Social Security Programs Are As Diverse As Those We Serve
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 11, 2016
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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Tags: retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, survivors benefits
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Bruni k.
Learn English!!!
Alejandro p.
I,m sorry it is very complicated to undestand how it is work the system Internet because many hackers user Internet when you put Persian infomation to Internet People can steal it is very dangers
Jane
Where should I apply for Medicare?
R.F.
Hi Jane, if you are 65 or older and not ready to start your monthly cash benefits yet, you can use our online retirement application to sign up for Medicare ONLY. If you already get Social Security benefits, we will automatically enroll you in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. For specific questions about your case, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and ask a representative to assist you, or you can contact your local office directly. To learn more about the Medicare program visit http://www.Medicare.gov. We hope this information helps!
Premlata V.
I was enrolled for December 2015 and my Medicare premium should not have been increased, but it did. I recently received a letter and extra funds were withheld for premium. When u called SS, they have no idea and neither did the letter gave any explanation why they were wittholding additional amount. I have filed an appeal form with local SS office but have not heard back.
mikl
Good luck with that appeal. They will ignore you until you give up.
Jackie H.
Amen.
mikl
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BS. Why are all the retired living outside the US now unable to access our SSA accounts. So much for ”providing services”.
R.F.
For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog. Please continue working with your local office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
Jesse C.
If you are paying a late enrollment penalty, you may have been penalized for having this late enrollment penalty.
John O.
This blog is not intended to answer individual questions. Your income reported in your previous tax return can effect the amount of your premium if you are a high income individual.
ben
I haven’t heard anything further but are we still going to be required to get a cell phone and have texting capabilities on it in order to Log In to our Social Security account. Can anyone answer because apparently Social Security does not respond to this question from their original STATEMENT that this was a requirement.
mikl
I have a cell phone but the system will not allow a country code. So, no access.
John O.
The subject of the post was diversity. It does not currently apply to those without a cell phone or those living overseas.
Josephine L.
Because of family reasons, I now live in Europe, where I have been receiving my U.S. social security retirement benefits for the past several years. However, because I no longer have a U.S. address, I cannot open an online Social Security account. It is frustrating not to be able to consult my account – I have to call the embassy service to get information. Could this online service be broadened to include people in my situation?
mikl
I am retired in Philippines and have been ”locked out” of the SSA system also. I have asked several times to several places and people. I answer is always the same…”you can not access”. There are over 8-million US citizens living or traveling abroad, now ignored.
Louise O.
I will be turning 62 in May when should I file for Social Security?
BOB
Louise, you can collect a very reduced early benefit at 62, WITH NO MEDICARE BENEFITS, or you can wait till 65, and collect the full amount, or if you can and if you want to work past 65, each year’s SS pension will be higher,
BUT YOU HAVE TO APPLY for Medicare at 65.
R.F.
You can retire at any time between age 62 and full retirement age. However, if you start benefits early, your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. A person may first become entitled to full or unreduced retirement benefits when they attain their full retirement age (currently age 66). Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older.
John O.
She could wait until age 66 and apply for Medicare at 65 but if she is receiving benefits before 65 she does not have to file for Medicare, she’s automatically enrolled.
Terray K.
Be careful the full retirement age at which you can collect full benefits is based on when you were born. I was born in 1951 and my full retirement would be at age 66. If you collect before full retirement the government essentially allows you to lose a significant amount of your SS benefits and you end up with a reduced check.
R.F.
You can start receiving reduced retirement benefits at age 62. However, a person must be 62 throughout the first month of retirement. Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance, and you can apply for your benefits 3 months before you turn 62 if you want your payments to start at that age. When you are ready, you can apply online, in person at your local Social Security office (call first to make an appointment.), or by phone – Representatives at our toll free number 1-800-772-1213, are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
John O.
You can file 3 months before you turn 62 unless you are a widow then you could file at age 60. Disabled widows can file at age 50. As to when you should file those options will be explained to you when you file, it is your decision.
Yeni h.
Please you can send in Spanish
jomama
Could you at least learn to converse in English before crossing the border illegally and expecting our country to educate and feed you and your family?!?
misery c.
Please stop being rude and clueless.
Is this in plain enough ENGLISH for you?
Thank you
ILOVEMYCOUNTRY
Amen. The last time I looked, we are an English speaking nation. If you really love it like I do, learn the language. If youre here for its resources only, go back where you came from and take the other 15 million with you.
Joe
No learn English
Patti
you should learn English.
R.F.
For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov or http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial.
adrian w.
http://WWW.SSA.GOV
Kai
Today, I called the SSA and my wait time was much lowe at, 8 minutes instead of the usual 25 or more. This improvement was important to me. I would like to express how important it is for SSA to continue to improve. One area that is essential is giving payments in amounts that we the people prefer or choose. For example, I would like my SSDI payment annually and not monthly. This would help me live and contribute to safer neighborhoods. It only makes sense for me to choose the payment option that works for me and for SSA to in turn comply.
Also, people need more seminars and question and answer sessions with SSA. There are so many things to learn. After three years of receiving SSDI, it leaves me wanting to learn how to more appropriately use my income towards integrated health care and for advancing critical needs in our world in the area of health and recovery.
Please make these changes soon. Let us remember the New Deal and what a large turning point it was for people and continue to progress.
People count.
Thanks .
Kai
That is the wait time was much lower at 8 minutes…
R.F.
-We appreciate your thoughts Kai. Thanks for your comment!
adrian w.
EXACTLY ITS FOR EVERYONE IN THE USA AND EVE IN THE WORLD