Issue 7.10

Disability is something most people do not like to think about.  But the unfortunate reality is this: the chances that you will become disabled are probably far greater than you realize.  Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a three in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

Social Security pays benefits to people with disabilities through the Social Security disability insurance program, which is covered by Social Security taxes.  If you qualify, you can receive a monthly disability benefit from Social Security for as long as your disability keeps you from working.  The amount of your benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings.  After a period of time, usually after receiving cash benefits for 24 months, you can also receive Medicare coverage.

When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits.  The number of credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age, and some of the work must be recent.  For example, if you become disabled after age 31, you need to have worked at least 10 years and five of the past 10 years.  But if you become disabled before age 24, you need only one and a half years of work in the past three years.

If you have a disability that makes you unable to work, the time to get started with your application is now.  That’s because it can take time to determine whether you qualify for benefits.  It usually takes about three to five months for a medical decision from the state agency that evaluates your condition.  Then, if your application is approved, your first Social Security disability payment will be made for the sixth full month after the date we determine that your disability began.  Medicare coverage generally begins 24 months, or two years, after you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Given the time it can take, it’s in your best interest to do everything you can to speed up the process. The best first step is for you to read our online publication, Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. It will tell you all about the process, including what information you will need to apply for benefits.

Then, take advantage of our online disability starter kits. You’ll find them on our disability website at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.  There is one kit for children and one for adults.  Each kit is available in both English and Spanish.  The starter kits help you begin the process by providing information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you.  We will ask for more details during your interview or when you complete the online disability report.

Take a look at the disability starter kit now at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask that a kit be mailed to you.

Once you complete the online disability starter kit and you’re ready to apply, the most convenient way to do that is online too. Just go to the same disability website at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Issue 6.10

Improvements to one of the most popular online services in government — the Retirement Estimator, located at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator — allow more people than ever before to get a personalized and instant estimate of future Social Security retirement benefits. 

Since its launch last year, the Retirement Estimator has provided more than four million personalized estimates, and is one of the most highly rated online services in government. 

The most recent customer satisfaction numbers are at an all-time high.  The latest report from the American Customer Satisfaction Index for E-Government ranks the Retirement Estimator as the top service at 91 percent.  It is followed closely by Social Security’s online retirement application, with a 90 percent customer satisfaction rating and the Medicare Extra Help application, with an 87 percent rating.  These three Social Security services are the top three online services in government.

You may be wondering: if the Retirement Estimator is the most popular online service in government, what can be done to improve it?

One major improvement is that more people will be able to use it.  Previously, people who had not yet filed for monthly Social Security benefits but who were already enrolled in Medicare were not able to take advantage of the service.  Now they can.  So if you have Medicare coverage but have delayed filing for your Social Security benefits and you would like to get an estimate of your future benefits, just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Other improvements are coming soon.  Next year, the Retirement Estimator will be the first online service available in Spanish.

Would you like to get an immediate and personalized estimate of your retirement benefits right now?  Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.  To get an estimate, you’ll need to enter your first and last name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, and mother’s maiden name.  If the information matches Social Security’s records, the Retirement Estimator combines this information with the information that Social Security has on record, including your yearly earnings, to provide a quick and reliable online benefit estimate.

While you’re checking out the most popular online service in government, try out some of our other online services and information as well.  You can find it all at www.socialsecurity.gov

Issue 5.10

What should you do if Social Security pays you too much?  That may seem like a strange idea at first, as most people worry about not having enough money.  If you receive monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, an overpayment can occur for many reasons, including work or another benefit that requires a reduction in your Social Security or SSI payment.

If Social Security does pay you too much, you will receive an overpayment notice in the mail.  The notice will explain why you were overpaid, your repayment options, and your appeal and waiver rights.  You should read the notice carefully.

If you agree with the overpayment decision, you have options for repaying it.  We can withhold your overpayment from your monthly benefit payments or withhold a portion of your payment until the money is paid back.  If you no longer receive benefits, you can send a check to Social Security for the entire amount or set up a plan to pay back the amount in monthly installments.

If you are not receiving benefits, and you do not pay the amount back, we can recover the overpayment from your federal income tax refund, from your wages if you are working, or from future SSI or Social Security benefits.  

If you believe that the overpayment decision is wrong and you should not have to repay it, you have the right to appeal the decision or request a waiver of recovery.  You can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the overpayment notice.  If you agree that the overpayment is correct but you believe it was not your fault and paying it back would cause you financial hardship or be unfair for some other reason, then you can request a waiver of recovery.  Whether you submit an appeal or waiver request, all recovery would be suspended until a formal decision is sent to you.

It’s also important to know that Social Security will not take action to begin collecting on an overpayment without first notifying you and giving you the chance to appeal the decision.  

If you’d like to learn more about Social Security and SSI overpayments, we have a convenient and easy-to-read electronic fact sheet on the subject.  You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10098.html.

Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Issue 3.10

Social Security administers several programs that pay benefits to qualified individuals, including those who are homeless.  These programs include retirement, disability and survivors insurance, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for people who are blind, disabled or age 65 or older.  If you know someone who is homeless, and you want to learn more about how Social Security might help, a place to get information is at www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness.

For example, there is a link to our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST.  Based on answers to various questions, this tool helps determine the benefits someone might be eligible for and gives information about how to qualify and apply.  Go directly to BEST at www.socialsecurity.gov/best.

The Spotlight on Homelessness is a page designed to help the homeless apply for SSI.  It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm.

There are links to information on health care for the homeless, institutionalization, advocacy groups, reports on homeless outreach, and even links to other websites like the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, disabilityinfo.gov, govbenefits.gov, and HUD.

You can help us help the homeless.  If you know someone who is homeless, take a look at our Service to the Homeless website and look through the information.  Tell anyone you know who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, to visit our Service to the Homeless page, and to check out the different types of benefits and assistance they may be eligible to receive.  Spread the word about the help available to the homeless.

Every American should have a place to call home.  Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more.

Issue 2.10

Social Security administers several programs that pay benefits to qualified individuals, including those who are homeless.  These programs include retirement, disability and survivors insurance, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for people who are blind, disabled or age 65 or older.  If you know someone who is homeless, and you want to learn more about how Social Security might help, a place to get information is at www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness. For example, there is a link to our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST.  Based on answers to various questions, this tool helps determine the benefits someone might be eligible for and gives information about how to qualify and apply.  Go directly to BEST at www.socialsecurity.gov/best. The Spotlight on Homelessness is a page designed to help the homeless apply for SSI.  It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm. There are links to information on health care for the homeless, institutionalization, advocacy groups, reports on homeless outreach, and even links to other websites like the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, disabilityinfo.gov, govbenefits.gov, and HUD. You can help us help the homeless.  If you know someone who is homeless, take a look at our Service to the Homeless website and look through the information.  Tell anyone you know who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, to visit our Service to the Homeless page, and to check out the different types of benefits and assistance they may be eligible to receive.  Spread the word about the help available to the homeless. Every American should have a place to call home.  Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more.

Issue 52.09

Academy Award winner Patty Duke and the former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, David Kessler, M.D., have teamed with Social Security to launch a flu prevention public service campaign.  Ms. Duke and Dr. Kessler are featured in a new public service announcement letting people know some simple steps they can take to prevent the spread of the flu, as well as the fact that most business with Social Security can be done online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

You’ve probably heard some of the health tips they have to offer:

ü     cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and encourage those around you to do the same;

ü     wash your hands often with soap and water; and get a flu shot.

But Ms. Duke and Dr. Kessler have one health tip you may not have heard: go online to conduct your Social Security business.

If you need service from Social Security, you don’t have to visit an office.  Many of our services are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov and by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

For example, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov to:

Apply for benefits;

·  Use the Retirement Estimator to get a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits;

·  Get answers to frequently asked questions; and

·  Get a replacement Medicare card.

Go online to www.socialsecurity.gov where you can view the new public service announcement yourself.  While on the website, you also can check out the online services for yourself by visiting “What You Can Do Online” (on the left side of the page).

So take some precautions this flu season.  Go online to www.socialsecurity.gov.  It’s just what the doctor and Patty Duke ordered.

Issue 51.09

It’s been said that the true spirit of the holiday season is in giving, not receiving.  With this in mind, it’s likely that you will be spending a bit of time shopping for presents, your credit card flying out of your wallet or purse like wind-blown snow.

But as you shop in stores and online, be sure you’re not giving a surprise gift to an identity thief.  Because the surprise will be on you — and it won’t be a good one.

Sometimes when you do business, you may be asked for your Social Security number.  In many cases, those asking don’t really need it.  If anyone asks for your Social Security number or other identifying information, ask them why they want it and whether they absolutely need it.  They can refuse you service if you don’t provide it, but consider whether the service is worth the risk.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  Someone who steals your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you.  Identity thieves can use your number to apply for more credit in your name.  Then, they use the credit cards but leave the bills for you.  Falling victim to identity theft can ruin your credit rating and make things difficult for months or years to come.

Identity thieves can obtain your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and personal information in a number of ways, including:

Stealing wallets, purses, and mail;

Intercepting personal information you provide on an unsecured website, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home;

Rummaging through your trash, and public trash dumps, for personal information;

Posing as someone who needs your information, such as a government agency, employer, bank, or landlord; and

Buying personal information from store clerks, employees, or other individuals who have the information.

There are things you can do to protect your identity.  Don’t give out your Social Security number to just anyone.  Don’t carry your card in your wallet or purse; keep your Social Security card locked away in a safe place with your other important papers.  Check your credit reports once a year, which you can do for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. 

Want to learn more?  Read our online fact sheet, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html.

If you think someone is using your number or identity, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft, or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) (TTY 1-866-653-4261.)

Protect your information this holiday season, and you’ll enjoy a little more “peace on earth” in the year to come.

Issue 50.09

If you are one of the many Americans who may have to conduct business with Social Security over the holiday season, it is good to know that you can use our online services without having to worry about opening or closing times.  That means you can handle your holiday shopping and planning with one less time constraint or worry — and one less “shopping line” to wait in.

Some of the services available online at www.socialsecurity.gov include:

Applying for retirement or disability benefits;

Checking the status of your pending application;

Getting an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits using the Retirement Estimator; and

Applying for extra help for Medicare prescription drug plan costs available to some beneficiaries.

If you are already a Social Security beneficiary, you can go online to change your address, phone number, or your direct deposit information, get a replacement Medicare card, or request a proof of income letter.

Social Security’s online services are available each work day from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m.; on Saturdays, from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.; and on Sundays from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.   And the online services are available even on federal holidays — including Christmas and New Year’s Day — from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.  So if you have business to take care of on the holiday, our online services are here for you.  All times are Eastern Standard Time and some online services have extended hours.  You can find the individual operating hours for different online services at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices

In addition to these interactive services, there is a wealth of information available 24 hours a day on our website that can help answer your questions and get you the information you need, including frequently asked questions, publications and forms, information for specific groups, news and press releases, and even videos and public service announcements.  You can find it all at www.socialsecurity.gov.

So remember:  while banks and other offices in the private sector and in government are closed for the holidays, Social Security’s online office is open and ready to assist you.  To see a complete list of the online services available, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Issue 49.09

If you’re a teacher, chances are you know the lessons you’re going to teach like the back of your hand, inside and out.  That’s because you took some time and prepared ahead with lesson plans.

But how much time have you devoted to your retirement plan?

You may be a teacher or other government employee covered by state or local government retirement plans instead of Social Security.  And, even if you do work at a second job and pay into Social Security, your benefits would most likely be affected by your other retirement plan.  So take a lesson from us and learn about two important provisions that may affect you:  the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). 

Who is affected by GPO and WEP?

Government employees who didn’t pay Social Security taxes on their government earnings are affected.  The Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduces the potential Social Security spouse’s/widow’s/widower’s benefit amount someone could receive if he or she also receives a pension from a federal, state or local government for work on which no Social Security taxes were paid.  The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can reduce a worker’s monthly Social Security benefit amount, if he or she also receives a pension from work not covered by Social Security.

What is the purpose of these provisions?

GPO and WEP are designed to ensure that all American workers are treated equally under the Social Security program.  GPO generally requires that Social Security spouses’ or surviving spouses’ benefits be reduced by two-thirds of the entitled person’s government pension.  Why?  Before GPO, a person who worked in a government job that was not covered under Social Security could receive, in addition to a government pension (based on his or her own earnings), a full Social Security spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefit.  No other workers had this option because Social Security benefits payable to a person as a spouse or surviving spouse must be offset, dollar for dollar, by the amount of that person’s own Social Security benefit.

Similarly, WEP takes away an advantage that the regular Social Security benefit ‘formula’ would give people who have substantial pensions from non-Social Security covered jobs.  Without WEP, a worker who spent most of his or her career in employment not covered by Social Security and who worked for a short time to get Social Security coverage would end up with much higher benefits than if all of his or her work were done under Social Security.  This is because we calculate Social Security benefits using a formula that gives proportionately higher benefits to workers with low lifetime earnings.

Want to learn more?  You can dig deeper, and see some examples of just how the two provisions work in real-life situations, at www.socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep.  Or you can call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778) and ask for Social Security publications on the Government Pension Offset or the Windfall Elimination Provision.

Issue 48.09

There’s a new leading lady topping the A-list.  Her name is Emma.

Among all girls born in the United States last year, Emma was the most popular name.  Isabella was second.  Emily, which had been the most popular girl’s name for 12 years, was third.

The top boy’s name is Jacob for the 10th year in a row.  He is followed by Michael and Ethan. 

America’s most popular baby names are based on Social Security card applications for newborn babies.  Each year, Social Security publishes the top 1,000 baby names.  Lists of popular baby names going all the way back to 1880 are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

The top ten names for girls born in 2008 are:  Emma, Isabella, Emily, Madison, Ava, Olivia, Sophia, Abigail, Elizabeth and Chloe.

The top ten names for boys born in 2008 are:  Jacob, Michael, Ethan, Joshua, Daniel, Alexander, Anthony, William, Christopher and Matthew. 

To learn more about the relationship between pop culture and popular baby names, read our press release online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2008-pr.htm. 

To see where your own name ranks on the list, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.  Also featured are links to information about Social Security numbers for children, benefits for children, and what every parent should know about Social Security.