Social Security, September 2022

A supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

EXPAND YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY KNOWLEDGE WITH THESE FOUR TERMS

By Stephen McGraw, Director, Division of Strategic Communications www.SSA.gov

We strive to explain your benefits using easy-tounderstand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.”

This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.

Take a moment to learn a few common Social Security terms and acronyms!

COLA

This stands for “Cost-ofLiving Adjustment.” With COLAs, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits keep pace with inflation. Most years, your monthly benefit amount will get a COLA, which usually means extra money.

CREDITS

As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits – previously called “Quarters of Coverage” – that count toward

your eligibility for future Social Security benefits. You can earn a maximum of four credits each year. Most people need 40 credits to qualify for benefits. Younger people need fewer credits to qualify for disability or survivors benefits. For more information, see our publication covering Social Security Credits.

EARNINGS RECORD

This is the chronological

history of the amount of money you earned each year during your working lifetime. Your credits remain on your Social Security earnings record even when you change jobs or have no earnings for a period of time. Review your earnings record with a personal my Social Security account.

FICA

This stands for “Federal Insurance Contributions Act.”

It’s the tax withheld from your wages that funds the Social Security and Medicare programs.

Now, if any of these terms or acronyms comes up in conversation, you can help explain what they mean. Visit our online glossary to learn more of our terminology and deepen your understanding of how Social Security works for you.

By Stephen McGraw, Director, Division of Strategic Communications www.SSA.gov

Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older, and for younger people receiving Social Security disability benefits. It helps with the cost of health care, but doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

YOU HAVE CHOICES

FOR MEDICARE:

• Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

• Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C).

• Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).

If you have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when you get them. You can add prescription drug coverage to help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private

companies approved by Medicare. These “all in one” alternatives to Original Medicare include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D (prescription drug coverage). Medicare Advantage Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. They may also offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, dental, and more.

HOW YOU QUALIFY

You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, if you have Part A and Part B and reside in the plan’s service area. Please be aware there are some restrictions if you have EndStage Renal Disease. The most common types of plans are:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans.

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans.

• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans.

• Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

MEDICARE cont. on page

By Carolyn Pemberton & Amanda Woods, America Saves Senior Program Manager, Consumer Federation of America www.SSA.gov

It’s a great time to see how you’re doing with your savings goals. Most working Americans know they need to save for retirement. Sometimes though, because retirement is far off in the future, we may delay saving. When everyday expenses

routinely pop up, saving for a time that is years away in the future can seem less urgent.

We’re working with Social Security to help you consider what your retirement will look like. The following strategies can make it easier for you to save for retirement:

1. Start Small. Saving something is better than saving nothing – especially

with compound interest. Just $5 per day could yield a return of $1 million in 48 years with the right investments. Consider saving as early as possible. Start with 1% and increase how much you save each year.

2. Free Money. Many employers offer a contribution match. If you can afford to, contribute at least the same amount or percent of salary that your employer matches. This will automatically double your investment. That $5 per day could become $10 per day, – earning even more investment income on your contributions. If you are over age 50, you may be able to take advantage of the IRS-allowed catch-up contributions.

3. Make it Automatic. Set up automatic contributions either through your employer or financial institution. Keep your retirement money allocated for retirement only. You should have a separate account for unexpected expenses to avoid dipping into your retirement accounts.

4. Make a Plan. It’s important to know what type of lifestyle you want in retirement and how much money it will take to sustain that lifestyle. Check out our guide, 6 Steps to Jumpstart Your Retirement Journey, for more information.

5. Take the America Saves Pledge. Make a simple plan to meet your savings goals – and get long-term accountability and support. Take the pledge today.

Remember Social Security. Be sure to check your personal my Social Security account to see how much you could receive in retirement based on your earnings history. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, you can create one today in just a few minutes.

It’s never too late to start contributing to your retirement plan. Let America Saves and Social Security help. Your future self will thank you! Please share this information with your friends and family – and help us spread the word on social media. SAVING FOR

HOW SOCIAL SECURITY AND SHARSHERET HELP WOMEN WITH CANCER

By Avigayil Keiser, MSW, Intern at Sharsheret www.SSA.gov

A cancer diagnosis can be scary and life changing. It often comes with decisions, uncertainties, and a lot of new information that can be confusing. Sharsheret helps women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer.

Through personalized support and educational outreach, our programs are designed to support you through your cancer

journey.

Often, the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis is significant. Taking control of your economic security during and after a health crisis is a vital part of a woman’s cancer journey. Sharsheret’s Financial Wellness Toolkit provides information on all aspects of planning your future.

Sharsheret also offers the Best Face Forward 2.0 subsidies

ANS is committed to caring. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all those entrusted in our care.

Call today to learn how our team of compassionate professionals can help meet your needs.

• Personal Care Attendants

• Daily Living Assistance

• Homemakers Transportation

• Respite Care

• Residential Habilitation

• Adult Day Care

• Skilled Nursing

• Companionship/Supervision

• Developmental Therapy

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CANCER cont. on page 13 ALTERNATIVE Nursing

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SURVIVOR BENEFITS: FOUR TIPS WIDOWS NEED TO KNOW

by: Cindy Hounsell, President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement www.SSA.gov

Months before the first Social Security check was issued in 1940, lawmakers made changes to the planned benefits. Instead of the retired worker’s benefit ending when he died, his widow could collect a survivor benefit for her lifetime. Since then, the eligibility rules for survivors have improved. The age requirements are lower, surviving ex-spouses are eligible, including surviving spouses and partners of samesex relationships.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that the surviving spouse is often unsure how to start claiming their survivor’s benefits. We have some information to

assist you in applying for benefits as a surviving spouse.

If you are a widow (or your exspouse died), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your late spouse’s, or ex-spouse’s, Social Security record. How much you receive will depend on your age, the amount of benefits you may receive on your own record, and whether you have dependent children.

YOU MAY

• At age 50 if you have

• At age 60 (the benefit

WIDOWS cont. on page 13

by: Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

Ten years ago, we launched our my Social Security service to offer more secure and convenient self-service options online. Initially, the service supported two types of actions:

• People receiving Social Security benefits could view their benefit information.

• People not receiving benefits could check their Social Security Statement to see estimates of future benefits and their earnings history.

Since then, we’ve added many features that make doing business online with Social Security easier for most people with access to the internet. Today, nearly 70 million people have signed up for a my Social Security account to conduct their business online securely and conveniently!

If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit our website to create your my Social Security account free-of-charge. Or if you haven’t used your account recently, check out the impressive list of self-service options.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT?

If you don’t currently receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (if you meet certain requirements).

• View your Social Security Statement to see future benefit estimates, compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits, and review your earnings history.

• Get instant status of your application for benefits.

• Get instant proof you do

SLAM THE SCAM: HOW TO SPOT GOVERNMENT IMPOSTERS

by: Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?

Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Throughout the year, we raise awareness

about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. We want you to know how you and your loved ones can avoid becoming victims!

There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears, threatening you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also

pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.

WHEN YOU IDENTIFY A POTENTIAL SCAMMER:

• Hang up right away or

ignore the message.

• Never give personal information or money.

• Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General.

If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a

GUARD YOUR CARD: PROTECT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

by: Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In

49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.

Please be careful about sharing your number when asked for it. You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Also, you shouldn’t carry documents that display your number.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, we make it easy. You may be able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement on our website. If you live in one of 45 participating states or the District of Columbia, and are requesting a replacement card with no changes, like a name change, you can use our free online service.

Visit our Social Security Number and Card page to learn more about your Social Security card. Please read our factsheet, How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe, for more information. Our Guard Your Card infographic is another great resource to understand whether you need to show your card.

WhyDoes“Canyourepeatthat?”AngerLovedOnes?

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Bethcalledtoscheduleherhusband,Dean,forahearingexam.Bethstated,“I’m�redofDeanaskingmeto repeatwhatIjustsaid.I’matmywit’send!”Deansaid,“It’s notthatIcan’thear.Ijustcan’tunderstand everythingBethsays.Igetbitsandpieces.”

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Beingheardandunderstoodbringsusjoyandasenseofbelongingthat bindsusinrela�onship.Webenefitwhenourstoryisheard.We benefit whenweareentrustedwiththestoryofourlovedones.Hearingand beingheardenrichesourlives.

Youdon’thavetoletuntreatedhearinglosssilenceyour storyorstealyourjoy!

AnneSimon,AuD

SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE: YOUR FIRST AND BEST PLACE TO START

by: Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

More than likely you do not have to visit a Social Security office to do business with us. You might not have to call, either. Our Online Services webpage provides you a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can even apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare online.

You can get the most out of your online experience if you have a personal my Social Security account. With it, you can:

• Get your Social Security Statement instantly.

• Appeal a decision we made on your claim.

• Find out if you qualify for benefits.

Already receiving benefits?

If so, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

Get your benefit verification letter for Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instantly.

• Check your information and benefit amount.

• Change your address and telephone number.

• Start or change your direct deposit.

• Request a replacement Medicare card.

• Get a replacement SSA1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.

• Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits or SSI.

Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account today to take advantage of these easy-touse features.

by: Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

Welcoming a baby to your family is an exciting time. Doing paperwork – even for something as important as a Social Security number for your newborn – is probably one of the last things you want to do. We’ve made it easy. If your child is born in a hospital, the most

Social Security number is at that hospital before you leave.

When you give information for your child’s birth certificate at the hospital, you’ll be asked whether you want to apply for a Social Security number for your child. If you answer “yes,” you will be asked to provide both parents’ Social Security numbers. Even if you don’t know both parents’ Social Security

There are many reasons why your child should have a Social Security number. You need a Social Security number to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return. You may also need a number for your child if you plan to do the following for your child:

• Open a bank account.

• Buy savings bonds.

• Get medical coverage.

• Apply for government services.

You can find more information by reading our publication, Social Security Numbers for Children. Please share this information with people who are having a baby. Applying for a Social Security number at the hospital will save them time and let them focus on their new bundle of joy.

Need help with MEDICARE? Once you turn 65, you are fully eligible for Medicare. Now is the best time to become familiar with the different parts of Medicare and what they cover.

PART A: Hospital stays skilled

PART B: Doctor visits

PART C: Parts A and B

PART D:

HOW TO GET NEW BABY’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER -

TEN YEARS

cont. from page 7

not receive Social Security, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

If you receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (if you meet certain requirements).

• Request a replacement Medicare card.

• Get instant benefit verification or proof of income letter of Social Security, Medicare, and

SSI.

• Start or change your direct deposit.

• Change your address and telephone number.

• Check your information and benefit amount.

• Get an instant Social Security 1099 form (SSA1099) or SSA-1042S.

• Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits and SSI.

If they haven’t done so yet, encourage your friends and family to sign up for their personal my Social Security account today.

SCAM

cont. from page 7

letter with payment options and appeal rights. We only accept payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or physically by check or money order through our offices. We will never:

Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.

Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.

Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, Internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail.

HELP PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES AND

PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY THIS SLAM THE SCAM DAY. YOU CAN:

• Educate your friends and family about government imposter scams. Let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss. The important thing is to report the scam right away.

• Share our Scam Alert factsheet and Fraud Prevention and Reporting webpage to educate people on how to protect themselves. Please help us spread the message to make sure no one else falls victim to these criminals. Together, we can “Slam the Scam!”

Melody Sandahl,

WIDOWS

cont. from page 6

amount will be reduced).

• At any age if you have a child under your care who is under age 16 or who became disabled before age 22.

• If you were widowed and remarried after age 60.

If you’re entitled to retirement benefits – but haven’t applied yet – you have an option. You can decide to apply for either the retirement or survivors benefits first. You can switch to the other (higher) benefit later.

To help make this decision, it’s important to know your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Your FRA is when you can start receiving your full retirement benefit amount. For instance, if you were born between January 2, 1943 through January 1, 1955, your FRA is 66. If you start receiving benefits before your FRA, your benefits will be reduced, generally for as long as you continue to receive benefits.

There are many variables involved. Contact Social Security to discuss which benefit to take first – before applying for either benefit. You want to be sure you’re choosing the option that best fits your financial circumstances.

All the information you need is on the Social Security website. You must apply for survivors benefits over the phone or make an appointment to apply in person. You will also need to provide certain original documents.

Local Social Security offices are helping people in person with or without an appointment. This means staff will take applications in person and they will be available to help and answer any question you may have. I encourage you to call and schedule an appointment in advance to save time and so you have all the documents we need to help you in one visit. Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.

CANCER

cont. from page 5

program which provides eligible individuals with services and financial help for non-medical services. These services include:

• Wigs (cranial hair prostheses).

• Cold caps (scalp cooling treatments).

• Tattooing (threedimensional micropigmentation of the nipple and areola).

• Tattooing of the eyebrows (microblading).

• Holistic services, such as

meditation and yoga, are also included.

If cancer interferes with working, Social Security offers programs that may help. Disability claims involving certain cancers – including specific breast and ovarian cancers – qualify for expedited processing by Social Security under its Compassionate Allowances initiative. Please visit the Disability Benefits page to learn more about the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs.

Sharsheret can help guide women through this journey. Please share this information with your friends and family.

BEFORE YOU JOIN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN:

• Find and compare Medicare health plans in your area using Medicare’s Plan Finder.

• Visit the plan’s website to see if you can join online.

• You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227). When you call, please have your Medicare number and the date your Part A or Part B coverage started. You can find this information on your Medicare card.

WHEN CAN I JOIN, SWITCH, OR UN-ENROLL IN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN?

• Initial Enrollment Period. When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period.

• General Enrollment Period. If you have Part A coverage and you get Part B for the first time during the General Enrollment Period, you can also join a Medicare Advantage Plan at that time. Your coverage may not start until July 1.

• Open Enrollment Period. From October 15 –December 7 you can join, switch, or un-enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7).

You can learn more about Medicare, including how to apply for Medicare and get a replacement Medicare card, by reading our publication Medicare. You can also visit our website.

FACT: Many People who require nursing home care cannot afford to pay the costs.

Because of the high costs, a high percentage of residents that live in nursing homes rely on Medicaid to pay for their care. Today, an estimated four percent of the over 65 age population lives in a nursing home. As the proportion of the older people increases due to longer life expectancies, it is likely that more and more people will need nursing home care.

WHAT IS MEDICAID?

By definition, Medicaid is a jointly funded program managed by both state and federal governments. Medicaid offers medical treatment, including nursing home care for low-income individuals who are 65 or older, blind or disabled.

The rules for qualifying for Medicaid change often and vary state to state and from country to country. Medicaid is not considered an entitlement program like Social Security; rather it is a needs-based program. Because it is based on the need, a person is not eligible to receive Medicaid

benefits as a matter of right. Each person must make himself or herself eligible.

As a component of qualifying for Medicaid, a person must have limited assets. To limit assets, a person may be required to “spend down” his or her assets to a level as determined by the appropriate regulatory agency in his or her area. The concept of “spending down” is simple. Essentially, the Medicaid agencies will provide funding for nursing home care only once a person’s assets have been reduced to the specified limits.

FACT: There are several methods to “spend down” assets, one of which is to prepay funeral expenses.

If a person’s assets exceed the specified limits, then he or she may have to use his or her own assets to pay for his or her care in a nursing home. There are several methods to “spend down” assets, one of which is to prepay funeral or cremation expenses. Most agencies will exclude a prepaid funeral plan (within limits) when determining eligibility for assistance.

MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY

The qualifications for Medicaid eligibility vary from

state to state and from country to country. An attorney who understands Medicaid should be contacted before attempting to qualify for Medicaid coverage. In order to qualify, you typically need to meet the

following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen living in the U.S.

• Be over 65, disabled or blind

• Have a “medical necessity”

Social Security won’t cover everything.

Do you have a plan?

MEDICAID FACTS (509)

When it comes to funeral costs, Social Security pays very little, leaving your family with unexpected payments.

Pre-planning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste and budget. We can advise you of the total cost, and the funds you set aside today can help your family in the future.

Courtesy of Merchant Funeral Home

Sherrie Beckman, Highland Clarkston, 99403

Patrick 16th

Ryan