Social Security 2011

Social Security 2011 Timely information about your Social Security Benefits In partnership with the Social Security Administration Written by Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

A Supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

2 June 2011

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contents 3 SCAMS 4 “Boldly Go” 5 Doing Business Online 6 Serving Those Who Serve America 7 Medicare When You’re Not Retired 8 In Your Time of Need - Survivors Benefits Explained 9 Deciding When To Retire 10 Women & Social Security

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June 2011 3

BE WARY OF

SCAMS

By Kirk Larson

Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

T

hese days, everyone needs to be cautious of scams -Internet, mail, and even phone scams – which can damage your credit score and pocketbook. Any time someone asks for your personal information, you should be wary. Particularly cruel are swindles that target Social Security beneficiaries.

Recently, Social Security became aware of a scam targeting beneficiaries in the Southern California area. Scammers telephoned beneficiaries to tell them they were due a “stimulus payment.”

The scammer offered to deposit the payment to each beneficiary’s account once the personal and bank account information was provided. The scammer then contacted Social Security by telephone to request the benefits be deposited into a new account—the scammer’s account, to steal the payments. In a similar version of this criminal ploy, the scammer calls the beneficiary to “confirm” the beneficiary’s personal and financial information.

As a rule of thumb, Social Security will not call you for your personal information such as your Social Security number or banking information. If someone contacts you and asks for this kind of information, do not give it.

You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the contact, or are confident of the person to whom you are speaking. If in doubt, do not release information without first verifying the validity of the call by contacting the local Social Security office or Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Another way to protect yourself is to keep your Social Security card and other important documents locked away in a safe place.

Do not give personal information to just anyone. Also, check your Social Security earnings record. You can request a Social Security Statement online at www.socialsecurity.gov/statement. When you receive your Statement in the mail, you can verify the accuracy of the reported earnings and request correction if necessary.

If you’ve fallen victim to fraud or identity theft, be sure to file a report with the local police or the police department where the identity theft took place, and keep a copy of the police report as proof of the crime.

Information on how to prevent scams and protect yourself can be found at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You can also read Social Security’s publication, Identify Theft And Your Social Security Number, available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064. html and Your Social Security Number and Card, available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.

Be alert when dealing with people who want your personal information, such as your bank account number, date of birth, and Social Security number. By using a little caution, you can protect yourself from fraud. Learn more about Social Security at www. socialsecurity.gov.

4 June 2011

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GEORGE TAKEI AND PATTY DUKE BOLDLY GO TO SOCIAL SECURITY’S WEBSITE

By Kirk Larson

or getting extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs.” To which George concludes, “Everyone, of all ages, should go to www.

Are you ready to set course for retirement? Then follow the advice socialsecurity.gov.”

So Boldly Go to www.socialsecurity.gov. Like George, you may find of entertainment icons George Takei and Patty Duke and Boldly Go yourself saying, “Oh my!” Then, in retirement, live long and prosper. to www.socialsecurity.gov. The two celebrities have teamed up in a new campaign to help Social Security promote its online services as an easy and secure way for people to apply for retirement, disability, Medicare, and so much more.

Those ready to retire, apply for disability benefits, or delay retirement and apply only for Medicare, can do so from the comfort of their home or from any computer. And don’t forget to sign up for direct deposit so you’ll get your benefits at warp speed.

Already receiving Social Security benefits? Go online to let Social Security know about a change of address or phone number, start or change direct deposit, get a proof of income letter, or replace a lost Medicare card.

As Patty tells George, Social Security’s website “is for everyone.”

Workers can get an online estimate of their future retirement benefits and use Social Security’s planners to plan for a secure retirement and “Young people can help their grandparents with retiring online Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

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June 2011 5

DOING BUSINESS WITH SOCIAL SECURITY –

GO ONLINE AT SOCIALSECURITY.GOV

By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

Americans love their computers.

In fact, a recent study shows that the number of Americans who use the Internet has more than doubled over the past 10 years, reaching nearly three quarters of the U.S. population. Nearly half of all Americans have a high-speed Internet connection at home. The study indicates that Internet use is even beginning to outpace traditional media. Younger Americans spend more time online than in front of a television.

But as most people know, the Internet is a gateway to more than media and entertainment. It is a highly accepted way to do business.

As Americans become increasingly comfortable with the security and convenience of doing things on the Internet, online business is becoming more and more popular.

You can do so much at Social Security’s website from the convenience of your home or office.

Here are some of our best online services: Use our Retirement Estimator to get a quick and accurate estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/ estimator Prepare for your retirement by visiting our Benefits Planner where you can get all your ducks in a row. You can also go here to use the disability and survivors planners

to find out how much you or your family might qualify for if the need arises. www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners Retire online! You can complete and submit your retirement application in as little as 15 minutes. People in the Northwest lead the nation in using the online application. Two out of five people file right online and never walk into a Social Security Office. www. socialsecurity.gov/retireonline Benefit Verification! Social Security makes it easy for you to get the written verification you need at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just look in the left column under “What you can do online,” expand the “If you get benefits” section, and select the “Request a Proof of Income letter” link. The letter can be used for any reason that someone requires proof of your income. In addition to offering proof of your income, the letter is an official document that verifies your Medicare coverage, retirement or disability status, and age. From the time that you complete the online request, it will take about 10 days for you to receive the proof of income letter in the mail.

There’s even more you can do at www.socialsecurity.gov. So whether you’re interested in planning your retirement or applying for disability, learning about Social Security’s history or finding out about how the system works, our online office is the most convenient one to visit.

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6 June 2011

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By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

SOCIAL SECURITY SERVES THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA

Every day of the year, Americans in the armed forces serve our nation. At Social Security, we honor our nation’s military personnel and all of America’s veterans not only on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.

In fact, military service members receive expedited processing of their disability applications from Social Security. Under an agreement initiated by Social Security, the Department of Defense transmits information that allows us to identify military personnel injured in military service.

The expedited process is available for any military service member who becomes disabled during active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel also may be able to receive benefits, including dependent children and spouses.

If you, or someone you know, were wounded while on active duty in the military, find out more about what Social Security can do for you by visiting our website designed specifically for our wounded veterans: www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.

There, you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions, as well as other useful information about disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Please pay special attention to the fact sheets available on that website, Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors and Expediting Disability Applications for Wounded Warriors.

You’ll also find links to useful Veterans Affairs websites. There are links to information about the “Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom Home,” information on Survivors Benefits, the Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, a fact sheet on Veterans benefits, and the Veterans On-Line Application, known as VONAPP. Although the expedited service is relatively new, military personnel have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Even people in the service before 1957 may receive special credit for some of their service. People in the military are covered for the same Social Security survivors, disability and retirement benefits as everyone else.

A person’s Social Security benefit depends on earnings, averaged over a lifetime. Generally, the higher your earnings, the higher your Social Security benefit. Under certain circumstances, special earnings can be credited from your military pay record for Social Security purposes. The extra earnings are for periods of active duty or active duty for training. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit. The earnings are added to your earnings record when you apply for Social Security benefits.

To learn more about Social Security for people who have served in the military, read a copy of our publication, Military Service and Social Security. You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10017.html, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask us to mail a free copy to you.

Each day, the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces serve us. Social Security salutes everyone who serves.

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June 2011 7

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FAST MEDICARE COVERAGE EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT RETIRED

By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

You’ve made your decision: although you’re eligible to collect Social Security payments, you’re going to keep working and delay receiving your retirement benefits.

But don’t forget about Medicare.

Even if you decide to wait until after you are age 65 to apply for retirement benefits, most people should apply for Medicare coverage at age 65. If you’d like to begin your Medicare coverage, you should apply within four months of reaching age 65.

There’s a fast, convenient, and simple way to apply online for Medicare in as little as 10 minutes — even if you’re not ready to receive retirement benefits. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

At the website, you’ll find more than just the online Medicare application.

You’ll also find information about Medicare, and have the opportunity to watch a short, fun video reuniting the cast of The Patty Duke Show to tell you about the ease and convenience of filing for Medicare online.

It’s important to note that people who already receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits do not need to apply for Medicare; they will be automatically enrolled.

There is no additional charge for Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) since you already paid for it by working and paying Medicare tax. However, there is a monthly premium for medical insurance (Part B). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you should consider whether you want to apply for the medical insurance. You may want to consult with an insurance specialist. To learn more about this and other Medicare considerations, read our online publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10043.html.

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8 June 2011

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In Your Time of Need Social Security Can Help – Survivors Benefits Explained

By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

T

he loss of a loved one can be painful. The death of a wage-earner upon whom a family depends also can be financially devastating.

If you’re like most young or middle-aged workers, you probably think of Social Security only as a retirement program. However, some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward providing survivors insurance for workers and their families. Think of it as a life insurance policy you never knew you had — paid for by the same taxes that cover you for retirement or disability.

When you die, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors benefits. These include widows, widowers (and divorced widows and widowers), children, and even dependent parents. In many cases, there also is a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 that can be made to a surviving spouse or minor children who meet certain requirements.

You may not think it will happen to you, but the stunning truth is that one in eight of today’s 20-year-olds will die before reaching their full retirement age of 67. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. More than 6.4 million survivors receive benefits. The average Survivors benefit is $995 a month. In Washington over 110,000 people, receive an average Survivor benefit of $1,075 a month.

If you are a survivor, you should apply for survivors benefit right away. You can apply by telephone or at any Social Security office. Call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). To help prepare you, here is the information we will need: Proof of death — either from a funeral home or a death certificate; Your Social Security number, as well as the deceased worker’s; Your birth certificate; Your marriage certificate, if you are a widow or widower; Your divorce papers, if you are applying as a divorced widow or widower; Dependent children’s Social Security numbers, if available, and birth certificates; Deceased worker’s W-2 forms or Federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year; and The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account.

To learn more about survivors benefits, please read the online publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10084.html.

Visit the Survivors page at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm.

T Y T

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TOOLS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHEN TO RETIRE

June 2011 9

Receiving Retirement Benefits. You can read it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

As most workers know, your choice of a retirement age — from 62 to 70 — can dramatically affect your monthly Social Security benefit amount.

The longer you wait the higher the benefit.

By Kirk Larson

Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

These days, everyone is taking a new look at their finances — and no one is looking more closely than the millions of baby boomers who are nearing retirement age. While some boomers expected to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their plans. Many are wondering if they should work longer, or how their Social Security benefit – or their spouse’s benefit – would be affected if they continued working.

When thinking about retirement, be sure to plan for the long term. Many of us will live much longer then the “average” retiree, and, generally, women tend to live longer than men. About one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90. Social Security benefits, which last as long as you live, provide valuable protection against outliving savings and other retirement income. By the year 2050 there will be over 600,000 people in this country over the age of 100.

To help people find answers, Social Security has published a fact sheet called When To Start

If you choose to start receiving benefits early, the monthly payments will be reduced based on the number of months you receive benefits before you reach your full retirement age. The rate of reduction will depend on the year you were born. The maximum reduction at age 62 will be:

25 percent for people born between 1943 and 1954.

30 percent for people born after 1959.

If you wait until your full retirement age, your benefits will not be reduced. Moreover, if you choose to delay retirement, your benefit will increase up to eight percent per year from your full retirement age until age 70. However, there is no additional benefit increase after you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.

Social Security also has created several retirement planners to help you make an informed decision. Social Security has an online calculator that can provide immediate retirement benefit estimates to help you plan for your retirement. The online Retirement Estimator uses information from your own earnings record, and lets you create “what if” scenarios. You can, for example, change your “stop work” date or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options.

To use the Retirement Estimator, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Read When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147. html.

For general information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Retirement decisions are unique to everyone.

Make sure you are up to date with the important information you will need to make the choice that’s right for you.

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10 June 2011

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What Women Should Know About Social Security

By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

While the Social Security program treats all workers — men and women — exactly the same in terms of the benefits they can receive, women need to know what the program means to them in their particular circumstances. Understanding the benefits to which they may be entitled may mean the difference between living more comfortably versus just getting by in their later retirement years.

One of the most significant things women need to remember in terms of Social Security is the importance of promptly reporting a name change. If you haven’t told us of a name change, your earnings may not be recorded properly and you may not receive all the Social Security benefits you are due. Not changing your name with Social Security also can delay your Federal income tax refund. To report a name change, please fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). You can get the form by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, visiting any Social Security office or card center, or by calling Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800325-0778). You must show us a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change.

If building a family is in your plans, it’s a good idea to apply for a Social Security number

for your baby in the hospital, at the same time that you apply for your baby’s birth certificate.

Social Security will mail the card to you. Or,

you can elect to wait and apply in person at any Social Security office. However, if you wait, you must provide evidence of your child’s age, identity and U.S. citizenship status, as well as proof of your identity. Then, we must verify your child’s birth record, which can add 12 weeks to the time it takes to issue a card.

When women start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members may be eligible for payments as well. For example, benefits can be paid to a husband: If he is age 62 or older; or At any age if he is caring for your child (the child must be younger than 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits on your record).

Benefits also can be paid to unmarried children if they are: Younger than 18; Between 18 and 19, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).

The family of a woman who dies may be eligible for survivors benefits based on her work.

For more information about women and Social Security, ask for the publication, What Every Woman Should Know (SSA Publication No. 05-10127) or visit our special Women’s page online at www. socialsecurity.gov/women.

How You Get Your Monthly Payment Could Be Changing

By Kirk Larson

Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

Question: I understand that people starting Social Security benefits in May will not have the option to receive a paper check. I also understand that by 2013, I will not be able to continue receiving my Social Security payments by way of paper check. What are the benefits of using direct deposit?

Answer: You are correct. The U.S. Department of Treasury announced a new rule that will phase out paper checks for federal benefits and non-tax payments by

March 1, 2013. For additional details, please review the information issued by the Treasury Department at - http://www.fms.treas.gov/news/press/electronic_ benefits_rule.html Anyone applying for Social Security benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013.

The benefits of using direct deposit are: • It’s safe; • It’s secure; • It’s convenient; • There are no checks to be lost;

• You are in control of your money; and • You will get your benefits on time, even if you’re out of town, sick, or unable to get to the bank.

You choose the account where your Social Security payment is deposited. If you don’t have a bank account, you can use the Direct Express prepaid debit card to receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other Federal benefit payments. With this card, you can make purchases, pay bills, and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide. Learn more about direct deposit and Direct Express at www.godirect.gov.

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June 2011 11

NEW “MYMONEY” WEBSITE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR MONEY

By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

There’s good news for Americans who want help getting a handle on their finances. The official government website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics of financial education, www.mymoney.gov, is now loaded with more information and is even easier to use.

The new site has enhanced interactive features and provides more resources to Americans seeking information that can help with their personal financial decisions.

The new www.mymoney.gov website creates an online point of access to financial information from the 21 federal agencies, departments, and bureaus -- including Social Security -- that comprise the Financial Literacy and Education Commission. Visitors to the site can find information about how to plan, financially, for a host of life events, such as the birth or adoption of a child, home ownership, or retirement. Users also can find information targeted to their personal or professional situation. For instance,

the site offers resources for teachers, military service members, women, parents, youth, and employers. The site also provides money management tools including a financial savings calculator, worksheets for establishing a household budget, and a college preparation checklist.

The site also is available in Spanish. The effort to make the website as helpful and useful to Americans will be ongoing, with improvements expected to continue.

In addition to being a member of the commission responsible for this site, Social Security offers other ways to help you with your finances. For example, you can use the online Retirement Estimator to get a personalized, instant estimate of what your future retirement benefits will be in different situations. The estimator is available at www. socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Learn more about Social Security at www. socialsecurity.gov.

For more about the basics of financial education, whether you’re buying a house or balancing your checkbook, visit www.mymoney.gov.

Social Security Covers Every Season Of Life

By Kirk Larson Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

Sometimes it is hard to believe how quickly the seasons change and the years pass by. Whatever season of life you happen to be in, it may be a good time to reflect on the protection you have through Social Security.

Each stage of life — from the spring of youth to the summer of middle age to the autumn of retirement — comes with its own set of financial concerns. In each situation, Social Security is there to help.

Of the more than 56 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, nearly one-third are not retired workers or their dependents. They’re disabled workers and their families, or the survivors of a deceased worker.

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 often can be financially devastating as well.

Social Security provides monthly survivors benefit payment to help the qualified family members of a deceased worker.

Social Security disability protection is equally valuable. 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 pays monthly benefits to workers and their families, based on the workers’ lifetime earnings.

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 serves as the foundation for a secure retirement. Social Security is the largest source of income for most elderly Americans today, but Social Security has never been intended to be

your only source of income when you retire. You also will need other savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you retire.

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 would like to try out some different scenarios and see how various retirement ages and future earnings may change your retirement picture, visit our online Retire-

ment Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. It provides an instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits.

Perhaps the best news of all is that it is easier than ever to apply for retirement benefits. You can do it right from the comfort and convenience of your home or office by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. It can take as little as 15 minutes.

Whether you are young or old, Social Security is there through every season. You can find out more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

12 June 2011

Skagit Publishing | goskagit.com

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SPEED UP YOUR DISABILITY APPLICATION

By Kirk Larson

Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist

If your disabling condition is preventing you from continuing to work, you may want to apply for disability benefits through Social Security. In some situations, you can still be working (earning under $1000.00 per month for a non-blind individual) and still file for benefits. You could even be on Social Security Retirement benefits and not have worked for the last two or three years and still qualify for disability payment. In most cases, doing so involves a thorough process of determining your eligibility, medical condition, and ability to work. Because we look so carefully at so many cases — more than three million each year — it can take us three to five months to determine whether you are eligible.

Processing times on that initial claim can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on: • the nature of your disability; • how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources; and • whether we need to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim.

There are things you can do to help speed up the process. The more information you provide up front, the less time it will take us to obtain the evidence we need — and the faster your claim can be processed.

What type of information do we need?

• Any medical records or documentation you have is helpful. We can make copies of the records you have and return your originals; • The names, addresses, and phone numbers for any doctors, medical facilities, treatment centers, or providers related to your disabling condition; • The names, addresses, and phone numbers for previous employers and the dates worked for each employer; • Workers’ compensation information, including the settlement agreement, date of injury, claim number, and proof of other disability benefits awarded; • Names and dates of birth of your minor children and your spouse; • Dates of marriages and divorces (if any); • Checking or savings account number, and the bank’s 9-digit routing number, so we

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can deposit your payment electronically;

• Name, address, and phone number of a person we can contact if we are unable to get in touch with you.

If this disability application is for a child, we need the name, address, phone number of the schools attended and any school records you can provide.

We also ask you to sign release forms that give us permission to obtain the information needed from third parties to make a decision on your claim.

The best place to start is online at www. socialsecurity.gov/disability. Select “Disability Starter Kit” in the left column. There, you’ll find more information and starter kits for both adults and children.

You can apply online for disability benefits (the easiest method), or you can make an appointment by phone or in a Social Security office. The choice is yours. (For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, you cannot apply online, but you still can complete the Disability Starter Kit to prepare for the interview and speed-up the processing time.)

If you’re considering an application for disability benefits, the place to go is www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability.