social security

SOCIAL SOCIAL SOCIAL SECURITY SECURITY SECURITY A GUIDE FOR ALL A GUIDE FOR ALL GENERATIONS GENERATIONS

DAILY NEWSNORFOLK

Friday, January 20, 2012

Tax Tips Tax Tips • • • • • • • • • • • Page 2 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 2

Survivors Benefits Survivors Benefits • • • • • • • • • • • Page 3 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 3

Serving the Heartland Serving the Heartland • • • • • • • • • • • Page 4 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 4

Disability Application Disability Application • • • • • • • • • • • Page 5 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 5

Electronic Payments Electronic Payments • • • • • • • • • • • Page 6 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 6

Plan Now Plan Now • • • • • • • • • • • Page 7 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 7

Online Questions Online Questions • • • • • • • • • Page 8 & 9 • • • • • • • • • Page 8 & 9

Medicare Coverage Medicare Coverage • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 10

If It’s Not .Gov Not SS If It’s Not .Gov Not SS • • • • • • • • • • • Page 11 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 11

Decide When Decide When • • • • • • • • • • • Page 11 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 11

What’s in a Name What’s in a Name • • • • • • • • • • • Page 12 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 12

Online Guide Online Guide • • • • • • • • • • • Page 12 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 12

MyMoney Website MyMoney Website • • • • • • • • • • • Page 14 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 14

Replace Lost Card Replace Lost Card • • • • • • • • • • • Page 14 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 14

Military Service Military Service • • • • • • • • • • • Page 15 • • • • • • • • • • • Page 15

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Tax Tips From Social Security By Greg Heineman District Manager in Norfolk

It is never too early to plan for filing the next tax return. 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 2011, 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 is not only the kids who will need a number, but all dependents listed on your federal tax return need one. This includes a dependent parent who lives with you and receives support from you. If any of your dependents need a Social Security number, you can get an application at www.socialsecurity.gov.

2) Check the names and numbers. It is 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) Paying taxes 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. Plan accordingly as you work out your budget. You may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits if: you file as an individual and have a total annual income of $25,000 or more; or you file a joint return and have a combined total annual income of $32,000 or more.

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 the form is used to find out whether any benefits are subject to tax.

You will receive your SSA-1099 for the tax year in the mail — they are automatically mailed to all beneficiaries by January 31 of the following year. If you receive Social Security and do not receive a Form SSA- 1099 for 2011 by January 31 of the following year, 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.

You can ask us to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security when you apply for benefits. If you are already receiving benefits or if you want to change or stop your withholding, you will need a form W- 4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

When you complete the form, you will need to select the percentage of your monthly benefit amount you want withheld. You can have 7%, 10%, 15% or 25% of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes.

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NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANuARY 20, 2012 �-A

Survivors Benefits Explained By Tonya Butler District Manager in Grand Island

The 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 are 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 survivor’s benefits. These include widows, widowers (and divorced widows and widowers), children (including stepchildren if they meet certain dependency requirements), and even dependent parents. In many cases, there also is a $255 one-time lump-sum payment made to a surviving spouse or minor children who meet certain requirements.

A widow, widower or a surviving divorced spouse (if you were divorced, your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years) can receive benefits as early as age 60, or if you are disabled, age 50. Benefits are also available at any age if you are caring for a child of your

late spouse or ex-spouse. The child must be: Your natural or legally adopted child, and, Under the age of 16, or Entitled for childhood disability benefits and the level of care you provide meets specific guidelines. 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.

How it works: You can earn up to four Social Security credits each year. In 2011, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,120 of wages or self-employment income. When you have earned $4,480, you have earned your four credits for the year.

The number of years of work you need for your family to receive benefits depends on your age at death, or how recently you worked at the time of death. No one needs more than 40 credits (10 years of work) to be eligible for any Social Security benefit. The average Survivors benefit is $1,129 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; Your Social Security number, as well as the deceased worker’s; 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 and birth certificates; The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account. To learn more about survivor’s benefits,

please read the online publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html.

The administrative cost to run the Social Security program is less than 1% of total

Social Security expenditures.

We can deliver service in person, by phone or by the internet.

Social Security online service rated highest in government.


Proud to Serve the Heartland By Carolyn L. Simmons Regional Commissioner, Kansas City Region

As Regional Commissioner of Social Security, I would like to thank the people of the greater Kansas City area for providing Social Security with a wonderful environment. The friendly, hardworking people; clean and modern cities; beautiful countryside and diverse cultural opportunities make Kansas City and the surrounding area an ideal location for our agency to work in. What began as a retirement program in 1935 has evolved into a safety net for workers, their families and those in greatest need. With the addition of Survivors, Disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare benefits since our 1935 inception, Social Security continues to provide financial security for millions of Americans.

We strive to provide compassionate, courteous and accurate service to the American public throughout the four state region that consists of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Our regional customer satisfaction surveys continue to indicate a high rate of satisfaction with the quality, timeliness and courtesy with which our staff provides service to our communities. We take public service seriously and strive to leverage the use of new technology to enhance our service.

We are committed to delivering service the way you want it – whether it be in person, by phone or online. A network of field offices exists in the metropolitan area and throughout the region for in-person service. You may call our automated service anytime, toll free at 1-800-772-1213 or our representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

I also encourage you to visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Our website is a simple, safe and secure method for you to estimate future benefits, apply for benefits, obtain forms or publications and order a replacement Medicare card. The web site is available in Spanish, as are our publications and retirement estimator. We are anxiously awaiting the release of our Spanish online retirement application—stay tuned. This is a small sample of what you can find on our web site and what you can do online. We continue to update the site to better meet your needs.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, our online services are top-notch. Our online Retirement Application, Retirement Estimator, Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs Application and Internet Disability Report are among top-rated online services in both government and the private sector. If you are interested in receiving free Social Security updates by email, simply click on the “Get email updates when this information changes” icon located throughout our website to stay informed about the latest Social Security information.

I pledge that we will continue to be

innovative and seek to provide the highest standard of considerate and thoughtful service for years to come. Please visit www.socialsecurity.gov and let us know how we are doing as your feedback and questions will help us improve our service. Our challenges in the future can only be met with a willingness to welcome change and implement new ideas. Our highly dedicated employees are here to deliver services that meet your changing needs with dignity and respect.

As an agency, we continually strive to improve our disability claims process. In the last year alone, we have expanded an innovative process that began two years ago known as Video Service Delivery. Additional field offices, Disability Determination Services and Disability Adjudication and Review offices have this equipment that allows us to provide real-time, face-to-face service improving the applications process in remote locations. To reduce the hearings backlog, video technology allows Administrative Law Judges to conduct hearings remotely. We streamlined the disability process with the Wounded Warrior and Compassionate allowance initiatives. Read more about the Wounded Warrior expedited process for members of the military on page 15 of this supplement. The Compassionate Allowance process specifically deals with the most disabling conditions an individual may develop such as brain tumors, cancers and end-stage renal disease to allow us a faster track to process a disability claim. This year, we have added 12 additional medical conditions involving severe heart disease bringing the total number to 100.

The Joplin tornado brought out the best in our employees, as hundreds in the region stepped forward to help the people of Joplin. Most of our employees, despite personal losses of their own, reported for duty as soon as the Social Security office reopened. Many of them volunteered, helping the Joplin

community to recover. The Pittsburg, Kansas, office sent employees to provide additional services. Social Security utilized our technology to enable offices from across the region to help Joplin residents apply for benefits and obtain other needed services. The community of Joplin found the Social Security safety net ready to help when they needed it most.

Although Social Security can be vital to survivors of an emergency like Joplin, the Social Security safety net provides an increasingly important source of retirement, disability and survivors benefits across the region and the nation. To see the safety net of Social Security at work in the Norfolk area, the attached table shows the number of beneficiaries and their monthly payments by county. Each month we pay nearly 32,000 residents an average of $1,000 a month!

Most of our beneficiaries are retirees and their families. Social Security is not intended to be the only source of income for people when they retire. Social Security replaces about 40 percent of an average wage earners income after retiring, and most financial advisors say retirees will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably. To have a comfortable retirement, Americans need much more than just Social Security.

The Social Security Administration wants you to understand what Social Security can mean to you and your family’s financial future. Our website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. Learn more about how Social Security can help you by visiting us at www.socialsecurity.gov.

On behalf of Social Security and the employees of the Kansas City Region, we are pleased to team with the Norfolk Daily News. I trust you will find the information contained in this supplement useful as you plan for the days ahead or in the event of an unexpected disability or death. We built Social Security on a foundation of efficient and effective service and as Regional Commissioner for the Kansas City Region; I want you to know that we are committed to making sure you continue to receive our help and support through compassionate, courteous and accurate public service.

Antelope 1,645 $1,578,000 Boone 1,295 $1,286,000 Cedar 1,945 $1,845,000 Colfax 1,515 $1,505,000 Cuming 2,205 $2,237,000 Holt 2,700 $2,468,000 Knox 2,295 $2,115,000 Madison 6,750 $6,957,000 Pierce 1,460 $1,464,000 Platte 5,960 $6,417,000 Stanton 1,060 $1,043,000 Wayne 1,545 $1,621,000

Norfolk Servicing Area Totals 31,855 $31,902,000

Nebraska Counties Beneficiaries Monthly Amount

What You Can Do to Speed up Your Disability Application By Mike McWilliams Operations Supervisor in Norfolk

If your disabling condition is preventing you from continuing to work, you may want to apply for disability benefits through Social Security. In most cases, doing so involves a thorough process of determining your eligibility, medical condition, and ability to work. Because we look 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 and 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 may 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 can deposit your payment electronically; and •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. In addition, provide the name, address and phone number of an additional responsible adult who can assist in the claim process for the child in case you are unavailable or unreachable. 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, select Disability tab. There, you’ll find more information. 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 Report 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.

If you are still disabled when you reach your full retirement

age, we will convert your disability benefits to a

retirement benefit at the same amount.l

You are eligible to receive Medicare after you have

received disability benefits for 24 months.

SSA reviews your case at regular intervals to make sure

you are still disabled?

Direct Deposit With direct deposit, you can depend on your payment arriving in your account on time, every time. If you do not already have direct deposit, there are good reasons to sign up. For one, less money and time spent driving to the bank to cash your check helps you save. Second, fewer paper checks, envelopes, and stamps, and less fuel to deliver the checks mean less waste and pollution for the environment. With direct deposit, you know your payment will be in your

account on time no matter what.l When on vacation, direct deposit ensures payments will be deposited into your

account on time, so there is no reason to worry about the safety of your benefit or to ask a neighbor to look out for your check when you are away.

To learn more about Direct Deposit of your benefit payments and to sign up, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit

Receive Updates by email Social Security periodically changes the content and look of the website to

better serve you and keep you informed on developments regarding:

Emergency information Disability Research

Press Releases Social Security News and more

You can sign up to receive free emails that let you know when your favorite socialsecurity.gov web pages have been updated. You can tell us how often

you wish to be notified (immediately, daily, weekly, or monthly). Email updates are a free service from socialsecurity.gov. Your email address

will only be used to register you for email notifications and allow you to access your account.

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Electronic Payments are Now Mandatory By Greg Heineman District Manager in Norfolk

Since May 1, 2011, people who apply for Social Security benefits must receive payments electronically. Nearly everyone currently receiving benefits who has not signed up for electronic payments must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Electronic payments may be made by Direct Deposit, the Direct Express card program, or an Electronic Transfer Account. You can learn more about all three at www.godirect.org.

Almost everyone already gets their benefit payment electronically. Whether you receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can depend on your payment arriving in your account on time, every time. If you do not already have direct deposit, there are good reasons to sign up. For one, less money and time spent driving to the bank to cash your check helps you save. Second, fewer paper checks, envelopes, and stamps, and less fuel to deliver the checks means less waste and pollution for the environment.

Winter is just around the corner for most areas, like ours—snow, cold, ice, wind. Other areas bear the brunt of hurricanes or flooding. At other times of the year, we are plagued by tornadoes, while others must deal with

wildfires, severe thunderstorms, or even earthquakes. If you are unfortunate enough to be in the line of a natural disaster, the last thing you want is for your income to be interrupted because of an evacuation or a missing mailbox or a missing post office. With electronic payments, you know your payment will be in your account on time no matter what.

When on vacation, electronic payments ensure your check is deposited into your account on time, so there is no reason to worry about the safety of your benefit or to ask a neighbor to look out for your check when you are away.

As an added bonus, many banks offer free checking accounts for people who use direct deposit because it saves the bank the cost of processing paper payments. Plus, the payment probably will show up in your bank account earlier in the day than a paper check will appear in the mailbox … and there’s no need to cash it. It’s already in the bank. Don’t have a bank account? Direct Express is for you. Direct Express is designed for people without bank accounts and it works like a debit card. Payments are loaded onto the card and are immediately available. With Direct Express you can use the card to get cash or to purchase items.

The Department of the Treasury recently introduced an easy and affordable option-the

Electronic Transfer Account (ETA). The new ETA is available through participating Federally insured financial institutions, including banks, savings and loans, and credit unions.

With Direct Deposit, Electronic Transfer Account, or Direct Express, there’s no need to leave your house when the weather is bad or to stand in line at the bank. When you’re away from home, it’s comforting to know your payment is in the bank instead of the mailbox.

To learn more about Direct Deposit of your benefit payments and to sign up, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit. Of course, you can also start or change Direct Deposit services by:

Using our automated phone service at 1- 800-772-1213;

Filling out a Direct Deposit sign-up form that is available from the Social Security website and taking it to your financial institution or Social Security office; or Contacting your bank, credit union or savings and loan association.

So whatever the weather, put Direct Deposit or Direct Express on your list of things to do. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or go directly to www.godirect.gov or www.fms.treas.gov/directexpresscard.

Receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments by direct deposit is safe and convenient; and it saves

the Federal Government money.

Savings to the Social Security Trust Funds based on Electronic Funds Transfer participation for Calendar Year 2010 was about $513 million.

Effective May 1, 2013, individuals receiving Social Security or SSI ubenefits must receive their payments electronically.


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Plan Now For a Better Future By Laurie Jones District Manager in North Platte

Money may be a bit tight right now, but just a little extra effort today in financial planning can yield big dividends later on no matter what your age. Here’s why.

A study on retirement satisfaction by researchers at Boston College asked retirees this question: “All in all, would you say that retirement has turned out to be: very satisfying, moderately satisfying, or not satisfying at all?” They found that among retired couples, those who answered “very satisfied” or “moderately satisfied” had income in retirement replacing 72 percent of their pre-retirement earnings, while those who said that their retirement was “not satisfying at all” had income replacing only about 60 percent of their pre-retirement earnings. When thinking about retirement, be sure to plan for the long term. Many of us will live much longer than 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, and one out of 10 will live past age 95. Social Security benefits, which last as long as you live, provide valuable protection against outliving savings and other sources of retirement income. Again, you will want to choose a retirement age based on your circumstances so you will have sufficient income when you need it.

Remember that Social Security provides about 40 percent of pre- retirement earnings replacement for the average wage earner, making Social Security the foundation upon which you can build your secure retirement. You also will need other savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you retire. And, Social Security offers several tools to help you plan now for a better future.

You will want to visit our popular Retirement Estimator.

There, you can key in some basic information and get a quick and accurate estimate of your benefit amount using different scenarios. You can find the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/ estimator.

Once you know just what to expect from Social Security in retirement, you will know just how much you need to save to be among the “very satisfied” American retirees. And, America will thank you for it, because Social Security payments don’t stop in the bank accounts of older Americans. From there, they venture into the economy, purchasing goods and services.

We encourage saving for retirement, but there are reasons to save for every stage of life. A great place to go for help is www.mymoney.gov. MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you plan to buy a home, balance your checkbook, or invest 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.

These online resources are a great way to learn more about your retirement future. Whether you are close to receiving Social Security retirement benefits or just beginning to work, Social Security offers a number of services and a wealth of information at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Apply for retirement benefits online and save yourself a trip to the office — it’s quick and easy. Once you submit your online application electronically, in most cases, you’re done. There are no forms to sign or documents to send in. If we do need more information to process your application, a representative will contact you. For more information about applying online, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

The Retirement Estimator lets you create additional “what if” retirement scenarios to find out how changes in your situation might

change your future benefit amount.

In 2011, you receive one credit for each $1,120 of earnings, you can earn up to four credits a year. The amount of earnings needed for

one credit can increase each year. Most people need 40 credits (or 10 years of work) to be eligible for retirement benefits.

Generally, retirement benefits are based on your 35 years of highest earning.

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Visit SOCIAL SECURITY at www.SocialSecurity.gov ONLINE RESOURCES: Many forms and publications are easily accessible online.

Question: Can I get a new Social Security number if someone has stolen my identity?

Answer: We do not routinely assign a new number to someone whose identity has been stolen. Only as a last resort should you consider requesting a new Social Security number. Changing your number may adversely affect your ability to interact with Federal and State agencies, employers, and others. Th is is because your financial, medical, employment and other records will be under your former Social Security number. We cannot guarantee that a new number will solve your problem. To learn more about your Social Security card and number, read our online publication on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.

Question: How do I request proof of my benefit amount?

Answer: You can use your SSA-1099 form as proof of your income if you receive Social Security benefits, or you can use the annual cost-of-living adjustment notice as verification of your current benefits. You also can make an online request for a Proof of Income Letter at www.socialsecurity.gov by clicking on “Services for people currently receiving benefits” and then clicking on “Request a proof of income letter.” Or, you may call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325- 0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Question: Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card? Answer: No, it is not illegal, but we discourage it. It’s best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult, sometimes even impossible, to detect important security features and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incorporate many features that protect the card’s integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques — some visible to the naked eye and some not. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: How do I report a lost Social Security card? Answer: You do not have to report a lost Social Security card. In fact, reporting a lost or stolen card to Social Security will not prevent misuse of your Social Security number. You should let us know if someone is using your number to work (call 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If you think someone is using your number, there are several other actions you should take: ❖ Contact the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov/bcdp/edu/microsites/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); ❖ File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; ❖ Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and ❖ Monitor your credit report.

Question: How do I update or correct the name on my Social Security card?

Answer: To update or correct the name on your Social Security card: ❖ Complete an Application for A Social Security Card (Form SS-5), available at www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf; ❖ Show us original documents proving your legal name change, identity, and U.S. citizenship (if you have not already established your citizenship with us), or immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen; and ❖ Take or mail your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office. Note that we must see originals and cannot use photocopies. We will return any original document you mail to us. ❖ Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: Can I get Social Security forms online?

Answer: Yes, you can get our most popular forms and publications online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Simply click on the “Get a form” link on the left side, and you will find easy-to- navigate links to forms like the application for a Social Security card, Medicare forms, disability forms and our suite of online application forms.

Or click on the “Get a publication” link for access to dozens of Social Security publications, from generalized overviews of our programs to targeted publications explaining technical subjects in plain language. You can download and print our publications, and nearly all are also available in Spanish.

Question: What can I do online with Social Security? Answer: We continue to add new services and to make improvements to our website, so the list of what you can do keeps growing. Americans want to save time and gas, so we make it easy to save a trip to the office by going online to: ❖ Plan your retirement; ❖ Apply for benefits; ❖ Submit medical reports; ❖ Request benefit verification; ❖ Change your address/telephone number; ❖ Set up or change direct deposit; ❖ Replace your Medicare card; …and more!

Question: How can I find out about weather related office closings?

Answer: Although we make every effort to stay open – floods, tornados, and blizzards can force Social Security offices to close. You may be driving some distance to the office, hear a news report, or look out the window, and wonder if your Social Security office will be open when you get there. Before you leave home, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on the “Office Closings/Emergencies” link under “Useful Links.” You can find a complete list of emergency closings and other helpful information. You can even get email updates whenever the closings information changes.

Question: How do I know when it’s the right time for me to begin getting retirement benefits?

Answer: If you use our online Retirement Estimator, you can get estimates of your benefit at various ages from age 62, the earliest eligibility age, to age 70, the age when you can take full advantage of delayed retirement credits. It allows you to key in a multiple scenarios so you can get an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits. It’s the best way to begin planning for your retirement. Now available in English and Spanish, you can find the online Retirement Estimator by clicking on “Estimate your retirement benefits” on www.socialsecurity.gov.

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Fast Medicare Coverage Even When You’re Not Retired By Mike McWilliams Operations Supervisor in Norfolk

You’ve made your decision. Although you’re eligible to begin receiving Social Security benefits now, you’ve decided to hold off a little while longer and continue to work.

But… Don’t forget about Medicare. Even if you decide to delay your Social

Security benefits beyond age 65, you should still consider applying for Medicare. In order for your Medicare coverage to begin when you are first eligible, you will need to contact Social Security within four months of your 65th birthday to file an application.

There’s a safe, convenient and simple way to apply online for Medicare in as little as 10 minutes! Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly to get started.

Once you arrive at the website, you’ll find more than just the easy-to-use online application. You’ll also find lots of helpful information about Medicare and have the opportunity to watch an entertaining video featuring the cast of The Patty Duke Show which highlights the ease and convenience of filing for Medicare online.

It’s important to note that people who are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits do not need to apply

for Medicare; they will be automatically enrolled. These individuals will receive a letter from Social Security informing them they have been signed up for Medicare and will also be issued a Medicare card.

Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) as long as they or a spouse have worked and paid taxes to Uncle Sam. However, there is a monthly premium for Medicare medical insurance (Part B). If you already have other health insurance through an

employer when you reach age 65, you may or may not need to apply for Medicare medical insurance (Part B) right away. When it comes time to decide, be sure to make an informed decision. Talk to Social Security, your employer, your employer’s Group-Health Plan or even an insurance specialist to help you fully understand your options. To learn more about enrolling in Medicare, read our online publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ 10043.html.

Question: How can I find out what benefits I might qualify for?

Answer: You or someone you know may already qualify for benefits. From the home page at www.socialsecurity.gov, click on “Learn what you can do online” and then click on “Find out if you q ualify for benefits.” Lastly, click on “Find out what benefits you can apply for” to bring up our Benefit E ligibility Screening Tool (BEST).

BEST is a screening program that anyone can use to find out if they are eligible for benefits from a ny of the programs Social Security administers.

BEST will screen a person’s eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare and special veteran’s benefits. Helpful links to publications are provided to access more detailed information about possible benefits.

A person’s date of birth is all that is needed to start. It is completely private. No answers are recorded.

BEST is also available in Spanish.

If It’s Not .GOV - It’s Not Social Security By Shara Sevart Area Director, Kansas and Nebraska

When you go on a road trip, you need to follow the signs to arrive at the right place. Going online can be very much the same. Look for the “.gov” at the end of the web address — if it isn’t .gov — it isn’t the real Social Security website — www.socialsecurity.gov.

Countless consumers nationwide are victimized each year by misleading advertisers who use “Social Security” or “Medicare” to entice the public to use their services. In many cases, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security, free of charge. These services include: updating a Social Security card to show a bride’s married

name; replacing a Social Security card; and getting a Social Security number for a child.

These for-profit businesses may cleverly design their websites, so when people use Internet search engines, their advertisement pops up. They may even make their advertisement look similar to the real Social Security website. Some of these sites, at first glance, appear to be affiliated with Social Security; however, upon closer examination, these are for-profit companies charging individuals for a service that is provided free by Social Security. For instance, a quick Google search on “replacing a Social Security card” brings up paid advertisements for websites that charge a fee just to get an application for a new card. That service is absolutely free from Social Security.

The law that deals specifically with

misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non- government organizations, like for-profit businesses, from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising cannot lead people to believe that they represent, or they are affiliated with, or they are endorsed by or they are approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare). However, that doesn’t stop advertisers from trying.

For more information, you can read our publication What You Need to Know about Misleading Advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10005.html.

When you go to www.socialsecurity.gov, make sure you look for the “.gov” sign along the way. Don’t be tricked into paying a fee for a service that’s free. Remember, if it isn’t .gov, it isn’t Social Security.

We use your Social Security number to record your earnings while you are working.

Social Security benefits are paid under the worker’s Social Security number.

Some people who get Social Security have to pay income tax on their benefits. Less than 1/3 of current beneficiaries pay taxes on their benefits.

Tools to Help You Decide When to Retire By Laurie Jones District Manager in North Platte

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 expect to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many to re-evaluate their plans. Many are wondering if they should work longer and how their Social Security benefit — or their spouse’s benefit — will be affected by changes in their retirement plans.

To help them find answers, Social Security has a fact sheet called When To Start 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.

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: •20 percent for people born before 1938 and a sliding scale for people born in 1938 through 1942. •25 percent for people born between 1943 and 1954 and a sliding scale for people born in 1955 through 1959. •30 percent for people born after 1959.

If you wait until your full retirement age, 67 for people born in 1960 or later, your

benefits will not be reduced. And if you should choose to delay retirement, your benefit will increase up to eight percent a 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.

The choice of when to take Social Security retirement benefits can also affect one of the most valuable aspects of Social Security — the cost of living adjustment (COLA). More and more people are living longer; a person reaching retirement age this year can expect to live an average of about 20 years. As they age, most people find that Social Security becomes more important as a source of retirement income. A fixed

income asset, for example, that paid $500 a month twenty years ago still pays the same $500. On the other hand, the average Social Security retirement benefit nearly doubled over the last twenty years, increasing from $588 to $1,171. If you choose to retire early and receive a reduced benefit amount, the dollar amount of your COLAs over the years will also always be less — a small difference that will add up over time.

Once you know what to expect from Social Security in retirement, you will have a better idea of how much you need to save to be a “very satisfied” retiree. 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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What’s in a Name? By Greg Heineman District Manager in Norfolk

It’s an age-old question: what’s in a name? The answer: it depends on what name you’re talking about. Each one has a history and a story. You can learn a lot about many names at www.socialsecurity.gov.

That’s because as Social Security card applications come in for newborns, we keep track of baby names. As a result, we know all about baby names, how popular they’ve been through the years, and how that popularity has changed.

The top ten baby names for boys and girls in 2010. And the winners are … Jacob and Isabella!

Jacob and Isabella are once again king and queen of the crib. This is the twelfth year in a row on our list for Jacob and the second for Isabella. We have a new number two for girls: welcome Sophia. The only new name to crawl into the top 10 on either list this year is Aiden, which replaces Joshua on the boys’ side.

Here is the entire top ten for boys and girls for 2010: Boys: 1) Jacob 2) Ethan 3) Michael 4) Jayden 5) William 6) Alexander 7) Noah 8) Daniel 9) Aiden 10) Anthony

This year, the two biggest jumps in popularity in the Top 500 are related: Maci and Bentley. Maci Bookout and her infant son, Bentley, were prominently featured on the show “Teen Mom” and its predecessor, “16 and Pregnant.” The “Twilight” novels and movies continue to inspire baby names. The second fastest riser on the boys’ list is Kellan, the name of actor Kellan Lutz, best known for playing Emmett Cullen in the “Twilight” series. Coming in third is Knox, one of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s toddler twins.

On the girls’ side, Tiana, the

name of the main character in the Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog and Disney’s first African-American princess, is one of the biggest chart hoppers.

A final bit of name trivia: Elvis has left the building, sliding off the top 1,000 boys names altogether. This bit of news left Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue “all shook up.”

For 2009, the top baby names were Jacob and Isabella. Jacob’s been America’s most popular baby name for boys since 1999. Isabella is new to number one, and just entered the top 10 in 2004. She didn’t even make the

Girls: 1)Isabella 2) Sophia 3) Emma 4) Olivia 5) Ava 6) Emily 7) Abigail 8) Madison 9) Chloe 10) Mia

Guide to Social Security Online - ssa.gov.

top one thousand until 1990. On Social Security’s Popular Baby Names page, you can see the top ten names back to 1880. The top names in 1880 were John and Mary. You also can see the top 10 names of the past decade (Jacob and Emily rule!) or any decade. There’s a lot of interesting trivia in these lists.

Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ babynames. While you’re on the website, check out the relevant information for parents-to-be on Social Security numbers and benefits for children, and what every parent should know about Social Security.

RETIREMENT ESTIMATOR CELEBRATES THREE YEARS By Greg Heineman - District Manager in Norfolk

It’s been three years since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online. Within months of coming out, the online application was praised as

one of the highest-rated online services around, and it has consistently remained so every year.

Results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index show Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator in one of the top two spots, with a

score of 90. (Social Security’s online benefit application took the top spot.) The Retirement Estimator ranks higher than the websites of any other public and private sector agencies and companies, including the likes of Netflix and

Amazon. Millions of people have used the Retirement Estimator. You may try it yourself

at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator” www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

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“M y M oney ” W ebsite C an H elp Y ou W ith Y our M oney By Greg Heineman District Manager in Norfolk

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.

FILE ONLINE What You Need

Date, place of birth, Social Security number Direct deposit information

Wages/self employment earnings — last year, this year, next year Employer(s) name, address — last year, this year

Military service dates before 1968 Spouse or former spouse - name, date of birth, Social Security number,

date, place of marriage, if ended, date of death or divorce Copy of your HYPERLINK “http://www.ssa.gov/mystatement” Social

Security Statement is helpful

Replace a Lost Social Security Card Complete an http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

online/ss-5.pdf Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)

For U.S. born citizens, show us proof of your identity.

Take or mail your completed application and documents to “https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/ FOLO/fo001.jsp” your local Social Security office. We will return any document you mail to us.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We

cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Some documents we can accept as proof of identity include non-expired: U.S. driver’s license State-issued non-driver identification card U.S. passport

If you are not a U.S. born citizen additional information is needed, see http:// www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc/.


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Social Security Serves Those Who Serve America By Mike McWilliams Operations Supervisor in Norfolk

Every day, 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 quicker processing of their disability applications from Social Security. Under an agreement started by Social Security, the Department of Defense sends information that allows us to quickly identify military personnel injured in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

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 may also be able to receive benefits, including dependent children and spouses.

Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program, which pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes; and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which pays benefits based on financial need.

If you, or someone you know, has been wounded while on active duty in the military, visit our website to find out what Social Security can do for you: 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.

Remember, active duty status and receipt of military pay does not, in itself, necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Receipt of military payments should never stop you from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. If you are receiving treatment at a military medical facility and working in a designated therapy program or on limited duty, we will evaluate your work activity to determine your eligibility for benefits.

You cannot receive Social Security disability benefits if you engage in substantial work for pay or profit. However, the actual work activity is the controlling factor and not the amount of pay you receive or your military duty status.

You can speed the decision on your application for benefits by being prepared for your interview. We can take prompt action on your claim if you: Let us know right away that your disability occurred while on active military duty; Have information available regarding all the doctors you have seen and the address of the military site where your records are kept; Notify us of any address changes you have while we are working on your claim; and

Inform us about any changes in doctors, hospitals, or outpatient clinics where you are receiving treatment. After we receive your application for Social Security disability benefits, we will identify it as a military service member claim and expedite it through all phases of processing, both at Social Security and the Disability Determination Service. We also expedite disability claims filed online.

You will 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 for our wounded warriors 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 may 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 and 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/, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1- 800-325-0778) to ask us to mail a free copy to you. Each and every day, the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces serve us. Social Security salutes everyone who serves.

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