Social Security

From Senior Planet Resource Exchange

[edit] Overview

What is Social Security?

Social Security is the foundation of your retirement income. A percentage of your paycheck goes into the Social Security system. Once you retire or become disabled you are able to receive benefits that you've earned by putting money into the system.

For more information on what Social Security is and how it works, AARP provides an excellent Understanding Social Security article.

Also check out CNN's Social Security Guide.

[edit] Services

Some of the services available at www.socialsecurity.gov include:

• applying for retirement or disability or spouses benefits online;
• checking the status of your pending application;
• getting an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits using the
• retirement Estimator; and
• applying for extra help for Medicare prescription drug plan costs available to some beneficiaries.

If you are already a Social Security beneficiary, you can:

• go online to change your address, phone number, or your direct deposit information,
• get a replacement Medicare card,
• or request a proof of income letter.

In addition to these interactive services, there is a wealth of information available 24 hours a day on our website that can help:

• get you the information you need about retirement, disability, survivors, SSI and Medicare benefits
• frequently asked questions, publications and forms,
• information for specific groups, news and press releases,
• videos and public service announcements
• Webinars about, among other topics, our Wounded Warrior and compassionate allowances outreach efforts.

[edit] Areas Served

All States (USA)
(Check Website for Foreign Countries) www.ssa.gov)

[edit] Contact Information

When Contacting Social Security in Person, First call the 800 Number to find your Local Office. Offices are Closed on Federal Holidays.

Address:
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD. 21235

Phone-Toll Free
(1-800) 772-1213 M-F, 7am-7pm (Please Have Your SS Number Available

Deaf or Hard of Hearing
(1-800) 325-0778 M-F, 7am-7pm

webSite: www.ssa.gov

Source/Information: www.ssa.gov
WebSite for Social Security Online (*)