Social Security 2023

SOCIAL SECURITY

2023 EDITION

NEW TO MEDICARE & HAVE QUESTIONS? HERE’S THE ANSWERS…

By Josh Lustig and Team at Camas Prairie Insurance and Clearwater Insurance

If you are about to go onto Medicare because you’re turning 65 years old soon OR you are retiring from your job and already over age 65, then you need the information in this article about your options! Understanding the various parts of Medicare, when to sign up, and the options available can be a bit like navigating a

maze. In this article, we'll shed some light on the different parts of Medicare and help you find your way to the right supplemental coverage.

UNDERSTANDING THE PARTS OF MEDICARE

Medicare is divided into four main parts: Parts A, B, C, and D. Each part serves a unique purpose:

- Medicare Part A: Often referred to as hospital insurance, Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.

- Medicare Part B: This is your medical insurance, covering doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.

- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Part C combines Parts A and B and is offered by private insurance companies. It often includes additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs.

- Medicare Part D: Part D is your prescription drug coverage, helping you afford the medications you need

WHEN TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE

Timing is crucial when it comes to signing up for Medicare. Most people become eligible at age 65, and there's a seven-month window around your 65th birthday to enroll in Parts A and B. If you miss this Initial Enrollment Period, you may face penalties and delays in coverage. If you're still working and have employersponsored coverage, you can delay signing up without penalties in some scenarios.

CHOOSING

BETWEEN MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Once you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you have two primary options to enhance your coverage: Medicare Supplements (Medigap) OR Medicare Advantage plans.

- Medicare Supplements: These plans work alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments that Medicare Part A and B by themselves leave behind for you to pay. A Medicare Supplement plan provides flexibility by allowing you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare in the nation, which is over 90% of all physicians nationwide.

- Medicare Advantage:

These plans, offered by private insurers, bundle Parts A and B coverage, often include Part D (prescription drug coverage), and may offer additional benefits like dental and vision. However, you’ll have copays, deductibles and out of pocket expenses for services you receive and be required to use doctors that are within that insurance company’s network of contracted providers.

GET THE HELP YOU NEED- WE ARE VERY LOCAL!

Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be challenging, and the right choice depends

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT

on your individual needs and circumstances. For personalized guidance and to explore your options, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experts! Our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage, ensuring you have the peace of mind you deserve as you embark on your journey toward a healthy and secure future. We have fully staffed offices in Lewiston, Cottonwood and Grangeville and are the area’s foremost experts in your Medicare options and our services don’t cost you a penny! Call us today at 208746-6184. God Bless!

WHEN TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE

Timing is crucial when it comes to signing up for Medicare. Most people become eligible at age 65, and there's a seven-month window around your 65th birthday to enroll in Parts A and B. If you miss this Initial Enrollment Period, you may face penalties and delays in coverage. If you're still working and have employersponsored coverage, you can delay signing up without penalties in some scenarios.

CHOOSING

BETWEEN MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Once you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you have two primary options to enhance your coverage: Medicare Supplements (Medigap) OR Medicare Advantage plans.

- Medicare Supplements: These plans work alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments that Medicare Part A and B by themselves leave behind for you to pay. A Medicare Supplement plan provides flexibility by allowing you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare in the nation, which is over 90% of all physicians nationwide.

- Medicare Advantage:

These plans, offered by private insurers, bundle Parts A and B coverage, often include Part D (prescription drug coverage), and may offer additional benefits like dental and vision. However, you’ll have copays, deductibles and out of pocket expenses for services you receive and be required to use doctors that are within that insurance company’s network of contracted providers.

GET THE HELP YOU NEED- WE ARE VERY LOCAL!

Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be challenging, and the right choice depends

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT

on your individual needs and circumstances. For personalized guidance and to explore your options, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experts! Our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage, ensuring you have the peace of mind you deserve as you embark on your journey toward a healthy and secure future. We have fully staffed offices in Lewiston, Cottonwood and Grangeville and are the area’s foremost experts in your Medicare options and our services don’t cost you a penny! Call us today at 208746-6184. God Bless!

5 WAYS TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ONLINE

By Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits online.

You can apply online for:

Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Check out our Apply for Benefits page for information on how to apply.

Disability Benefits – You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if you:

• Are age 18 or older.

• Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.

• Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

• Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application, is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made. Please visit our Appeal a Decision page to learn more.

Supplemental Security

Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues, and

helps people who have little or no income and who are age 65 or older, blind, or have disabilities. If you meet certain requirements, you may apply online. If you are not able to apply online, call your local Social Security office to apply.

Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at Medicare Benefits page.

Extra Help with Medicare

Prescription Drug Costs –

People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help on our website.

We also encourage you to sign up for a personal my Social Security account if you don’t have one. Using your personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, and obtain benefit verification letters.

Please share this information with family and friends – and post it on social media.

HOW SOCIAL SECURITY SHARES DATA TO HELP YOU

By Stephen Evangelista, Associate Commissioner, Office of Data Exchange and Policy Publications www.SSA.gov

Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey — when you’re born, start working, get married, become disabled, lose a loved one, and when you retire. At every stage, we strive to make your interaction with us as seamless as possible. One way we do that is through our data exchange programs. Data exchange happens when Social Security electronically obtains or shares personal information about someone with another government or private entity. This only happens when it’s legally permitted, technologically secure, and in accordance with your individual privacy rights.

Our data exchanges begin at birth when Social Security receives your name, date of birth, and parents’ names from states so we can provide a new social security number for a baby. This allows Social Security to create your first Social Security record.

Our data exchanges continue when you take your driving test or request an identification card with a department of motor vehicles (DMV). Our exchanges allow the DMV to verify your Social Security number to issue a government document or register you to vote. When you get your first job, employers use the Social Security verification service to verify your information before submitting your wage reports to Social Security. This ensures we can accurately track your earnings over your lifetime to secure your retirement, disability, and survivors coverage.

If you become disabled and eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, we share your data with other federal agencies to help you get additional benefits, such as those from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, if you’re a veteran. If you served in the military, we obtain a veteran’s status as a wounded warrior to expedite your disability claim with Social Security. We also provide disability status to the U.S. Department of Education

for potential student loan forgiveness.

After a person’s death, Social Security gathers death information from states, and other federal agencies through data exchange to support their loved ones and provide final death benefits.

programs while saving tax payers’ money. You can find more information about Social Security data exchange programs at www.ssa.gov/ dataexchange.

Data exchanges facilitate Social Security’s efficient administration of our

EASILY ACCESS YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT STATEMENT

By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications www.SSA.gov

Social Security puts you in control of your finances and future. We have made requesting or replacing your annual Benefit Statement even easier. The Benefit Statement is also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S. Now you have the ability to download it anytime and anywhere you want using our online services.

There’s no need to visit a field office.

An SSA-1099 is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to IRS on your tax return.

If you currently live in the United States and you need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, simply go online and request an instant, printable replacement form with a my Social Security account.

A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available for the previous tax year after February 1.

If you already have a personal my Social Security account, you can access your online account to view and print your SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S. If you don’t have access to a printer, you can save the document on your computer or laptop and email it. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating a secure account

is very easy to do and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

If you’re a noncitizen who lives outside of the United States and you received or repaid Social Security benefits last year, we will send you form SSA-1042S instead. The forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

When you have access to your benefit information, you can make knowledgeable decisions about your financial future. With you in control, you can secure today and tomorrow for yourself and your loved ones. Visit our website to find out more.

HELP SOMEONE YOU KNOW APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND MORE

By Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner,

Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

Social Security helps people in all stages of life. We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits. Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to:

APPLY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

Check if the person you are

THE

helping qualifies for SSI – and also apply – on our SSI page.

APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS

When the unexpected happens and a loved one can no longer work due to a serious medical condition, our disability benefits can be a lifeline. Find out more on our Disability page.

CREATE A PERSONAL MY SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT

If your loved one is planning for retirement or interested in estimating their future benefits, they can create a free and secure my Social Security account and view their Social Security Statement.

CHECK THE STATUS OF A PENDING APPLICATION FOR BENEFITS

Checking the status of an application is quick and easy with a personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on our website.

APPEAL A DECISION FOR BENEFITS

If someone you know was denied Social Security benefits or SSI, they can request an appeal. We provide information on how to appeal decisions for both medical and non-medical reasons.

To discover more ways you can assist others, please visit our Information for People Helping Others page. Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media!

OF MED ICARE

Medicare can be confusing, and having the right information is important. Make sure you get the answers to all your questions by contacting Joe Ball, a trusted Insurance Agent. He’ll find the plan for you. Call him at (208) 823-7064 or email him at jball@iccu.com There is no obligation to enroll in order to receive our services. Not endorsed by or a

Need help with MEDICARE? Once you turn 65, you are fully eligible for Medicare. Now is the best time to become familiar with the di erent parts of Medicare and what they cover. www.iccu.com/medicare

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SPOUSE’S BENEFITS?

By Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

Social Security benefits are a crucial part of millions of Americans’ retirement income.

If you don’t have enough

Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following:

• 62 years of age or older.

• Any age and have in your care a child younger than age 16, or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit.

If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to one-half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement age, but care for a child and one of the following applies:

• The child is younger than age 16.

• The child has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit.

For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250.

Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and nine months old? If you answered yes to both, visit our website to get started today.

Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting our Benefits For Your Family page for more information.

ACCESS YOUR EARNINGS HISTORY WITH MY SOCIAL SECURITY

By Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications www.SSA.gov

We have exciting news to share: we’ve redesigned your Social Security Statement (Statement) to make it easier to find the information you need.

WHO GETS A STATEMENT?

A Statement is available to any adult worker who does not receive benefits. Your unique Statement gives estimates of future Social Security benefits that you and your family may receive each month along with a basic overview of the Social Security program. It also provides a record of your earnings history and other valuable information. Your future benefits are based on your earnings record, so it’s important to tell us when you see an error, so you can get it corrected and ensure you get all the benefits you earned. Your Statement explains how to report an error.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE STATEMENT?

The redesigned Statement is streamlined and written in plain language to make it easy to read, use, and understand. We’ve divided the information into sections, like different types

of benefits, so you can easily find what you need. The new Statement provides a bar chart with your personalized retirement benefit estimates for up to nine different ages, depending on when you may want your benefits to start. This key information can help you make educated decisions about your financial future.

Fact sheets tailored to your age group and earnings situation accompany your online Statement. The fact sheets can help you better understand Social Security programs, benefits, and how they fit your situation. For example, for younger workers, we provide more information about how you can save for your future; for older workers, we explain how benefits may be taxed and how to avoid a Medicare penalty. We include links in the fact sheets for easier reference and additional information.

Our Social Security Statement web page has samples of the Statement, as well as copies of the new fact sheets (in English and Spanish). Please share these resources with your friends and family.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED STATEMENT ONLINE TODAY

The best way to access your new

Statement at any time is by using your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, be sure to create one today. Your account also lets you access other services online, such as requesting a replacement Social Security card and getting a letter proving you do not receive Social Security benefits.

Get started by signing in to or creating your my Social Security account today!

For a quick look at the redesigned Statement, visit our Social Security Statement web page and select “Sample Statement.” You’ll be able to open a sample PDF which you can download, save, or print.

To see your own, personalized Statement PDF, create or log in to your personal my Social Security account. There, you can print, save, or download your own Statement PDF to check your earnings record and personalized benefit estimates.

SLAM THE SCAM: KEEP YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION SAFE

By Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information.

There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten 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 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 do the following:

• 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.

Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Please stay vigilant and help raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. For more information on scams, please visit our Protect Yourself from Scams page.

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

Tell 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.

Together, we can “Slam the Scam!”

EXPAND YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY KNOWLEDGE WITH THESE FOUR TERMS

By Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital 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.

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MEDICAID FACTS

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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;

Social Security won’t cover everything.

Do you have a plan?

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 budge t. We can advise you of the total cost, and the funds you set aside today can help your family in the future.

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”

THE ADA BENEFITS ALL PEOPLE, NOT JUST “AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES”

By U.S. Access Board www.SSA.gov

July 26, 2023, marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This landmark civil rights law protects millions of people with disabilities across the country.

The Access Board is celebrating accessible design features encountered in everyday life that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Read on to learn more!

1. Ramps and Curb Ramps. Ramps and curb ramps help everyone using wheeled devices like strollers and wheeled briefcases! They are required in the ADA Accessibility Standards for wheelchair access.

2. Detectable Warning Surfaces. Have you ever wondered what those surface patterns of small domes that cross curb ramps are for? They are detectable warning surfaces, designed to alert pedestrians who are blind or have low vision to the presence of a hazard, such as a road. They are also

required on open boarding platforms in rail stations to discourage people from standing too close to the edge of the platform.

3. Elevators. Moving between floors can be challenging when carrying luggage at the airport. Thanks to accessible design, we have access to elevators! And while elevators are convenient for moving your luggage, they’re required to provide airport vertical access for people with disabilities.

4. Clear Walkways. No one likes to hit their head on wall sconces or walk into handrails, signs on posts, or wall-mounted drinking fountains. That’s why the ADA requires minimum headroom clearance and minimum horizontal protrusions.

5. Audible and Visual Announcements. Isn’t it helpful to hear and see announcements for stops when riding a bus or subway line? Those audible and visual announcements are required so that people who are blind or have low vision or are deaf or hard of hearing can know when their stops are approaching.

While the ADA addresses accessibility as a whole, Social Security seeks to remove barriers to employment for people who receive disability benefits through the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program. The PABSS program provides legal representation and advocacy services for people receiving disability benefits under the Social Security Act who are experiencing a barrier to employment, whether they are trying to begin, regain, or maintain employment. We all

benefit from accessible design, diversity in the workplace, and programs that support both, like the PABSS program.

Share this information with your neighbors, friends, and family! To learn more about the history of the ADA and the Access Board’s work, visit the Access Board’s website.

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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CAN HELP US ALL

By Mental Health First Aid USA www.SSA.gov

The COVID-19 pandemic brought more than lockdowns, isolation, and severe illness – it also caused depression, anxiety, and other mental challenges in people of all ages. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found 46% of adults age 65 and older felt their mental health was negatively affected by pandemic-related worries.

Even as we navigate the “new normal,” the mental health

repercussions of the pandemic persist. People need support – and learning about mental wellbeing is the first step.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. It teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. You can learn how to reach out and provide help and support to someone who may be experiencing these challenges. MHFA centers around the MHFA Action Plan, a 5-step approach to

“Independence when you want it, assistance when you need it.”

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deliver safe and effective support to those in need. It factors in each person’s unique identity, experiences, and challenges.

The National Council has created MHFA courses to serve various demographic groups, including adults and youth. Courses include:

• Adult MHFA, which teaches adults how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in other adults ages 18 and older. It also shows how to offer and provide help and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics include anxiety, depression, and substance use challenges. Communityspecific courses are tailored to the unique needs of groups such as Spanishspeaking communities, older adults, higher education, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals, the military, and rural communities.

• Youth MHFA, which teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12 to 18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

• Teen MHFA, which teaches teens ages 15 to 18 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental

health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. Teens can learn how to have supportive conversations with their friends and how to get help from a responsible and trusted adult.

• MHFA at Work, which focuses on the work environment and teaches learners how to notice and support an individual who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge in a work environment. It also shows how to connect them with appropriate employee and community resources.

You can help us destigmatize mental health issues and prioritize mental health. Find a MHFA course near you and be the difference your community needs.

Social Security has helped Americans navigate tough times through its benefits and programs. If your mental health challenges are so severe that you’re unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. To learn more, please review Social Security’s Disability Benefits page.

Please share this information with friends and family who need it – and post it on social media.

MY SOCIAL SECURITY: IT’S NOT JUST FOR RETIREES

By Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to benefit from a personal my Social Security account.

Calling or visiting a local Social Security office probably is rarely necessary once you have one. You can do much of your business with us online.

With your personal my Social Security account, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia).

• Estimate your future benefits to compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits.

• Check the status of your Social Security application when you do decide to apply.

• Review your work history.

If you already receive benefits, you can also:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia).

• Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.

• Set up or change your direct deposit.

• Change your address.

• Request a replacement Medicare card.

• Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).

• Opt out of receiving certain notices by mail and receive them in the secure Message Center.

Please help us spread the word. Let your family and friends know that they can create a my Social Security account today.

SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPORTS RURAL COMMUNITIES

By Nancy Berryhill, Senior Advisor, Office of Operations www.SSA.gov

Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Millions count on us — retirees who worked hard their whole lives, people no longer able to work due to disability, dependents, and survivors. As a member of the Rural Partners Network, we want to continue reaching out to rural communities.

We make it easy for you to access our programs and services. Our website offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits.

You can apply online for:

• Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and nine months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Check out our Apply for Benefits page for information on how to apply.

• Disability Benefits – Our disability program pays benefits to workers and certain family members who are “insured.” This means that they worked long enough – and recently

enough – and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. Start our online application to begin the process.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, or people older than age 65, who have low income and resources. Visit our website to begin your application online, or tell us that you want to apply or help someone else apply and we will contact you to schedule an appointment.

• Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 and older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare 3 months before turning age 65 on our Medicare Benefits page.

• Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Extra Help helps pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare prescription drug coverage. Apply on our website.

We also encourage rural community leaders to encourage people to sign up for a personal my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify earnings, get future benefit estimates, and obtain benefit verification letters.

We also provide survivors benefits to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important to young families with children. You cannot apply for survivors benefits online. Visit our website for more information.

If you are not able to use our online services, call our National toll-free number at 1-800-7721213. We may be able to help by phone and, if an office visit is required, we can make an appointment to reduce the time waiting in an office.

We remain committed to helping maintain the well-being and protection of the people we serve—including those in rural areas. Please share this information with others in your local community.