A sspecial pecial supplement supplement tto oT The he D Daily aily R Republic epublic & The The ADvisor ADvisor
1305 W. HAVENS • MITCHELL 996-8393
2 PIECE CHICKEN MASHED POTATOES WITH GRAVY PLUS A SIDE OF CHOICE
COUPON
2 PIECE CHICKEN MASHED POTATOES SALAD OR VEGETABLE CHOICE
GOOD FOR
LUNCH OR
DINNER
001285093r1
SIZZLING SUMMER APPRECIATION COUPON
August August 2015 2015
UP TO 2 PERSONS WITH COUPON • GOOD THRU MONDAY 8-17
2
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
What’s Inside
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
3
Commissioners Message........................... 3 Social Security Turns 80.......................... 4 History of Keeping Social Security Number Safe .................. 5 Honoring Service Members ......................... 6
I am thrilled to join our employees and stakeholders in celebrating Social Security’s 80th anniversary. Eighty years ago, on August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt marked the signing of the Social Security Act into law with profound and relevant words:
How & Why to Review Social Security Statement ....................... 7
Today, a hope of many years standing is in large part fulfilled…We have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.
Social Security Timeline ......................... 8
We continue to embody President Roosevelt vision of hope and protection for the most vulnerable members of the public. In field offices across the country, our frontline employees provide world-class service to millions each day. We provide secure online services for our customers who prefer to do business online—including the my Social Security suite of services, the Retirement Estimator, and the online retirement application.
Half a Century of Help with Medicare ................ 9 Security is Our Middle Name ............................ 10
The Faces and Facts of Disability campaign offers increased public awareness of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program through personal stories from those who benefit most from this important program.
You’ve Got Mail ............ 11 Medicare Questions & Answers .................... 12 Jazz Up Your Retirement Plan............................... 13 Faces & Facts of Disability ...................... 15 It’s an Online World .... 17 Cover and layout design by Jen Phillips/The Daily Republic
Our Vision 2025 provides a framework to shape the future of Social Security service delivery and outlines ways we can maintain clear communication with the public. I am deeply honored to be a part of such a great organization with employees who truly embody the spirit of compassionate public service. There is nothing more rewarding or longer lasting than making a positive difference in the lives of others. Happy 80th Anniversary, Social Security! Carolyn W. Colvin Acting Commissioner
4
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
SOCIAL SECURITY TURNS 80 By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist
Eighty years ago, on August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The new law guaranteed a basic income for retirees and, at the time, the unemployed. Over the years, Social Security has expanded its safety net to provide benefits for retirees, people with disabilities and the chronically ill, and spouses and children of deceased workers. The agency has evolved to serve the needs of a changing America. Now, we’re celebrating this historic anniversary by looking at both our successful past, and the path to an even brighter future. Social Security is there for you during all stages of life. Right from the beginning, we issue a unique Social Security number to most newborns when an application is taken at the hospital. This allows us to track your income over your working career and accurately
calculate your retirement benefit. We provide disability benefits to injured and chronically ill workers and their families. We provide survivors benefits to widows, widowers, and the minors of deceased workers. We also provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to those with low income and resources, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs for people who qualify. In our decades of experience, Social Security has evolved to meet the fast-paced demands of the digital world. Creating an online my Social Security account, for instance, let’s you view your Social Security Statement, verify the accuracy of your earnings record, and get estimates of future monthly benefits. Once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, you can use your online account to manage your record, including changing your address and phone number, checking your benefit information, changing your electronic payment method, and obtaining an instant benefit verification letter or replacement SSA1099/1042S. If you haven’t already, you can
easily sign up for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Our safe and secure online services allow you to apply for retirement, spouse’s, Medicare, and disability benefits from the comfort of your home. You can quickly complete an online retirement application at www.socialsecurity. gov/applyonline. Looking to the future, we recently released our Vision 2025, a strategic plan to help us shape the future of Social Security service delivery and maintain clear communication with you. For more information about our vision for the next ten years, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ vision2025. We look to the next 80 years with a renewed commitment to proudly serving Social Security customers throughout their lifetime, when and where they need us. See how Social Security has evolved over the years at www.socialsecurity.gov/history.
Aurora-Brule Nursing Home Remember the Ones You Love...
• 24/7 Nursing Staff • Therapeutic Diets • Restorative Therapy • Social Services • Medicare/Medicaid • Daily Activities • On-site Beautician Certified
Vases • Candles • Memorial Lights • Angel Statues
Call today to get a tour scheduled! 605-249-2216
Mitchell Monuments & More 605-292-0730 • 888-409-8400 824 West Havens • Mitchell
001287014r1
408 South Johnston St., White Lake, South Dakota
Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:00 | Sat. By Appointment
(Across from Bittner Funeral Chapel)
mitchellmonuments@midconetwork.com
001284274r1
Marlene Hettinger | Locally Owned
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
5
HISTORY SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER SAFE The most misused SSN of all time was (078-05-1120). In 1938, wallet manufacturer the E. H. Ferree company in Lockport, New York decided to promote its product by showing how a Social Security card would fit into its wallets. A sample card, used for display purposes, was inserted in each wallet. Company Vice President and Treasurer Douglas Patterson thought it would be a clever idea to use the actual SSN of his secretary, Mrs. Hilda Schrader Whitcher. The wallet was sold by Woolworth stores and other department stores all over the country. Even though the card was only half the size of a real card, was printed all in red, and had the word “specimen” written across the face, many purchasers of the wallet adopted the SSN as their own. In the peak year of 1943, 5,755 people were using Hilda’s number. SSA acted to eliminate the problem by voiding the number and
publicizing that it was incorrect to use it. (Mrs. Whitcher was given a new number.) However, the number continued to be used for many years. In all, over 40,000 people reported this as their SSN. As late as 1977, 12 people were found to still be using the SSN “issued by Woolworth.” Mrs. Whitcher recalled coming back from lunch one day to find her fellow workers teasing
her about her new-found fame. They were singing the refrain from a popular song of the day: “Here comes the million-dollar baby from the five and ten cent store.” Although the snafu gave her a measure of fame, it was mostly a nuisance. The FBI even showed up at her door to ask her about the widespread use of her number. Visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ to see what documents you’ll need to show to get a new, replacement or corrected card. To avoid being in Hilda’s situation, 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. Don’t carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.
6
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
HONORING OUR SERVICE MEMBERS EVERY DAY
By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist
Policymakers put into place laws and benefits to protect our heroes and their families. For example, Social Security provides survivors, disability, retirement, and Medicare benefits. Not only does Social Security have benefits to protect veterans, we also provide family benefits to protect service members’ dependents. Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors. Wounded military service members can also receive expedited processing of their disability claims. For example, Social Security will provide expedited processing of disability claims filed by veterans who have a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent & Total (P&T). Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel, including dependent children and, in some cases, spouses, may be eligible to receive benefits. You can get answers to commonly asked questions and find useful information about the application process at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. Service members can also receive Social
Security, as well as military retirement www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare. In acknowledgement of those who died for benefits. The good news is that your military retirement benefit doesn’t reduce your Social our country, those who served, and those who Security retirement benefit. Learn more serve today, we at Social Security honor and about Social Security retirement benefits at thank you. www.socialsecurity. gov/retirement. You may also want to visit the Military Service page of our Retirement Planner, available at www.socialsecurity. gov/retire2/veterans. htm. Service members are also eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you have health insurance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or under the TRICARE or CHAMPVA programs, your health benefits may change, or end, when you become eligible for Medicare. Learn more about Semi-Private and Private Rooms Available Medicare benefits at
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
7
HOW AND WHY TO REVIEW YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT Reviewing your statement starts by looking at underscoring the importance of disability these items on your statement: benefits. Since the value of the survivors • Work Credits: insurance you have under Social Security is If you have already earned the 40 work credits probably more than the value of your individual required for most benefits, your record will life insurance, you’ll want to check the accuracy show estimates for retirement, disability and of your earnings as part of planning for survivors survivors benefits. If you don’t yet have 40 work benefits. credits, the statement shows how many you You can visit the website to use a calculator have and how many you still need to qualify for called The Estimator (www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits. You can find additional information retire2/estimator.htm) which can compute about work credits at http://www.socialsecurity. future Social Security retirement benefits by gov/retire2/credits1.htm. changing variables such as retirement dates • Your Earnings Record: and future earnings. The statement gives you Review your history of earnings year by estimates at 62, your full retirement age (http:// year to make sure each year is correct. This is www.socialsecurity.gov/retirement/ageincrease. important because Social Security benefits are htm), and 70. What if you want to know what based on average earnings over your lifetime. If your benefit would be at age 63 or 64? What if the information is incorrect or there are missing you want to project what future earnings might years of earnings, you may not receive all the add to your benefit? The Estimator can help you benefits you are entitled to in the future. answer these “What If ” questions for yourself. If you need to correct your earnings, contact REVIEW Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800Continued on page 14 325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please have your W-2 or paystubs when you call. • Benefit Estimates: Next review the estimated benefits section. Be sure to review not only your retirement estimate, but your disability estimate and the survivors estimate for your family as well. Disability is something most people avoid considering. Studies show that a 20-yearold worker has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching 316 N Main • Mitchell • 996-2285 full retirement age
Custom Frame
your favorite MEMORIES
001286848r1
Your Social Security Statement contains information about whether or not you have worked long enough to receive Social Security benefits as well as how much you will receive. Reviewing the Statement is one step on the road to Social Security literacy. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn up to a maximum of four “credits” for each year. In 2015, you must earn $1220.00 in covered earnings to get one Social Security credit and $4880.00 to get the maximum four credits for the year. (You do not earn credits for pension payments or for interest or dividends on savings and investments.) During your lifetime, you probably will earn more credits than the minimum number of credits you need to be eligible for retirement benefits which is 40. These extra credits do not increase your benefit amount. Your average earnings over your working years determines how much your monthly payments will be. When you need to find out how many work credits and an estimate of your retirement benefit, you can consult the Social Security Statement. Your Social Security statement is now available online by setting up a my Social Security account (www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/). Creating your own account allows you to access to your Social Security statement information 24/7. You’ll answer a few questions that we expect only you to know the answers to set up your account and safeguard your information. Setting up an account is quick, secure and easy. Social Security is resuming periodic mailings of the paper statement. Workers reaching ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and not registered for a my Social Security account will receive a statement in the mail about 3 months before their birthday. After 60, people will receive a paper statement every year. Your statement provides information about work credits, estimates for retirement, disability and survivors benefits plus a history of your earnings.
8
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
9
AUGUST 2015
HALF A CENTURY OF HELP WITH MEDICARE By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist
coverage and may include extra benefits and half-century strong success story. services at an additional cost. • Part D is prescription drug coverage. There For more information about Medicare, visit is a separate monthly premium for this plan; www.medicare.gov. however, people with low resources and income may qualify for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs from Social Security. Visit www. s o c i a l s e c u r i t y. g ov / prescriptionhelp to see if you qualify. Select from top manufacturers in the industry A recent survey to Medicare beneficiaries asked: Why do you love Medicare? One person stated, “It gives peace of mind not only for seniors, but for veterans and disabled Paula M. Abeln as well.” Another BC-HIS National Board Certified Hearing satisfied recipient Easy Access off I-90 and HWY 38 Instrument Specialist www.paulashearing.com replied, “I most likely 1200 S. Burr St, Suite A. • Mitchell, SD wouldn’t be alive today 605-990-HEAR (4327) without Medicare.” These are just two of the millions who endorse Medicare’s
“
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law with these words: “No longer will older Americans be denied the healing miracle of modern medicine. No longer will illness crush and destroy the savings that they have so carefully put away over a lifetime.” For 50 years, the Medicare program has provided essential health care services for millions of people who are age 65 or older, disabled, or have debilitating diseases. Without Medicare, many people would not be able to pay for hospital care, doctor’s visits, medical tests, preventive services, or prescription drugs. Your Medicare card is the most important piece of identification you own as a Medicare beneficiary since medical providers will request it when you seek their services. If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card, you can do it online with a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Requesting a replacement card through my Social Security is safe, convenient, and easy. Going online saves you a trip to your local Social Security office or unproductive time on the phone. Request your replacement Medicare card the easy and convenient way — online — and you’ll get it in the same amount of time as you would if you applied in an office or over the phone — in about 30 days. Fifty years ago, Medicare didn’t have as many options as it does today. As the largest public health program in the United States, Medicare includes four parts to keep you covered: • Part A is insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, outpatient care in nursing facilities, hospice, and home health care. • Part B includes medical insurance for doctor’s services, medical supplies, outpatient care, and preventive services. • Part C is a Medicare advantage plan that allows you to choose your health care coverage through a provider organization. You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in Part C. This plan usually includes Medicare prescription drug
p l e h o t t n a w e “W ! r e t t e b r a e you h
001286674r2
10
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
SECURITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security has zero-tolerance for fraud and those who try to cheat the system. While we can’t prevent all fraud schemes any more than the best police force can stop all crime, we work aggressively with our Office of the Inspector General to investigate and prosecute people who commit fraud. Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin’s message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear: “We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we
will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen.” We provide benefits to one-fifth of the American population, including elderly retirees, people with severe illnesses, and widows and children after the death of a wage earner. Our beneficiaries also include wounded warriors and the chronically ill, all of whom tend to be the most vulnerable of our population. Protecting our critically important programs from fraud can be challenging. Yet, our standard is absolute—any fraud is unacceptable. And, our focus on preventing fraud works. Our Office of the Inspector General works in concert with our frontline employees to
identify fraud and bring offenders to justice. Together, we use a number of tools to help us accurately predict where fraud may occur. By monitoring cases closely, we identify fraud sooner rather than later—and often we prevent it before it happens. We also have stiff penalties that discourage people from committing fraud, including hefty fines, suspension of benefits, and even jail time for the most severe offenses. We take our middle name seriously and so should you. If you suspect someone is committing Social Security fraud, we ask that you report it online at http://oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 immediately.
Trail Ridge is Senior Living Designed by You!
F
or over 20 years, Trail Ridge has been known for being a great place to spend your retirement. Trail Ridge boasts a wonderful caring staff, chef-prepared meals, social and physical activities, and transportation. A $12 million redevelopment in 2014-2015 includes a new Wellness Center and Memory Care building.
Call 605-231-8111 to schedule a tour of the community
• Independent Living Luxury apartments with underground heated parking • Assisted Living Style-smart, brand new charming Apartments • Memory Care New building with personal suites and private bathrooms. • New Wellness Center including our brand new swimming pool and excercise room. Our wellness program holds over 20 classes per week.
3408 W. Ralph Rogers Road • Sioux Falls, SD 57108 • 605 -339 - 4847 • www.TrailRidge.net Trail Ridge is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not for profit provider of senior health care since 1930.
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
11
SHIINE is a FRE EE, unb biased, volu unteer-ba ased service which assists Mediicare beneficiariess with prroble ems or qu uestionss regardin ng Me edicare bene efits. If you u are interessted in more informattion on SHIINE or wish to become a SH HIINE vo oluntteer coun nselor, please co ontact the SH HIINE office ne ear you. South Dakota SHIINE Regional Offices Western: 1.8 877.286.9 9072 Eastern: 1.800 0.5 536.8197 SHIINE@ @westtrivversd.org g ^,//E Λ ΛĂĐƟǀĞŐĞŶ͘ŽƌŐ Centrral: 1.877.331 1.4 4834 SHIINE@cen ntralsd.org Visitt ou Visi ur website e www.SHIINE.net to learn more about SHIINE. SHIINE iss no SH n t affiliated d with any company that sells or distributes a p od pr oduc uctt or ser uc ervi vice vi ce.. ce
12
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
MEDICARE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q
: I receive Social Security and will be eligible for Medicare in 2017. My wife will be 65 at that time. She has not been employed long enough to receive her own Social Security retirement and does not want to start receiving as a spouse through my record until she is age 66. Will my wife be able to get Medicare in 2017 on my work record at age 65 even if she has not applied for monthly Social Security benefits? : If a person is receiving Social Security benefits, his or her spouse can file for Medicare through their record at age 65 without filing for monthly cash benefits. Medicare Part A (Hospital) does not have a monthly premium. Medicare Part B (Medical) has a monthly premium. If you are within three months of age 65 or older and not ready to start your monthly cash benefits yet, you can use our online retirement application to sign up just for Medicare and apply for your retirement or spouses benefits later.
A
Q A
: Does Social Security contact people at age 65 to enroll them in Medicare? : Some people are automatically contacted at age 65. If you are already receiving monthly Social Security benefits, you are sent Medicare enrollment information several months before reaching age 65. Enrollment material is not sent by the Social Security Administration. This material is mailed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency responsible for Medicare. The CMS Medicare mailing includes your Medicare card and tells you that enrollment in both Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) of Medicare will take place at age 65 without any further action on your part. If you do not want both Part A and Part B, you must contact Social Security.
CALL TODAY - 605-428-4777 WWW.PRAIRIECOACH.COM
New England Fall Foliage • Tour 21 States • New York City Tour • 9/11 Memorial $ 3,599 & Ground Zero SEPT 19 - OCT 6 • Broadway Play
Hostfest Scandinavian Fall Festival • Golden Corral Buffet Dinner • Two days of Hostfest • Reserved seats for $ 719 two main headliners SEPT 29 - OCT 2 • Brunch
Omaha Christmas • Christmas in Germany • Madrigal Christmas “Feaste” • City of Omaha Step-On Guide $ 599 • Lauritzen Gardens DEC 2-5 Poinsettia Show
001287103r2
THERE IS STILL TIME TO BOOK YOUR 2015 ADVENTURE WITH PRAIRIE COACH TRAILWAYS!
Fall Mississippi Cruise • Two Day Mississippi River Cruise • Step on guide for Amish Colonies • John Deere Tractor $ Tour 999 SEPT 21 - 25 • Dinner at Ox Yoke
Branson Christmas • “Jonah” at Sight & Sound Theatre • Showboat Branson Belle • “Letterman” at Andy $ 1,169 Williams Theatre NOV 16 - 21 • Dixie Stampede
Nashville Christmas • 3 Nights at Gaylord Opryland Resort • Grand Ole Opry Show • Christmas Broadway $ 1,599 Production DEC 7 - 12 • Dreamworks - ICE!
Rose Parade • Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade • Warner Bros Studio Tour • San Francisco City Tour • Tibbie’s New Years Show
$
3,099
DEC 27 - JAN 10
Automatic enrollment in Medicare does not occur when you are not receiving monthly Social Security benefits at age 65. Then you must take action yourself to enroll in Medicare, either by completing the online application or by contacting Social Security. Do this about three months before reaching age 65. You can sign up for Medicare without starting Social Security benefits. Most people want Medicare Part A coverage at age 65, which does not have a monthly premium. If you have medical insurance through your own current employment, or the current employment of your spouse, then you might not want Part B at age 65. Medicare Part B does have a monthly premium. Medicare Part A and Part B coverage is the same for everyone across the nation. General Medicare information and the online application are on the SSA website at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/. Detailed Medicare information is at www.medicare.gov
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
13
LET SOCIAL SECURITY HELP JAZZ UP YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist
It’s always the perfect time to move your feet and revel in the smooth beats of one of America’s most beloved musical genres. Ella Fitzgerald, the “Queen of Jazz,” known for her scatting style, had a vocal range spanning three octaves. Other great jazz icons include Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis. These jazz greats not only have music in common, but they either received, receive, or will be eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits. Wynton Marsalis, at age 53, is approaching retirement. Herbie Hancock, at age 74, is already old enough to receive full Social Security retirement benefits. A lot of planning and preparation made these artists successful. If you want to be successful in your retirement years, financial planning is important for hitting all the high notes. You don’t have to scat like Ella, or blow your horn like Wynton, Dizzy, and Louis, to plan for retirement. If you’re making retirement plans, you’ll want to visit Social Security’s website to use our retirement planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire. You’ll find detailed information about your Social Security retirement and what you may want to consider as you prepare for your future. Our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator will
give you an instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits. You can plug in different retirement ages and scenarios to help you make a decision. If you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, just go online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. Creating a secure my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount is another way to fine tune your retirement. Your account will allow you to verify your posted earnings and get retirement estimates for ages 62, 67, and 70. Opening a my Social Security account is safe, easy, and only takes a few minutes. Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” may come to mind as you visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov to jazz up your retirement planning!
Now On Sale
Planning ahead is Wise.... and it is also wise to consult with Shafer Memorials for expert advise in selecting a memorial for your family.
His and Hers Power Lift/Recliners
WE ARE PROUD TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZED CARVINGS COMPLETED ON-SITE IN OUR SHOP
Sized for both men & women!
We will create computer illustrations to symbolize your lives together.
Lots of colors to choose from!
LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED....SINCE 1919 We are a family owned business in our 6th generation, and we have been in the same location for over 96 years. It speaks for itself...many years of business show you the respect and confidence people have for our firm.
Will lift up to 500 lbs! OPEN WEEKNIGHTS UNTIL 8PM & SUNDAYS 1PM-5PM
Mitchell 996-6900
1-800-300-3904 001281838r1
Alex, Courtney, Jeremy, Kim (Shafer), Rick Swank
1023 N. Main • Mitchell, SD (5 blocks N of the Corn Palace) 1-800-464-3115 • 605-996-3115 www.shafermemorials.com
FRE DELI E VER
Alexandria 12 Miles East of Mitchell
Y
FURN FURNITURE R ITURE No one else can give you more!
239-4311
www.montgomerysfurniture.net
R00179077JMP-SST
2 Blocks East of Ramada
14
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
REVIEW
Facts
Continued from page 7
• Schedule Your Yearly CheckUp: Once you’ve completed your review of your statement, each year make an appointment with yourself to review the most recently posted year of earnings on your Social Security record. By checking your record yearly, you can be certain when you retire that Social Security will have a correct record of earnings to use when computing your retirement benefit. This review will also assure a correct record for disability benefits or survivors benefits. If you sign up for a my Social Security account, we’ll even send you a reminder to review your information several months before your birthday.
• On August 14, 1935, President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into law, which established a national plan to provide economic security for the nation’s workers. • Fred Happel of Albany, N.Y. designs the original Social Security card in 1936 and is paid $60 for his work. In 1985, Mr. Happel’s niece donates the original artwork to Social Security’s history room in Baltimore.
Your Partner -inAdvanced Planning
Senior Fitness Not only do our Live 2 B Heathy
®
programs benefit individual participants - our programs also make good business sense.
Your Investment Includes:
Call today to set up a FREE appointment to discuss pre-planning with a caring professional
• Nationally Certified Personal Trainer • Trainer Background Checks • Equipment • Insurance • Three Sessions a Week (12-13 Sessions a Month) • Program Management - 100% Outsourced by a Local Region Owner • Results Driven Program - Preventative • Customized Group Classes - Individually Tailored (Based on Muscle Confusion) • Participant Reports • Testing Reports (Baseline & Test Every 4 Months) • L2BH Co-Branded Marketing Materials (Brochures, Posters, Direct Mail Post Cards, Flyers, Tour Talking Points, Press Releases, Website, Social Media) • SilverSneakers-Flex Co-Branded Marketing Efforts • (Website, Social Media, Direct Mail Program, 4-6 weeks after the class starts) • Award Programs for Participants
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1939
Kinzley Funeral Home
Mike Pap (605) 359-0004 • MPap@Live2BHealthy.com
w w w. L i v e 2 B H e a l t h y. c o m
001287273r1
For more information or to schedule a class in your business community please contact:
605.425.2621 1-877-425-5674
001285352r1
Locations in Salem and Hartford
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
15
FACES AND FACTS TELL THE STORY OF DISABILITY By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist
Every family has stories—stories are a great way to carry on family legacies, pass lessons on to future generations, and share what is important to your family with the rest of the world. Your family stories may include ones about the birth of a child, serving in war, helping people in need, or the deaths of loved ones. We’d like to share some stories about what it means to receive disability benefits from Social Security. And we have a website that does just that: The Faces and Facts of Disability, ready for you to explore at www.socialsecurity.gov/ disabilityfacts.
Learning the facts and hearing people’s stories about disability allows for a fuller understanding of what is perhaps the most misunderstood Social Security program. The Social Security Act sets a very strict definition of disability. To receive disability benefits, a person must have an impairment expected to last at least a year or result in death. The impairment must be so severe that it renders the person unable to perform not only his or her previous work, but also any other
DISABILITY Continued on page 18
Celebrating
Whispering Winds
Lives Mark & Jennifer Ernste
marke@siouxfallsmemorials.com jenne@siouxfallsmemorials.com
Senior Living Center
“Our Home Is Your Home”
...because we care At Whispering Winds, we assist our residents in their next stage of life by providing exceptional care in our home-like environment while treating each individual with dignity as they maintain their freedom, independence, and privacy
001285899r1
001285500r1
700 S. Main • Howard, SD • 605-772-5885 Fax 605-772-5889 • whispering@alliancecom.net
Sioux Falls Monument 4901 W 12th St. Sioux Falls, SD Phone: (605) 339-3180 Mark Cell: (605) 595-8015 Fax: (605) 339-0525
16
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I
QUALITY SERVICE WILL LAST A
LIFETIME
WE’RE CELEBRATING 100 YEARS IN 2015! “Where Service Means More Than The Sale Itself”
www.scottsupplyco.com
2800 W. Havens Mitchell, SD
605-996-7704 1-800-952-2308 001288193r1
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
17
IT’S AN ONLINE WORLD— SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO ONLINE By Mickie Douglas Public Affairs Specialist It’s an online world today and Social Security offers a wealth of services and tools to help the American public understand and use Social Security’s programs and benefits. You can increase your Social Security knowledge by familiarizing yourself with our website and what’s available online by visiting these webpages. Services: Apply for Social Security retirement/spouse’s benefits www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits Apply for disability benefits www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability Apply for Medicare www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly Apply for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020 Services If You Get Benefits: Create a my Social Security account to get a benefit verification letter, check your benefit and payment information, change your address and phone number, start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment, replace a missing 1099 or replace your Medicare card. www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
survivors, spouses, special veterans or Supplemental Security Income. http://ssabest.benefits.gov/ Find out your full retirement age www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/ageincrease.html Use one of several calculators to estimate your potential benefit amounts using different retirement dates and different levels of earnings www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm Plan to work while retired? Use our retirement earnings limit calculator to see how work might affect your benefits www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/COLA/RTeffect.html Find out how much applying for benefits early reduces your monthly benefit as a wage earner or spouse (Click on Early or Late Retirement Calculator or Benefits for Spouse Calculator) www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm#ht=1 Find out how much delaying benefits beyond full retirement age increases benefits www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/delayret.htm Find out the effect of early or delayed retirement as a percentage of your primary insurance amount www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/quickcalc/early_late.html#calculator Determine the average number of years a person can expect to live www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/population/longevity.html Find out how much you might need to save for retirement www.choosetosave.org/ballpark/
Tools: Use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool to determine if you are eligible for Medicare, Social Security disability, Social Security retirement, Social Security
1115 West Havens Mitchell, SD 57301
605-996-6164
You’ve worked hard all your life.
001286830r1
Independent Senior Living Wesley Acres, located in Mitchell, SD, offers a variety of apartment living options for people 62 years of age or older. It’s a place where privacy is respected, yet companionship is just a neighbor away... a place where people are free to come and go as they wish... independent living without the burdens of maintaining a home.
Are your assets protected? We can help you preserve what you’ve worked hard to accumulate, assure that your assets are distributed as you intend and protect your loved ones from excessive taxes and emotional distress. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
1920 N. Sanborn Blvd. Mitchell, SD 57301 605-995-4664 800-671-0053
001287131r1
Rich Platt, CTFA VP/Senior Trust Officer
2 Full-Service Locations in Mitchell 1200 E. Spruce St. & 1920 N. Sanborn Blvd. • www.bankwest-sd.com 001282073r1
Michelle Sheesley* FIC 1125 N. Sanborn Blvd. | Mitchell, SD 57301 B. 605-996-2675 | C. 605-999-0811 Michelle.Sheesley@mwarep.org
Life insurance, retirement planning and financial services
* Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America. Member: FINRA, SIPC
SOCIAL SECURITY
DISABILITY Continued from page 15
substantial work in the national job market. Social Security does not provide temporary or partial disability benefits. Because the eligibility requirements are so strict, Social Security disability beneficiaries are among the most
I
AUGUST 2015
I
severely impaired people in the country and tend to have high death rates. In addition, Social Security conducts a periodic review of people who receive disability benefits to ensure they remain eligible for disability. Social Security aggressively works to prevent, detect, and prosecute
fraud. Social Security often investigates suspicious disability claims before making a decision to award benefits—proactively stopping fraud before it happens. These steps help ensure only those eligible have access to disability benefits. If you want to learn more about what happens behind the scenes when someone applies for disability benefits, watch our seven-part video series on the process at www. socialsecurity.gov/socialmedia/ webinars. Please read and watch some of the stories about real cases of people who have benefited from Social Security by visiting the Faces and Facts of Disability website at www. socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts. Family and personal stories are great ways to discover important truths.
Facts • On February 27, 1956, Social Security’s first electronic computer system, an IBM 705, posts earnings records, computes benefit amounts, and reinstates incorrectly reported earnings. • The first enrollees in the Medicare system are former President Harry Truman and his wife Bess. • In 1937, Social Security operates 175 field offices. Today there are approximately 1,230.
*R %H\RQG
\RXU WD[ UHWXUQ Tax planning and Management Retirement and Estate Planning Business and Succession Planning Accounting Support Services Business Valuation
<RXU VXFFHVV LV RXU EXVLQHVV ǁǁǁ͘ĞůŽĐƉĂ͘ĐŽŵ
ŚĂŵďĞƌůĂŝŶ ϮϯϰͲϲϬϱϱ
DŝƚĐŚĞůů ϵϵϲͲϳϳϭϳ
18
I
SOCIAL SECURITY
T S E R E NO INT
6
†
28 / month
Tempur-Cloud $ Prima for 72 months. Total to pay is $1999.99* *Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding taxes and any applicable delivery charges. Queen set Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment.
+ Free local delivery & set up with any Tempur-Pedic set purchase. Deliveries outside normal local delivery area may require an additional charge. See store.
†
up to
19
10 MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM!
! s r a e y
for
AUGUST 2015
www.slumberland.com/tempurpedic
! r e v e e m i t First
advertised items
I
60% off
list prices
ONE r LOW fo PRICE!
2
all recliners & chairs including La-Z-Boy!
oak merlot
fully assembled!
white
sale 55% OFF $ 99
2 for $
Homecrest 4-Drawer Chest
Vail Rocker Recliner
Sandie Swivel Chair
Softly textured upholstery in merlot. 32w 36d 40.5h. SKU# 1040307 Single Chair $31499
Leather-look upholstery. 33w 33d 31h. Stocked in chocolate. SKU# 8916600 Single Chair $26999
99
16w 25d 40h. SKU# 6899479 5-Drawer Chest SALE $119
599
98
2 for $
chocolate
499
98
ebony
sale$
red
46% OFF
AD
®
slumberland FURNITURE
99
699
Estes Park Queen Size Panel Bed Mission-inspired design and superior craftsmanship create an inspired bedroom retreat. Solid oak and oak veneers. 66.5w 92d 62h. Includes headboard, footboard and wood rails. SKU# PBRO430 King Size (shown) SALE $89999
812 N. Rowley Mitchell, SD • 292-2900
98 Dakota Ave. North 554-1000 • Huron, SD
Largest Dealer in the Midwest for: 001287348r1-SS
20
SOCIAL SECURITY
I
AUGUST 2015
I