2018 Social Security: A guide for generations

Social Security 2018

A guide for generations socialsecurity.gov

PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE COLUMBIA OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION & GATEHOUSE MEDIA

Social Security: securing today and tomorrow

By Matt Skelton SSA District Manager Columbia, MO When most people think of Social Security, with good reason, they think of retirement benefits. Social Security is a lifeline for most retirees, keeping tens of millions out of poverty.

Today, about 171 million people work and pay Social Security taxes and about 61 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits. With retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits, we improve the quality of life for millions throughout life’s journey.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a different program that provides income support to people age 65 or older, blind or disabled who have low income and resources. SSI is paid from the U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust fund.

The Columbia Social Security office primarily serves the residents of four counties in central Missouri: Audrain, Boone, Howard, and Randolph counties. The Columbia office

also receives many visitors from neighboring communities, including Boonville - which is located in Cooper County. Cooper County is one of the six counties served by the Sedalia Social Security office.

Regardless of “service area” the Social Security employees are dedicated to providing you the best service possible no matter where you live and look forward to serving you every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am-4:00pm and Wednesday from 9am-12:00 noon.

For over 82 years, we have maintained our place as an American cornerstone. As secure as our foundation is, we are also at the forefront of change. As the face of America has changed over the course of the last eight decades, Social Security has evolved along with the needs of the nation.

To learn more about Social Security and our programs and services, go to www. socialsecurity.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local field office. However you chose to conduct business, we are here to assist you.

Counties served by the Columbia MO SSA office

Social Security Retirement & Disability Beneficiaries

Monthly Amount

Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries

Monthly Amount

Audrain

5,939

$7,052,920

553

$283,768

Boone

28,930

$35,526,639

2,657

$1,417,345

Howard

2,161

$2,448,887

209

$97,202

Randolph

5,903

$6,681,348

799

$394,313

Total

42,933

$51,709,794

4,218

$2,192,628

County in the Sedalia, MO SSA service area

Social Security Retirement & Disability Beneficiaries

Monthly Amount

Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries

Monthly Amount

Cooper

4,047

$4,646,333

313

$151,936

Adding additional security to what’s important

By Kevin Bishop SSA Assistant District Manager Columbia, MO Social Security continues to evaluate and improve how we protect what’s important to you. We take this responsibility seriously, and we have a robust cybersecurity program in place to help protect the personal information you entrust to us. Adding additional security measures to safeguard your personal information — but making them easy to use — is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure.

Most people who do business with us online use our my Social Security portal, where, if you currently receive benefits you can: • Request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain requirements; • Get your benefit verification letter; • Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record; • Change your address and phone number; • Start or change direct deposit of your

benefit payment; • Request a replacement Medicare card; and • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.

If you currently don’t receive benefits, you can request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain requirements, check the status of your application or appeal, as well as access a number of other useful resources.

Since my Social Security became available in May 2012, more than 30 million people have created and use my Social Security accounts.

As of June 2017, we require a second method to check the identification of my Social Security account holders when they register or sign in.

This is in addition to the first layer of security, a username and password. You will be able to choose either your cell phone or your email address as your second identification method.

Using two ways to identify you when you log on will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud.

If you plan to select email as your second

Exceptional dining, steps from your new home.

method, you can ensure that the one-time security code email does not go into your spam or junk folder by adding NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list.

We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. This new security advancement is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety of the resources entrusted to us.

The my Social Security portal will also now automatically adjust to the size of the screen and kind of device you are using – such as a tablet, smart phone, or computer. No matter what type of device you choose, you will have full, easy-to-use access to your personal my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity. gov/myaccount/.

Our new my Social Security design puts you in control — whether you’re using a computer, smart phone, or tablet.

Ensure Security Plan Ahead

When you take the time to pre-plan, you ensure security for those you love.

Call for a tour and lunch.

1408 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, Missouri 573-875-2538 • TerraceRetirement.com

Protect your loved ones from financial burdens, conflict and stress.

Find peace of mind. Plan with us today.

12 East Ash Street | Columbia, MO

(573) 449-4153

Nick McKauge Funeral Director

Your contributions help millions

By Bret Kuhns SSA Operations Supervisor Sedalia, MO Seeing taxes taken out of your paycheck can be confusing when you get your first paycheck. But understanding how important your contribution is can help.

Your taxes are helping millions of Americans — wounded warriors, the chronically ill, and people with disabilities — as well as protecting you and your family for life. You can take pride in knowing you’re making an important impact with each paycheck.

By law, employers must withhold Social Security taxes from a worker’s paycheck.

While often referred to as “Social Security taxes” on an employee’s pay statement, sometimes the deduction

is labeled as “FICA” which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act. In some cases, you will see “OASDI” which stands for Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.

The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection — for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And if you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

Because you may be a long way from retirement, you might have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future. But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you’re paying can provide valuable disability

or survivors benefits now in the event the unexpected happens. Studies show that of today’s 20-year-olds, about one in four will become disabled, and about one in eight will die before reaching retirement.

If you’d like to learn a little more about Social Security and exactly what you’re building up for yourself by paying Social Security taxes, take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10072.html.

If you have a friend who lost a parent when they were a child, they probably got Social Security survivors benefits. 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. You can learn more at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ survivors/.

Do you prefer videos to reading? Check out the webinar, “Social Security 101: What’s in it for me?”

The webinar explains what you need to know about Social Security. You can find it at www.socialsecurity. gov/multimedia/webinars/ social_security_101.html as well as on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5hkLaBiavqQ. Social Security is with you through life’s journey. You can learn more at http://www. socialsecurity.gov.

CONNECTING... with Social Security

By James Arnold SSA Claims Specialist Columbia, MO Every day thousands use it to do business with Social Security. We strive to offer the kind of services that meet people’s needs. And sometimes you want fast and direct answers over the phone. We have that option.

You can call us toll free at 1-800772-1213. Social Security offers some automated services that allow people to receive service without waiting to speak to a representative. The automated services are available 24 hours a day and include some of the most popular services that people need.

With automated services, you can request a benefit verification (proof of income) letter, replace a lost SSA-1099 (tax summary needed for taxes), request a replacement Medicare card, ask for form SSA-1020 to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs, or request an SS-5 application for a Social Security card.

When our automated services ask such things as, “How can I help you?” Just say, “Get a proof of income letter” or “Replace Medicare card.” Next, you will be asked for some personal information to identify yourself, then we will respond to your request. We will mail

you the document or form you requested. It takes less time to use automated services than to reach a representative by phone on a busy day.

Sometimes, you just need Social Security information such as, “What date will my check arrive?” or “What is the SSI program?”

Automated services feature some informational messages about these popular topics. If payment delivery date is the type of info you need, when asked “How can I help you?” just reply “Payment delivery date.” You will hear a recorded message stating the current month and the future month’s payment dates. Other topics include direct deposit, SSI messages, the cost-

of-living adjustment, Medicare prescription drug program, tax information, representative payee, and fraud. Dial, and listen — what a simple way to stay informed.

Whether you use our automated services, speak to a representative by phone, use our website, or visit an office, Social Security wants to connect with you. Connection is a vital part of helping you secure your today and tomorrow.

To connect with us through our automated services, visit http:// www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/ contact/phone.html.

Since 1820

We are Columbia’s historic cemetery, and burial sites are still available.

As a non-profit, every penny we earn goes back into the cemetery.

Call us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Contact Tanja Patton for prices on burial sites, urn niches & monuments.

449.6320 | www.columbiacemetery.org | 30 E. Broadway

Ex-spouse benefits and how they affect You

By Teneya Townsend SSA Claims Specialist Columbia, MO Just like during tax season, it’s good to have all the information you need early so you can prepare and get any money you are due.

If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you

have since remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death.

Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. In other words, we’ll pay the higher of the two benefits for which you’re eligible, but not both.

You can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if he or she hasn’t retired, as long as you divorced at least two years

before applying. If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit.

The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.

The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits of your ex-spouse and his or her current spouse.

Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced at www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/ retire/divspouse.html to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a

divorced spouse. Our benefits planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount.

If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you may still quality for widow’s benefits.

You’ll find information about that in a note at the bottom of the website.

Visit www.socialsecurity. gov/planners/retire/ divspouse.html today to learn whether you’re eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. That could mean a considerable amount of monthly income. What you learn may bring a smile to your face… even on tax day!

Women’s history and Social Security

IS IT

MEDICARE OR MEDICAID?

By Kevin Bishop SSA Assistant District Manager Columbia, MO

By Teneya Townsend SSA Claims Specialist Columbia, MO March is Women’s History Month.

This is a time to focus not just on women’s achievements, but on the challenges women continue to face. In the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Knowing this, you can take control of your own rich and independent history, with knowledge you can get from Social Security.

Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for over 80 years. With longer life expectancies than men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. With the national average life expectancy for women in the United States rising, many women may have decades to enjoy retirement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a female born today can expect to live more than 80 years. As a result, experts generally agree that if women want to ensure that their retirement years are comfortable, they need to plan early and wisely.

A great place to start is with Social Security’s Retirement Estimator. It gives you a

personalized estimate of your retirement benefits. Plug in different retirement ages and projected earnings to get an idea of how such things might change your future benefit amounts. You can use this valuable tool at http:// www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

You should also visit Social Security’s financial planning website at http://www. socialsecurity.gov/planners. It provides detailed information about how marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or career events can affect your Social Security.

Your benefits are based on your earnings, so you should create your personal my Social Security account to verify that your earnings were reported correctly. Your account also can provide estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. You can access my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

If you want more information about how Social Security supports women through life’s journey, Social Security has a booklet that you may find useful.

It’s called Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know. You can find it online at http://www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10127. html.

A lot of people have a difficult time understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

Both programs begin with the letter “M.” They’re both health insurance programs run by the government. People often ask questions about what Medicare and Medicaid are, what services they cover, and who administers the programs.

Let’s start with Medicare.

Medicare is the national healthcare program for those aged 65 or older and the disabled. You pay for some Medicare expenses by paying the Medicare tax while you work. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the agency in charge of both Medicare and Medicaid, but you sign up for Medicare A (Hospital) and Medicare B (Medical) through Social Security.

You can apply for Medicare online from the convenience of your home at the link on our website: www.socialsecurity. gov/medicare/. If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 65 or are in the 25th month of receiving disability checks, we will enroll you automatically.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug) plans are available for purchase in the insurance marketplace. Social Security administers a program called Extra Help to help people with low income and low resources

pay for premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance costs for Part D plans. You can find out more about Extra Help and file for it at www. socialsecurity.gov/medicare/ prescriptionhelp. Each year, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes Medicare and You available online at their website at www.medicare.gov/ medicare-and-you/medicare-andyou.html. This publication is a user’s manual for Medicare.

Each state runs their own Medicaid program under guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid offers care for the most vulnerable among us. While it does not require paying taxes while working, it does have guidelines about how much income and resources you can have to qualify. Medicaid provides coverage for older people, people with disabilities, and some families with children.

Each state has its own eligibility rules and decides which services to cover. The names of the Medicaid program may vary from state to state. You can read about each state’s Medicaid program at www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/ by-state/by-state.html. You can find each state’s Medicaid contact information at www.medicaid. gov/about-us/contact-us/contactstate-page.html.

Medicare and Medicaid are two of the major insurance programs that provide healthcare to the American public. Understanding each program, as well as how the two programs differ, can help you and those you care about find the right healthcare program.

When will I receive my Social Security payment?

By Jason Brown SSA District Manager Sedalia, MO Timing is everything, and the arrival time of your monthly payment from Social Security can be key to keeping your financial house in order.

As you budget to pay your bills and save for future needs, keep in mind that your monthly retirement or disability benefit will be paid at the same time each month.

To see your next payment date, create or log on to your my Social Security online account at www.socialsecurity. gov/myaccount and go to the “Benefits & Payments” section.

In general, here’s how we assign payment dates: • If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, you’ll be paid on the second Wednesday of the month; • If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday of the month; and • If you were born after the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

There are exceptions. For example, children and spouses who receive benefits based on someone else’s work record will be paid on the same day

as the primary beneficiary.

For others, we may issue your payments on the 3rd of each month. Among other reasons, we do this if: • You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997; • You also receive a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment; • Your Medicare premiums are paid for by the state where you live; or • You live in a foreign country.

Individuals who receive SSI payments due to disability, age, or blindness receive those payments on the 1st of each month.

If your payment date falls on

a federal holiday or weekend, you can expect to receive that month’s payment on the weekday immediately prior.

You can see a current schedule for Social Security and SSI benefit payments in an easy-to-read calendar at www. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-100312018.pdf.

Social Security is with you through life’s journey, helping you to secure today and tomorrow through important financial benefits, information, and planning tools. To learn more, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov.

Easily access your Social Security Benefit Statement

By Derek Bishop SSA Claims Specialist Columbia, MO 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 at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

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 SSA1042S 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 www. socialsecurity.gov to find out more.

Retiring abroad?

What you need to know

By James Arnold SSA Claims Specialist Columbia, MO Retiring outside of the United States can be an exciting way to spend your golden years. Perhaps retirement in Poland or Peru is in your plans. In many cases, it’s possible to receive your Social Security retirement benefits while living abroad. Our website can help you navigate your benefit eligibility while living overseas.

If you’ve worked in both the United States and another country, it may be possible for your credits to combine for a larger benefit.

Currently, there are 25 countries with such international agreements with the United States. To find out if you have qualifying work in a

country with such an agreement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ international.

You can receive benefits in many countries. To find out whether you can receive your benefits in the country where you are retiring, you should use our Payments Abroad Screening Tool at www. socialsecurity.gov/international/ payments_outsideUS.html.

There are easy ways to get in touch with us and report changes to Social Security when you live overseas. You can contact your local U.S. embassy, write to us by mail, or call us at 1-800-772-1213.

You can find other information in regards to living overseas at www. socialsecurity.gov/foreign.

Attention Downsizers...

Independent Retirement Living

One Unit Available NOW! Includes:

• Lots of Storage Space • 2 Car Attached Garage

Secluded Park-like Setting

573-446-4020 • www.BellaCasaHomes.com Security System • Lawncare Snow Removal • Trail Access Age Restricted Location in SW Columbia

Luxurious Master Bath

• Large Roll In Shower • Jetted Tub • Raised Toilet

Directions: Forum to Chapel Hill, one mile West on Chapel Hill, turn on Face Rock Court.

Open Spacious Floor Plans • Screened In Porches • Large Kitchens • “All One Level Living”

When is a good time to start receiving benefits?

By Matt Skelton SSA District Manager Columbia, MO After a lifetime of working, you deserve a comfortable retirement. For over 80 years, Social Security has been helping people shape their future, assisting them with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age,” or delay retirement to get extra money each month.

There are benefits to either decision.

Full retirement age refers to the age when a person can receive their Social Security benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time. In other words, you don’t actually need to stop working to get your full benefits.

For people who reach age 62 in 2018 (i.e., those born between January 2, 1956 and January 1, 1957), full retirement

age is 66 and four months.

Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for everybody born after 1959.

You can learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to look up your own at http://www.socialsecurity. gov/planners/retire/retirechart. html.

You can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or any time after that. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be, although it stops increasing at age 70.

Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before your full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2018 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced permanently by nearly 27 percent.

On the other hand, if you

wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefit will be higher.

The amount of this increase is two-thirds of one percent for each month –– or eight percent for each year –– that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70. The choices you make may affect any benefit your spouse or children can receive on your record, too. If you receive benefits early, it may reduce their potential benefit, as well as yours.

You need to be as informed as possible when making any decision about receiving Social Security benefits. Read the publication When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at http://www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf.

When to start receiving retirement benefits is a personal decision based on your own situation. Check out our Retirement Checklist at http://www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10377.pdf to learn about additional factors

to consider as you think about when to start receiving your retirement benefits.

If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits. Social Security may withhold or reduce your benefits if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount.

However, for every month benefits are withheld, it may increase your future benefits.

That’s because at your full retirement age Social Security will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which benefits were reduced or withheld due to your excess earnings. You can learn more at http://www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/ retire/whileworking.html.

Social Security’s mission is to secure your today and tomorrow. You can learn more by visiting our Retirement Planner at http://www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/ retire.

Things to think about before applying for disability benefits

By Bret Kuhns SSA Operations Supervisor Sedalia, MO Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey. We’re here for you if the unexpected happens. We are there for you when you finally stop working as well. We provide vital financial support to tens of millions of American workers, primarily through retirement benefits. But we’re also there for you if the unexpected happens and a serious medical condition stops you from working and being able to support yourself and your family.

In such cases, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, which replace a portion of lost income when a worker becomes seriously disabled.

Here are three of the key factors we use to determine if you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits: • You must have a lasting medical condition so severe that it prevents you from doing the work that you did in the past or adjusting to other types of work; • Your physical or mental impairment(s) must have lasted or be expected to last at least a year or result in death; and • You must have worked long enough — and recently enough — in jobs covered by Social Security.

To learn more about disability benefits, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability.

You become eligible for Social Security benefits by

working and paying FICA taxes, which translate into Social Security “credits.”

How many credits you need to receive disability benefits depends on how old you are when you become disabled.

For example, if you become disabled at age 31 or older, you generally must have earned at least 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled. Twenty credits are equal to five years of substantial earnings.

Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

To see how many credits you have earned and to estimate future benefits, please log in to or create your my Social Security online account at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

Those who have not worked enough to qualify for Social

Security benefits may be eligible for help through our Supplemental Security Income program, or “SSI.” SSI provides financial assistance to disabled children and adults, as well as the aged and blind people, who have little or no income or resources. Learn more about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ ssi.

Social Security helps you and millions of other Americans secure today and tomorrow by providing important financial benefits, information, and planning tools. Learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov.