Social Security 2010 by Lewiston Tribune

Social

$ecurity Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new for

2010 women and Social Security

Financial Planning

for the UNDER 35 crowd

More Topics covered inSide 2010 Advertising supplement to the lewiston tribune & mosCow-pullmAn dAilY news

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his message is for people who want to get more out of life. Senior living at Fairview Village Estates is not simply a lifestyle, but a chance to live life to the fullest. To learn more about twinhomes and apartments, call Ronda Jo at (208) 882-9809 or visit www.good-sam.com. All faiths and beliefs are welcome. 08-G2394

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LEWISTON TRIBUNE

How should I prepare for retirement? SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

The three major elements of your retirement portfolio are benefits from pensions, savings and investments and Social Security benefits. To help you plan for retirement, each year we send you your personal Social Security statement, which gives you an estimate of the monthly benefit amounts you and your family may qualify for now and in the future. If you’ve received your Social Security statement and have questions about it, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement/. Once you’ve reviewed your statement, you may want to explore a variety of retirement scenarios using a range of assumptions about your future earnings or when you stop working. You can do that with our Retirement Planner. The planner not only tells you how to qualify for Social Security benefits, but it also includes a Retirement Estimator and

Benefit Calculators that help you calculate your own benefit estimates.

When Should I Retire? Generally, you should apply for retirement benefits three months before you want your benefits to begin.  If you were born before 1938 and you meet all other requirements, you can receive benefits beginning with the first full month you are age 62. However, if you choose to begin receiving benefits before age 65, your benefits will be reduced to account for the longer period over which you’ll be paid.  If you were born after 1937, you also can start your Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but your full retirement age is more than 65. To find out what your full retirement age is, use our Re-

 SEE PREPARE, PAGE 4

Full retirement and age 62 benefit by year of birth Year of birth

1937 or earlier 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943-1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 and later

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At Age 62 ... 2

Full (normal) retirement age

Months between age 62 and full retirement age

A $1,000 retirement benefit would be reduced to ...

The retirement benefit is reduced by ... 3

65 65 and 2 months 65 and 4 months 65 and 6 months 65 and 8 months 65 and 10 months 66 66 and 2 months 66 and 4 months 66 and 6 months 66 and 8 months 66 and 10 months 67

36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

$800 $791 $783 $775 $766 $758 $750 $741 $733 $725 $716 $708 $700

20% 20.83% 21.67% 22.50% 23.33% 24.17% 25% 25.83% 26.67% 27.50% 28.33% 29.17% 30%

$500 spouse's The spouse's benefit would benefit is be reduced reduced to ... by ... 4 $375 $370 $366 $362 $358 $354 $350 $345 $341 $337 $333 $329 $325

25% 25.83% 26.67% 27.50% 28.33% 29.17% 30% 30.83% 31.67% 32.50% 33.33% 34.17% 35%

1. If you were born on Jan. 1, you should refer to the previous year. 2. If you were born on the first of the month, we figure the benefit as if your birthday was in the previous month. You must be at least 62 for the entire month to receive benefits. 3. Percentages are approximate due to rounding. 4. The maximum benefit for the spouse is 50 percent of the benefit the worker would receive at full retirement age. The percentage reduction for the spouse should be applied after the automatic 50 percent reduction. Percentages are approximate due to rounding. SOURCE: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

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PREPARE

From page 3

tirement Age Chart. Even if you don’t plan to receive benefits right away, or decide to wait until after you reach full retirement age, you still should sign-up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. Choosing the month you start to get benefits is an important decision. If you are not quite ready to retire, but are thinking about doing so in the near future, our Retirement Planner will help you prepare. If you plan to continue working after you reach age 62, it may be to your advantage to start your retirement benefits before you stop working.

How Do I Apply For Retirement Benefits? You can apply for retirement benefits online, but not for Medicare. To apply for retirement benefits, just go to Applying For Social Security Benefits and follow the instructions. To apply for Medicare, call or visit your local Social Security office. Or you can make an appointment for your application to be taken over the telephone or in person at a conve-

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What Documents Must I Provide?

What Should I Remember To Do After I Retire?

When you apply for benefits, we’ll need the following: l Your Social Security number l Your birth certificate (If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can get one from the state where you were born. Go to What will you need when you apply? for more information.) l Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year l Your military discharge papers if you had military service l Your spouse’s birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits l Children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if they’re applying for children’s benefits l Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you (or a spouse or child applying for benefits) were not born in the U.S. l The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can nient Social Security office. be directly deposited into your acIf you’re deaf or hard of hearing, count. call our toll-free TTY number, (800) We need original documents or cop325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ies certified by the issuing office. You Monday through Friday. can mail or bring them to a Social SeIf you currently live outside the curity office. We’ll photocopy and reUnited States, contact the nearest U.S. turn your documents. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy Don’t delay your retirement just or consulate, or the Veterans Affairs because you don’t have all the docuRegional Office in the Philippines if ments we need — the people in your you want to apply for benefits. local office will help you.

Remember to tell us whenever there’s any change in your life circumstance that affects your benefits. For example, we should be notified if you: l Move l Marry or divorce l Change your name l Learn your estimated earnings will change l Change your Direct Deposit accounts l Adopt a child l Are no longer caring for a child who receives benefits l Are a non-citizen and your status changes l Start getting a pension from work not covered by Social Security l Get both Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits l Leave the United States for more than 30 days l Become unable to manage your funds l Are convicted of a criminal offense l Die. You can find more information about what to do when any of these changes happen, and answers to most of your retirement questions, in our booklet, “Retirement Benefits,” SSA Publication Number 05-10035.

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Social Security is for children, too Social Security Administration

When you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Your eligible child can be your biological child, adopted child or stepchild. A dependent grandchild may also qualify. To receive benefits, the child must: l be unmarried; and l be under age 18; or l be 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or l be 18 or older and disabled from a disability that started before age 22.

Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled. However, if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first. Benefits paid for your child will not decrease your retirement benefit. In fact, the value of the benefits he or she may receive, added to your own, may help you decide if taking your benefits sooner may be more advantageous. Within your family, each qualified child may receive a monthly payment

up to one-half of your full retirement benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the amount we can pay your family members. The total depends on your benefit amount and the number of family members who also qualify on your record. The total varies, but generally the total amount your family can receive is about 50 percent to 80 percent of your full retirement benefit. Note: If you have a divorced spouse who qualifies for benefits, it will not affect the amount of benefits you or your family may receive.

Children of military personnel living overseas may be eligible for Social Security Insurance Social Security Administration

l is living with a parent who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to permanent duty ashore anywhere outside the United States.

Most people who get SSI and leave the United States for 30 days or more are no longer eligible for SSI. However, there is a special rule for More Information the children of military personnel. If your child is receiving SSI benA child may continue to get SSI benefits or apply for benefits while over- efits and you receive military orders to move overseas, contact your local seas if the child: l is a citizen of the U.S.; and Social Security office or call 1–800–

772–1213 before you leave the United States. You must be able to tell us: l when you expect to report to your duty station overseas; l when you expect your child to join you; l your mailing address at your new duty station; and l any information you have about military allowances (e.g., housing al-

lowances, rations allowances, etc.) at your new duty station.

Reporting Instructions You should report any change in income, resources, or address for a parent or child in the household to us within 10 days after the end of the month in which it occurs.

Financial advice for the long run Decisions about when and how to claim Social Security benefits can be complex and personal. The strategies best employed are unique to the circumstances of the couple or individual. Scott Baldwin

Vice President, Financial Consultant

Bob Blakey

Vice President, Financial Consultant

Jeff Nesset, CFP®, CWS® George Bodman, CWS® Senior Vice President, Financial Consultant, Branch Manager The Nesset Bodman Group

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LEWISTON TRIBUNE

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Social Security serves those who serve America Each and 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 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 Oct. 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

COMMENTARY

Jeanne Tyler on active duty in the military, find out more about what Social Security can do for you by visiting our Web site 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. Please pay special attention to the fact sheets available on that Web site, Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors and Ex-

pediting Disability Applications for Wounded Warriors. You’ll also find links to useful Veterans Affairs Web

sites. There are links to information about the “Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom Home,”

information on Survivors Benefits, the Task Force on

 SEE TYLER, PAGE 7

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TYLER

From page 6

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 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/10017.html, or call us at (800) 772-1213 (TTY (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.

Help For The Homeless Social Security administers several programs that pay benefits to qualified individuals, including those who are homeless.

l e w i s t on t r i b un e These programs include retirement, disability and survivors insurance, as well as Supplemental Security Income, which is a needs-based program for people who are blind, disabled or age 65 or older. If you know someone who is homeless, and you want to learn more about how Social Security might help, a place to get information is at www.socialsecurity. gov/homelessness. For example, there is a link to our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST. Based on answers to various questions, this tool helps determine the benefits someone might be eligible for and gives information about how to qualify and apply. Go directly to BEST at www. socialsecurity.gov/best. The Spotlight on Homelessness is a page designed to help the homeless apply for SSI. It’s available at www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm. There are links to information on health care for the homeless, institutionalization, advocacy

groups, reports on homeless outreach, and even links to other Web sites like the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, disabilityinfo.gov, govbenefits.gov, and HUD. You can help us help the homeless. If you know someone who is homeless, take a look at our Service to the Homeless Web site and look through the information. Tell anyone you know who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, to visit our Service to the Homeless page, and to check out the different types of benefits and assistance they may be eligible to receive. Spread the word about the help available to the homeless. Every American should have a place to call home. Visit www. socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more.  Tyler is a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration based in Boise. She may be contacted at Jeanne. M.Tyler@ssa.gov.

W h a t ab o u t my statement? Social Security Administration

Question: What is a Social Security statement? Answer: Your Social Security statement is a concise, easy-to-read personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes during your working years and a summary of the estimated benefits you and your family may receive as a result of those earnings. We provide the statements in two ways: in automatic annual mailings to workers and former workers aged 25 and older and at any time to workers of any age who request them. We hope you will keep your statement with your other important papers and use it in several ways: l The benefit estimates in your Statement can play an important role in your financial planning. When combined with your savings, investments and other pensions, your Social Security benefits can help you build a secure future for yourself and your family. l The statement can help you make sure your reported earnings and other important informa-

 See STATEMENT, Page 8

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What every woman should know about Social Security SSA Publication No. 05-10127, July 2009, ICN 480067 Social Security Administration

Our Web site is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are a number of things you can do online. In addition to using our Web site, you can call us toll-free at (800) 7721213. We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, (800) 325-0778. We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.

What Social Security Means To You Social Security plays an important role in providing economic security

for women. Nearly 60 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. In the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Today, women have challenging choices to make. Some may spend their entire adulthood in a career or job outside the home. Some may work for a few years, leave the labor force to raise children and eventually return to work. And some may choose not to work outside of the home. Whether they work, have worked or have never worked, it is essential that women understand how Social Security can help them and their families. Women tend to care for many people — spouses, children and parents. And although they have made significant strides, women are more likely to earn less over their lifetimes than men. They are less often covered by private retirement plans and more dependent on Social Security — and for a longer period of time since, on average, women live about five years longer than men. Social Security offers a basic level of protection to all women covered by this program. When women work, they pay taxes into the Social Secu-

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nomic protection for divorced women improved with the removal of the requirement that the divorced wife must be dependent on her husband. Also, the number of years the couple must be married in order for the divorced spouse to qualify for benefits decreased. Besides understanding the benefits to which they may be entitled, women also need to be aware of other aspects of the Social Security program. They need to know about providing Social Security coverage for anyone they may hire as a household worker or childcare provider. And they need to know some basics like what to do if they change their names. While Social Security is a vital program, especially for women, it was never intended to cover all of their financial needs. To live comfortably, everyone needs to plan accordingly. Living within one’s means and saving for the future are big parts of that plan.

rity system, providing for their own benefits. In addition, their husbands’ earnings can give them Social Security coverage as well. Women who do not work are often covered through their husbands’ work and can receive benefits when they retire, become disabled or die. Over the years, the level of Social Security protection for women has been strengthened. For example, the amount of benefits for a surviving spouse was raised and benefits for disabled spouses also increased. Eco-

STATEMENT

From page 7

tion such as your name and date of birth are correct on your record. Mistakes could keep you from getting all the Social Security benefits you have earned. The sooner you identify mistakes, the easier it

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Your Social Security Record And Number Each year your employer sends a copy of your W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) to Social Security. We compare your name and Social Security number on the W-2 with the information in our files. We add the earnings shown on the W-2 to your Social Security record. It is critical your name and Social

 See WOMAN, Page 9 will be to help us correct them. l And finally, the general information on the statement tells you about all the protection you are earning under Social Security. Many people think of Social Security only as a retirement program. The statement shows how even young workers are building valuable protection in case they become disabled or die before they reach retirement age.

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WOMAN

before retirement, as well as estimates of the survivors benefits Social Security would provide your spouse and eligifamily members when you From page 8 ble die. Review this Statement Security number on your to make sure that all of your Social Security card agree earnings are included. If your with your employer’s payroll Statement does not include records and W-2 so that we all of your earnings, let your can credit your earnings to employer and your Social Seyour record. It is up to you curity office know about any to make sure that both Social incorrect information. Security’s records and your employer’s records are correct. If your Social Security If You Change card is incorrect, contact any Social Security office to make Your Name changes. Check your W-2 form Whenever you change your to make sure your employer’s name, be sure to report the record is correct and, if it is change to Social Security. not, give your employer the Otherwise, your earnings may accurate information. not be recorded properly and If you are a worker age 25 you may not receive all the or older and not receiving Social Security you are due. benefits, you receive a Social Not changing your name with Security Statement every Social Security also can delay year that can be a valuable your income tax refund. tool to help you plan a secure To report a name change, financial future. It provides fill out an Application for a you with a record of your Social Security Card (Form earnings and gives estimates SS-5). You can get the form by of what your Social Security visiting www.socialsecurity. benefits would be at different gov on the Internet or any Soretirement ages. It also gives cial Security office or by callan estimate of the disability ing Social Security’s toll-free benefits you could receive if number, (800) 772-1213. you become severely disabled You must show us a recent-

ly issued document as proof of your legal name change. Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include: l Marriage document; l Divorce decree; l Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or l Court order for a name change. If the document you provide for a legal name change does not give enough information to identify you or if you legally changed your name more than two years ago, then you also must show us two identity documents including: l One document in your old name; and l A second document with your new legal name. In addition to your name, these documents also must contain identifying information or a recent photograph. If you are a U.S. citizen born outside the United States and our records do not show you are a citizen, you will need to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents. The new card will have the same number as your previ-

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employers and others. This is because your financial, medical, employment and other records will be under your former Social Security numIf You Are A Victim ber and name (if you change Of Family Violence your name). If you expect to People in all walks of life change your name, we recomcan be victims of family vio- mend you do so before applylence or harassment, abuse or ing for a new number. For more information, ask life-endangering situations. If for New Numbers For Domesyou are a victim of family violence, Social Security may be tic Violence Victims (Publication No. 05-10093). able to help you. Public awareness campaigns stress how important it is for victims to develop safety What Your Social plans that include gathering Security Taxes Pay For personal papers and choosing a safe place to go. SomeWhen you work and pay Sotimes the best way to evade cial Security taxes, you earn an abuser and reduce the Social Security credits. Credrisk of further violence may its can count toward your be to relocate and establish a retirement benefits and can new identity. Following these qualify you and your family changes, it also may be help- for disability and survivors ful to get a new Social Secu- insurance coverage. In adrity number. dition, when you pay MediAlthough Social Security care taxes, you are earning does not routinely assign new Medicare protection that can numbers, we will do so when be available to you when you evidence shows you are being reach age 65 or sooner if you harassed or abused or your become disabled. life is endangered. Social Security’s benefit Applying for a new number package includes: is a big decision. It may affect l Retirement benefits paid your ability to interact with  See WOMAN, Page 10 federal and state agencies,

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From page 9 each month to retired workers as early as age 62.  Disability benefits paid each month to workers of all ages who have a severe disability. In some cases, a young worker may qualify for a disability benefit with as little as one and one-half years of work.  Family benefits paid each month to the spouse and children of retired or disabled workers.  Survivors benefits paid each month to the widow or widower and children of a deceased worker. In some cases, the family of a young deceased worker can receive these benefits even if the worker had as few as one and one-half years of work.  Medicare, which helps with hospital bills and provides limited coverage for skilled nursing facility stays and hospice care. It also can cover doctors’ services and prescription drugs.

Self-employed Most people who pay into Social Security work for an employer. Their employer deducts Social Security taxes from their paycheck. The employer matches that contribution, sends taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and reports wages to Social Security. But self-employed people must report their earnings and pay their taxes directly to IRS. You are self-employed if you operate a trade, business or profession, either by yourself or as a partner. You report your earnings for Social Security when you file your federal income tax return. If your net earnings are $400 or more in a year, you must report your earnings on Schedule SE, in addition to the other tax forms you must file. If you and your husband operate a business together, you are entitled to receive Social Security credits as a partner. Be sure to file a separate Schedule SE, even though you and your husband file a joint income tax return. If you do not file a separate self-em-

ployment report, you will not get Social Security benefits from your own work, because all of the earnings will be reported on your husband’s record. Household workers Some household workers are covered under Social Security depending on how much they earn. Household workers include babysitters, maids, cooks, laundry workers, butlers, gardeners, chauffeurs and people who do housecleaning or repair work. Household workers who are under age 18 during any part of the year and who do not do household work as a principal job are not covered under Social Security. If you hire household workers, make sure you accurately record their Social Security numbers, withhold Social Security taxes from their wages, pay an equal amount and send the combined taxes to IRS using your own federal income tax return. If you are a household worker, make sure your employer is paying Social Security taxes for you. You should receive a form W-2 from your employer by January 31 of the year following the year you

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M O N D A Y, J A N U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 0 did the work. For more information, ask for Household Workers (Publication No. 0510021). Military service If you have served in the military on active duty or on inactive duty for training since 1957, you paid into Social Security. Inactive duty service in the Armed Forces Reserves and National Guard weekend drills have been covered by Social Security since 1988. If you served in the military before 1957, you did not pay into Social Security directly, but your records may be credited with special earnings for Social Security purposes that count toward any benefits you may receive. When you apply for Social Security, the credits you receive for military service are added to your civilian work credits. The number of credits you have determines whether you qualify for Social Security. You may be eligible for both Social Security benefits and military retirement. Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get your full Social Security benefits based

on your earnings. Social Security survivors benefits may affect benefits payable under the optional Department of Defense Survivors Benefit Plan. You should check with the Department of Defense or your military retirement advisor for more information. When you retire Most people need 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for benefits. Your benefit amount is based on your earnings averaged over most of your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If you have some years of no earnings or low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily. Your benefit also is affected by your age at the time you start receiving benefits. If you start your retirement benefits at age 62 (the earliest possible retirement age), your benefit will be lower than if you wait until your full retirement age. If you choose to work while receiving Social Security benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for ev-

 SEE WOMAN, PAGE 11

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a separate application. The expedited process is used for military service members who became disabled while on active military service on or after Oct. 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. For more information on disability programs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability or ask for Disability Benefits (Publication No. 05-10029). For more information on disability benefits for wounded warriors, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors or ask for Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors (Publication No. 05-10030).

From page 10

or ask for Retirement Benefits (Publication No. 05-10035). You will have Medicare coverage in addition to Social Security benefits if you are eligible for benefits either on your own record or your husband’s record. You will have Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) protection at age 65 and you will have the opportunity to buy Medicare medical insurance (Part B) for a monthly premium. You can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). If you are not eligible for benefits and you do not have enough credits, you can pay a monthly premium to buy Medicare coverage. For more information, ask for Medicare (Publication No. 0510043).

If You Become Disabled If you become disabled, you may be able to get disability benefits if you have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security. The amount of work you need increases with age. You need credit for one and one-half years of work out of the past three years if you become disabled before age 24 and up to five out of the last 10 years if you become disabled at age 31 or older. Some women lose their disability coverage when they move in and out of the workforce and do not meet the recent work requirement. If you need help figuring out how much work you need to maintain your disability coverage, call your local Social Security office. You will be considered disabled if you cannot do work that you did before and we decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s). Your disability also must last, or be expected to last, for at least a year or to result in death. After you receive disability payments for 24 consecutive months, you also will have Medicare protection. Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require

When You Are Ready To Apply

sure your monthly benefit is correctly deposited into your account.

Benefits For Your Family When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members also may be eligible for payments. For example, benefits can be paid to your husband: l If he is age 62 or older; or l 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 your unmarried children if they are: l Younger than 18; l Between 18 and 19 years old, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or l Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).

Online services You can apply for Social Security retirement, disability or spouse’s benefits, or any combination of those benefits online. You will complete and sign the application electronically. We will let you know which benefits you If You Should Die are entitled to after we receive your If you should die, your family may application. be eligible for benefits based on your Direct deposit work. Social Security benefits are genFamily members who can collect erally paid by direct deposit. Direct benefits include a widower who is: deposit is a simple, safe and secure l 60 or older; or way to receive your benefits. Be sure l 50 or older and disabled; or to have your checkbook or account l Any age if he is caring for your statement with you when you apply.  See WOMAN, Page 12 We will need that information to make

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ery $2 you earn over the annual limit (which increases each year). In the year you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 you earn over the limit in the months before your birthday. But once you reach full retirement age, you will get your full retirement benefits no matter how much you work and earn. As you continue working, we will review your earnings each year and recalculate your benefit amount. Usually, your additional earnings will increase your benefit amount. If the amount increases, we will notify you and readjust your benefit payments. If you are eligible for benefits on more than one work record, such as your own and your husband’s, you generally receive the higher benefit amount. When you apply for benefits, the Social Security representative can determine which record will give you the higher benefit. If you are eligible for a spouse’s or ex-spouse’s benefit and your own retirement benefit, you should file for both. (The same rule applies to your husband or ex-husband.) If your husband works past full retirement age and does not collect Social Security benefits, you can still retire and get benefits based on your own work. Then, when he does retire, you can receive benefits on his record if they would be higher. Another option comes into play if your spouse is full retirement age — especially if he plans to continue working. He can apply for retirement benefits and request to have the payments suspended. Then, you can receive spouse’s benefits and he can continue to earn delayed retirement credits until age 70. If your husband or ex-husband is deceased, you can choose which benefit to apply for now or choose to postpone filing for either benefit until you reach full retirement age. If you have reached your full retirement age, and are eligible for a spouse’s or ex-spouse’s benefit and your own retirement benefit, you may choose to receive only spouse’s benefits and continue accruing delayed retirement credits on your own Social Security record. Or, if you are full retirement age, you have the option of applying for retirement benefits and requesting that the payments be suspended. That way, your spouse can receive spouse’s benefits and you will continue to earn delayed retirement credits until age 70. You may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher monthly benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits. For more information on retirement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/planners

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From page 11

child who is younger than 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits. Additionally, your parents can receive benefits on your earnings if they were dependent on you for at least half of their support. If you had enough credits, a one-time payment of $255 also will be made after your death. This benefit may be paid to your spouse or minor children if they meet certain requirements. For more information, go to Survivors Benefits (Publication No. 05-10084).

If You Have Income From A Government Pension If you worked at a job where you did not pay Social Security taxes, two laws may affect your Social Security benefits.  The Windfall Elimination Provision affects the way your Social Security retire-

ment or disability benefits are figured. It applies to you only if you receive Social Security benefits based on your own earnings and you are receiving the other pension.  Government Pension Offset affects only the Social Security benefits you could receive based on your husband’s earnings. For more information about the Windfall Elimination Provision, the Government Pension Offset and WEP and GPO online calculators visit www. socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep. Benefit calculators are also available at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/calculators. You also can ask for Windfall Elimination Provision (Publication No. 05-10045) and Government Pension Offset (Publication No. 05-10007).

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as a result of your husband’s work. You and your children (younger than age 18 or younger than age 19 if still in secondary school or disabled before age 22) have Social Security protection through your husband’s work. When he retires, or if he becomes disabled, you could be eligible for benefits as early as age 62. If you are caring for your child who is younger than age 16 or disabled and entitled to benefits, you could receive benefits at any age. If you choose to begin receiving wife’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefit amount will be reduced and will not be increased once you reach full retirement age. If you wait until you reach full retirement age, you will receive the maximum benefit, which is up to half of the amount your If You Have Not husband is entitled to receive at his full retirement age. Worked Or Do Not You and your husband will Have Enough Social be eligible for Medicare at age 65 Security Credits NOTE: If your husband is If you have not worked or full retirement age, he can do not have enough Social apply for retirement benefits Security credits and you are and then request to have paymarried, you may be eligible ments suspended. That way, for Social Security benefits you can receive a spouse’s

benefits and he can continue deceased husband’s Social to earn delayed retirement Security record. However, if your current husband is a Socredits until age 70. cial Security beneficiary, you should apply for a wife’s benefit on his record if it would be If You Are Widow larger than your widow’s benIf your husband dies, you efit. You cannot get both. can get widow’s benefits if If you are also entitled to you are age 60 or older. If retirement benefits based you are disabled, you can get on your own work, you have widow’s benefits as early as some other options. Ask a Soage 50. Your benefit amount cial Security representative will depend on your age and to explain the options, so you on the amount your deceased can decide which would be husband was entitled to when best for you. he died. If he was receiving reduced benefits, your survivor benefit will be based on If You Are Divorced that amount. If you have never asked If you are a widow with children, you may be eligible Social Security about receiving benefits based on your exfor a widow’s benefit at any husband’s work, you should age when you are caring for do so. Many women get a a child who is younger than higher benefit based on their 16 or disabled and entitled to ex-husband’s work, especially benefits. As a widow, you also if he is deceased. When you may be eligible for Medicare apply, you will need to give his at age 65. Social Security number. If you If you remarry before you do not know his number, you reach age 60 (or age 50 if dis- will need to provide his date abled), you cannot receive and place of birth and his parwidow’s benefits as long as ents’ names. that marriage remains in efThe following requirements fect. If you remarry after also apply to your divorced you reach age 60 (or age 50 if husband if his eligibility for disabled), you will continue  SEE WOMAN, PAGE 14 to receive benefits on your

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ask for Supplemental Security Income (Publication No. 05-11000). If you have a limited income and few resources, your state can decide whether you qualify for help with From page 12 Medicare expenses under the Medibenefits is based on your work. care Savings Programs. If you think l If your ex-husband is living. you may qualify, contact your state or If you are divorced, you can receive local medical assistance (Medicaid) benefits based on your ex-husband’s agency, social services program or work if welfare office. Also, more informal Your marriage lasted 10 years or tion is available from the Centers for longer; Medicare & Medicaid Services. Ask l You are unmarried; for If you need help paying Medicare l You are age 62 or older; costs, there are programs that can l The benefit you are entitled to rehelp you save money (Publication ceive based on your own work is less No. CMS 10126) by calling the Medithan the benefits you would receive on Your benefits will continue until the care toll-free number, (800) MEDIyour husband’s work; and CARE (800-633-4227). If you are deaf l Your ex-husband is entitled to So- child reaches age 16 or is no longer or hard of hearing, you may call TTY disabled. You can receive this benefit cial Security retirement or disability even though you were not married to (877) 486-2048. benefits. You also may be able to get extra your ex-husband for 10 years. If he has not applied for benefits, help paying for the Medicare prescripbut can qualify for them and is age tion drug program. Anyone who has 62 or older, you can receive benefits Medicare can get Medicare prescripIf You Have Limited Income on his work if you have been divorced tion drug coverage. (Read more about from him for at least two years. If you are age 65 or older, or blind Medicare on Page 20.) Extra help is If your ex-husband is deceased, you or disabled, and your income and the available for some people with limited can receive benefits value of your resources is limited, you income and resources and will pay for l At age 60, or age 50 if you are dis- may be eligible to receive monthly all or most of the monthly premiums, abled, if your marriage lasted at least payments under the Supplemental Se- annual deductibles and prescription 10 years, and you are not entitled to a curity Income program. Generally, to co-payments related to their plan. higher benefit on your own record. receive SSI you must be living in the Many people with limited income and l At any age if you are caring for United States or the Northern Mari- resources qualify for these big savings his child who also is your natural or le- ana Islands and be a U.S. citizen. Cer- and do not even know it. gally adopted child and younger than tain noncitizens also may be eligible to To find out if you are eligible, So16 or disabled and entitled to benefits. receive SSI. To learn more about SSI, cial Security will need to know your income and the value of your savings, investments and real estate (other than your home). If you are married and living with your spouse, we will need this information for both of you. Even if you do not qualify for the The Cottage extra help, you may be able to help someone you care about apply for extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs. For more information, ask for Getting Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, Income Specializing in Alzheimer, The Tudor And Resource Limits (Publication No. Dementia and Diabetic Care 05-10115).

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If You Are A Caregiver If you are caring for an elderly or disabled relative who needs help man-

aging their monthly Social Security or SSI benefits, you can apply to be representative payee. Social Security will conduct a careful investigation to determine if you meet the requirements. As a representative payee, we will pay you the person’s benefits to use on his or her behalf. Therefore, you must know what your relative’s needs are so you can decide how benefits can best be used for his or her personal care and well-being. First, you must make sure that food and shelter are provided. Then, you can use the money to pay medical and dental bills not covered by health insurance and for personal needs and recreation. For more information about the representative payee program, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/payee. You also can ask for A Guide For Representative Payees (Publication No. 05-10076). If you are caring for a child with disabilities, ask for Benefits For Children With Disabilities (Publication No. 0510026).

Protection Of Personal Information Social Security keeps personal and confidential information — names, Social Security numbers, earnings records, ages and beneficiary addresses — for millions of people. Generally, we will discuss your information only with you. When you call or visit us, we will ask you several questions to help us verify your identity. If you want someone else to help with your Social Security business, we need your permission to discuss your information with that person. You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider. For more information specifically geared toward women, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/women.

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It’s never to early to plan your retirement

I turn 62. Will I still get the same benefit amount you showed for age 62 on the Social Security Statement that you recently sent me? A. Probably not. When we averaged out your 35 highest years of earnings to estimate your benefits on your Statement, we assumed you would continue to work up to age 62, making the same earnings you made last year. If, instead, you have $0 earnings each year over the next 10 years, your average earnings will probably be less and so will your benefit. You can use our Retirement Estimator or Benefit Calculators to see how this will affect your monthly benefit amount.

Social Security Administration

A secure, comfortable retirement is every worker’s dream. And now because we’re living longer, healthier lives, we can expect to spend more time in retirement than our parents and grandparents did. Achieving the dream of a secure, comfortable retirement is much easier when you plan your finances.

How the Social Security Retirement Planner Can Help You Now This planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law and points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. Reminder: You need to sign up for Medicare close to your 65th birthday, even if you will not be retired by that time. (If you are getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your Medicare Hospital Benefits start automatically.) Q. Are my benefits figured on

my last five years of earnings? A. No. Retirement benefit calculations are based on your average earnings during a lifetime of work under the Social Security system. For most current and future retirees, we will average your 35 highest years of earnings. Years in which

you have low earnings or no earnings may be counted to bring the total years of earnings up to 35. Q. I stopped work at the end of last year at age 52. I don’t expect to work again before I start my Social Security benefits when

Q. Will my retirement pension from my job reduce the amount of my Social Security benefit? A. If your pension is from work where you also paid Social Security taxes, it will not affect your Social Security benefit. However, pensions based on work that is not covered by Social Security (for example, the federal civil service and some state, local, or foreign government systems) probably will reduce the amount

 See RETIREMENT, Page 16

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What can you do at the Social Security Web site? SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Apply For Benefits You can:  Apply for Social Security retirement or spouse’s benefits. (Note: You cannot use this online application if you only want to apply for Medicare.)  Apply for Social Security disability benefits (includes the Adult Disability Report).  Begin or continue the Adult Disability and Work History Report. When you apply for any type of disability benefits, we need information about your medical, work, and education history to help us decide if you are disabled.  Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.  Check your application status. If you applied for Social Security Retirement, Spouse’s, or Disability benefits you can check the status of your application online.  Appeal our recent medical decision about your disability claim or continue the appeal you already started. (If you are a professional, repre-

sentative or organization assisting an survivors benefits. adult who is applying for disability  Request a Social Security Statebenefits, you can use our Adult Dis- ment ability and Work History Report.)  Block online and automated telephone access to your personal information.

Do You Qualify For Benefits?

You can: If You Get Benefits  Find out what benefits you can apply for You can:  Use our screening tool to help  Change your address or telephone identify all the different Social Secu- number. rity programs for which you may be  Get a replacement Medicare eligible. Card.  Find out if you can get extra help  Request a Proof of Income letter. with your Medicare prescription drug  Get a letter that verifies your Socosts. cial Security benefit information. (Includes Medicare and SSI.)

Estimate Your Future Benefits You can:  Use our Retirement Estimator for a retirement estimate based on real time access to your earnings record. (The secure log-in requires your name, Social Security number, date & place of birth and mother’s maiden name.)  Find your full retirement age.  Use our benefit planners to calculate your retirement, disability and

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of your Social Security benefit. Q. My wife and I both worked under Social Security. Her Social Security Statement says she can get $850 a month at full retirement age and mine says I would get $1450. Do we each get our own amount? Someone told me we could only get my amount, plus onehalf of that amount for my wife. A. Since your wife’s own benefit is more than one-half of your amount, you will each get your own benefit. If your wife’s own benefit were less than half of yours (that is, less than $725), she would receive her amount plus enough on your record to bring it up to the $725 amount.

Get A Password When  SEE WEB SITE, PAGE 17 that is covered by Social Security — even if you are already receiving Social Security benefits — you and your employer must pay the Social Security and Medicare taxes on your earnings. The same is true if you are self-employed. You are still subject to the Social Security and Medicare taxes on your net profit. Q. I have Medicare, but I didn’t apply for retirement benefits because I’m under full retirement age and still working. How do I decide when to start receiving retirement benefits? A. Deciding when to start receiving benefits is an important decision that needs to be made carefully. You can  read our “Retirement Information For Medicare Beneficiaries” fact sheet,  use our Retirement Estimator to see how different retirement dates will affect your benefit amount and  find other information you can use to help you decide when to start your benefits in the “Near Retirement” section of the Retirement Planner.

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From page 15

Q. If I work after I start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, will I still need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on my earnings? A. Yes. Any time you work in a job

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 Get a Form 1099/1042S — Social Security Benefit Statement. (Available February 1, 2010)  Replace the lost, damaged, or missing tax summary of your Social Security benefits for 2009. (Not available for SSI).  Choose your password.  If you received a password request code letter, you can choose your password.  Block electronic access to your records.

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SSA offers financial planning tips for Gen X Financial Planning is not just for people nearing retirement. In fact, it’s a good idea to begin planning for a comfortable and secure retirement when you’re young. That’s why last fall Social Security implemented a new financial planning tool especially for the 25 to 35 crowd. It’s a special mailer with information about Social Security, savings, and other items of interest to young workers. Everyone between 25 and 35 who works and pays Social Security taxes, gets this automatically with each Social Security Statement. Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement, but was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire. While Social Security replaces about 40 percent of the average worker’s pre-retirement earnings, most financial advisors say that you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably. Even with a pension, you will still need to save. If you will

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From page 16

l You want password access to information about your benefits. l You lost, forgot, or do not have your password or password request code. l Your password request code has expired. l Block electronic and automated telephone access to your personal information.

not have a private pension, you will need to save more — and start saving sooner. Today’s young workers can expect to spend 20, 30 or even more years in retirement, so saving is critical. Want to start planning your commentary future? There are some easy ways to do so. Take a look at your Social Security statement, which you’ll receive in the mail about two to three months before your birthday, as well as the helpful two-page insert tailored specifically to workers ages 25 to 35. Pay close attention to the information provided, including tips

Jeanne Tyler

we have on file for you. l Change your address or telephone number. l Start or change direct deposit. l Change your password or block electronic access to your personal information.

You can: l Use Business Services Online to report wages. l Verify Social Security numbers. l Use Government to Government If You Have A Password Services Online. You can: l Submit health or school records l Check your information and ben- related to disability claims using Elecefits. tronic Records Express. l See the contact, direct deposit, l File a Representative Payee AcMedicare and payment information counting Report.

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 See TYLER, Page 18

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These days, everyone is taking a new look at his 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. To help them find answers, Social Security has published 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

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on saving, getting your employer to help with matching contributions to retirement plans, and how much of a difference beginning to save early can make. There’s even a graph showing the significant difference saving over time can make, even if it’s just $25 or $50 a week. The insert also includes helpful links to outside Web sites that can help you. For example, you can go to www.mymoney.gov for information on getting credit, paying for education, buying a home, creating a budget, starting a business as well as financial calculators and planning tools. Or, visit www.federalreserve.gov for a worksheet that will help you establish a budget to meet your financial goals. These and other financial links on the insert will help you become the master of your own financial future. Don’t forget that Social Security coverage is not just for retirement, but also for disability and survivors benefits in the event that you are unable to work, or you leave behind a family that depends on your income when you die. Read more about retirement, disability and survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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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 1947 and 1958, and 30 percent for people born after 1959. If you wait until your full retirement age, 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. 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. And 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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 See TYLER, Page 19

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If you’re a teacher, chances are you know the lessons you’re going to teach like the back of your hand, inside and out. That’s because you took some time and prepared ahead with lesson plans. But how much time have you devoted to your retirement plan? Whether you’re 30 years in, or in your freshman year as a teach-

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er, it’s important to spend time learning your retirement plan. You may be a teacher or other government employee covered by state or local government retirement plans instead of Social Security. And, even if you do work at a second job and pay into Social Security, your benefits would most likely be affected by your other retirement plan. So take a lesson from us and learn about two important provisions that may affect you: the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision. Who is affected by GPO and WEP? Government employees who didn’t pay Social Security taxes on their government earnings are affected. The Government Pension Offset reduces the potential Social Security spouse’s/widow’s/widower’s benefit amount someone could receive if he or she also receives a pension from a federal, state or local government for work on which no Social Security taxes were paid. The Windfall Elimination Provision can reduce a worker’s monthly Social Security benefit amount, if he or she also receives a pension from work not covered by Social Security. What is the purpose of these provisions? GPO and WEP are designed to ensure that all American workers

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are treated equally under the Social Security program. GPO generally requires that Social Security spouses’ or surviving spouses’ benefits be reduced by two-thirds of the entitled person’s government pension. Why? Because GPO removes an advantage that some government workers once had. Before GPO, a person who worked in a government job that was not covered under Social Security could receive, in addition to a government pension (based on his or her own earnings), a full Social Security spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefit. No other workers had this option because Social Security benefits payable to a person as a spouse or surviving spouse must be offset, dollar for dollar, by the amount of that person’s own Social Security benefit. Similarly, WEP takes away an advantage that the regular Social Security benefit “formula” would give people who have substantial pensions from non-Social Security covered jobs. Without WEP, a worker

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who spent most of his or her career in employment not covered by Social Security and who worked for a short time to get Social Security coverage would end up with much higher benefits than if all of his or her work were done under Social Security. This is because we calculate Social Security benefits using a formula that gives proportionately higher benefits to workers with low lifetime earnings. Want to learn more? You can dig deeper, and see some examples of just how the two provisions work in real-life situations, at www.socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep. Or you can call toll-free, (800) 772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, (800) 325-0778) and ask for Social Security publications on the Government Pension Offset or the Windfall Elimination Provision. There’s no pop quiz now, but the real test will come when you’re ready to retire. A little time preparing for your retirement now can help you ace your final exam: retirement. To learn more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.  Tyler is a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration based in Boise. She may be contacted at Jeanne.M.Tyler@ssa.gov.

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Extra Help makes it easier to save on prescription drugs SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Under a new law, more Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth an average of $3,900 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

Why Will It Be Easier To Qualify For Savings? Under a new law, more Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources.

Extra Help to pay for the costs–monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments–related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for Extra Help:  You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.  Your resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources; and  Your annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:  Support other family members who live with you;  Have earnings from work; or  Live in Alaska or Hawaii.

cial Security will send information to your state unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application. Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. These Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare expenses. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay for your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also may pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.

How Do I Apply For Extra Help?

It is easy to apply for Extra Help. Just complete Social Security’s Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA1020). Here’s how:  You can apply online at www.soing your eligibility for Extra Help: cialsecurity.gov;  We will no longer count as a reWho Can Get Extra Help? How Does The Law Change source any life insurance policy; and  Call Social Security at (800) 7721213 (TTY 800-325-0778) to apply Anyone who has Medicare can get What Is Counted As Income  We will no longer count as income over the phone or to request an appliMedicare Part D prescription drug the help you receive regularly from And Resources? cation; or coverage. Some people with limited someone else to pay your household  Apply at your local Social Secuincome and resources are eligible for Since Jan. 1, 2010, when determin- expenses — food, mortgage, rent, rity office. heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, After you apply, Social Security will and property taxes. review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for the Extra Help. Once you qualify, What Else Should I Know you can choose a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you do not select a About The New Law? plan, the Centers for Medicare & MedIf you already receive Extra Help, icaid Services will do it for you. The you will not need to reapply in 2010. sooner you join a plan the sooner you Social Security will see if you are en- begin receiving benefits. titled to any additional Extra Help because we no longer count your life insurance or help with household ex- Why Should I Apply penses. Since Jan. 1, 2010, when you file For Extra Help Online? your application for Extra Help, you Our online application is secure and also can start your application pro- offers several advantages. It takes cess for the Medicare Savings Pro- you through the process, step by step, grams — state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. So SEE EXTRA, PAGE 21

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with a series of self-help screens. The screens will tell you what information you need to complete the application and will guide you in answering the questions fully. You can apply from any computer at your own pace. You can start and stop at any time during the process, so you can leave the application and go back later to update or complete any of the required information. We are careful to protect your personal information.

How Can I Get More Information? For more information about getting Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, visit www.socialsecurity. gov or call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). So-

The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare Social Security Administration

Although Social Security determines entitlement to Medicare benefits, the Medicare program is administered by a different agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS’ Medicare Savings Programs Model Application for Medicare Premium Assistance can help you get assistance from your state with your Medicare costs. CMS also has publications about Medicare prescription drug coverage. To learn more, visit the CMS Web site. There you can find information about CMS notices you might receive concerning your Medicare prescription drug coverage, and copies of CMS mailings. There also is a Medicare Web site. You can call (800) MEDICARE (800633-4227) to speak to a Medicare Customer Service Representative. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048. Locally, people may contact SHIBA at the Washington-Idaho Volunteer Center at 1424 Main St. in Lewiston, or call (208) 746-7787.

cial Security representatives are available to help you complete your application. If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare prescription drug plans, how to enroll in a plan, or to request a copy

of the Medicare & You handbook, please visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227; TTY, 877-486-2048). When you call, you also can request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance

Assistance Program. In addition, you can find your local SHIP contact information on the back of your Medicare handbook or obtain the information online at www.medicare.gov/ contacts/staticpages/ ships.aspx.

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Social Security can help the disabled COMMENTARY

Jeanne Tyler a period of time, usually after receiving cash benefits for 24 months, you can also receive Medicare coverage. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. The number of credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age, and some of the work must be recent. For example, if you become disabled after age 31, you need to

have worked at least 10 years and five of the past 10 years. But if you become disabled before age 24, you need only one and a half years of work in the past three years. If you have a disability that makes you unable to work, the time to get started with your application is now. That’s because it can take time to determine whether you qualify for benefits. It usually takes about three to five months for a medical decision from the state agency that evaluates your condition. Then, if your application is approved, your first Social Security disability payment will be made for the sixth full month after the date we determine that your disability began. Medicare coverage generally begins 24 months, or two

years, after you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits. Given the time it can take, it’s in your best interest to do everything you can to speed up the process. The best first step is for you to read our online publication, Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029. html. It will tell you all about the process, including what information you will need to apply for benefits. Then, take advantage of our online disability starter kits. You’ll find them on our disability Web site at www. socialsecurity.gov/disability. There is one kit for children and one for adults. Each kit is available in both English and Spanish. The starter kits help you begin the process by providing information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you. We will ask for more details during your interview or when you complete the online disability report. Take a look at the disability starter kit now at www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability, or call (800) 772-1213 (TTY 800325-0778) and ask that a kit be mailed to you. Once you complete the online disability starter kit and you’re ready to apply, the most convenient way to do that is online too. Just go to the same

disability Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

What To Do If Social Security Pays You Too Much What should you do if Social Security pays you too much? That may seem like a strange idea at first, as most people worry about not having enough money. If you receive monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, an overpayment can occur for many reasons, including work or another benefit that requires a reduction in your Social Security or SSI payment. If Social Security does pay you too much, you will receive an overpayment notice in the mail. If you have a representative payee who helps you manage your money, a copy of the letter will go to your payee. The notice will explain why you were overpaid, your repayment options, and your appeal and waiver rights. You should read the notice carefully. If you agree with the overpayment decision, you have options for repaying it. We can withhold your overpayment from your monthly benefit payments or withhold a portion of your payment until the money is paid back. If

you no longer receive benefits, you can send a check to Social Security for the entire amount or set up a plan to pay back the amount in monthly installments. If you are not receiving benefits, and you do not pay the amount back, we can recover the overpayment from your federal income tax refund, from your wages if you are working, or from future SSI or Social Security benefits. If you do not make an effort to repay the amount due, we may report the delinquency to credit bureaus. If you believe that the overpayment decision is wrong and you should not have to repay it, you have the right to appeal the decision or request a waiver of recovery. If you believe you were not overpaid or the amount of the overpayment is wrong, you can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the overpayment notice. If you agree that the overpayment is correct but you believe it was not your fault and paying it back would cause you financial hardship or be unfair for some other reason, then you can request a waiver of recovery. Whether you submit an appeal or waiver request, all recovery would be suspended until a formal

 SEE TYLER, PAGE 23

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Disability is something most people do not like to think about. But the unfortunate reality is this: the chances that you will become disabled are probably far greater than you realize. Studies show that a 20-yearold worker has a three in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. Social Security pays benefits to people with disabilities through the Social Security disability insurance program, which is covered by Social Security taxes. If you qualify, you can receive a monthly disability benefit from Social Security for as long as your disability keeps you from working. The amount of your benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. After

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Identity theft and your Social Security number information by: l Stealing wallets, purses and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks and tax information); l Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site on the Internet, from business or personnel records at work and personal infor mation in your home; l Rummaging through your trash, the trash of businesses and public trash dumps for personal data; l Posing by phone or E-mail as someone who legitimately needs information about you, such as employers or landlords; or l Buying personal information from “inside” sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store employee for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services or credit.

Social Security Administration

SSA Publication No. 05-10064, August 2009 Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and do not pay the bills. You may not find out that someone is using your number until you are turned down for credit or you begin to get calls from unknown creditors demanding payment for items you never bought. Someone illegally using your Social Security number and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems.

Your Number Is Confidential The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential. We do not give your number to anyone, except when authorized by law. You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you are asked for it. You should ask why your number is needed, how it will be used and what will happen if you refuse. The answers

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decision is sent to you. It’s also important to know that Social Security will not take action to begin collecting on an overpayment without first notifying you and giving you the chance to appeal the decision. It’s also good to know that no matter how long it takes to pay back an overpayment, Social Security never

tax reporting purposes. Keep your card and any other document that shows your Social Security number on it in a safe place. DO NOT routinely carry your card or other documents that display your number.

What If You Think Someone Is Using Your Number?

Sometimes more than one person uses the same Social Security number, either on purpose or by accident. If you suspect someone else is using your number for work purposes, you should contact us to report the problem. We will review your earnings with you to ensure our records are correct. You also may review earnings posted to your record on your Social SecuBe Careful With Your Social rity statement (Form SSA-7005). to these questions can help you decide if you want to give out your Social Se- Security Card And Number The statement is mailed automaticurity number. cally each year to workers age 25 and Show your card to your employer older. when you start a job so your records You also can get a statement at any are correct. How Might Someone Steal Provide your Social Security num- time by requesting one online or by ber to your financial institution(s) for calling our 800 number. Your Number? Identity thieves get your personal charges interest on the money owed. If you’d like to learn more about Social Security and SSI overpayments, we have a convenient and easy-to-read electronic fact sheet on the subject. You can find it at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10098.html. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov.  Tyler is a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration based in Boise. She may be contacted at Jeanne.M.Tyler@ssa.gov.

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A few words about your Social Security card Social Security Administration

SSA Publication No. 05-10002, May 2009, ICN 451384 A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. Many other businesses, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number. If you are a noncitizen living in the United States, you also may need a Social Security number. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-10096). If you are temporarily in the United States to work, see Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10107).

How Do I Get A Number And Card? To apply for a Social Security number and card: l Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS5); and l Show us original documents

or copies certified by the issuing agency proving: l U.S. citizenship or immigration status (including Department of Homeland Security permission to work in the United States); l Age; and l Identity. Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. Citizenship or immigration status: We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include your: l Form I-551 (includes machinereadable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport); l I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or l Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B). Age: You must present your birth certificate if you have it or

can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your passport to prove age. Identity: We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Social Security will ask to see a U.S. driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, state-issued nondriver identification card or U.S. passport as proof of identity. If you do not have the specific documents we ask for, we will ask to see other documents including: l Employee ID card; l School ID card; l Health insurance card (not a Medicare card); l U.S. military ID card; l Adoption decree; l Life insurance policy; or l Marriage document (only in name change situations). All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We may use one document for two purposes. For exam-

ď&#x20AC;Ş See CARD, Page 27

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Becoming a payee may be the best way to help a loved one If a loved one, friend or tive payee and we apneighbor receives Social point you, we pay you the Security or Supplemental personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits to use Security Income benefits on his or her behalf. but is no longer physically As a representative or mentally able to take payee, you would be care of his or her financial responsible for using the affairs, you may want to benefit payments to help consider becoming a repmeet the basic needs of resentative payee. Then, the beneficiary. Primarily, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to help them the funds should be used with managing their money. to provide food, clothKeep in mind that being a ing, shelter, utilities and commentary representative payee is not other essential needs for the same as having power the person eligible for of attorney. Even if you do benefits. As a representahave power of attorney, tive payee, you need to be you will need to apply to be aware of the beneficiaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a representative payee in needs so you can decide order to have the benefit how benefits can best be payments made to you on used for his or her perthe beneficiaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behalf. sonal care and well-being. When we learn a person is no Each year, Social Security will longer able to handle his or her mail you a form to account for the own Social Security or SSI benefits, benefits you have received. The we conduct a careful investigation quickest and easiest way to comand appoint a relative, friend or plete the form is online, at www. other interested party to serve as the representative payee. This means ď&#x20AC;Ş See TYLER, Page 26 that if you agree to be a representa-

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TYLER

From page 25

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 such as 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 7 million people who get 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 Pay-

ees, available on our Web site at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10076.html.

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

M ON D A Y, J A NU A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 0 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.

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 (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 has been in service 20 years, has now answered over a billion phone calls. 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 information 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.  Tyler is a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration based in Boise. She may be contacted at Jeanne.M.Tyler@ssa.gov.

RETIREES MUST MAKE (AT LEAST) FIVE KEY FINANCIAL DECISIONS When you’re working, you have a financial strategy that is largely based on one goal: saving money for a comfortable retirement. You’ll likely have to make many adjustments over several decades to ensure that you stay on track saving and investing. But once you retire, a new goal arises — investing so you can remain retired. To help yourself achieve this goal, you will need to make a number of investment decisions. Which of these decisions are most important? Here are five to consider: * How much will you spend each year? Before you can pursue an appropriate investment strategy, you’ll need to know about how much you’ll spend each year. Estimate your costs for housing, food, travel, entertainment, insurance, gifts — everything. Keep in mind that your expenses will likely change annually, especially for items such as health care. Don’t forget about inflation, which will likely cause your expenses to increase over the years. * How should you balance your investment portfolio to provide sufficient income and growth opportunities? Clearly, you’ll need your investments to provide a source of income during your retirement years. At the same time, you will need some growth potential to overcome the effects of inflation, which can erode your purchasing power. Consequently, you will need a mix of income- and growth-oriented investments, with the proportions depending on your risk tolerance and your lifestyle. * How much should you withdraw each year from your investment portfolio? The answer depends on several factors, including your retirement lifestyle, the size and

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performance of your investment portfolio, inflation, your estimated life expectancy and the size of the estate you’d like to leave. This decision is important, because the amount you withdraw each year will directly affect how long your money lasts. * From which accounts should you begin taking withdrawals? You may have built three different types of accounts: taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free. It may be a good idea to take withdrawals from your taxable accounts first, thereby allowing your tax-deferred accounts, such as your Traditional IRA and your 401(k), more time to compound and potentially increase in value. If you have a tax-free account, such as a Roth IRA, save it for last to maximize the compounding on money on which you will never pay taxes. (Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free if you’ve had your account at least five years and you don’t begin taking withdrawals until you’re at least 59-1/2.) That said, this is just a rule of thumb. * When should you take Social Security? You can begin taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly checks will be considerably larger if you wait until your “normal” retirement age, which is likely 65 or 66. But if you need the money, you may be better off by taking Social Security at 62 and giving your tax-deferred accounts more time to potentially grow. As you can see, you’ll need a lot of expertise to successfully manage your financial and investment situations during retirement. If you don’t already work with a financial advisor and a tax professional, now would be a good time to start. Once you’ve got your financial strategy in place, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy an active, fulfilling retirement.

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CARD

From page 24

ple, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. Or, we may use your U.S. birth certificate as proof of age and citizenship. However, you must provide at least two separate documents. We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

What If My Name Changed? If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:  Delay your tax refund; and  Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your

LEWISTON TRIBUNE Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits. If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:  Marriage document;  Divorce decree;  Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or  Court order for a name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you legally changed your name more than two years ago, you must provide Social Security with additional documentation. Marriage, divorce or annulment: In addition to showing us a legal document proving your marriage, divorce or annulment, you must provide an identity document. That document must show your old name, as well as other identifying information or a recent photograph. (We can accept

an expired document as evidence of your old name.) Adoption, naturalization or other name change: In addition to showing us a legal document citing your new name, such as a court order, adoption decree or Certificate of Naturalization, you must provide us with two identity documents, including:  One identity document in your old name (which can be expired); and  One identity document in your new legal name, which must be current (unexpired). Both of these documents must show identifying information or a recent photograph.

by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship. To get a replacement card, you will need to:  Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);  Present a recently issued document to show your identity;  Show evidence of your U.S. citizenship if you were born outside the United States and did not show proof of citizenship when you got your card; and  Show evidence of your current lawful noncitizen status if you are not a U.S. citizen.

How Can I Protect What If My Card Is Lost My Number? You can replace your card or your child’s card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in noncitizen status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected

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You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider. We do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of

identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless:  The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency; or  Your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business. You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:  Why your number is needed;  How your number will be used;  What happens if you refuse; and  What law requires you to give your number. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours.

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YOU’VE SPENT A LIFETIME

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NOW WHAT? If you’re recently retired or planning to retire, you’re probably concerned about making the right financial decisions. Together, we can find the answers. We’ll sit down, face to face, to develop a strategy designed to help your finances meet your needs over the long haul.

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