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Social Security Column NATIONALLY, LOCALLY, AND INDIVIDUALLY, SOCIAL SECURITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE By Phil Walton Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH Social Security reaches almost every family in the United States, and at some point touches the lives of nearly all Americans. It not only helps older Americans, but also workers who become disabled and families in which a spouse or parent dies. Today, about 159 million people work and pay Social Security taxes. More than 53 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits. In 2009 alone, those benefits came to about $675 billion. In addition to the national impact Social Security has on the U.S. economy, there’s no denying the difference it makes in communities all across America. In neighborhoods around the nation, the benefits paid help more than just individual beneficiaries. These people spend their benefit payments at the local grocery store, the local clothing store, department stores, and mom-and-pop shops. Benefits are used to pay for goods and services that sustain the local economy, keep local farmers farming, local retailers retailing, and local contractors contracting. In some counties, as much as 30 percent of the population receives benefits and those benefits make up as much as 20 percent of the local economy. Both at the national and local level, Social Security makes a difference. The average payment for a retired individual is $1,169 a month, which represents 40 percent of income for an average retired person. The monthly payment for a disabled person averages $1,065. For the widow or widower of a working family member, the average payment is $1,104. These are real numbers that help many individuals make ends meet. The payments made to beneficiaries help individuals and families to stay afloat. But the byproduct is that these individuals are using their benefits to help keep the economy going. It’s clear that Social Security makes a difference on a national, local, and individual level.To learn more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov . # # # |
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Find the Most Popular Baby Names in Ohio for 2009 at WWW.SOCIALSECURITY.GOV The Social Security Administration today announced the most popular baby names in Ohio for 2009. Continuing a popular Mother’s Day tradition, last Friday the federal government’s top official for baby names, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the nation’s most popular baby names. How does Ohio compare to the rest of the country? Jacob and Isabella topped the list. Nationally, Isabella and Jacob were the most popular baby names. Please go to Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- to see the top baby names for 2009. The top five boys and girls names for 2009 in Ohio were: Boys: Girls: 1) Jacob 1) Isabella 2) Noah 2) Emma 3) Ethan 3) Olivia 4) Logan 4) Ava 5) William 5) Madison New to the website this year is an exclusive video of Chubby Checker counting down the most popular names of the past decade. Chubby also has information about a new “twist” in the law that may help an older relative or neighbor get an average of almost $4,000 of extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs. In addition to each state’s top 100 baby names, Social Security’s website has a list of the 1,000 most popular boys’ and girls’ names for 2009 and a list of the top 100 names for twins born in 2009. The website also offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880. To read about this year’s winner for biggest jump in popularity, how The First Family and “Twilight” affect baby names, and whether or not Elvis still lives, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2009-pr.htm . Click here for an electronic fact sheet linking you to online services at www.socialsecurity.gov |
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Social Security’s Online Services Take Top Three Spots in Customer Satisfaction Survey Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the agency’s online services continue to be the best in government and exceed the top private sector sites in customer satisfaction. In the latest results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator and benefit application remain in the top spots, each with a score of 90, and the Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs application placed third with a score of 87. “Online services are vital to good public service and I am pleased that Social Security continues to provide the best in both government and the private sector,” Commissioner Astrue said. “The Internet provides the public with the ability to conduct business at their convenience and at their own pace, without the need to take leave from work, travel to a field office, and wait to meet with an agency representative. It also reduces the time spent by our employees processing claims and frees them up to spend more time handling complex cases.” Social Security’s three top-rated online services also meet or exceed the private sector’s highest score, Netflix, with a score of 87. The ACSI notes that this shows “that government sites can satisfy visitors just as well as, or even better than, private-sector sites.” The ACSI is the only uniform, national, cross-industry measure of satisfaction with the quality of goods and services available in the U.S. According to ACSI, “Any website, whether in the private or public sector, that scores an average of 80 or higher can be considered superior in meeting site visitors’ needs and expectations.” Social Security’s Business Services Online, with a score of 82, also meets this superior threshold. To view all of Social Security’s online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. |
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Social Security Column SAVE ON A RAINY DAY Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH You’ve heard the saying before: save for a rainy day. We’d like to suggest you save on a rainy day. Just as April’s showers bring May’s flowers, your savings today can help make your retirement savings flourish in the future. According to a recent survey, 43 percent of Americans have saved less than $10,000 for retirement. And 27 percent have saved less than $1,000. We don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but people need to start putting away more for retirement.
No matter what your age, now is the time to begin saving for your retirement — if you haven’t started already. If retirement is near, you’ll want to jump into the fast lane right away. If you’re younger and retirement seems a lifetime away, it’s still in your best interest to begin saving now. The magic of compound interest will be on your side. Investors and financial advisors agree that saving when you’re young will make a world of difference when the time comes to draw on your retirement savings. Don’t take our word for it. You can check out the numbers yourself. And a great place to start figuring out how much you will need for retirement is to learn how much you’ll be getting from Social Security. You can do that in minutes with Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator .
Using your earnings record and information you type in, the Retirement Estimator offers an instant and personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits. Try it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator . We encourage saving for retirement, but there are many other reasons to save as well: buying a car or house, education, or the vacation you’ve always dreamed of taking. After you’ve figured out how much you should put aside for retirement, consider what amount you can save for other goals. A great place to go for help is www.mymoney.gov . MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401(k) plan, the resources on www.MyMoney.gov can help you do it better. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies government wide. Another excellent resource is the Ballpark Estimator at www.choosetosave.org/ballpark . This online tool takes complicated issues, like projected Social Security benefits and earnings assumptions on savings, and turns them into language and mathematics that are easy to understand. As April showers trickle down, consider trickling some of your money into savings for retirement and future goals. These three online resources are a great way to spend a rainy day. And if you’re hungry for more, dive into a wealth of further information at www.socialsecurity.gov .
Social Security Column HERE’S TO A GREEN PLANET IN RETIREMENT; HOW SOCIAL SECURITY IS HELPING
By Phil Walton Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH
Social Security has been practicing environmental stewardship long before “going green” was a fashionable catch-phrase. We at Social Security are used to looking to the future when it comes to social insurance and solvency issues — we are in the “looking forward” business. So it makes sense that Social Security has long recognized the need for protecting the environment for future generations. After all, why provide a secure retirement for tomorrow’s retirees if they won’t have a healthy environment in which to enjoy it?
What, exactly, are we doing to go green? Here’s just one example. When it became necessary to renovate one of the largest buildings at the Social Security headquarters complex, we used sustainable design practices resulting in an environmentally sensitive facility. More than 75 percent of the construction materials were salvaged. Natural daylight, high-efficiency lighting, thermal ice storage, economizers, high performance windows, reflective roofing, energy efficient heating and air conditioning equipment, and low-maintenance landscaping reduce energy use by 13 percent. This is just one of several buildings that Social Security has given the green makeover. Other environment-friendly buildings are located in Chicago, Philadelphia, Birmingham, Richmond, Calif., and Jamaica, N.Y. There are things you can do to go green too. For example, you could plant a tree, and recycle your plastic, glass, and paper. But what’s even better than recycling your paper is not having any paper to begin with. Going green is yet another of the many reasons to complete your business transactions with Social Security online. You can complete all of your “paperwork” without using any paper!
Whether you want to get an estimate of your future retirement benefits, apply for retirement benefits, apply for Medicare, request a replacement Medicare card, report a change of address or direct deposit if you are currently receiving benefits, or take charge of your retirement planning, you can do it on our website. There’s no need to drive to your local Social Security office. Don’t wait in traffic when you can do Social Security business from the comfort of your home or office. Save a trip (and the gas and carbon emissions that go along with it) and go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to get started. You can complete many of these services online without taking another step. Some services require you to mail in documents and information. Regardless, you’ll be ahead of the pack by using our online services. You can rest assured that doing business with Social Security online is fast, easy, and secure. And it is environmentally the cleanest, greenest way to do your Social Security business. Many of our online services are available as automated phone services as well. Just call 1-800-772-1213 to take advantage of them. Not everyone can give their home or office an environmental makeover. But anyone can use our online services or automated phone services. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). |
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News Release The Cast of The Patty Duke Show Reunites to Tell Americans
Cast Reprises Original Roles in New TV Spots
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today joined award-winning actress Patty Duke and the cast of her hit 1960s sitcom, The Patty Duke Show, to unveil Social Security’s newest online service – an application for Medicare benefits. This new online application, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is for people reaching the Medicare eligibility age of 65 who want to delay filing for Social Security retirement benefits. Currently about a half million Americans enroll in Medicare each year without applying for monthly benefits.
“Social Security’s online services are the best in all of government and exceed the top private sector companies in customer satisfaction,” Commissioner Astrue said. “The new Medicare application is a welcome addition to our suite of online services and will make it easier than ever to sign up for Medicare. I am thrilled that Patty Duke has once again volunteered to help us get the word out. The fact that this time her TV family has joined her makes this even more special and I thank William Schallert, Eddie Applegate, and Paul O’Keefe for their service to America. I also want to thank Dr. David Kessler, former FDA Commissioner, who appeared with Patty as a befuddled family physician in some of our spots.”
To apply online for Medicare, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and choose Retirement/Medicare under the header, “Click Below To Apply For.” You will be asked a brief series of questions. If you have a question or need additional information, there are convenient “more info” links. When you’re done, just click the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you by phone or letter.
For a variety of reasons, more and more Americans are choosing to delay receiving Social Security retirement benefits past the Medicare eligibility age of 65. Although the age to collect full retirement benefits used to be age 65, it is now age 66 for individuals just becoming eligible for retirement benefits and will eventually become age 67. Benefits can be increased by up to 32 percent if someone delays receiving them until age 70. To learn more, see our When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits fact sheet at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html .
“We are continuing to look for ways to improve our existing online services and to add new services that make it easy for people to do business with Social Security,” said Commissioner Astrue. “Later this year, we will make our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator available in Spanish, a first for the federal government. Providing the public with the best online services in the government and private sectors is one of our top priorities.”
To see all of Social Security’s online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices .
To view the new public service announcements featuring the cast of The Patty Duke Show, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly . |
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Social Security Column CHUBBY CHECKER ANNOUNCES NEW “TWIST” IN MEDICARE LAW By Phil Walton Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH If you’ve been thinking about applying for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs, then now’s the time to get on the dance floor and hop to it. Chubby Checker, the Grammy Award winning rock and roll legend most known for his hit, “The Twist,” has teamed up with Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, to tell people about a new “twist” in the law. The change in the law makes it easier for people with Medicare to qualify for extra help with their prescription drug costs. “The changes in the Medicare law will allow hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to pay their prescription drug costs to get extra help during these tough economic times,” said Commissioner Astrue. “I am thrilled that Chubby Checker has volunteered to help us spread this important message through a new television, radio, and Internet spot as well as pamphlets and posters.” “Listen up, America! For 50 years, people of all ages and backgrounds have danced the Twist,” Chubby Checker said. “Now it’s important everyone learn about this new twist in the law. Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov .”There are income and resource limits a person needs to meet to qualify for the extra help . But the new Medicare law eases those requirements in two ways: · The cash value of life insurance no longer counts as a resource; and · Assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage, or utilities, no longer counts as income. A bonus “twist” is that the application you file for extra help can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs as well — state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. These programs help pay Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments. To learn more about the extra help program and to view the new television spot featuring Chubby Checker, visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp .
# # # Social Security Column TO TAX OR NOT TO TAX: A SOCIAL SECURITY QUESTION
By Phil Walton Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH
When it comes to Social Security benefits, you may be wondering who must pay taxes on them and who does not. Let’s look at the numbers. If you file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your total income is more than $25,000, then the answer for you is yes: you’ll have to pay federal taxes on your benefits. If you file a joint return and you and your spouse have a total income more than $32,000, you’ll be expected to pay federal taxes as well. If your taxable income is below those thresholds, there is no need to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits.
If you need to pay taxes on a portion of your benefits, you will need your SSA-1099. This form shows the total amount of benefits received in the previous year and is used to find out whether any benefits are subject to tax. You will need to submit it when you complete your federal income tax return.
You already should have received your SSA-1099 for tax year 2009 in the mail — they were automatically mailed to all beneficiaries by January 31, 2010. If you receive Social Security and have not yet received a Form SSA-1099 for 2009, you can request a replacement online at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices . Or you can call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) and ask for a replacement SSA-1099 to be mailed to you.
If you would like more information about paying taxes on your Social Security benefits, visit www.irs.gov and read Publication Number 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits . You also can call the Internal Revenue Service toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 (TTY, 1-800-829-4059). So if you’ve been wondering whether or not you’ll need to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits and what forms you may need, now you know the simple facts. |
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Social Security Column A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO KEEP By Phil Walton Many Americans begin each new year with a list of resolutions and goals. You may want to go on a diet, shed a little weight, do a bit more exercising, or clean out the long-neglected attic. The trouble is these well-intended goals often melt away long before winter’s snow does. So why not make a resolution that’s easier to keep? If applying for retirement benefits is on your list of things to do this year, resolve to do it online. To get started, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. As we enter 2010, visiting a Social Security office to apply for benefits is no longer necessary. You’ll save time, energy, and resources by filing your application from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. In fact, it can take as little as 15 minutes to complete your retirement application. How’s that for an easy resolution to keep? Of course, not everyone is ready to retire. So here is another resolution that is easy to keep. If you’re only dreaming of retirement now, why not turn those daydreams into concrete plans for your future retirement goals? Just use our online Retirement Estimator. Plug in some basic information and you’ll instantly get a personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits. It’s another easy resolution to keep and will take only a few minutes. Try it out now at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Whether you’re already getting Social Security retirement benefits or just beginning to work, Social Security offers a number of services and a wealth of information online at www.socialsecurity.gov. For a specific list of online services available, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. So as we enter the new decade, make a resolution to set goals you can keep. Apply online for Social Security benefits or plan your retirement at www.socialsecurity.gov. Now, if only you could get your diet plan or exercise regimen to work in as little as 15 minutes. |
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Social Security Column SOCIAL SECURITY CAN BENEFIT SURVIVING By Phil Walton At the start of a new year, many folks like to take stock of their situation in life — work, health, finances, etc. But most of us avoid doing much thinking about death — or what it might mean for surviving loved ones. Still, wouldn't you feel better knowing that, if you were no longer living, your family wouldn’t have to depend only on any life insurance or savings you might have? Of course you would. So here are some basic facts that may interest you about Social Security survivors insurance. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of your Social Security taxes go toward survivors insurance. In fact, for most workers, the value of the survivors insurance under Social Security may be more than the value of any life insurance policy owned. Who can receive survivors benefits based on your work? Your surviving husband or wife may be able to receive full benefits at his or her full retirement age. They also can choose to take reduced Survivors benefits as early as age 60. And, if your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50. Your minor children also can receive benefits if they are living with you and depend on you for income — as long as they are under age 18 or disabled. And if your widow or widower is taking care of your child or children under age 16, then she or he may be eligible for benefits at any age. So, the best life insurance plan may be one you already have but perhaps didn’t know about. Now that you do know, it’s easy to learn more. For more information on widows, widowers, and other survivors benefits, and to get an idea of just how much those survivors benefits might be, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select “Survivors” at the top of the page. |
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Social Security Column By Phil Walton The holidays are over, the gift-giving (and spending) is done, and you’re almost finished returning all of the things you don’t want or need. You’ve even jotted down your New Year’s resolutions and plan to stick to them. Time to relax? Maybe not right away — it’s time to start thinking about your taxes. Here are Social Security’s top three tips for making tax time a lot easier. 1) Don’t forget the children. Make sure the kids (and all the dependents) you list on your annual tax forms have Social Security numbers. Yes, children do need Social Security numbers. There once was a time when a child did not require a Social Security card until later in life, but in 2010, that day is long gone. If you want to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return, your child will need a Social Security number. For many families, it’s not only the kids who will need a number. All dependents listed on your federal tax returns will need Social Security numbers, including a dependent parent who lives with you and receives support from you. If any of your dependents needs a Social Security number, you can get an application at www.socialsecurity.gov. 2) Check the names and numbers. It’s not enough for everyone on your tax return to have a Social Security number — they also must be the correct numbers, and they must match your names exactly. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) checks all the names and Social Security numbers on your tax return against Social Security's records. If the names and numbers do not match Social Security's records, you will receive a letter from IRS asking you to explain the discrepancy. You cannot receive a tax refund until the discrepancy is resolved — which could mean an unnecessarily long delay. 3) Social Security tax on Social Security benefits. If you receive Social Security benefits and your total income, including benefits and any other income such as wages, pensions, or investment income is high enough, you may have to pay taxes on a portion of your benefits. So plan accordingly as you work out your budget. You may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits if:
These simple tips can move taxes from monumental to manageable when the time comes to file your tax return. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov. |
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Social Security Column BEEN THINKING ABOUT MEDICARE PART B? By Phil Walton If you are covered under Medicare Part A, but originally opted not to apply for Medicare Part B, now’s your opportunity to enroll in Part B. The general enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31. But first, you may be wondering: what are Parts A and B? And why would someone get one and not the other? Here are the nuts and bolts. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, some home health care, and hospice care. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance. When you first become eligible to apply for Medicare Part A, you also have the option of enrolling in Part B for a monthly premium. Some people decide not to because they do not want to pay the premium or for other reasons. But you may discover that as your medical needs change, it is to your advantage to enroll. That’s where enrollment periods come into play. When you first become eligible for Part A, you have a seven-month period (your initial enrollment period) in which to sign up for Part B. After the initial enrollment period, you can only sign up during a later year’s general enrollment period. Each year, the Medicare general enrollment period runs January 1 through March 31. Your coverage begins the following July. But keep in mind that, for most people, the monthly premium increases 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for, but did not enroll in, Medicare Part B. So if you are covered under Medicare Part A and you’ve been thinking about applying for Part B, now is the time to act. Learn more about Medicare by reading Social Security’s publication on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html. You also can learn a lot about Medicare by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov and selecting “Medicare” at the top of the page on the right side. Or visit Medicare’s website at www.medicare.gov. |
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Social Security Column SPOUSES CAN APPLY ONLINE, TOO By Phil Walton You probably already know that when it comes time to apply for retirement, you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. But did you know that spouses can apply online, too? That’s right. If you are a spouse applying for benefits based on your husband’s or wife’s record, you can do it online from the convenience of your own home. It’s so easy! Wonder whether you may qualify to apply for spouse’s benefits? If you are a spouse who has not worked or who has worked for very low wages, you could be entitled to a benefit equal to as much as one-half of your retired spouse's full benefit. Even if you are divorced, you may be eligible for benefits based on the employment record of your former spouse. To get benefits on your spouse’s record, you must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in your care — a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits. The amount of your spousal benefit depends on your age at retirement. If you begin receiving benefits before full retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced in most cases. You also may be eligible for a retirement benefit based on your own earnings. If that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, Social Security would pay you the higher benefit. We compare which of the two benefits would be more beneficial to you, and discuss the options you have. If you have reached your full retirement age and are eligible for a spouse's benefit as well as your own retirement benefit, you may choose to receive the spouse's benefits only in order to continue accruing delayed retirement credits on your own Social Security record. You may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher monthly benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits. Remember that if you are a spouse who is taking care of a minor child (16 or under) or a child who is disabled and gets Social Security benefits on your or your spouse’s record, you can receive a benefit, regardless of your retirement age. Read more about Social Security Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html. Ready to apply for benefits right now? You can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. If you have any questions about this column, please email them to Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security at Public.Affairs@ssa.gov. Social Security Column BECOMING A PAYEE MAY BE THE BEST WAY TO HELP By Phil Walton Keep in mind that being a representative payee is not the same as having power of attorney. Even if you do have power of attorney, you will need to apply to be a representative payee in order to have the benefit payments made to you on the beneficiary’s behalf. When we learn that a person is no longer able to handle his or her own Social Security or SSI benefits, we conduct a careful investigation and appoint a relative, friend or other interested party to serve as the representative payee. This means that if you agree to be a representative payee and we appoint you, we pay you the person’s benefits to use on his or her behalf. As a representative payee, you would be responsible for using the benefit payments to help meet the basic needs of the beneficiary. Primarily, the funds should be used to provide food, clothing, shelter, utilities and other essential needs for the person eligible for benefits. As a representative payee, you need to be aware of the beneficiary’s needs so you can decide how benefits can best be used for his or her personal care and well-being. Each year, Social Security will mail you a form to account for the benefits you have received. The quickest and easiest way to complete the form is online, at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee. You can also complete the paper form and return it to Social Security. As a representative payee, you will also need to tell Social Security about changes that may affect the beneficiary’s eligibility. This includes things like changes in living arrangements, other income, and resources. If you decide you want to help someone by becoming their representative payee, you’re in good company. More than seven million people who get monthly Social Security or SSI payments each month have a representative payee because they need help managing their money. By agreeing to serve as a representative payee, you have taken on an important responsibility — one that can make a positive difference in both the beneficiary’s life and your own. Learn more by reading our online booklet, A Guide For Representative Payees, available on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10076.html. Learn more about Social Security by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov. # # # SOCIAL SECURITY-QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Question: Answer:
Question:
Even if you are divorced, you may still qualify for survivors benefits. Learn more by visiting our benefit calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm. RETIREMENT Question:
In addition, the former spouse must be eligible to receive his or her own retirement or disability benefit. If the former spouse is eligible for a benefit, but has not yet applied for it, you can still receive a benefit if you meet the eligibility requirements and have been divorced from the former spouse for at least two years. Generally, we won’t continue to pay benefits if you remarry someone other than your former spouse. Learn more, and determine what your benefit might be by visiting our online Benefit Calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm. DISABILITY Question: Answer:
You may be entitled to a “closed period of disability” when medical evidence establishes you were unable to engage in substantial gainful work activity for a continuous period of 12 months, but by the time the disability decision is made, you have medically recovered. You must also meet the following requirements to be entitled to a closed period of disability:
If you meet the requirements for disability benefits, there is a five-month waiting period before your first monthly benefit can be paid. You can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits from the date you file an application with Social Security. Learn more about Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Question: Question: MEDICARE Question: Answer: |
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Social Security Column RETIREMENT ESTIMATOR CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY By Phil Walton It’s been only a year since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online, but you’d never know it based on the praise it continues to receive from users. It was rated the best online service in government by the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for Federal Websites in February 2009. In the most recent ACSI report, the Retirement Estimator tied for first place with Social Security’s online application. |
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Social Security Column SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENTS FOR THOSE WHO DON’T FILE A TAX RETURN If you’re age 25 or older, pay Social Security taxes and are not yet receiving monthly benefits, you should get an automatic Social Security Statement in the mail each year about two to three months before your birthday. The Statement is a valuable tool to keep track of your annual earnings, as well as to help you plan your financial future. But if your earnings don’t meet the threshold for filing a federal tax return, you might not be receiving your annual Social Security Statement. Social Security would like to make sure that you know you’re entitled to one. Everyone who has worked and paid Social Security tax is entitled to receive a Statement. So, if you don’t get one automatically in the mail, you can request one from Social Security — and the easiest way to do that is online Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement and select the “Need to request a Statement?” banner. You’ll need to fill in the following information to make your request: Your name as shown on your Social Security card;Your Social Security number;Your date of birth;Your place of birth; andYour mother's maiden name — last name only (to help identify you).You also can provide the following information to make your estimate more accurate: Your last year’s earnings and an estimate of your current and future earnings; andThe age you plan to stop working.Once you make your request, Social Security will mail you a Statement, which you should receive within two to four weeks. Give it a careful look to make sure your earnings and information are reported correctly, and contact Social Security if you find anything amiss. After you review your Statement, it’s a good idea to keep it with your other important papers. And if you’d like to go one step further in your retirement planning, visit our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, where you can get an instant estimate of your future benefits based on your earnings record and plug in various retirement age scenarios. Whether retirement is just around the corner or a long way down the road, Social Security is ready to serve you at www.socialsecurity.gov. |
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Social Security Column RETIRED WITH CHILDREN? By Phil Walton The idea of someone being “retired with children” may seem like the seed of another television sit-com or reality show. But the fact is that it’s becoming more and more common for older people to have minor children in their care — whether by bringing new children into the world, taking over the care of grandchildren or adopting children who need nurturing parents.
The child also must be:
Within a family, a child may receive up to one-half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefit, or 75 percent of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. However, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid to a family. The maximum family payment can be from 150 to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit amount. If the total amount payable to all family members exceeds this limit, each child’s benefit is reduced proportionately until the total equals the maximum allowable amount. |
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Social Security Column A “CONGRATULATIONS” CARD FOR NEW BRIDES By Phil Walton Telling us about your name change shortly after your marriage will help us accurately keep track of your earnings and will ensure that you and your family get the Social Security retirement, disability or survivors benefits you're entitled to. Also, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records do not show the same name and Social Security number, your federal income tax refund could be delayed. If you continue to use your maiden name consistently throughout your working years, you do not need to contact us. But if you decide to change your name at a later time, you should let us know so that we can update your Social Security record and send you a Social Security card with your new name. There's no need to pay a third party to mail in the information for you. Changing your name with Social Security is a quick, easy and free service. You're welcome to visit your local Social Security office. Or just go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber and click on “Print an Application Form SS-5.” You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 to obtain the form. We will need the completed application along with either your marriage certificate showing your old and new names or two documents, one showing each name. If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of your U.S. citizenship or proof that you are lawfully living in the U.S. You can bring or mail these documents to us. So remember: if you are getting married and changing your name, let us know. You may already have a slew of cards congratulating you, but we'd like to send you a new card of our own. Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber . # # # Social Security Column SAFEGUARDING YOUR INFORMATION SAFEGUARDS YOU By Phil Walton What better time than National Safety Month to educate yourself in protecting your personal information? Here are some quick tips:
While we're talking about safety, here's another great tip: if you receive a benefit from Social Security, get direct deposit. With direct deposit, your payments are electronically sent right to your account and there's no risk of a payment being lost in the mail or stolen from your mailbox. At Social security, signing up is quick, easy, and secure. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit to learn more. Read our online fact sheet about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html . If you believe someone may be using your number or identity, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft , or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) (TTY 1-866-653-4261.) |
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Find the Most Popular Baby Names in Ohio for 2008 The Social Security Administration today announced the most popular baby names in Ohio for 2008. Continuing a popular Mother's Day tradition, last Friday the federal government's top official for baby names, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the nation's most popular baby names. How does Ohio compare to the rest of the country? Ava and Jacob topped the list. Nationally, Emma and Jacob were the most popular baby names. Please click on the Most Popular Baby Names link at Social Security's website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- to see the top baby names for 2008. The top five boys and girls names for 2008 in Ohio were: Boys: Girls: In addition to each state's top 100 baby names, Social Security's website has a list of the 1,000 most popular boys' and girls' names for 2008 and a list of the top 100 names for twins born in 2008. Jacob and Joshua are the most popular twins' names. The website also offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880. New to the website this year is the “Change in Name Popularity” page. To read about this year's winner for biggest jump in popularity, how Barack is climbing the charts and whether or not Elvis still lives, go http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2008-pr.htm # # # Social Security Column IN TIMES LIKE THESE, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS By Phil Walton ((Editor's note: Father's Day is June 21. We are sharing this in the May MIP so that you have appropriate lead time to place this in time for Father's Day.)) Fathers are often known for their good advice, whether it's how to catch a ball, ace a job interview, grill the perfect burger or get the best deal on a new car. But if your father is struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs, maybe it's time for you to give him a few words of advice. This Father's Day, you may be able to help your dad save an average of $3,900 a year on his prescription drug costs. Here's how. If your father, or any father figure you know, is covered by Medicare and has limited income and resources, he may qualify for extra help — available through Social Security — to pay part of his monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year. To figure out whether your father is eligible, Social Security needs to know his income and the value of his savings, investments and real estate (other than the home he lives in). To qualify for the extra help , he must be receiving Medicare and also have:
—Support other family members who live with them;
Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp . To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). So this Father's Day, as the meat is grilling, you're playing catch, and talking about your own kids, fit in a bit of good advice for Dad — advice he can put to use right away. Tell him about the extra help with his prescription drug costs. In fact, you can help him apply online in minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp . After all, in times like these, every dollar counts. # # # Social Security Column HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR RECOVERY PAYMENT? By Phil Walton Do you receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits? If so, you're likely receiving a special, one-time recovery payment this month. The recovery payment is $250. More than 50 million beneficiaries will receive more than $13 billion in recovery payments in May. Let's go over the basic facts so you understand how the payment is being made.
To assist in processing the payments as efficiently as possible, please do not contact Social Security — unless you have not received your payment by June 4. More information is available at www.socialsecurity.gov and will be updated as needed. If anyone contacts you asking for your personal information or for a fee to help you get your payment, it's probably a scam. If you're unsure about the identity of someone claiming to be a Social Security employee, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to verify the call. You may report suspicious activity involving Social Security programs and operations to the Social Security Fraud Hotline website at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/hotline or call 1-800-269-0271 (TTY 1-866-501-2101). So, how do you plan to use your extra $250 this month? Visitors to Social Security's website have been telling us their plans. Here is some of what they've shared:
To learn more about Social Security and the recovery payments, or to share your plans for your recovery payment, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payment . To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov . |
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Social Security Column DON'T BE AN APRIL FOOL WHEN IT COMES TO By Phil Walton To make sure no one does, we'll state this as clearly as possible:
If you receive a visit, call or email from anyone claiming to want to help you obtain your payment, be skeptical. Do not pay anyone to help you receive your payment. And do not reveal any of your personal information to them, such as your full name, date of birth, or Social Security number. If someone requests this information for this purpose, it's more likely they're “out to get you” than out to get your payment for you. In addition to people who receive Social Security and SSI benefits, people who receive benefits from Veterans Affairs and the Railroad Retirement Board will receive one-time payments of $250. Note, however, that only one payment of $250 will be made per person, regardless of any combination of benefits that may be received. How will your recovery payment be made? The same way that your regular monthly payments are made. People with direct deposit will receive their payments electronically. Those who receive paper checks will receive their payments in the mail. People who receive regular payments through the new Direct Express debit card will receive their one-time payments through the card. We will send your one-time payment separately from your Social Security or SSI benefit. To assist in processing the payments as efficiently as possible, please do not contact Social Security — unless you have not received your payment by June 4. More information is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/payment and will be updated as needed. Rest assured that your special one-time recovery payment will be sent to you automatically. And if it's not received by June 4, there's only one place you need to contact: Social Security, at your local office, or 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov . To learn more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov . # # #
Social Security Column IN TIMES LIKE THESE, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This is the line Charles Dickens used to open his novel A Tale of Two Cities. It could just as easily be used to describe the situation for people who benefit from the marvels of modern medicine, yet find it difficult to afford the high costs of those prescription drugs. This Mother's Day is the best of times to help your mom save an average of $3,900 a year on her prescription drug costs. Here's how. If your mother is covered by Medicare and has limited income and resources, she may be eligible for extra help — available through Social Security — to pay part of her monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year. To figure out whether your mother is eligible, Social Security needs to know her income and the value of her savings, investments and real estate (other than the home she lives in). To qualify for the extra help , she must be receiving Medicare and also have:
—Support other family members who live with them;
Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete for your mom. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp . To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). So this Mother's Day, help make this the best of times by saving your mom, or any loved one, an average of $3,900 a year on prescription drugs. In times like these, every dollar counts. # # # SOCIAL SECURITY- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Answer:
When you contact us, be sure to have your Social Security number and a personal check or statement from your new account. We will need information from these documents to start your new direct deposit. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov . Question: RETIREMENT
To learn more, read our publication How Work Affects Your Benefits available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html . DISABILITY Question: Answer:
Question: SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Question: MEDICARE Question: To get the extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, her total resources also need to be limited to $12,510 (or $25,010 if she is married and living with her husband). To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp . |
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Social Security Column IN TIMES LIKE THESE, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS By Phil Walton Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This is the line Charles Dickens used to open his novel A Tale of Two Cities. It could just as easily be used to describe the situation for people who benefit from the marvels of modern medicine, yet find it difficult to afford the high costs of those prescription drugs. This Mother’s Day is the best of times to help your mom save an average of $3,900 a year on her prescription drug costs. Here’s how.
If your mother is covered by Medicare and has limited income and resources, she may be eligible for extra help — available through Social Security — to pay part of her monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year. To figure out whether your mother is eligible, Social Security needs to know her income and the value of her savings, investments and real estate (other than the home she lives in). To qualify for the extra help, she must be receiving Medicare and also have:
· Income limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21, 855 for a married couple living together. Even if her annual income is higher, she still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Some examples where income may be higher include if she or her husband: —Support other family members who live with them; —Have earnings from work; or —Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and
· Resources limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count her house or car as resources.
Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete for your mom. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). So this Mother’s Day, help make this the best of times by saving your mom, or any loved one, an average of $3,900 a year on prescription drugs. In times like these, every dollar counts. |
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Social Security Column Are Social Security benefits taxable? Sometimes. About one third of beneficiaries pay taxes on their Social Security. If your total income, including Social Security and all of your other taxable income, is $25,000 or more, you’ll need to pay federal taxes on 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, and you should have already received it. Social Security Benefit Statements (Form SSA-1099) for tax year 2008 were mailed to beneficiaries and should have been received by January 31, 2009. If you receive Social Security and haven’t received your 1099, you can request one online at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1099/main.html. We had a baby in 2008. Do we need a Social Security number for our taxes? Yes. Most parents apply for their baby’s Social Security number while 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. 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. Make sure you change your name with your employer as well. If you change with one source but not the other, it could cause your earnings to be improperly recorded. You can learn more about Social Security numbers and how to change your name in Social Security’s records at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. Does Social Security have any advice to make tax filing and future benefit applications go smoothly? We strongly encourage you to carefully check your name, Social Security number and all of the data on your W-2s and on your Social Security Statement is correct. A mismatch could delay your tax refund and might cause problems with your Social Security benefits in the future. Such errors are easy 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 incorrect information is on the W-2s, contact the personnel department of your employer. Be aware of these Social Security tax tips, and you won’t be caught off-guard. For more information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. # # # Social Security Column ECONOMIC RECOVERY PAYMENTS COMING FOR PEOPLE WHO By Phil Walton The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which the President signed into law in February, provides for a one-time payment of $250 to people receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The one-time recovery payments will go out in May 2009 and all payments should be received by the end of May. In April, Social Security will send a letter with additional information to each person who is eligible for the one-time payment. The payments will be sent automatically, meaning no action is required on the part of the person receiving benefits. The economic recovery payments will be made separately from a person’s regular monthly payments. All adults who receive Social Security benefits, including disabled adult children (but not minor children) are eligible for $250 payment. In addition, all persons who receive SSI payments, including minor children, are eligible for the payment. Anyone who receives benefits or who was eligible to receive benefits during any of the three months prior to enactment (November and December of 2008 and January 2009) will receive the one-time payment as long as the address of record is in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands. The payments will be made in the same way that regular monthly payments are made. People with direct deposit will receive their payments electronically. Those who receive paper checks will receive their payments in the mail. People who receive regular payments through the Direct Express debit card will receive their one-time payments through the card. If someone receives both Social Security and SSI, only one payment of $250 will be made. The economic recovery legislation also provides for a one-time payment to recipients of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. However, if you receive Social Security or SSI benefits and you also receive VA and/or RRB benefits, you will only receive one $250 payment. The Social Security Administration will send you this payment. To assist in processing the payments as efficiently as possible, please do not contact Social Security unless do not receive a payment by June 4, 2009. Information is available at www.socialsecurity.gov and will be updated regularly. To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov. # # # SOCIAL SECURITY- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Question: Answer: Question:
Even if you are divorced, you still may qualify for survivor’s benefits from a deceased spouse. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: RETIREMENT Answer: Question:
So what are you waiting for? Get started now at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: Answer: DISABILITY Question: Answer: Question: Answer: SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Question: Answer: Question: Answer: MEDICARE |
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Social Security Administration Receives Top Marks Agency Named Top Government Employer by Equal Opportunity Magazine and Receives Top Ten Ranking in 2008 Employee Survey The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been named the top government employer by readers of “Equal Opportunity Magazine.” The magazine annually asks readers to name the public and private sector employers for whom they would most like to work or that they believe would provide a positive working environment for members of minority groups. “I am honored SSA is at the top of this list,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “President Obama is calling new generations of Americans to public service. They can read this survey and know that a career at SSA is the right choice.” Equal Opportunity Magazine is a career-guidance and recruitment magazine distributed to African American, Hispanic, Native-American, and Asian-American college students and professionals in all fields, including engineering, computer science, technology, finance, business, healthcare, liberal arts, and education. SSA also has received high marks from its employees in the 2008 Federal Human Capital Survey. The survey focuses on employee perceptions regarding critical areas of their work life, areas which drive employee satisfaction, commitment, and ultimately retention in the workforce. SSA received especially high marks from its employees for Job Satisfaction and Leadership and Knowledge Management, ranking among the Top Ten federal agencies in both categories. “Our workforce is one of our greatest strengths,” Commissioner Astrue stated. “Despite the many challenges the agency faces, our employees continue to serve the American public with determination, empathy, creativity and integrity. This survey confirms that they embrace these challenges and have confidence in the course we are setting for the future.” The Job Satisfaction index indicates the extent to which employees are satisfied with their jobs. Questions include: do employees think their jobs are important, enjoy the work they do and feel personally fulfilled by their service to the American public? The Leadership and Knowledge Management index indicates the extent to which employees hold their leadership in high regard. Questions include: do employees have a high level of respect for their senior leaders and do managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization? To see the annual ranking of the Top 50 employers by Equal Opportunity Magazine, go to www.eop.com/eotop50.html. To see the results of the 2008 Federal Human Capital Survey, go to www.fhcs.opm.gov. |
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Social Security Column SOCIAL SECURITY’S HOME PAGE HAS PEOPLE TALKING By Phil Walton Here is what some visitors to the new home page told us:
Important services many visitors look for are right in the center of the page: applying for retirement; applying for disability; and requesting a Social Security card. Major program topics run along the top of the page, such as retirement, survivors, disability, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. And more information can be found along the left and right columns, including news, online services, frequently asked questions and information for specific groups and people. Visit the website and see for yourself what everyone is raving about! Everything you need from Social Security is front and center at www.socialsecurity.gov. # # # SOCIAL SECURITY- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Answer:
In most cases, you mail or take your application and original documents to your local Social Security office. People who live or receive mail in Brooklyn or Queens, N.Y., Las Vegas, Nev., Orlando Fla., Phoenix, Ariz., or Sacramento, Calif. must apply instead at their Social Security Card Center. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. You may not yet have proof of your child's citizenship. But based on documentation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued upon the child’s arrival, we can assign a number. When you do receive documentation of your child's citizenship, you can bring it to us and we will update your child's record. Please note that an adoption decree (issued in a foreign country or the United States) or a birth certificate is not proof of U.S. citizenship for a foreign-born child. You can get proof of U.S. citizenship from DHS. For information on the U.S. citizenship documentation DHS can provide, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at www.uscis.gov. We also need evidence that establishes your relationship to the child if your name is not listed as the parent on the child's evidence of age. The adoption decree or the amended U.S. birth certificate will suffice. We will mail your child’s number and card as soon as we have verified your documents with the issuing offices. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. RETIREMENT Question: I have two children at home and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security checks after I retire?
In some cases, a grandchild may potentially be eligible as well. For more information, see our electronic fact sheet, Benefits For Children, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html. DISABILITY Question: Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits? SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Answer: Yes. An SSI beneficiary must report any change in living arrangements within 10 days after the month the change occurs. If the change is not reported, your dad could receive an incorrect payment or he may not receive all the money that is due. Also, your dad needs to report the new address to Social Security to receive mail from us. Even if benefits are paid by direct deposit, we need to be able to get in touch with him. He can report the change by mail or in person at any Social Security office. Keep in mind that failing to report a change to Social Security could result in incorrect payments that may have to be paid back or a penalty deducted from SSI benefits. Just call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can get more information in the booklet Understanding SSI, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. MEDICARE Answer: The best thing to do is to call us. Social Security's toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213. (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak with a representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or, you can contact your local Social Security office. Find it by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/locator. For your information, we match data on your application with data from other federal agencies. If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you. For more information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov. For more on Social Security and the extra help available for Medicare’s prescription drug plan, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. |
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The Cousins are Back and They’re Filing Online Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, and Patty Duke, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winning actress, today unveiled Social Security’s new online retirement application and launched the agency’s Retire Online campaign. Featuring cousins Patty and Cathy Lane from the hit 1960’s sitcom, “The Patty Duke Show,” the campaign will let Americans know that it’s now easier than ever to retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov. “Social Security’s new online retirement application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort of your home or office,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Filing online means there’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. I’m thrilled that Patty Duke has volunteered to help us promote retiring online.” “Like millions of other baby boomers, I like to spend time with my grandchildren, travel or just relax with a good book. And I love the convenience of doing things online,” Ms. Duke said. “Social Security has made applying for retirement benefits online easier than ever before. So when you decide to retire, apply online for Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s so easy!” To apply, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on “Applying Online for Retirement Benefits.” You will be asked a brief series of questions about you and your work. Need to look up some information? You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can stop and restart the application without losing any of the information entered. Have a question? There are convenient “more info” links that you can click on to get an answer. And when you’re done, just click the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you. “To meet the needs of Patty and 80 million of her fellow baby boomers, who are becoming eligible for retirement at a rate of 10,000 a day for the next 20 years, Social Security is developing a wide range of online and automated services,” Commissioner Astrue said. “In addition to our new online retirement application, and other services like our new Retirement Estimator, the highest rated online service in government, we are continuing to expand and improve our Internet service options. These services will help us provide the American public with world-class service for generations to come.” To see a demonstration of Social Security’s online retirement application and to view the new public service announcements featuring Patty Duke as cousins Patty and Cathy Lane, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/pattyduke. Erin Thompson Click here for an electronic fact sheet linking you to online services at www.socialsecurity.gov |
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Social Security Column SOCIAL SECURITY IMPROVES DISABILITY PROGRAM WITH By Phil Walton Social Security is making the disability process much faster for people with rare diseases and cancers. That’s because Social Security has begun the first phase of its Compassionate Allowances initiative -- a way to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security’s standards. The improvements to the disability determination process are the result of a series of public hearings where Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, received information from leading experts on cancers and rare diseases. Social Security also has been receiving technical assistance from the National Institutes of Health to ensure that the compassionate allowance initiative is based on sound, up-to-date medical science. “Getting benefits quickly to people with the most severe medical conditions is both the right and the compassionate thing to do,” Commissioner Astrue said. “This initiative will allow us to make decisions on these cases in a matter of days, rather than months or years.” Social Security is launching this expedited decision process with a total of 50 conditions. Over time, more diseases and conditions will be added. A list of the first 50 impairments -- 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers – as well as more information about Compassionate Allowances can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances. SOCIAL SECURITY- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Answer: Question: Answer: RETIREMENT Answer: Question: Answer: SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Question: Answer: DISABILITY Answer: Question: Answer: MEDICARE Question: Answer: |
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Social Security Column SOCIAL SECURITY OFFERS SAFEGUARDS FOR ALL THE STAGES OF YOUR LIFE By Phil Walton Each stage of life – youth, middle age, retirement –comes with its own set of financial concerns. Luckily, just by having a better understanding of the Social Security program you should be able to calm some of those concerns. The first thing you need to know is that Social Security is much more than a retirement program. Of the 50 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, nearly one-third are not retired workers or their dependents. They are severely disabled workers and their families, or the survivors of a deceased worker covered by Social Security. These non-retirement Social Security benefits can be especially important to young workers because about one in eight young people will die before retirement, and about one in four will become disabled. While the death of a husband, wife or parent is emotionally devastating, it can often be financially devastating as well. Social Security provides a monthly survivor benefit check to help the family of a deceased worker continue on. Social Security disability protection is equally valuable. Relatively few workers have an employer-provided, long-term disability policy. With Social Security, however, the average worker has the equivalent of a disability insurance policy that would pay monthly benefits to both the worker and his or her family, based on his or her lifetime earnings. So you can rest a little easier knowing that Social Security provides some measure of security, if life does not turn out as planned. On the other hand, if you do work and retire as planned, Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement. For the average wage earner, Social Security will replace about 40 percent of pre-retirement earnings. And you can earn a higher benefit by choosing to retire a little later instead of a little earlier. The Social Security Statement that you receive in the mail each year provides an estimate of your retirement, survivors and disability insurance benefits. If you'd like to try out some different scenarios and see how different retirement ages and future earnings may change your retirement picture, visit our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator . It's a quick, accurate, and easy way to plan for your retirement. If you would like more information about these Social Security programs you can visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov . # # # Social Security Column TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIAL SECURITY By Phil Walton Social Security is a vital program that touches the lives of almost everyone in the country.
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html a. 10 years a. Your last 10 years of earnings a. About $507 a. About 20 million KEY: 1.B; 2.C; 3.C; 4.B; 5.A; 6.C # # # Social Security Column GENERAL Question: RETIREMENT Question: DISABILITY Question:
If she is caring for the deceased's children who receive Social Security benefits, she is eligible if disability starts before those payments end or within seven years after they end. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and hit the “Survivors” link at the top of the page. Or call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Answer: Question:
To determine whether your child is disabled, we look at medical and other information (such as information from schools and from parents and guardians) about his or her condition, and we consider how it affects his or her daily activities. See our online publication, Benefits For Children With Disabilities at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10026.html for additional information. Or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). MEDICARE Answer: |
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Social Security Column By Phil Walton You only need to look at the Indianapolis Colts’ Super Bowl winning quarterback Peyton Manning to understand how the secret to a successful football season can depend on a savvy quarterback and great play calling. The same is true for a successful retirement – except that you are the quarterback and you also call the plays — for example, when to retire and how much to save. Even Peyton’s younger brother, New York Giants’ Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning can tell you that the most talented quarterback can’t rack up a Super Bowl winning performance without good coaching and a playbook. Social Security understands that the same is true when it comes to retirement planning. While you will have to call your own financial plays, we can help you decide what ‘play options’ might be successful in any given situation. For example, how much can you expect to get from Social Security? How much more could you get if you worked a year longer? Two years? What about your spouse, if you are married? And how much should you be saving in addition to your expected Social Security benefits? All of these questions can be answered simply by visiting our Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s like training camp for financial planning. There you will find several financial planning tools, including our new, easy-to-use Retirement Estimator. You can use it to get quick retirement estimates based upon your own earnings record. All you have to do is provide some very basic information about yourself – your name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, your mother’s maiden name, and your last year’s earnings. The Retirement Estimator will then create Social Security benefit estimates, based on your entire career earnings record. The Estimator shows what you would receive in Social Security benefits if you retired at age 62, what you would receive at your full retirement age and what you would receive if you worked until age 70. Interested in other play options, such as what would happen if you made more money in the future? Or if you want to stop work at a different age than the three we show you? You can try out alternate game plans using the screens on the Retirement Estimator page, in case you change your mind about your initial retirement plans. Remember what one of football's most accomplished and respected coaches, Vince Lombardi, said: “There's only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.” So give everything you have to developing the playbook for your retirement. And the best place to begin your game plan for a successful retirement is at www.socialsecurity.gov. # # # Social Security Column HELP YOUR GRANDPARENTS SAVE $3600 Grandparents are known for their wisdom and advice. It’s likely that you can go to your grandparents with a question and they’ll have an answer for you, given the experience that comes with age. Now is your chance to give your grandparents a bit of advice. September 7 is National Grandparents Day. This Grandparents Day, tell them about the Medicare prescription drug plan and about the extra help they may be able to get through Social Security. You’ll be doing more than just giving them some advice. You could be saving them as much as $3,600 each per year. The high cost of prescription drugs can be a burden on people with limited income and resources. Extra help — available through Social Security — can pay part of their monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth up to $3,600 per year. To figure out whether they’re eligible, Social Security needs to know their income and the value of their savings, investments and real estate (other than the home they live in). To qualify for the extra help, your grandparents must be receiving Medicare and have:
—Support other family members who live with them;
Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that anyone — family members, friends and caregivers — can complete. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply by phone or get an application, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. Or go to the nearest Social Security office. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). It’s time to give your grandparents a bit of good advice — and to save them each up to $3,600. #### SOCIAL SECURITY- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Question: RETIREMENT Question: DISABILITY Answer:
To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. Question: Answer: MEDICARE
For assistance in selecting a plan and enrolling, visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. To learn more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: Answer:
For more information about Social Security and the extra help, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. |
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SOCIAL SECURITY - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Answer: RETIREMENT DISABILITY Answer: Question: SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Question: Answer: MEDICARE Question: |
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Social Security Column AMERICA'S NUMBER ONE PROTECTION PROGRAM Social Security has expanded and changed quite a bit since 1935. For example, the Social Security Amendments of 1939 broadened the program to include payments to dependents and survivors of retirees. In 1956, Congress created the disability program. The Social Security Amendments of 1958 expanded the program by including benefits for dependents of disabled workers. The Social Security Amendments of 1961 permitted all workers to elect early retirement at age 62. In 1965, the Medicare bill was signed, providing medical protection for Social Security retirees. Later amendments extended Medicare coverage to Social Security disability beneficiaries. The most significant aspect of the Social Security Amendments of 1972 created the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Funded from general revenues, the SSI program was intended to provide a supplement to people with limited income who have attained age 65 or are blind or disabled. Social Security benefits are essential to the economic security of today's older Americans. The annual cost-of-living adjustment ensures that seniors will have an inflation-proof benefit they can count on for as long as they live. Social Security is a compact between generations. Today's workers are paying for the benefits that their parents and grandparents receive. Over the years, Social Security has become America's number one family protection plan. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). |
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Social Security Column TRYING TO DECIDE WHEN TO RETIRE? MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION By Phil Walton It's never too early to start thinking about your retirement. When you do, one of your first questions may be, “When's the best time to start receiving retirement benefits?” There's no one “best age” for everyone and, ultimately, it is your choice. You should make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. With that in mind, Social Security has published a new fact sheet to help you make the decision that's best for you. When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html . Things to consider are your current cash needs, health, family longevity, whether you plan to work after you retire, future financial needs and obligations, and the amount of your benefit and other income, such as pensions and deductions from retirement funds. Do you have investments to draw from when you need extra money? Will it last as long as you expect to live? Keep in mind that people are living longer than they used to. About one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one out of 10 will live past age 95. If you decide to retire early, at 62 or any time before your full retirement age, you'll get your benefits sooner — but you'll get a reduced benefit for the rest of your life. Your monthly benefit will last as long as you do. So the reduction in monthly payment for taking early retirement can add up to a big difference over the life of your benefits. Your decision can affect your spouse and family, too. If you die before your spouse and dependent children, they may be eligible for survivors' benefits. But if you took early retirement, their payments would be based on your reduced benefit amount. When you reach your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want and still receive your full Social Security benefit payment. If you are younger than full retirement age and if your earnings exceed certain dollar amounts, some of your benefit payments during the year will be withheld. On the other hand, if you put off retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your amount will increase. In fact, your benefit amount will continue to go up until you reach age 70 or start receiving benefits, whichever comes first. And when thinking about Social Security, don't forget Medicare. You should sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65, no matter when your full retirement age is—even if you decide to delay retirement benefits. Otherwise, your Medicare medical insurance, as well as prescription drug coverage, could be delayed, and you could be charged higher premiums. Learn more and make an educated decision about when to retire. Visit the online fact sheet, When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits , at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html . |
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