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What you may not know about Medicare Spousal benefits • Welcome young workers Survivor benefits • Women and Social Security Can’t work due to disability? • MORE INSIDE!
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October 3, 2012 | Social Security Administration Guide 2013 | SocialSecurity.gov
A note from the Regional Commissioner I am pleased to present you with a Social Security Supplement to this issue of ThisWeek Community News. The Social Security program is one that touches every person, of all ages, incomes, races and nationalities. It is an invaluable resource that is by far the most successful domestic program in the history of the United States. As you read the pages of this supplemental publication, you will see how Social Security – which started in 1935 as a retirement Marcia R. Mosley program – plays an integral part in meeting Regional Commissioner the needs of people of all ages. Each year, we send benefits totaling about $775 billion to approximately 60 million beneficiaries. Social Security’s mission is to deliver Social Security services that meet the changing needs of the public we serve. Our award-winning website at www.socialsecurity.gov continues to be an increasingly popular option for most individuals. We also deliver services through a network of over 1,400 offices nationally, which includes regional offices, field offices, Social Security card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, the States’ disability determination services (DDS), hearing offices, and the Appeals Council. In the Chicago Region, our 222 field offices are located in the six states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. They are the primary points for face-to-face contact with the public. Readers in the 8 counties below are served by 10 field offices in central Ohio. In closing, as you look over the information provided by our employees throughout this supplement, it is easy to see the difference that Social Security has made in our neighborhoods and in our counties. Social Security has enjoyed a rich history in Ohio and many of our employees have grown up in the counties we serve. We are your neighbors, friends and family members, and we are committed to providing great customer service to you and your loved ones. Remember, as you approach the milestones of your life, we are here to assist you. Take a moment and visit our awardwinning website at www.socialsecurity.gov and see how Social Security can help you. — Marcia R. Mosley, Regional Commissioner Social Security Administration
Social Security in central Ohio County
Beneficiaries
Monthly benefits
Delaware
22,870
$28.7 million
Franklin
161,660
$181.1 million
Marion
13,960
$15.2 million
Fairfield
26,350
$29.7 millio
Licking
31,875
$35.7 million
Pickaway
10,555
$11.6 million
Madison
7,360
$8.2 milion
Union
7,320
$8,7 million
Total
281,950
$318.9 million
SOURCE: Social Security Administration, Master Beneficiary Record, Dec. 2012
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Reflecting on 78 years of Social Security By Carolyn W. Colvin Acting Commissioner of Social Security
offer security, but he also understood that Social Security would need to evolve as new There are special moments when people changes challenged look back and evaluate a life or an era: the nation. “This birthdays, class reunions, holidays, anlaw, too, represents niversaries. Time is, after all, simply the a cornerstone in a stringing together of a number of events, structure which is some small, others significant. These being built but is by events can speed by quickly, but each one no means comcan have an effect on the greater whole. A Carolyn W. Colvin plete,” he admitted. lifetime of seemingly mundane events can Acting Commissioner “It is, in short, a law pass in what seems like the blink of an eye of Social Security that will take care of … until one looks back to examine them human needs and and realizes just how much has filled the at the same time provide the United States space. an economic structure of vastly greater When I think about Social Security on soundness.” the eve of the program’s 78th anniversary, Today, Social SeI am amazed by curity is much more what a significant than just a retiredifference it has “The civilization of the past ment program. We made, one event at hundred years, with its provide benefits to a time, one person startling industrial changes, disabled individuals at a time. Over Soand their families. cial Security’s long has tended more and more We provide survivors history, every single to make life insecure. Young benefits to widows, monthly payment people have come to wonder widowers and the has made a differwhat would be their lot minor children of ence to an American deceased workers. somewhere. But when they came to old age. We provide Supplewhen you string The man with a job has mental Security those payments towondered how long the job Income (SSI) to aged gether, it’s remarkwould last.” and disabled people able what a huge who have low inand positive effect — President Franklin D. Roosevelt come and resources. Social Security has We provide work had on the people incentives to help and the economy of people work. We even provide “Extra Help” our nation. with Medicare prescription drug costs. Social Security has been a cornerstone In so many ways, Social Security benefits of our nation, touching the lives of almost America. every American at one time or another, for Milestones come and milestones go. 78 years. It’s the most successful domestic But looking back over the past 78 years of program in our nation and, arguably, the the nation’s most important program, it is world. those millions of individual moments — When President Franklin D. Roosevelt the monthly benefit payments — that have signed the Social Security Act into law on made a tremendous difference. In good August 14, 1935, he said, “The civilization times and bad, in sickness and health, Soof the past hundred years, with its startling cial Security has helped Americans. Each industrial changes, has tended more and payment has helped someone, somewhere. more to make life insecure. Young people But place them side by side and the differhave come to wonder what would be their ence Social Security has made in the lives lot when they came to old age. The man of Americans is certainly something to with a job has wondered how long the job celebrate. would last.” The same can be said of the current information age, with our rapidly Learn more about Social Security’s rich evolving digital revolution and periods of history at www.socialsecurity.gov/history. economic instability. Social Security is a Become a part of Social Security’s history safety net cast to help those who need it. by doing business with us online at www. President Roosevelt knew that the socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. cornerstone of his administration would
Young workers, meet Social Security By Robert Pagán Social Security Area Director in Southern Ohio 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 Dis-
ability 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 Robert Pagán able to receive survivors Social Security Area benefits based on your Director in work. Today you probably Southern Ohio have family members — grandparents, for example — who already enjoy Social Security benefits See YOUNG WORKERS on page 4
The taxes you pay now translate into a lifetime of protection, for when you eventually retire or if you become disabled.
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October 3, 2012 | Social Security Administration Guide 2013 | SocialSecurity.gov
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October 3, 2012 | Social Security Administration Guide 2013 | SocialSecurity.gov
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What you may not know about Medicare By Paul Benson Social Security District Manager in Lancaster Almost everyone knows that Medicare is a medical insurance program for retired and disabled people, run by the government. But there are probably some things you don’t know about Medicare — and should. Some people are only covered by one type of Medicare; others opt to pay extra for more coverage. Understanding Medicare can save you money. Here are some things you should know about Medicare. 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 that are not covered by Part A. Part C allows you to choose to receive all of your health care services through a provider organization. These 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. Part B is the one we get the most questions about, so here are some things to know about it. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A because they have worked and paid
care at age 65. 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 can sign up for Medicare Part B without paying higher premiums: • Any month you are under a group health plan based on your own current employment or the current employment of any family member; or • Within eight months after your employment or group health plan coverage If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B ends, whichever comes first. when you first become eligible, you may If you are disabled and working (or have to wait for open enrollment period you have coverage from a working family which is January 1 through March 31 member), the same rules apply. each year. Remember: If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when you first become eligible to apply and you don’t fit into one of the enough in Medicare taxes on wages over above categories, you’ll have to wait until the years. However, there is a monthly the general enrollment period, which is premium for Medicare Part B; in 2013 January 1 through March 31 of each year. the standard premium is $104.90. Some At that time, you may then have to pay a high-income individuals pay more than higher Medicare Part B premium because the standard premium. Part B is a good you could have had Medicare Part B and value for people who need medical insurdid not take it. ance, but you need to enroll during your For more information about Medicare initial enrollment period, or when you first Parts A, B, C, and D, visit the Center for become eligible, unless you want to pay a Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) penalty in the form of a higher premium. Most people first become eligible for Medi- Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
YOUNG WORKERS Continued from page 2
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 Then there’s the online retireon the details you should ment benefit application. In as know to get the most out little as 15 minutes, a person can of Social Security. Check it apply for Social Security benefits out at www.socialsecurity. and submit their application gov/webinars/social_seonline. In most cases, once one curity_101.html. submits the application, there Here’s another tip: is nothing more to do but wait open a my Social Security for the first payment. It’s really acount so that you can acthat simple. And, if one decides cess your Social Security they’d like to double-check some Statement. That will allow information before submitting you to make sure your the application, that’s fine too. earnings are recorded The application can be paused properly each year — and and then restarted at any time you can get estimates of during the process. It’s all availwhat your future benefits able at www.socialsecurity.gov/ may be. You can easily applyonline. open a my Social Security It makes sense to go to our account at www.socialseelders for advice and guidance. curity.gov/myaccount. But in this technology-driven world, we may be able to offer a If you have questions little advice to the sages as well. about Social Security, the A good bet is to tell the older best place to go is www. adults in your life about www. socialsecurity.gov. socialsecurity.gov.
Share a Social Security tip with your wise elders By Stephanie Morgan Social Security District Manager in Columbus East 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
In the United States, 10,000 people reach retirement age every single day. 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.
On Columbus Day, discover new Social Security services online By Harry Liggins Social Security District Manager in Columbus West In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. That may be a rhyme you remember from grade school when learning about Christopher Columbus and his voyage that would lead him to discover the New World. 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. Information on retirement, survivors, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare are easily accessible on Social Security’s homepage at www.socialsecurity.gov. But the website offers much more. The site allows you to discover the entire Social Security program. A good place to set your sails into the retirement planning winds is our Retirement Estimator at www.so-
cialsecurity.gov/estimator. There, you can get an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits. Plug in different information, such as projected future wages or different retirement dates, to get varied benefit estimates that will help you decide when to draw up the anchor and venture into the seas of retirement. Another great place on the horizon of 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 estimate 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. Come aboard now at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Spend some time aboard www.socialsecurity.gov. You will be pleasantly surprised at all you can discover there.
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Get your benefit verification letter online, Social security can help By Isidro Garcia Social Security District Manager in Columbus North 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/myac-
count 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.
In the aftermath of disaster, social security can help By Carmen Moreno Social Security Regional Communications Director in Chicago 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
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children, and in some cases parents or grandchildren, may be eligible for survivor benefits when the family’s provider Carmen Moreno dies. The Social Security sad fact is Regional that about Communications one in eight Director in Chicago 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. Be prepared. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency.
Visit socialsecurity.gov for time-saving tools.
Spouses have a significant benefit By Darren Lutz Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Central Ohio 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 By Darren Lutz of years. Or it could be that one Social Security Public spouse stayed home to do the Affairs Specialist in work of raising the children or Central Ohio 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.
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Important information for public employees By John LaMotte Social Security State Liaison in Ohio We have important information that should be of interest to public employees. If you work for an employer who does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary, such as Ohio’s Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), School Employees (SERS), State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), or Police/Fire Pension, the pension you get based on that work may reduce your Social Security benefits under the “Windfall Elimination Provision.” This provision affects how the amount of your retirement or disability benefit is calculated if you receive a pension from work where Social Security taxes were not taken out of your pay. We use a modified formula to calculate your benefit amount, resulting in a lower Social Security benefit than you otherwise would receive. Why a modified formula? The law requires we determine Social Security benefit amounts with a formula that gives proportionately higher benefits to workers with low lifetime earnings. Before 1983, people who worked mainly in a job not covered by Social Security had their Social Security benefits calculated as if they were long-term, lowwage workers. They had the advantage of receiving a Social Security benefit representing a higher percentage of their earnings, plus a pension from a job where they did not pay Social Security taxes. Congress passed the Windfall Elimination Provision to remove that advantage. In addition to the Windfall Elimination Provision, there is another reduction that could make a difference in benefits a spouse, widow or widower can receive. If you pay into another pension plan and do not pay into Social Security, any spouse, widow or widower benefits available through Social Security may be subject to a Government Pension Offset. Generally, if government employment was not covered by Social Security, any Social Security benefits must be reduced by two-thirds of the government pension amount. Why? Benefits we pay to wives, husbands, widows and widowers are “dependent’s” benefits. These benefits were established in the 1930s to compensate spouses who stayed home to raise a family and who were financially dependent on the working spouse. Now it’s more common for both spouses in a married couple to work, each earning his or her own Social Security retirement benefit. The law has always required that a person’s benefit as a spouse, widow or widower be offset dollar for dollar by the amount of his or her own retirement benefit. Similarly, if this government employee’s work had instead been subject to Social Security taxes, any Social Security benefit payable as a spouse, widow or widower would have been reduced by the person’s own Social Security retirement benefit. Even if you do not receive monthly benefits based on your spouse’s work, you still can get Medicare at age 65 on your spouse’s record if you are not eligible for it on your own record. To learn more about the Windfall Elimination Provision, please read this fact sheet: www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10045.html To learn more about the Government Pension Offset, please read this one: www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10007.html.
Social Security Administration Guide Thursday, October 3, 2013 Social Security Administration Guide is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Social Security Administration Guide is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
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If you can’t work due to a disability, Social Security can help By Chris Chesnick Social Security District Manager in Columbus Downtown 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
Find the disability starter kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. 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.
Women and Social Security By Marilyn Robinson Social Security Deputy Area Director in Southern Ohio All Americans need to understand at least the basics of the Social Security program. For women, there are reasons it can be especially important. Here’s why: • Women tend to live longer than men, which means they are more likely than men to get Social Security survivors benefits; • Women will probably have a greater financial need for Social Security retirement benefits, and collect them for a longer period of time since they live longer; and • Women are more likely to be affected by some Social Security provisions than men, such as changing their surnames after marriage or divorce. So Social Security has two ways for women to conveniently get information about Social Security that directly addresses their needs. Women will find our special webpage on women’s issues helpful. The webpage is entitled “For Women” and can be found at www. socialsecurity.gov/women. On the left side of the page is a listing of “roles” that a woman may play in life, such as working woman, beneficiary, bride, new mother, divorced spouse, caregiver and widow. When you click on any one of these roles, you are taken to Social Security information that would be of interest to you. For example, “new mother” leads you
Just married? If you change your name, you need to let the Social Security office know so that your earnings are posted correctly to your records.
to links on getting a Social Security number for your newborn, benefits for children, and more. On the right side of the webpage is a listing of Social Security programs — retirement, survivors and disability — as well as links to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare programs. And in the center of the “For Women” webpage are links to such topics as “Don’t Outlive Your Retirement Savings.” This link is one that many working women will find particularly helpful because it takes them to Social Security’s financial planning website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners. They can use the calcula-
tors there to test different retirement ages or different scenarios for future earnings amounts. It also provides some detailed financial information about how marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government jobs and other life or career events can affect Social Security. And it includes a link to a non-Social Security worksheet that will help visitors decide how much they need to save and invest for a comfortable retirement. For all this, and other useful Social Security information important to women, visit the “For Women” page at www.socialsecurity.gov/women.
Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to establish a convenient my Social Security account.
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Strong families survive, and Social Security helps By Sue Bergman Social Security Assistant District Manager in Columbus North As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds us, strong families share many valuable qualities: trust, commitment, communication, growth, affection, fun and love. Strong families are more likely to grow through a crisis, allowing the difficult experience to bring them even closer together. In the unfortunate event of a family member’s death, we want you to know that Social Security is here to help. In
addition to the emotional difficulty family members experience, there is often a financial burden as well, especially if the family’s main wage earner dies. In such cases, Social Security survivors benefits will help. Did you know that nearly
every child in America could get Social Security survivors benefits if a working parent dies? And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Although many people think Social Security is just a retirement
program, you should know that Social Security also provides survivors insurance benefits for workers and their families. If you’re like most people, the value of the survivors insurance you have under Social Security is probably more than the value of any individual life insurance you may own. And you don’t even need to sign up for a separate policy; by working and paying Social Security tax, you are most likely already insured without even knowing it. Family members who may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work record include a widow or
widower, unmarried children up to age 19 and still in high school, and under certain circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, adopted children and dependent parents. If you’d like to learn more about survivors benefits, and how to apply, you should read our publication, Survivors Benefits, available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs. You can find additional useful information, such as our survivors planner and information about how to apply for survivors benefits, at www. socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm.
Let Social Security help guide you to work By Connie FerrellSocial Security Assistant District Manager in Columbus Downtown September was National Guide Dog Month. The celebration of the work that guide dogs do each day was inspired by actor Dick Van Patten, who wanted to raise awareness and money to help guide dog schools. Many people who depend on guide dogs also depend on disability benefits. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to a disability suffer from severe ailments that make them unable to work and provide for themselves. However, sometimes it is possible — with a little help — for people with disabilities to become self-sufficient through work. If you are getting disability benefits, we understand how difficult the prospect of trying
to work can be. We also understand that the possibility of having medical and financial benefits cut off can be frightening. But rest assured, Social Security has some great work incentives in place that allow people with disabilities to “test the waters” and prove that they can work before any benefits are stopped. That makes it inviting to try. Even if things don’t work out, the benefits will still be there for you. These work incentives include continued cash benefits for a period of time while you work, continued Medicare or Medicaid while you work, and help with education, training and rehabilitation to start a new line of work. The rules vary depending on whether you receive Social Security or SSI. Although the ultimate goal of work incentives is to help bridge the gap between a dependence on monthly benefits and
self-sufficiency, we cast a large safety net to make sure you do not find yourself in dangerous waters. You may continue to receive benefits while working, and medical benefits can sometimes continue to provide coverage for years. When a person who receives Social Security or SSI disability benefits works, there are certain impairment-related work expenses that we deduct from your countable income, making it possible to earn more and remain eligible to receive benefits. For SSI, these excluded expenses can allow you to receive a higher benefit payment. Examples of these impairment-related work expenses include wheelchairs, certain transportation costs and specialized work-related equipment. Blind work expenses can include guide dog expenses, meals consumed during work hours, and income
Your number is your card By Michael Kanode Social Security District Manager in Marion 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 docu-
mentation (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. Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
used to pay income taxes. You can learn all about the different rules for both Social Security and SSI by reading our publication, Working While Disabled — How We Can Help, available to read or listen to at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs. From that page,
type the title in the box at the left side of the page. The online booklet will tell you about the work incentives you may be able to use. You also can put the word “work” in the publications search box to find out more about how Social Security’s work
incentives can help you. Pay special attention to the publications entitled Incentives To Help You Return To Work and Your Ticket To Work. These publications, which you can read or listen to, will guide you as you consider your options.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Are you going to maximize your Social Security benefits? So what do we mean by maximization? Everyone is aware that on any given payday they can expect to see a portion of their income will be withheld by Social Security. What they truly do not understand is that the process of filing for these benefits is as complex as the entire tax code of the IRS. Maximization is the benefit offered those individuals who take the time to understand the 567 ways which someone can claim Social Security benefits. What do we do at Ripple Effect Investment Strategies? We work with individuals to review all their options prior to going to the SSA and filing for benefits. Tim Cooper, CRFA is a Certified Retirement Financial Advisor, specializing in helping individuals determine all options on the best way to strategize a plan and implement their retirement money into years of their retirement goals. Our staff helps people review these options prior to going to the Social Security office. We invite you to check out one of our upcoming educational sessions on Social Security benefits (see ad on page 3). Where else could you possible learn whether you could increase your benefits up to $250,000! Story provided by Timothy H. Cooper, CRFA®, Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with Ripple Effect Investment Strategies, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) with the State of Ohio Department of Commerce. Offices are located at 8405 Pulsar Place, Ste 125, Columbus, OH 43240. Call (614) 436-7347 for more information. Check our website at http://tcooper.retiresmarter.com
Venkatarama Gaddam, M.D., F.A.C.C. New patients welcome! We accept most insurances. Phone: 614-252-7561, Toll Free: 1-877-842-3326 Locations: 1000 East Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43205 1924 Tamarack Road, Newark, OH 43055
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October 3, 2012 | Social Security Administration Guide 2013 | SocialSecurity.gov
Social security honors all who serve
By Gatian Justice Social Security Assistant District Manager in Columbus East
Every day of the year, Americans across the nation remember friends and family members who have served and sacrificed for their country. Veteran’s Day is a day when we all come together to honor those who have given their lives in the defense of freedom and the principles we hold dear in this country. At Social Security, we offer a wide range of services for our service members. Families of fallen military heroes may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. Learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm. For service members who return home with injuries, Social Security is here to help. Visit our Wounded Warriors website. You can find it at www. socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. We use an expedited process for military service members who become disabled while on active military service, regardless of where the disability occurs.
The Wounded Warriors website answers a number of commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. It is important to note that benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. 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 are unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay does not necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. If you’ve 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/10017.pdf. You also may want to visit the Military Service page of our Retirement Planner, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/veterans.htm. At Social Security, we honor all those who served in the military and we remember those who died for their country.
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Rocking retirement By Alice LaMotte Social Security District Manager in Newark Generations ago, retirement was thought of as a time to take it easy — a time of rocking on porch chairs and reminiscing about the good old days. But that’s not the case with the current generation of retirees. In fact, many older people today continue to rock on. Just look at some of the superstars touring and performing concerts this year who are old enough to collect Social Security retirement payments. They’re still rocking, but not in chairs. Bob Dylan is on tour, as he usually is during summer months. Dylan is 71 years old. But with a recent album and new tour dates, you’d never know he was of retirement age. Neil Young is touring with Crazy Horse to support their new album. The “godfather of grunge” is 67 years young. He’s become the “Old Man” he sang about in his Harvest days. Paul McCartney’s current “Out There” tour may more appropriately be called his “Up There” tour. The former Beatle is now age 70. Willie Nelson is “On the Road Again.” The music icon is 79 years old and seems to be on nonstop tour. Aretha Franklin is 71. Carlos Santana is 65. Carly Simon is 67. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are both 69, as is Joni Mitchell. Leonard Cohen is 78. B.B. King is 87. They’re all still performing their music. Of course, some of these well-known
musicians may not be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. But all of them are of retirement age. So where are their rocking chairs and knitting needles? It’s hard to believe, looking at all of these mature stars, that retirement used to be associated with bridge and shuffleboard. It’s not just musicians. In fact, many people decide to put off applying for retirement benefits. And even after they do begin collecting benefits, many “retirees” prefer to keep working — or at least moving and shaking. Most people know that you can begin collecting early Social Security benefits at age 62, with a reduction in the monthly amount. The full retirement age is gradually going up from 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954, to 67 for people born in 1960 and later. You can delay retirement even further and receive a higher payment when you retire, up until you reach age 70. And another thing that has changed since the past generation: you can continue to work and still receive retirement benefits. Learn more about Social Security retirement benefits by reading our publication on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. When you’re ready to retire, the best place to apply is from the comfort of your home computer, with some of your favorite music blaring in the background. Begin the process with our Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retirement. Crank up the tunes, and start planning before you head out to your next concert.
Learn more about Social Security including SSI benefits, identity theft and Frequently Asked Questions at ThisWeekNews.com