Social Security Tab 2016 by Mitchell Republic

With you through lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

JOURNEY. SOCIAL SECURITY 2016

A special supplement to The Daily Republic & ADvisor

August 2016

SOCIAL SECURITY

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SOCIAL SECURITY’S PROGRAMS ARE AS DIVERSE AS THOSE WE SERVE By Wanda Colón-Mollfulleda Acting Regional Commissioner, Denver Region

Getting a Social Security Card ................ 4-5 Social Security Takes Fraud Seriously ................. 6 Why My Social Security? ................. 7 How Social Security Can Help When a Loved One Dies ............. 8-9 When to Enroll in Medicare ............... 10-12 Did You Know .................12 When to Start Retirement ......................13 Representatives Payee Responsibilities ......... 14-15 Impact of Social Security in Our Area .....................15 Cover by Lisa Nelson Layout by Stacey Schleich

From women and children, to the elderly and disabled, Social Security has you covered. Because we value and appreciate the differences that make up our nation, our programs are as diverse as those we serve. We’re with you throughout every stage of your life, and we’re always working to provide services that meet your changing needs. Our programs serve as vital financial protection for millions of people. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. These credits count toward retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. A program everyone should be familiar with is Social Security’s retirement program. Whether you’re a young adult paying Social Security taxes for the first time or a retiree receiving benefits, this is a program that will affect you during and after your working years. You can learn more about your earnings and potential benefits by visiting www.ssa. gov/retire/. Social Security administers the largest disability program in the nation. A severe illness or injury robs a person of the ability to work and earn a living. Thankfully, Social Security disability benefits can provide a critical source of financial support during a time of need. For more on disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. When a family loses a wage earner, it can be both emotionally and financially devastating. However, Social Security can help secure a family’s financial future if a loved one dies with survivor benefits. The best thing you can do for your family is prepare as much as possible: get started at www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors. Social Security’s programs are neutral regarding gender, age, race, and orientation — individuals with identical earnings histories and needs are treated the same in terms of benefits. We’re proud the diverse public we serve reflects the programs we offer. Visit www.socialsecurity. gov today to see how we can serve you and secure your today and tomorrow.

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AUGUST 2016

GETTING A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO carry your card with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers, except when you need to show it. Keeping your Social Security card in a safe place is vital to protecting you against identity theft. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Some people can now apply for a replacement card online using a my Social Security account (https://www. ssa.gov/ssnumber/). You can apply online if you: By Jennifer Crathers Social Security Customer Service Representative in Huron, South Dakota

Whether you have landed your first job and need a Social Security number or you have lost the Social Security card you were issued, you need to learn some Social Security card basics before you head to the local Social Security office. Since you want everything to go smoothly, you need to know what documents to take with you.

DO YOU REALLY NEED A CARD? Your nine-digit Social Security number is your first and continuing link with Social Security. It helps us record your wages or self-employment income. We also use it to monitor your record once you begin receiving benefits. You need a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and get some government benefits. Since you don’t need to show it often, don’t routinely

• Are a U. S. citizen age 18 or older with a U. S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses); • Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card information; and • Have a valid driver’s license or a state-issued identification card from one of the following: o o o o o o o o o o o o

District of Columbia (driver’s license only); Idaho (driver’s license only); Iowa; Kentucky; Michigan; Mississippi; Nebraska; North Dakota (driver’s license only); New Mexico; Pennsylvania (driver’s license only); Washington; or Wisconsin (driver’s license only).

online, you will be asked to show documents to prove your identity and your citizenship (if not previously established).

Visiting our website at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ shows what type of documents you will need for whatever type of Social Security card you need. The documents to get a new card (your very first Social Security card called an original card), a replacement card or a corrected card (changing your name on the card due to marriage, divorce, adoption or by court order) differ.

Scroll down the webpage to the section called Learn What Documents You Need. This section will help you determine the kinds of documents you need to bring to the office. The page asks you to select Who the card is for (An Adult or A Child), the Type of Card (Original, Replacement, or Corrected), and the Citizenship of the Person of the person the card is for. Based on the info you enter, the page will show you what documents you must bring with you.

Generally, to get your original card you must provide proof of citizenship, age and identification. A child

CARD

If you don’t qualify to get your replacement card

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also must provide documents for citizenship, age and identification. The parent applying for the child must also show current identification for himself or herself. When requesting a replacement card, the Social Security cardholder has already established their citizenship and age, so you are generally only asked for proof of your identity. A parent applying for a replacement card for a child must also provide proof of identity. To get a corrected card for an adult, we usually need only the name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, naturalization certificate or court order) plus a form of current identification. For children’s name changes, you need to show the final adoption decree, a court order or an amended birth certificate plus current identification for the child. An adult applying for the name correction for a child must also provide proof of identity. One issue to note: While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it to prove identity. That means that if you need a replacement card, you must show current identification (U. S. driver’s license, state-issued non-driver identification card or a U. S. passport) and not a birth certificate. By using the info on the website, you will learn which documents we can accept.

For example, for a U. S. born citizen, we need to see a U. S. birth certificate or a U. S. passport to prove your

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citizenship. To prove your age, we need to see your birth certificate if one exists. Only if one is not recorded at the time of your birth, can we accept other documents. We may be able to accept a religious record made before you were age five that shows your date of birth, a U. S. hospital record of your birth, or a U. S. passport. If you are twelve or older when you get your original card, you must appear in person. To prove your identity, we are required to ask first for a U. S. driver’s license; stateissued non-driver identification card; or a U. S. passport. If you do not have, or cannot get a U. S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card or a U. S. passport, we can review these other documents for use: employee identification card; school identification card; health insurance card (not a Medicare card); or a U. S. military identification card. Acceptable documents must be current (not have an expiration date that has passed) and show your identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photo. We may be able to use one document for two purposes. For example, we may be able to use a U. S. passport as proof of identity and citizenship. You must provide at least two different documents. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ and under How to get a New, Replacement or Corrected Card, click on

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Number 2 “Fill Out & Print Application”. After you have completed the application and gathered up the correct documents you need, you are ready to visit the Social Security office. Don’t know where it is located? Use this link secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp to find your closest office by entering your zip code.

A FINAL REMINDER All the documents you bring must either be originals or copies made by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. You can use this link www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm to get a certified copy of a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate or divorce decree in the state where the event occurred.

Remember that our services are free. Some businesses offer Social Security name changes or cards for a fee. Do not pay for something Social Security will give you free. If you have questions about what documents you need, use the decision tree at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ or call us at 1-800-772-1213 first. Knowing exactly what documents you need to bring for your situation will make your visit successful. Remember “Know Before You Go” is the winning strategy that will make getting your Social Security card easy.

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SOCIAL SECURITY TAKES FRAUD SERIOUSLY By Mickie Douglas Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Salt Lake City, UT

At Social Security, we take fraud seriously. People often wonder what we do to detect, deter and to stop fraud. This article describes 18 activities that the Social Security Administration uses to monitor, avert or prosecute fraudulent activities. As you read the descriptions of the techniques we use, you can see our efforts to identify and prevent fraud and to help investigators analyze suspicious or questionable claims. We are successfully combatting fraud by using data analytics, collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to pool investigative resources, and employing technology to root out fraud. 1.Increase Continuing Disability Reviews Doing more disability reviews allows us to detect potentially fraudulent or suspicious activities. 2.Expand Cooperative Disability (CDI) Units CDI units obtain factual evidence to resolve questions of fraud in our programs. The OIG (Office of Inspector General) states that CDI units contributed more than 1 billion to agency savings over the last three fiscal years. 3.Anti-Fraud Training SSA requires mandatory anti-fraud training for all agency and disability determination services (DDS) employees. Our employees are the first and best line of defense in detecting and preventing fraud. 4.Data Analytics We use collected data to develop tools to determine common characteristics and patterns of fraudulent activity. We apply these tools to help us uncover potential fraud or other suspicious behavior when we review applications or existing data on beneficiaries. 5.Fraud Prevention Units (FPU) These units of specialized examiners redetermine and act on probable fraud cases.

6.National Anti-Fraud Committee (NAFC) The NAFC supports the national and regional strategies to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. They monitor performance in budget management and integrity in all payments, records and processes. 7.Submission of Evidence Regulation We revised our rules to require all claimants to inform us about and/or submit all evidence known to them about their disability claim---both favorable and unfavorable. 8.Fraud Prosecution Project The goal of this project is to increase the number of prosecutions for crimes involving Social Security. 9.Symptom Evaluation Research Effort We commissioned the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) to study the Social Security Act. We drafted a Social Security Ruling to make the changes they suggested. 10. Psychological Testing Research Effort We asked the Institute of Medicine to perform a comprehensive review of psychological testing. The committee recommended the use of testing as administered, interpreted, and validated by qualified providers. 11. Office of Anti-Fraud Programs (OAFP) OAFP determines the agency’s comprehensive anti-fraud initiatives in consultation and collaboration with OIG and other internal agency components. 12. Administrative Sanctions Effective September 23, 2013, we implemented a new, streamlined process for imposing administrative sanctions that gains national attention and uses agency resources on cases that OIG investigated but declined for criminal prosecution or civil monetary penalty (CMP). 13. Anti-Fraud Communications Campaign (AFCC) AFCC is a multiyear campaign to convey the agency’s message and promote expansion of

our anti-fraud capabilities. 14. Anti-Fraud Language on Notices We are adding new anti-fraud and reporting responsibility language to our notices. 15. Disability Case Review We complete disability fraud redeterminations for some beneficiaries. 16. Impose Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Section 1129 of the Social Security Act authorizes a CMP against anyone who makes false statements, misrepresentations, or material withholding in connection with obtaining or retaining benefits. Additionally, section 1129 A imposes CMPs against representative payees for wrongful conversion of payments to their own use, or a failure to notify SSA of a material change in the beneficiary’s living arrangements or work activity.

17. Quality Review – Field Office Adjudication We established a new review process to ensure the accuracy of work completed by field office technicians. One area for review is the accuracy of how we determine the applicant’s date of disability onset date.

18. eServices Fraud Prevention We have developed and use tools to identify and track suspicious or potentially fraudulent eService transactions and take appropriate preventative and corrective action.

Our efforts show Social Security does take fraud very seriously and we think you should too. Along with our other anti-fraud tools, you are one of the biggest deterrents to fraud. You have a key role in protecting your investment in Social Security. If you suspect fraud, report it to OIG using this link: https://oig.ssa.gov/ report-fraud-waste-or-abuse . Reporting fraud is the smart thing to do----and the right thing to do.

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AUGUST 2016

WHY MY SOCIAL SECURITY? By Tyler Bowling Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Rapid City, SD

About every 6 seconds, someone creates a new my Social Security account. What explains all that interest? Achieving financial independence is key to enjoying a satisfying retirement. Planning for the future is the first step. Social Security has many tools to help you plan for your future. One is setting up your personal my social Security account. After you set up your account at https://www.ssa.gov/ myaccount/, you’ll get immediate access to your personal Social Security Statement, your earnings record, and an estimate of your retirement benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70. You can also ensure your earnings are correct, since your future benefits are based on your earnings record. How to create an online account: 1. After you have a valid email address, you are ready to set up your own my Social Security account by visiting our website at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ and select the link, “Sign in or Create an Account.” 2. On the next page you will select, “Create an Account.” 3. You will need to provide your identifying information and answer security questions to pass verification. First, we match the personal information you give us with the data we have in our records. Then, we use

our Identity Services Provider to further verify your identity by asking questions only you are likely to know. 4. Create a username and password that you will use to access your online account. If you receive benefits, you can also: • Get your benefit verification letter • Change your address and phone number • Start or change your direct deposit • Request a replacement Medicare card • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season

include the date your benefits stopped and how much you received that year) • Applied for benefits but haven’t received an answer yet

There is no fee to create a my Social Security account, but you must have an email address. Using your my Social Security account can prepare you to reap the joys of a financially secure retirement. Learn more at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Even if you do not currently receive benefits, you can get a benefit verification letter stating that you: • Get your Social Security Statement, to review: o Estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits; o Your earnings once a year to verify the amounts that we posted are correct; and o The estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. • Never received Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare • Received benefits in the past, but do not currently receive them (The letter will

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HOW SOCIAL SECURITY CAN HELP WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES By Emily Davis Social Security Claims Specialist in Huron, SD

The loss of the family wage earner can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Many people think of Social Security only as a retirement program. But some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. In fact, the value of the survivors benefits you have under Social Security is probably more than the value of your individual life insurance. When you die, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors benefits. These include widows, widowers (and divorced widows and widowers), children and dependent parents. • Your widow or widower may be able to get full benefits at full retirement age. The full retirement age for survivors is age 66 for people born in 1945 – 1956 and will gradually increase to age 67 for people born in 1962 or later. Your widow or widower can get reduced benefits as early as age 60. If your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50. For more information on widows, widowers, and other survivors, visit https://www.ssa.gov/planners/ survivors/.

• Your widow or widower can get benefits at any age if she or he takes care of your child who’s receiving Social Security benefits, and who’s younger than age 16 or disabled. • Your unmarried children, who are younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they’re attending elementary or secondary school full time), can also get benefits. Your children can get benefits at any age if they were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. Under certain circumstances, we can also pay benefits to your stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren, or adopted children. NOTE: Disabled children whose parents have limited income and resources may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. For more information read the publication, Benefits for Children With Disabilities (Publication No. 05-10026).

if your marriage lasted at least 10 years. Your former spouse, however, doesn’t have to meet the age or lengthof-marriage rule if he or she is caring for your child, who’s younger than age 16 or disabled, and entitled on your record. The child must be your former spouse’s natural or legally adopted child. Benefits paid to you as a surviving divorced spouse won’t affect the benefit rates for other survivors getting benefits on the worker’s record. If you’re, however, the surviving divorced mother or father with the worker’s child under age 16 or disabled in your care, your benefit may affect the benefits of others on the record.

One-time death payment We make a one-time payment of $255 when you die if you’ve worked long enough. We can only pay this benefit to your spouse or child if they meet certain requirements. Survivors must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.

• Your dependent parents can get benefits if they’re age 62 or older. (For your parents to qualify as dependents, you would have had to provide at least half of their support.)

When a relative dies...what you need to know about survivors benefits You should apply for survivors benefits promptly because, in some cases, we’ll pay benefits from the time you apply and not from the time the worker died.

Benefits for surviving divorced spouses If you’ve been divorced, your former wife or husband who’s age 60 or older (50-59 if disabled) can get benefits

Continued on page 9

HELP

SHIINE is a FREE, unbiased, volunteer-based service which assists Medicare beneficiaries with problems or questions regarding Medicare benefits. If you are interested in more information on SHIINE or wish to become a SHIINE volunteer counselor, please contact the SHIINE office near you. South Dakota SHIINE Regional Offices Western: 1.877.286.9072 Eastern: 1.800.536.8197 SHIINE@westriversd.org ^,//E ΛĂĐƟǀĞŐĞŶ͘ŽƌŐ Central: 1.877.331.4834 SHIINE@centralsd.org Visit our website www.SHIINE.net to learn more about SHIINE. SHIINE is not affiliated with any company that sells or distributes a product or service.

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HELP Continued from page 8 You can apply by telephone or at any Social Security office. We’ll need certain information, but don’t delay applying if you don’t have everything. We’ll help you get what you need. We need either original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

The information we need includes: • Proof of death---either from a funeral home or death certificate; Your Social Security number, and the deceased worker’s Social Security number; Your birth certificate; • Your marriage certificate, if you’re a widow or widower; • Your divorce papers, if you’re applying as a divorced widow or widower; • Dependent children’s Social Security numbers, if available, and birth certificates; • Deceased worker’s W-2 forms or federal selfemployment tax return for the most recent year; and • The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account.

Please contact us as soon as possible, so we can help you at this difficult time. You can call us at 1-800-7721213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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WHEN TO ENROLL IN MEDICARE PARTS A & B By Mickie Douglas Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Salt Lake City, UT

Are you wondering when you should enroll in Medicare? You are asking a question that many people near age 65 consider. When to enroll is one of the most frequently asked questions at Social Security. Knowing the basics of Medicare enrollment for Part A and Part B will help you successfully prepare for health coverage when you are eligible for Medicare. Medicare Has Four Parts • Hospital insurance (Part A) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care. • Medical insurance (Part B) helps pay for services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventative services. Medicare Part A & Part B are called “Original” Medicare because they were the only parts available when the Medicare legislation was signed into law on July 30, 1965. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid is the agency in charge of the Medicare

program, but you apply for Medicare Part A & Part B at Social Security. • Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are available in many areas. People with Medicare Parts A & B can choose to receive all of their health care services through a single provider under Part C. Part C plans are sold by private companies approved by Medicare. • Prescription drug coverage (Part D) covers some of the cost of prescription drugs. These plans are offered through private companies approved by Medicare. Each state has a free community resource to help you understand and use Part C and Part D as well as providing other Medicare information. In South Dakota, it’s called SHIINE (Senior Health Insurance & Information Education). Use this link (http://www.shiine.net/) to get your questions about Part C and Part D including their enrollment periods answered.

But back to enrolling in Medicare Part A & Part B. When should you enroll?

MEDICARE Continued on page 11

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MEDICARE Continued from page 10

MEDICARE PART A & B AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT WHEN RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Let’s discuss the simplest type of Medicare enrollment first. If you are receiving monthly Social Security checks, you will automatically be enrolled. For example, if we are sending you a Social Security retirement check, we know who you are because we already collected information from you when we processed a claim to pay you monthly retirement benefits. Because of that information, we know what month you turn 65 and we have contact information from your retirement claim. We will automatically enroll you by sending you a red, white, and blue Medicare card which shows you have Part A and Part B coverage on the first day of the month you turn age 65. There is no further action needed on your part unless you do not want Part B. (We’ll talk about why you might not choose to take Part B at the initial enrollment period a little later in the SPECIAL ENROLLMENT section). Sometimes people confuse this Medicare material with unwanted “junk” mail and throw it out. KEEP THIS MEDICARE ENROLLMENT INFO WITH YOUR IMPORTANT PAPERS. MEDICARE PART A & PART B ENROLLMENT WHEN NOT RECEIVING BENEFITS Automatic enrollment does not occur if you are not

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receiving monthly benefits at age 65. Action is required from you to enroll in Medicare. You can enroll in Medicare without starting your Social Security checks.

7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn age 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

PART A & B INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD If you have enough work to get a Social Security retirement check, you have enough to get Medicare Part A premium free. If you’re eligible for free Part A, you can sign up for Part A anytime once your initial enrollment period starts. However, you can only sign up for Part B at certain times. Remember, in most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

If you sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the first 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases, your coverage starts the first day of your birthday month. However, if your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage will start the first day of the prior month. If you enroll in Part A and/or Part B the month you turn 65 or during the last 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, the start date for your Medicare coverage will be delayed.

If you enroll in this month of your initial enrollment period

Then your Part B Medicare coverage starts

One to three months before you reach age 65

The month you reach age 65

One month after the month you reach age 65

One month after you reach age 65

Two months after the month of enrollment

Two or three months after you reach age 65

Three months after the month of enrollment

General Enrollment Period If you didn’t sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up between January 1 – March 31 each year. Your coverage won’t start until July of that year, and you may have to pay a higher Part B premium for late enrollment. Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it. Special Enrollment Period If you (or your spouse) are still working, you may be able to sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period. If you didn’t sign up for Part B when you were first

MEDICARE

Initial Enrollment Period You can sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the

Continued on page 12

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day of any of the following three months.

MEDICARE Continued from page 11 eligible because you’re covered under a group health plan based on current employment (your own or a spouse’s) you can sign up for Part B: • Anytime you’re still covered by the group health plan; or • During the 8-month period that begins the month after the employment ends or the coverage ends, whichever happens first. Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period. When you enroll in Medicare Part B while you’re still in the group health plan, or during the first full month when you are no longer in the plan, your coverage begins either • On the first day of the month you enroll; • Or, By your choice, on the first

If you enroll during any of the remaining seven months of the “special enrollment period,” your Medicare Part B coverage begins on the first day of the following month. If you don’t enroll by the end of the eight-month period, you’ll have to wait until the next general enrollment period, which begins January 1 of the next year. You may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. NOTE: COBRA and retiree health coverage don’t count as current employer coverage. You need to understand how the Medicare enrollment periods work, so that you can feel secure when planning for health coverage at retirement. To file your application online, you can visit https://www.ssa.gov/ medicare/.

Did You Know That… • 55% of adult Social • 64.2 million people Security beneficiaries in received benefits from 2014 were women. programs administered by the Social Security Administration in 2014. • 53.7% was the average age of disabled-worker beneficiaries in 2014. • 5.4 million people were newly awarded benefits • 86% of supplemental in 2014. Security Income recipients received • 64% of all aged benefits because of beneficiaries received disability or blindness at least half of their in 2014. income from Social Security in 2013.

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Mitchell Hearing Aid Center

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1406 N. Main • Mitchell, SD

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SOCIAL SECURITY

AUGUST 2016

WHEN TO START RETIREMENT By Tyler Bowling Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Rapid City, SD

At Social Security, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re often asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?â&#x20AC;? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a â&#x20AC;&#x153;best ageâ&#x20AC;? for everyone and, ultimately, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your choice. You should make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. We hope the following information will help you understand how Social Security can fit into your retirement decision.

Your decision is a personal one Would it be better to begin receiving benefits early with a smaller monthly amount, or wait for a larger monthly payment you may not receive as long? The answer is personal and depends on several factors, such as your current cash needs, your current health and family longevity. Also, consider if you plan to work in retirement or if you have other retirement income sources. You must also study your future financial needs and obligations,

and, of course, calculate your future Social Security benefit. We hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll weigh all the facts carefully and consider your own circumstances before making this important decision. Monthly payments differ substantially based on when you start receiving benefits The amount of your monthly benefit can differ considerably based on your retirement age. You can get lower monthly payments for a longer period of time or higher monthly payments over a shorter period of time. The amount you receive when you first get benefits sets the base for the benefits you will receive for the rest of your life. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get annual cost-of-living adjustments and, depending on your work history, may receive higher benefits if you continue to work. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say your full retirement age is 66 and your monthly benefit starting at that age is $1,000. If you choose to start getting benefits at age 62, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll reduce your monthly benefit 25 percent to $750 to

account for the longer period of time you receive benefits. This decrease is usually permanent. If you choose to delay getting benefits until age 70, you would increase your monthly benefit to $1,320. This increase is from delayed retirement credits you earn for your decision to postpone receiving benefits past your full retirement age. The benefit at age 70 in this example is 32 percent more than you would receive each month if you had chosen to start getting

benefits at full retirement age. You can estimate benefit amounts to help you decide when to start receiving retirement benefits by using our planners and estimator online at https://www. ssa.gov/planners/index.html or https:// www.ssa.gov/retire/estimator.html When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for benefits, you can apply online at https://www.ssa.gov/ retire/.

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle.

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SOCIAL SECURITY

AUGUST 2016

REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE RESPONSIBILITIES By Tyler Bowling

A representative payee is someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Income (SSI) payments on behalf of a person not capable of managing the funds on his or her own. A representative makes sure an individual’s basic needs are met by using the money to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the person and saving any money left over in an interest-bearing account or via savings bonds for the beneficiary’s future needs.

individual or organization to handle their Social Security matters. Representative payees have the important duty of managing the funds of some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Because they perform such an important role in managing Social Security and Supplemental Security benefits, Social Security needs to be informed about irregularities noticed in performing when payees perform their duties. Before reporting allegations of Representative Payee misuse, you need to understand the assigned responsibilities of a representative payee.

Misuse of Benefits by a Representative Payee When a person needs a representative payee, SSA investigates and appoints a relative, friend, or another

Responsibilities of a Representative Payee Some of the duties of a Representative Payee include: • Determining the beneficiary’s total needs and using the

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Rapid City, SD

benefits received in the best interests of the beneficiary • Maintaining a continuing awareness of the beneficiary’s needs and condition, if the beneficiary does not live with the Representative Payee, by contact such as visiting the

beneficiary and consultations with custodians • Applying the benefit payments only for the beneficiary’s use and benefit • Notifying SSA of any change in his or her circumstances that would affect performance of

the payee’s responsibilities • Reporting to SSA any event that will affect the amount of benefits the beneficiary receives and to give SSA

PAYEE Continued on page 15

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Vases • Candles • Memorial Lights • Angel Statues

Americans work hard and pay into Social Security—and are counting on it to be there. But if our leaders don’t act, future retirees could lose up to $10,000 a year.

Marlene Hettinger | Locally Owned Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:00 | Sat. By Appointment

Mitchell Monuments & More 605-292-0730 • 888-409-8400 824 West Havens • Mitchell (Across from Bittner Funeral Chapel)

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That’s why everyone who thinks they have what it takes to be President of the United States needs to lead on Social Security and give us real answers about how they’d keep it strong for the future.

Learn more at 2016takeastand.org facebook.com/AARPSouthDakota @AARPSD aarp.org/sd

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PAYEE Continued from page 14 written reports accounting for the use of the benefits Essential Needs A Representative Payee must apply the payments for the use and benefit of the entitled individual. The funds should be spent on the beneficiary’s current and reasonably foreseeable needs. The needs should be immediate and essential. Examples of properly disbursed benefits are: • Food • Clothing • Shelter • Utilities • Medical care and insurance • Dental care • Personal hygiene • Education • Rehabilitation expenses If there are funds left over once the beneficiary’s current needs are met, the representative payee must save and/or invest the remaining funds in trust for the beneficiary. What Representative Payees Should Not Do Representative Payees cannot: • Use a beneficiary’s funds for their own personal expenses, or spend funds in a way that would leave the beneficiary without necessary

items or services (housing, food and medical care) • Put a beneficiary’s Social Security or SSI funds in the Representative Payee’s or another person’s account • Keep conserved funds once they are no longer a Representative Payee for the beneficiary • Charge the beneficiary for services unless authorized by the Social Security Administration to do so Reporting Potential Violations If you feel the Representative Payee has misused the benefits issued for the beneficiary, complete the OIG fraud report at (https://www.ssa.gov/ fraudreport/oig/public_fraud_reporting/ form.htm). You should provide as much identifying information as possible regarding the suspect. Such information should include: • Name of the Representative Payee and the beneficiary • Social Security Number of the Representative Payee and the beneficiary • Date of birth of the Representative Payee and the beneficiary • Details regarding the allegation, such as when it happened, how the abuse was committed, and where the abuse took place You play a key role in protecting your investment in Social Security. If you suspect misuse , report it to OIG.

SOCIAL SECURITY

AUGUST 2016

YES!

Medica’s most popular Medicare plan is just $74 a month*

Medica Prime Solution® Basic (Cost) gives you waymore-than-basic value, for just $74 a month. You get the medical coverage you need including vision and hearing plus the benefits you really want, like low or no copays for most services, and a free fitness center membership. Part D options are also avaiable. Medica’s listening to you. It’s one reason why Basic is basically our most popular plan.

605-996-7711 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday

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*Based on 2016 Medica Medicare plan sales Oct. 15 - Nov. 2, 2015. ©2015 Medica, Medica® is a registered service mark of Medica Health Plans. This information is not a complete description of beneﬁts. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Beneﬁts, premiums and/or copayments/co insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Medica is Cost plan with a Medare contract. Enrollment in Medica depends on contract renewal. Y0088_4299 CMS Accepted

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SOCIAL SECURITY

AUGUST 2016

August 16th-18th, 2016 During your appointment, you’ll receive:

– FREE hearing evaluation and video otoscopy – Manufacturers’ savings on all styles...up to $500 – An entry into a drawing for door prizes

Call now to schedule your appointment. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone who’s contemplating getting hearing aids to skip the rest and go to the best, Paula’s Hearing Aid Services. -Stu Boughey, Mitchell

Let your ears join the party Do You Know About the Links Between Hearing Loss And – – – – – – –

Sleep Apnea Smoking Diabetes Dementia & Alzheimer’s Heart Disease Obesity Depression

Since I have had my hearing aids-I’m enjoying life so much more. My hearing is so clear. I highly recommend Paula’s Hearing Aid Services. -Lawrence J. Vavruska, Mitchell

Paula is passionate about educating the public regarding hearing wellness, and helping people with hearing loss live better through hearing. Paula M. Abeln, BC-HIS 1DWLRQDO %RDUG &HUWL¿HG +HDULQJ Instrument Specialist

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Come Experience For Yourself

Focus on any voice, wherever it’s coming from.

Paula’s Hearing Aid Services

1200 S. Burr St, Suite A. Mitchell, SD Easy Access off I-90 and HWY 38 www.paulashearing.com

605-990-HEAR (4327)

Proud Provider of Phonak Hearing Instruments

Helping You Hear Better Financing available with approved credit