Get to Know Your Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. We’ve been with you from day one, when your parents applied for your Social Security number, and we are with you from your first job through your retirement party and beyond.
For more than 80 years, Social Security has stayed true to its mission of providing financial protection for the American people and has served as one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nation’s history. We encourage everyone to take steps toward their financial security. Regardless of your age or place in life, now is the right time to start planning for a financially secure future for you and your family.
Everyone can benefit from our first step: Get to know your Social Security. You can start your journey through all things Social Security by visiting our website and navigating through our menu.
Along the way, you’ll see how your Social Security number opens many important doors throughout life, from making it easier to apply for student aid and open your first bank account to starting your first job and buying your first house. You’ll also discover how your contributions to the Social Security system through FICA payroll taxes can make you eligible for important future benefits when you reach retirement age or if you become severely injured or ill.
You’ll find how Social Security helps your family in the form of survivor benefits and how our Supplemental Security Income program assists disabled children and our most vulnerable adults.
We also encourage you to visit our website and set up your own personal my Social Security account today so you can begin taking steps toward financial security.
Through our website and your online account with us, you can:
- Verify your lifetime earnings record to ensure you’re getting credit for all your contributions toward Social Security and Medicare.
- Estimate future benefits for you and your family.
- Manage your Social Security benefits and personal information.
We encourage you to visit us online.
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Tags: my Social Security, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
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Michael S.
Why is my Soc Sec 25 only $6 increase?\?
R.F.
Hi Michael. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Victoria F.
I AM BLOGGING TO INFORM SS THAT I INTEND TO KEEP FIGHTING TO RECEIVE ‘MY’ SS RETIREMENT, IN ADDITION TO MY LATE HUSBAND’S SS AS A SURVIVOR. HE DIED YOUNG AND I WAS FORCED TO GO TO WORK FOR 25 YEARS. WHEN I APPLIED TO RECEIVE SS RETIREMENT PAYMENTS, I WAS TOLD YOU CAN ONLY COLLECT THE HIGHER ONE!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY RETIREMENT PAYMENTS. I CONTRIBUTED FOR 25 YEARS. WHERE IS MY MONEY???
Matthew F.
You Know the bigger the raise the more we will spend so why not give a raise that we would be happy and then one way or another you the Government would get it back .
Matthew F.
I would like to know why 100% of Americans are saying the same thing and it seems like social security is not listening I think its a way for the government to get Medicare a raise .All the things social security says about all the features and ways you can live on SSI is all BULLSHIT No one can live on just SSI income then the Government makes them feel good about giving people a raise Knowing that Medicare is taking the raise away why not give us Americans a bigger raise but only take 2% away for Medicare. I know for a fact that the Government Don’t want people to live on or make a living on SSI income No matter how disable you are they still want you to work so then when you make X amount dollars they can take your SSI check away. Every time I get a raise The Government finds a way to take it away I need The raise So I cane support my family and feel like a man that is doing something for my Family Please give me my raise so I can live like an American and be happy.
Afia A.
I need a social security number. I am a Ghanaian.
J.Y.
If you would like to apply for a Social Security number, you can print the application by clicking http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5fs.pdf. Once you complete it, take or mail it with your original documents to any Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate or VARO. If you have any further questions, please contact your local Embassy or consulate. You can find their contact information, including an email address, at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/foreign.htm. We hope this helps!
R.F.
To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. Thanks!
Joe
It’s unfair for you to keep taking all of our COLAs everytime we get increases. Its not keeping pace with inflation. I used to be able to pay rent and eat human food. Now I have to have a roommate in 1 room and eat dogfood.. lift the earnings cap!
Davis
When I try to log in this web is always down. Come on u guys can do better then that. Pls email me davispatel84@yahoo.com
George
receiving disability benefits each month via SS , yet, I’m also 100% disability thru the veterans administration, do I qualify for any additional benefits?
Snarky
Ask the VA.
Donna S.
this stinks……Medicare took all of my 2% raise
David P.
Social security- “When in doubt deny”
The jokers are DDS, who arent even trained to examine medical evidence literally deny everyone.
They use ODAR to adjudicate claims. Meanwhile claimants become homeless and starve to death because SSA won’t release their OWN money.
Social security, you are a joke!