FOR YOUR A custom advertising publication of The Indianapolis Star • Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014
BENEFIT A GUIDE TO SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
Someday is closer than you think By Marcia R. Mosley Regional Commissioner Social Security Administration
For many people, Someday is an elusive day on the far-off horizon — always close enough to see, but too distant to touch.
Well, get ready, because Someday has arrived. Open a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, and you’ll see what we mean. Millions of people have already opened an account, taking advantage of the benefits
Perhaps Someday you plan to go skydiving. Or enter a hot dog-eating contest. Maybe Someday you plan to ride a mechanical bull. Or travel around the world. Or visit all of America’s national parks. Someday, you may want to retire. If you are mid-career, Someday, you may need to start Mosley planning for retirement. Even if you are just now starting your career, Someday, you’re going to want to see what your future benefits will be and check your earnings for accuracy.
of my Social Security. Why are so many Americans opening accounts? Because my Social Security is fast, easy, and secure. It’s a convenient way to check your earnings record, get up-to-date, personalized estimates of retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, and access your Social Security Statement. With a my Social Security account, you can plan for your retirement and get help figuring out how to save for your future. If you already receive benefits, you can manage them online by starting or stopping your direct deposit, changing your address, and getting an instant proof-of-benefits letter. Someone opens a new account just about every six seconds. Considering there is only one skydive every 16 seconds, opening a my Social Security is even more popular! That elusive Someday that you thought might never come is here now. You’ll find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. !
Your spouse may be covered by Social Security By Charo Boyd SSA Public Affairs Specialist
If you have a spouse who does not earn an income or who earns less than you do, your spouse (including a same-sex spouse) may be entitled to Social Security spouses’ benefits based on your record. Social Security can be an important financial asset for married couples when the time comes to apply for retirement benefits. In many cases, one spouse may have earned significantly more than the other, or may have worked longer. Or it could be that one spouse stayed home to do the work of raising Boyd the children, caring for elderly family members, or managing the household while the other focused on a career. Whatever your situation, Social Security will look at all possibilities to make sure both spouses receive the maximum Social Security benefits possible, whether based on each spouse’s earnings record or the higher wage-earner’s record. Your spouse can apply for benefits the same way that you apply for benefits on your own record. He or she can apply for reduced benefits as early as age 62, or for 100 percent of the full retirement benefits at “full retirement age.” Not sure what the full retirement ages are? To learn your and your spouse’s full retirement ages, based on birth year, visit www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm.
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SHIP program helps Hoosiers
The benefit amount your spouse can receive at full retirement age can be as much as one half of your full benefit. If your spouse opts for early retirement, the benefit may be as little as a third of your full benefit amount. Note that benefits paid to your spouse do not decrease your benefit amount. If you have already reached full retirement age but continue to work, you can apply for retirement benefits and request to have the payments suspended until as late as age 70. This would let you earn delayed retirement credits that will mean higher payments later, but still would allow your spouse to receive a spouse’s benefit. People can also apply for spouse benefits based on the earnings record of an exspouse or deceased spouse if married for at least 10 years. Spouses can consider a number of options and variables. We make it easier to navigate them. A good place to start is by visiting our benefits planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. Take note of the “Benefits As A Spouse” section. If you are ready to apply for benefits, the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way is to apply online! You can do so at www. socialsecurity.gov/applyonline and complete your application in as little as 15 minutes. Due to a Supreme Court decision, we now are able to pay benefits to some same-sex couples. We encourage people who think they may be eligible to apply now. Learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples. Whether you receive benefits on a spouse’s record or your own, rest assured we will make sure you get the highest benefit for which you qualify. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov. !
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