Powder Springs Seniors: Important Social Security Information Below
Retirement Estimator Celebrates First Anniversary
By Paul D. Barnes, Social Security Regional Commissioner in Atlanta
It’s been only a year since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online, but you’d never know it based on the praise it continues to receive from users. It was rated the best online service in government by the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for Federal Websites in February 2009. In the most recent ACSI report, the Retirement Estimator tied for first place with Social Security’s online application. The Retirement Estimator is so popular, in fact, that people have visited the website more than three million times in the past year. You can visit it yourself online at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
The online Retirement Estimator is a convenient, secure and quick financial planning tool that lets workers calculate how much they might expect to receive in Social Security benefits when they retire. The attractive feature of this calculator is that it uses your earnings information on file at Social Security, without displaying your personal information. So you get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits.
And, it’s so easy to use. The Estimator even gives you the opportunity to run personalized scenarios and “what if” situations. For example, you can change the date you expect to retire or change expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options. This can help you as you plan ahead.
To use the Retirement Estimator, you must have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits and you must not be receiving benefits currently.
Experience the best online service in government now by visiting Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Then, once you’ve sketched out your retirement plans, you’ll know where to go when the time comes to apply for benefits: www.socialsecurity.gov.
Social Security Holds Compassionate Allowances Hearing on Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today hosted the agency’s fourth public hearing on Compassionate Allowances. Commissioner Astrue was joined by Marie A. Bernard, M.D., Deputy Director of the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, and other Social Security officials. They heard testimony from some of the nation’s leading experts on early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias about possible methods for identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for people with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
“This year, through Compassionate Allowances and our Quick Disability Determination process, over 100,000 Americans with severe disabilities will be approved for Social Security disability benefits in a matter of days rather than the months and years it can sometimes take,” said Commissioner Astrue. “We are now looking to add more diseases and impairments to these expedited processes. With today’s hearing, we are expanding our focus from specific rare diseases and cancers to look at subgroups of much broader conditions. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a rapidly progressive and debilitating disease of the brain that affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 65 and clearly deserves our consideration.”
In October 2008, Social Security launched Compassionate Allowances to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security's standards. To learn more and to view a web cast of today’s hearing, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
“With the aging of the baby-boomers, we are beginning to see many more younger, working Americans diagnosed with this devastating disease,” Commissioner Astrue said. “I want to thank the Alzheimer’s Association and their staff, particularly Harry Johns, President and CEO. Their help has been invaluable and many of the witnesses are here at their suggestion. Together, we hope to identify the most severe cases that can be included in our Compassionate Allowances process.”
Becoming A Payee May Be The Best Way To Help
By Bobbie Sims, Social Security, Public Affairs Specialist, Marietta, GA
If a loved one, friend or neighbor receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits but is no longer physically or mentally able to take care of his or her financial affairs, you may want to consider becoming a representative payee. Then, you’ll be able to help them with managing their money.
Keep in mind that being a representative payee is not the same as having power of attorney. Even if you do have power of attorney, you will need to apply to be a representative payee in order to have the benefit payments made to you on the beneficiary’s behalf.
When we learn that a person is no longer able to handle his or her own Social Security or SSI benefits, we conduct a careful investigation and appoint a relative, friend or other interested party to serve as the representative payee. This means that if you agree to be a representative payee and we appoint you, we pay you the person’s benefits to use on his or her behalf.
As a representative payee, you would be responsible for using the benefit payments to help meet the basic needs of the beneficiary. Primarily, the funds should be used to provide food, clothing, shelter, utilities and other essential needs for the person eligible for benefits. As a representative payee, you need to be aware of the beneficiary’s needs so you can decide how benefits can best be used for his or her personal care and well-being.
Each year, Social Security will mail you a form to account for the benefits you have received. The quickest and easiest way to complete the form is online, at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee. You can also complete the paper form and return it to Social Security.
As a representative payee, you will also need to tell Social Security about changes that may affect the beneficiary’s eligibility. This includes things like changes in living arrangements, other income, and resources.
If you decide you want to help someone by becoming their representative payee, you’re in good company. More than seven million people who get monthly Social Security or SSI payments each month have a representative payee because they need help managing their money.
By agreeing to serve as a representative payee, you have taken on an important responsibility — one that can make a positive difference in both the beneficiary’s life and your own.
Learn more by reading our online booklet, A Guide For Representative Payees, available on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10076.html.
Learn more about Social Security by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
America Has A New Leading Lady
There’s a new leading lady topping the A-list. Her name is Emma.
Among all girls born in the United States last year, Emma was the most popular name. Isabella was second. Emily, which had been the most popular girl’s name for 12 years, was third.
The top boy’s name is Jacob for the 10th year in a row. He is followed by Michael and Ethan.
America’s most popular baby names are based on Social Security card applications for newborn babies. Each year, Social Security publishes the top 1,000 baby names. Lists of popular baby names going all the way back to 1880 are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.
The top ten names for girls born in 2008 are: Emma, Isabella, Emily, Madison, Ava, Olivia, Sophia, Abigail, Elizabeth and Chloe.
The top ten names for boys born in 2008 are: Jacob, Michael, Ethan, Joshua, Daniel, Alexander, Anthony, William, Christopher and Matthew.
To learn more about the relationship between pop culture and popular baby names, read our press release online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2008-pr.htm.
To see where your own name ranks on the list, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames. Also featured are links to information about Social Security numbers for children, benefits for children, and what every parent should know about Social Security.
Spouses Can Apply Online, Too
You probably already know that when it comes time to apply for retirement, you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. But did you know that spouses can apply online, too?
That’s right. If you are a spouse applying for benefits based on your husband’s or wife’s record, you can do it online from the convenience of your own home. It’s so easy!
Wonder whether you may qualify to apply for spouse’s benefits? If you are a spouse who has not worked or who has worked for very low wages, you could be entitled to a benefit equal to as much as one-half of your retired spouse's full benefit. Even if you are divorced, you may be eligible for benefits based on the employment record of your former spouse.
To get benefits on your spouse’s record, you must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in your care — a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.
The amount of your spousal benefit depends on your age at retirement. If you begin receiving benefits before full retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced in most cases.
You also may be eligible for a retirement benefit based on your own earnings. If that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, Social Security would pay you the higher benefit. We compare which of the two benefits would be more beneficial to you, and discuss the options you have.
If you have reached your full retirement age and are eligible for a spouse's benefit as well as your own retirement benefit, you may choose to receive the spouse's benefits only in order to continue accruing delayed retirement credits on your own Social Security record. You may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher monthly benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits.
Remember that if you are a spouse who is taking care of a minor child (16 or under) or a child who is disabled and gets Social Security benefits on your or your spouse’s record, you can receive a benefit, regardless of your retirement age.
Read more about Social Security Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.
Ready to apply for benefits right now? You can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.
Social Security’s 800 Number: A History Of Service
Today, most adults in America carry a cell phone. If they don’t, they probably have a landline phone at home. Although millions of people go online each year and take advantage of our convenient services at www.socialsecurity.gov, we still offer a full range of services over the telephone too.
That’s an important thing to remember when you need to do business with Social Security. You can conduct many business transactions with our automated telephone services 24/7. Simply dial 1-800-772-1213. And by calling that same number, you can talk with a Social Security representative from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Our toll-free 800 number service, which marked its 20th anniversary late last year, has now answered over a billion phone calls. Yes, that’s billion with a ‘b!’ And this year alone Social Security will handle more than 60 million calls.
Our phones are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so if your business can wait, it's best to call at other times. Also, whenever you call, have your Social Security number handy.
Bilingual representatives are available to assist our non-English speaking members of the public.
Do you have a Social Security question or problem and cannot call during normal business hours? Recorded infor-mation and many automated services are available 24 hours a day — including weekends and holidays. Callers can use these automated services to report a change of address or telephone number, start or change direct deposit of benefits, request a proof of income letter or a replacement Medicare card, and order some of our most popular public information pamphlets.
Of course, if you have a computer, you may find that the information and services offered online are even more convenient at www.socialsecurity.gov. While you’re online, you can read more about our toll free phone service at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/services.htm.
But if you don’t have a computer or prefer to do business over the phone, we invite you to call us. Social Security is never more than a phone call away: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Some Homework Before Going Back To School
Do you have a son or daughter who is turning 18 soon, collecting monthly Social Security benefits, and returning to high school this fall? If so, then we have a bit of homework for you.
To make sure Social Security benefits continue beyond age 18, eligible students must submit the necessary form to school officials. The school will use these documents to certify your child is still enrolled in school. Otherwise, monthly Social Security payments automatically stop when a student turns 18.
This is the case regardless of the type of Social Security benefit received. Some students get Social Security survivors benefits because a parent is deceased. Others may receive dependent benefits because their parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Benefits for minor children generally continue until age 18 (or 19 if they’re still in high school) unless they are disabled and eligible for childhood disability benefits. In that case, a separate application for benefits is required.
For more information about Social Security student benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials. The website outlines how the process works and explains what the student and school official must do to ensure benefits continue past the student’s 18th birthday. With the appropriate certification from the school, Social Security generally does not stop benefits until the month before the month the student turns 19, or the first month in which he or she is not a full-time student, whichever is earlier.
The website also includes:
a downloadable version of the required SSA-1372 form — Students’ Statement Regarding School Attendance — that must be completed by the student, certified by the school and returned to Social Security;
answers to Frequently Asked Questions for school officials and students; and
a field office locator to find the address of a local Social Security office
If you do not have access to the Internet, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Otherwise, visit www.socialsecurity.gov to learn more about Social Security.
Social Security Questions And Answers
GENERAL
Question: How many Social Security numbers have been issued since the program started?
Answer: Social Security celebrates its 74th anniversary on August 14th. Since numbers were first issued in November 1936, about 442 million numbers have been assigned. Want to learn more about the history of Social Security cards and numbers? Step back in time with a visit to our history page. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/history/ssn/ssncards.html.
Question: Can a widow receive Social Security benefits on her husband’s record?
Answer: Yes. When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:
A widow or widower — full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60;
A disabled widow or widower — as early as age 50;
A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled, and the child gets Social Security benefits;
Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19, if they are attending high school full time);
Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled; and
Dependent parents age 62 or older.
Even if you are divorced, you may still qualify for survivors benefits. Learn more by visiting our benefit calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm.
RETIREMENT
Question: How do I qualify for benefits as a divorced spouse?
Answer
Answer: You can receive benefits as a divorced spouse on a former spouse’s Social Security record if you:
Were married to the former spouse for at least 10 years;
Are age 62 or older;
Are unmarried; and
Are not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on your own record.
In addition, the former spouse must be eligible to receive his or her own retirement or disability benefit. If the former spouse is eligible for a benefit, but has not yet applied for it, you can still receive a benefit if you meet the eligibility requirements and have been divorced from the former spouse for at least two years. Generally, we won’t continue to pay benefits if you remarry someone other than your former spouse. Learn more, and determine what your benefit might be by visiting our online Benefit Calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm.
DISABILITY
Question: I was disabled for a while several years ago. My health has since improved. Can I receive disability benefits for the time I was disabled?
Answer: If you were disabled “several years ago,” but are not disabled now, you probably can’t get benefits at this point. Whether or not you are entitled to what we call a “closed period of disability” depends on:
When you became disabled; and
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits.
You may be entitled to a “closed period of disability” when medical evidence establishes you were unable to engage in substantial gainful work activity for a continuous period of 12 months, but by the time the disability decision is made, you have medically recovered. You must also meet the following requirements to be entitled to a closed period of disability:
You must file an application within 14 months after the disability ended; or
You must have filed an application between 15 to 36 months after the disability ended and you must show that your failure or inability to file a timely application was due to your physical or mental condition.
If you meet the requirements for disability benefits, there is a five-month waiting period before your first monthly benefit can be paid. You can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits from the date you file an application with Social Security. Learn more about Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Question: What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based Federal income supplement program run by Social Security. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. It is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income. SSI provides income to help meet a person’s basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. For more information, read our publication called SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You’ll find further information on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Question: Can I get both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: You may be able to receive SSI in addition to monthly Social Security benefits. But you only can get both if your Social Security benefit is low enough not to interfere with the SSI limit on income. The basic SSI payment is the same nationwide. In 2009, the SSI payment for an eligible individual is $674 per month and $1,011 per month for an eligible couple. However, some states add money to the basic payment, so the amount of SSI you may be able to receive also depends on where you live. If you receive Social Security, that income will reduce the amount of SSI you’re able to receive. The more income you have, the less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the allowable limit, you cannot receive SSI benefits. Learn more about SSI income limits by visiting our online publication, SSI, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.
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