age.
Don’t be tempted if you’re offered a job “under the table” or “off the
books.” If you work for any employer who pays you cash, you’re likely
not getting Social Security credit for the work you’re doing and
potentially missing out on future benefits.
Want to learn more about Social Security and what it means to young
workers? If so, we invite you to enjoy an online video: Social Security
101: What’s In It For Me? The webcast will fill you in on the details
you should know to get the most out of Social Security. Check it out at
www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars/social_security_101.html
Here’s another tip: open a my Social Security account so that you can
access your Social Security Statement. That will allow you to make sure
your earnings are recorded properly each year — and you can get
estimates of what your future benefits may be. You can easily open a my
Social Security account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
CAN’T WORK DUE TO
DISABILITY? MAYBE SOCIAL SECURITY CAN HELP - 05/02/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Disability is something
most people don’t like to think about. But if you’re not able to work
because you have a disabling condition that is expected to last at least
one year or result in death, then it’s a subject you may not be able to
avoid. You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you
become disabled. It may take you months to obtain all your medical
records and for us to process an application for disability benefits.
The types of information we need include:
• medical records or documentation you have; we can make copies of your
records and return your originals;
• the names, addresses, and phone numbers for any doctors, hospitals,
medical facilities, treatment centers, or providers that may have
information related to your disabling condition;
• the names, addresses, and phone numbers for recent employers and the
dates worked for each employer; and
• your federal tax return for the past year.
If you don’t have all of the information handy, that’s no reason to
delay. You should still apply for benefits right away. Social Security
can assist you in getting the necessary documents, including obtaining
your medical records. Just keep in mind that if you do have the
information we need, it will probably speed up the time it takes to make
a decision.
The fastest and most convenient way to apply for disability is online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability
You can save
your application as you go, so you can take a break at any time.
If you prefer, you may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to
make an appointment to apply at your local Social Security office or to
set up an appointment for someone to take your application over the
phone. If you are approved for disability benefits, that
doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to work again. In fact, Social
Security has special rules called “work incentives” that allow you to
test your ability to work.
BEST WAYS TO DO
BUSINESS WITH SOCIAL SECURITY - 03/17/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Many people save time by
going online to take care of everyday tasks. For example, they shop
online to avoid going to crowded malls or stores. They pay bills and
check their account balances online to save a trip to the bank.
It’s true of Social Security business, too. You can save a lot of time
by visiting
www.socialsecurity.gov
Here, you can handle much of your Social Security business quickly and
securely from your home or office computer. At the Social Security
website you can —
• create a my Social Security account for quick access to your
information;
• get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security
benefits;
• apply for retirement, disability, spouse’s, and Medicare benefits;
• check the status of your benefit application;
• change your address and phone number, if you receive monthly Social
Security benefits;
• sign-up for direct deposit of Social Security benefits;
• use our benefit planners to help you better understand your Social
Security options as you plan for your financial future;
• request a replacement Medicare card; and
• apply for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.
Looking for more Social Security information? Go online to find out
almost anything you need to know about the Social Security program.
Information is available on subjects ranging from how to get a Social
Security number for a newborn to returning to work while receiving
disability benefits.
If you need to reach us by phone, you can call us toll-free at
1-800-772-1213. We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer
specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week
after Tuesday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24
hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new
address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard
of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
No matter how you choose to contact us, Social Security is here to
assist you. We encourage you to give our website a try. You’ll get fast,
convenient service by going to
www.socialsecurity.gov
Your Number is Your
Card - 03/17/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Often times, people decide
they need to apply for a new Social Security card because they can’t
find their old one. As long as you have all of the required information
and documentation, it’s not difficult to obtain a replacement Social
Security card. But here’s even better news: you probably don’t need the
card.
When you think about it, your Social Security number is your Social
Security card. That is, knowing your number is usually all you’ll ever
need. Know your number by heart, and you’ll never leave home without it.
In the event that you really do want or need to get a replacement card,
either for yourself or for a child, you can find all the details at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
The “Get Or Replace a Social Security Card” page provides information on
how to obtain a replacement card and what specific documents you need to
provide. Each situation is unique, but in most cases you simply need to
print, complete, and either mail or bring the application to Social
Security with the appropriate documentation (originals or certified
copies only).
In almost all cases, though, an application for your newborn’s Social
Security card and number is taken in the hospital at the same time that
you apply for your baby’s birth certificate.
There are a number of reasons a baby or child may need a Social Security
number, but the main one is so that you can claim your child as a
dependent on your tax return. Your child also will need a Social
Security number to apply for certain government and social service
benefits.
Whether you need a Social Security card for yourself or your child, it’s
easy to apply for one. But remember: if you already have one and just
can’t find it, in most cases all you really need is to know your number.
Memorize your Social Security number, and you’ll never leave home
without it.
RETIRE ON YOUR OWN
TERMS - 03/17/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Most Americans are aware
that they need to save for retirement. It is a topic that is easy to
brush aside to a later date because although the subject is important,
it may not seem urgent. But the longer you put off some basic retirement
planning, the harder it will be to catch up later.
Now is the perfect time to give it some thought, as National Retirement
Planning Week takes place in April.
We’d like to share with you a few important items about Social Security
retirement benefits.
When you decide to retire, the easiest and most convenient way to do it
is right from the comfort of your home or office computer. Go to
www.socialsecurity.gov where you can apply for retirement benefits in as
little as 15 minutes. In most cases, there are no forms to sign or
documents to send; once you submit your electronic application, that’s
it!
In addition to using our
award-winning website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
1-800-325-0778) or visit the Social Security office nearest you. Either
way you choose to apply, be sure to have your bank account information
handy so we can set up your payments to be deposited directly into your
account.
Your age when you start to
receive Social Security makes a difference in your benefit amount. The
full retirement age (the age at which 100 percent of retirement benefits
are payable) has been gradually rising from age 65 to age 67. You can
retire as early as age 62, but if benefits start before you reach your
full retirement age, your monthly payment is reduced. Find out what your
full retirement age is by typing in your year of birth at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm
You also can choose to keep working beyond your full retirement age to
take advantage of a larger payment. Your benefit will increase
automatically each year from the time you reach your full retirement age
until you start receiving your benefits or until you reach age 70.
The decision of when to
retire is personal and depends on a number of factors. To help, we
suggest you read our online fact sheet, When To Start Receiving
Retirement Benefits, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html
You may want to consider
your options by using our Retirement Estimator to get instant,
personalized estimates of future benefits. You can plug in different
retirement ages and scenarios to help you make a more informed
retirement decision. Try it out at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator
You’ll also want to take
advantage of our latest and extremely popular service by setting up an
online my Social Security account. You can use my Social Security to
obtain a copy of your Social Security Statement to check your earnings
record and see estimates of the retirement, disability, and survivor
benefits you and your family may receive. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Another great website for
financial planning — whether for retirement or other financial goals —
can be found at:
www.mymoney.gov The website
features information about how to plan for a host of life events, such
as the birth or adoption of a child, home ownership, or retirement. The
site also provides money management tools, including a financial savings
calculator.
To learn more about Social Security retirement benefits and options,
please read our publication, Retirement Benefits, at:
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html
You can retire on your own terms, and we’re here to help.
IDENTITY THEFT — IT’S
NO JOKE - 03/17/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Be on guard to protect yourself from an
cyber
pranks. You should be wary of identity
thieves. Identity theft is no joking matter. Identity
thieves victimize millions of people each year.
Identity thieves have some sly tricks to obtain your personal
information. They do it by:
• Stealing wallets, purses, and your mail;
• Posing by phone or email as someone who legitimately needs information
about you, such as employers or landlords;
• Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site on the
Internet, from business or personnel records at work, and personal
information in your home; or
• Rummaging through your trash, the trash of businesses, and public
trash dumps for personal data.
Don’t be fooled by identity thieves; take the proper precautions. Be
sure to safeguard your personal information, such as your Social
Security number and mother’s maiden name. If an identity thief scores
this information, it could result in more than monetary loss for you as
a victim—it also can hurt your credit score and record.
You can help protect
yourself by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not
providing your personal information to unknown sources over the Internet
or by phone. Be sure to shred any documents, bills, or paperwork before
you throw them away. Most important, never reply to an email claiming to
be from Social Security that asks you for your Social Security number or
other personal information. If you are contacted by someone claiming to
be from Social Security and you have doubts about the validity of the
caller, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
If you think you’ve been
the victim of identity theft, you should contact the
Federal Trade Commission
at: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.
Or go
to
www.idtheft.gov and click on the link
for “Report Identity Theft.”
Fast-Tracked Disability
Process now has 200 medical conditions - 02/06/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
With the addition of 35
new Compassionate Allowances conditions involving cancers and rare
diseases, there are now a total of 200 disabling conditions that qualify
for Social Security’s expedited disability process. The Compassionate
Allowances initiative fast-tracks disability decisions to ensure that
Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit
decisions within days instead of months or years.
In addition to increasing the list of eligible conditions, the agency
has achieved another milestone. Since October 2008, nearly 200,000
people with severe disabilities nationwide have been quickly approved
using the expedited process.
Compassionate Allowances allow us to quickly identify diseases and other
medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards
for disability benefits. These conditions primarily include certain
cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that
affect children.
Compassionate Allowances permit Social Security to target the most
clearly disabled individuals for medical approvals based on objective
medical information that we can obtain quickly. Using the Compassionate
Allowances criteria, most cases can be medically approved in less than
two weeks. Compassionate Allowances conditions are added as a result of
information received at public outreach hearings, comments from the
Social Security and Disability Determination Service communities, input
from medical and scientific experts, and research from the National
Institutes of Health. We also consider which conditions are most likely
to meet our current definition of disability.
Social Security and Tax
Time - 02/06/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
April’s showers bring more
than just May’s flowers — they also bring the deadline day for filing
taxes. Don’t wait until the showers arrive to prepare for tax season.
Whether you are a small business owner, a retiree, or a new parent, here
are some Social Security tax tips that may help you.
Are Social Security benefits taxable? They are for some people. About
one third of those receiving benefits must pay taxes on some of their
Social Security. If your total income, including Social Security and all
of your other taxable income, is $25,000 or more and you file federal
taxes as an individual, you’ll need to pay federal taxes on some of your
benefits. (That amount is $32,000 for married couples filing a joint
return.)
Will I get a tax form for my Social Security benefits? Yes. In fact, you
should have already received it. Social Security Benefit Statements
(Form SSA-1099) for tax year 2012 were mailed to beneficiaries and
should have been received by January 31, 2013. If you receive Social
Security and haven’t received your 1099, you can request one online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/1099
We had our first child in 2012. Does our baby need a Social Security
Number? Yes. Most people apply for their baby’s Social Security number
while they’re still in the hospital at the same time they apply for the
birth certificate. But if you didn’t, you’ll need to apply for your
child’s Social Security number in order to claim the child as a
dependent on your tax return. You’ll also need it if you ever apply for
government benefits on behalf of the child or your family. Learn more
about Social Security cards and numbers at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
I changed my name when I got married last year. Do I need to report it
to Social Security? Yes. If you’ve legally changed your name due to
marriage, divorce, court order, or for any other reason, make sure you
change your name with Social Security, as well as with your employer. If
you change with one source but not the other, it could cause your
earnings to be improperly recorded. That could result in you not getting
all the benefits you earned when you become eligible for Social Security
in the future. You can learn more about your Social Security number and
how to change your name at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
I own a small business. Can I report the W-2s of my employees online to
Social Security? Yes, and we encourage you to do so at
www.socialsecurity.gov/bso Filing
your W-2s electronically is free, fast, and secure! Plus there’s an
added bonus: when you file electronically, you receive an extra month to
file because electronically filed W-2s aren’t due until March 31st.
You’ll also receive an electronic acknowledgement receipt. And when you
file electronically, you can print out your W-2s for your employees.
Does Social Security have any advice to make tax filing and future
benefit applications go smoothly? We encourage you to carefully check
your name, Social Security number and all of the data on your W-2s, your
online Social Security Statement, and Social Security card to make sure
they all match. If you don’t have access to your card or Statement but
know your Social Security number, make sure the number and information
is correct on your W-2s. A mismatch could delay your tax refund and
cause problems with your Social Security benefits in the future. Such
errors are much easier to fix now. If you do notice an error, you should
contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or if
the information on the W-2 is incorrect, notify your employer.
Be in the know about
Medicare Part B - 02/06/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
You may already know that
Medicare is a medical insurance program for people who are 65 or older
and for people who are disabled at any age. Some people are covered only
by one type of Medicare; others opt to pay extra for more coverage.
Understanding Medicare can save you money.
If you’re eligible for and want to be covered by Medicare Part B medical
insurance, now is the time to sign up. The general enrollment period for
Medicare Part B runs from January 1 through March 31. Before you make a
decision about general enrollment, here is some useful information.
There are four parts to Medicare: Parts A, B, C and D. Part A helps pay
for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and
other services. Part B helps pay for doctors' fees, outpatient hospital
visits, and other medical services and supplies not covered by Part A.
Part C allows you to choose to receive all of your health care services
through a managed health care organization. These plans, known as
Medicare Advantage Plans, may help lower your costs of receiving medical
services, or you may get extra benefits for an additional monthly fee.
You must have both Parts A and B to enroll in Part C. And Part D is the
Medicare Prescription Drug Program.
There is a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. In 2013, the standard
premium is $104.90. Some high-income individuals pay more than the
standard premium. Your Part B premium also can be higher if you do not
enroll during your initial enrollment period, or when you first become
eligible.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, you can delay your
Medicare Part B enrollment without having to pay higher premiums if you
are covered under a group health plan based on your own current
employment or the current employment of any family member. If this
situation applies to you, you have a “special enrollment period” in
which to sign up for Medicare Part B, without paying the premium
surcharge for late enrollment. This rule allows you to:
• Enroll in Medicare Part B at any time while you are covered under a
group health plan based on your own current employment or the current
employment of any family member; or
• Enroll in Medicare Part B during the eight month period that begins
following the last month your group health coverage ends, or following
the month employment ends, whichever comes first.
If you receive disability benefits and have coverage from a working
family member, the same rules apply.
If you live in one of the 50 states or Washington D.C. and you’re
already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits or
railroad retirement payments, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A
and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B
coverage, you have the option of turning it down.
If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when you first become eligible to
apply and you don’t fall under the special enrollment period, you'll
have to wait until the general enrollment period, which is January 1
through March 31 of each year. At that time, you may have to pay a
higher Medicare Part B premium.
Social Security
Announces New Online Services Available with a my Social Security
Account - 01/01/2013
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced
the agency is expanding the services available with a my Social Security
account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in
their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive
Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social Security
beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can now
access their benefit verification letter, payment history, and earnings
record instantly using their online account. Social Security
beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct
deposit information online.
“We are making it even easier for people to do their business with us
from the comfort of their home, office, or library,” Commissioner Astrue
said. “I encourage people of all ages to take advantage of our
award-winning online services and check out the new features available
through an online my Social Security account.”
Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a my Social
Security account can go online and get an official benefit verification
letter instantly. The benefit verification letter serves as proof of
income to secure loans, mortgages and other housing, and state or local
benefits. Additionally, people use the letter to prove current Medicare
health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status, and age.
People can print or save a customized letter.
Social Security processed
nearly nine million requests for benefit verification letters in the
past year. This new online service allows people to conduct business
with Social Security without having to visit an office or make a phone
call, and very often wait for a letter to arrive in the mail. It also
will reduce the time spent by employees completing these requests and
free them to focus on other workloads.
Once there, they must be
able to provide information about themselves and answers to questions
that only they are likely to know. After completing the secure
verification process, people can create a my Social Security account
with a unique user name and password to access their information.
People age 18 and older who are not receiving benefits can sign up for a
my Social Security account to get a personalized online Social Security
Statement. The online Statement provides eligible workers with secure
and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit
information, and estimates of future benefits they can use to plan for
their retirement. In addition, the portal also includes links to
information about other online services, such as applications for
retirement, disability and Medicare.
“Given our significantly
reduced funding, we have to find innovative ways to continue to meet the
needs of the American people without compromising service,” said
Commissioner Astrue. “These new enhancements will allow us to provide
faster service to more people in more places.”
Social Security Cards
and Numbers - 12/12/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Do you know where your Social Security card is located? Hopefully, it’s
in a safe place, tucked away securely with your other important papers.
It certainly should not be in your purse or wallet and should not be
carried with you every day since it can be more valuable than cash to an
identity thief.
Do you know your Social Security number? Chances are you have it
memorized. If you know your number, you may never need your card again.
It is the number, not the card, that is most important.
In the event that you lose your Social Security card and really need a
replacement, you can find out all the details on how to obtain a
replacement card and what specific documents you need to provide at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
Each situation is unique, but in most cases you simply need to print,
complete, and either mail or bring the application to Social Security
with the appropriate documentation (originals or certified copies only).
If you need to apply for a Social Security card and number for your
child, you can do that the same way, and get the specific information at
the same website. In almost all cases, though, an application for your
infant’s Social Security card and number is taken in the hospital at the
same time that you apply for your baby’s birth certificate.
Why does a baby need a Social Security number? There are a number of
reasons, but the main one is so that you can claim your child as a
dependent on your tax return. Social Security numbers are also needed
for children to apply for certain government and social service
benefits.
As you prepare for tax season, just around the corner, make sure the
kids (and all the dependents) that you list on your annual tax return
have Social Security numbers. If you want to claim your child as a
dependent on your tax return (and who doesn’t?) your child will need a
Social Security number. Note that all dependents listed on your federal
tax return will need Social Security numbers, including a dependent
parent who lives with you and receives support from you.
Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov. And learn
more about your Social Security card and number at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber where
you can print out an application and find out everything you need for
your specific situation.
Myths about Social
Security - 12/12/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Like any other successful and long-standing program or organization,
there are a number of myths surrounding Social Security. Some of them
are grounded in truth but just slightly misconstrued. Others are
completely out of line with the truth. Let’s take a look at a few.
Myth 1: Social Security is just a retirement program.
Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides benefits
to retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities who can no longer
work. In fact, almost seven million disabled workers and nearly two
million of their dependents get Social Security disability benefits. Six
and a half million dependents of deceased workers (including two million
children) get Social Security survivors benefits. Social Security is
more than just retirement.
Myth 2: I don’t need to save because Social Security will take care of
me when I’m retired.
Social Security was never intended to be a person’s sole income in
retirement; it should be combined with pension income and personal
savings and investments. Your Social Security Statement, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov.mystatement is a great place to get an idea of
what to expect during retirement. You can also visit our Retirement
Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Myth 3: If I work after I retire, I’ll be penalized.
Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no penalty and no
limit on the amount you can earn. You can determine your full retirement
age by visiting
www.socialsecurity.gov/retirecharted.htm The earnings limit
for workers who are younger than "full" retirement age (age 66 for
people born in 1943 through 1954) is $15,120 in 2013. (We deduct $1 from
benefits for each $2 earned over $15,120.) The earnings limit for people
turning 66 in 2013 is $40,080. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3
earned over $40,080 until the month the worker turns age 66.) Keep in
mind that if we withhold some of your benefits due to work, we will
re-compute your monthly benefit amount when you reach full retirement
age to account for those months that we withheld your benefit. There is
no limit on earnings for workers who are full retirement age or older
for the entire year.
Myth 4: To apply for benefits or do business with Social Security, I
need to go to an office.
Not only is this false, but we encourage you to do business with us the
most convenient and fastest way: at www.socialsecurity.gov. At our
website, you can apply for benefits, use our Retirement Planner, get an
estimate of your benefits, request a replacement Medicare card, and much
more. You’ll find it all — along with answers to your questions — at
www.socialsecurity.gov
A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
AND NUMBER LESSON -
10/03/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Are you looking to replace your Social Security card just because you
don’t have it? Then rest assured: you really don’t need to replace it.
What’s most important is that you remember your Social Security number.
Remember, during your formal education, when you used to memorize
passages from a book, or answers for a test? In the same way, you should
memorize your Social Security number. Knowing your Social Security
number is important when it comes to work, taxes, banking, and other
types of business. Treat your number as confidential information and
keep it protected. Memorizing your number means you don’t need to carry
your Social Security card with you unless you need to show it to your
employer. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.
If you really do need to get a replacement card, it’s easy to apply for
a new one. Simply complete an Application for a Social Security Card
(Form SS-5) and show us original documents proving your U.S. citizenship
or immigration status, age, and identity. The application includes
examples of documents you may need; you can find the application at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your
local Social Security office. We will mail your Social Security card to
you.
If your card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement for
free. However, with some exceptions, you are limited to three
replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.
DISABLED? APPLY FOR
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FROM HOME - 9/27/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If your disabling condition makes it hard for you to drive or arrange
transportation to your local Social Security office, we have some good
news. You can complete and submit your application for Social Security
disability benefits from your own home computer. Get started at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
The application process involves determining 1) whether you have
sufficient work to be eligible for Social Security; 2) the severity of
your medical condition; and 3) your ability to work. Because we
carefully review so many cases — more than three million each year — it
can take us three to five months to determine whether you are eligible
to receive benefits.
The amount of time it takes to make a decision on your application can
vary depending on a number of factors, such as:
• the nature of your disability;
• how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctors, hospitals,
or other medical sources; and
• whether we need to send you for a medical examination in order to
obtain evidence to support your claim.
We do a number of things to speed up the process when we can. For
example, our Compassionate Allowances initiative allows us to fast-track
certain cases of individuals with very severe disabilities such as
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). There are 165 different types of
disabilities that qualify for this expedited decision, and that list
continues to expand. Learn more about Compassionate Allowances at
www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances
Another way we speed up decisions is with our Quick Disability
Determinations initiative, which uses technology to identify applicants
who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our
decisions on those cases. Read more about Quick Disability
Determinations at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm
There are things you can do to help speed up the decision process too.
The more information you provide up front, the less time it will take us
to obtain the evidence we need — and the faster we can process your
application. The types of information we need include:
• medical records or documentation you have; we can make copies of your
records and return your originals;
• the names, addresses, and phone numbers for any doctors, hospitals,
medical facilities, treatment centers, or providers related to your
disabling condition; and
• the names, addresses, and phone numbers for recent employers and the
dates worked for each employer.
We also ask you to sign release forms that give us permission to obtain
the information needed from third parties to make a decision on your
claim.
The best place to start is online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
Select “Disability Starter Kits” in the left column. There, you’ll find
important information to help you with your application.
If you’re not able to work due to a disability, apply online for Social
Security disability benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
SOCIAL SECURITY AND
LIVING ABROAD - 8/18/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
These days it is more common than ever for a person to travel across the
globe – either for vacation or to live in another country permanently.
If you are one of these people, Social Security offers a special
website: “Social Security Payments Outside the United States.” The
website features all you need to know about Social Security while living
abroad. You can find it at
www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments.html
If you’re in the planning stages of moving to another country, you may
want to check out our “Payments Abroad Screening Tool.” It will ask you
a few short questions and will let you know whether your payments can
continue. It may make a difference in your decision to live abroad.
The page also offers links to publications, such as Your Payments While
You Are Outside The United States, which explains how your benefits may
be affected and other important information you need to know about
receiving Social Security benefits while outside the country.
In the top, right corner of the page, you’ll find important information
on how to contact Social Security when you are abroad — to ask
questions, make requests, or report events and changes that may affect
payments.
Get Your Social
Security Statement Online - 6/13/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
If you would like to get a Social Security Statement, which provides
estimates of your future benefits, it is now available online at
www.socialsecurity.gov
“Our new online Social Security Statement is simple, easy-to-use and
provides people with estimates they can use to plan for their
retirement,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security.
“The online Statement also provides estimates for disability and
survivors benefits, making the Statement an important financial planning
tool. People should get in the habit of checking their online Statement
each year, around their birthday, for example.”
In addition to helping with financial planning, the online Statement
also provides workers a convenient way to determine whether their
earnings are accurately posted to their Social Security records. This
feature is important because Social Security benefits are based on
average earnings over a person’s lifetime. If the information is
incorrect, the person may not receive proper benefits.
The online Statement provides you the opportunity to save or print the
document for future reference, or to have handy for discussions with
family members or a financial planner.
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, users are giving
the online Statement a score of 89, making it competitive with our other
top-rated, best-in-government online services, such as the Retirement
Estimator and online retirement application.
To get a personalized online Statement, you must be age 18 or older and
must be able to provide information about yourself that matches
information already on file with Social Security. In addition, Social
Security uses Experian, an external authentication service provider, for
further verification. You must provide identifying information and
answer security questions in order to pass this verification. Social
Security will not share your Social Security number with Experian, but
the identity check is an important part of this new, thorough
verification process.
When your identity is verified, you can create a “My Social Security”
account with a unique user name and password to access your online
Statement. In addition, your online Statement includes links to
information about other online Social Security services, such as
applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare.
Report Your Name Change
to Social Security
- 6/13/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
This time of year, we see a lot of weddings, and in many cases that
means name changes. If you need to change your name due to marriage,
divorce, or any other reason, you will want to report the change to
Social Security.
There are several reasons to report the change. First, IRS and Social
Security match computer records. If the name and Social Security number
you report on your tax return do not match the name and Social Security
number in our records, it could delay the processing of your return as
well as any tax refund you might be due.
The second reason it is important to make sure your Social Security
records are up-to-date is because your potential Social Security
benefits are based almost entirely on the earnings record we maintain
for you. If your employer reports earnings to the government under your
new name, and your Social Security record still shows your old name,
those earnings may not get credited to your Social Security earnings
record. Missing earnings can lead to lower future Social Security
benefits.
To change your name in Social Security’s records, you must apply for a
new Social Security card. To make the application process faster and
easier, just go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber and
print out the form for a Social Security card, “Application Form SS-5.”
That’s also the form you need if you simply want to apply for a
replacement card. The application form also tells you what evidence you
will need to submit.
Complete the one-page form and bring or mail it to your local Social
Security office with proper documentation. All documents must be
originals or certified copies and must have information that clearly
identifies you, like your date and place of birth. The application
includes information on what types of identity and documentation are
needed for specific cases, and what sorts of documents we can accept.
The application process is easy, and described well (along with other
things you may want to know about your Social Security card and number)
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
NEW COMPASSIONATE
ALLOWANCES CONDITIONS MEAN FASTER DECISIONS FOR THOUSANDS OF DISABLED
PEOPLE - 5/7/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
In April, 2012 Social Security announced 52 new Compassionate Allowances
conditions to the growing list of severe medical conditions that qualify
for expedited medical decisions. The new conditions include many
neurological disorders, cancers, and rare diseases.
The Compassionate Allowances initiative is a way of quickly identifying
diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify as
“disabled” based on minimal medical information. Compassionate
Allowances allow Social Security to quickly identify the most obviously
disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical
information that we can obtain quickly.
The announcement of 52 new conditions, effective in August, will
increase the total number of Compassionate Allowances conditions to 165.
That list continues to grow as Social Security, the National Institutes
of Health, and a number of patient organizations help identify new
conditions that clearly warrant quick approvals.
“Social Security will continue to work with the medical community and
patient organizations to add more conditions,” Commissioner Astrue said.
“With our Compassionate Allowances program, we quickly approved
disability benefits for nearly 61,000 people with severe disabilities in
the past fiscal year, and nearly 173,000 applications since the program
began.”
Social Security develops the list of Compassionate Allowances conditions
from information received at public outreach hearings, comments received
from the disability community, counsel of medical and scientific
experts, and research with the National Institutes of Health. Also, we
consider which conditions are most likely to meet our definition of
disability.
For more information on the Compassionate Allowances initiative, please
visit:
www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances
SERVING WOUNDED
WARRIORS AND THE SURVIVORS OF OUR FALLEN HEROES - 04/10/2012
By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
It’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and
women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those
who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
If you are a military service member who was wounded and needs to apply
for disability benefits, it’s important to know that you will receive
expedited processing. Our wounded warriors initiative is for military
service members who become disabled while on active duty on or after
October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Depending on
the situation, some family members of military personnel, including
dependent children and, in some cases, spouses, may be able to receive
benefits. Learn more about it at
www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors
Did you know that May also is National Military Appreciation Month? Even
more reason to let members of our military know how much we value what
they do for us and our nation.
To learn more about the Social Security benefits for those who have
served in the military, read our publication, Military Service and
Social Security. You can find it online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html, or send us an email at
OPI.Net.Post@ssa.gov, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
to ask for a free copy to be mailed to you.
Memorial Day also is a good time to remind families of fallen military
heroes that we may be able to pay Social Security survivors benefits. If
the person you depended on for income has died, you should apply for
survivors benefits. Learn more about Social Security survivors benefits
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm
The men and women of the Armed Forces serve us each and every day. At
Social Security, we’re here to serve them too.
ALL ABOUT DISABILITY -
3/7/2012 By Everett M. Lo
Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the
New York Region
Disability is something most people do not like to think about. But if
you’re not able to work because you have a medical condition that is
expected to last at least one year or result in death, you may be able
to get Social Security disability benefits. Here’s what you need to
know.
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.
It can take months to obtain all your medical records and process an
application for disability benefits (three to five months, on average).
Generally, the information we need includes:
•
Your Social Security number;
• Your birth or baptismal certificate;
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors, caseworkers,
hospitals, and clinics that took care of you, and;
• dates of your visits;
• Names and dosage of all the medicine you take;
• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics,
and caseworkers you already have in your possession;
• Laboratory and test results;
• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did; and
• A copy of your most recent W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement) or;
• If you are self-employed, your Federal tax return for the past
year.
IMPORTANT--Do not
delay filing for disability benefits if you don’t have all the above
information in your possession. Social Security will assist you in
getting the necessary documents, including obtaining your medical
records.
The fastest and most convenient way to apply for disability is online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability
You can save
your application as you go, so you can take a break at any time.
If you prefer, you may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to
make an appointment to apply at your local Social Security office or to
set up an appointment for someone to take your application over the
phone.
If you are approved for disability benefits, that doesn’t mean you’ll
never return to work. Social Security has special rules called “work
incentives” that allow you to test your ability to work.
