Social Security Statements For Those Who Don’t File a Tax Return

July 7, 2009 at 12:59 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

 If you’re age 25 or older, pay Social Security taxes and are not yet receiving monthly benefits, you should get an automatic Social Security Statement in the mail each year about two to three months before your birthday.  The Statement is a valuable tool to keep track of your annual earnings, as well as to help you plan your financial future. 

 But if your earnings don’t meet the threshold for filing a federal tax return, you might not be receiving your annual Social Security Statement.  Social Security would like to make sure that you know you’re entitled to one; all you have to do is ask for it.

 Everyone who has worked and paid Social Security tax is entitled to receive a Statement.  So, if you don’t get one automatically in the mail, you can request one from Social Security — and the easiest way to do that is online

 Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement and select the “Need to request a Statement?” banner. You’ll need to fill in the following information to make your request:

·         Your name as shown on your Social Security card;

·         Your Social Security number;

·         Your date of birth;

·         Your place of birth; and

·         Your mother’s maiden name — last name only (to help identify you).

You also can provide the following information to make your estimate more accurate:

·         Your last year’s earnings and an estimate of your current and future earnings; and

·         The age you plan to stop working.

Once you make your request, Social Security will mail you a Statement, which you should receive within two to four weeks.  Give it a careful review to make sure your earnings and information are reported correctly, and contact Social Security if you find anything amiss.

After you review your Statement, it’s a good idea to keep it with your other important papers.  And if you’d like to go one step further in your retirement planning, visit our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, where you can get an instant estimate of your future benefits based on your earnings record and by plugging in various retirement age scenarios.

Whether retirement is just around the corner or a long way down the road, Social Security is ready to serve you at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

Retired With Children?

July 7, 2009 at 12:38 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

The idea of someone being “retired with children” may seem like the seed for another television sit-com or reality show.  But the fact is that it’s becoming more and more common for older people to have minor children in their care — whether by bringing new children into the world, taking over the care of grandchildren or adopting children who need nurturing parents. 

 So it’s important to know that if you receive Social Security benefits and have minor children who depend on you, you might be able to receive benefits for them, too.  This is true whether you receive benefits as a retiree or you receive Social Security disability or survivors benefits. 

To get benefits, a child must have a parent (or in some cases a grandparent) who is:

  • Disabled or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits; or
  • Died after having worked long enough in jobs where he or she paid Social Security taxes.

The child also must be: 

  • Unmarried; and
  • Younger than age18; or
  • 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or
  • 18 or older and disabled. (The disability must have started before age 22.)

Within a family, a child may receive up to one-half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefit, or 75 percent of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit.  However, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid to a family.  The maximum family payment can be from 150 to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit amount.  If the total amount payable to all family members exceeds this limit, each child’s benefit is reduced proportionately until the total equals the maximum allowable amount.

For example, if you are retired with a minor child and your benefit payment is $1,000 a month, your minor child could get up to half of that each month, or $500.  However, if you had two minor children in your care, the maximum your entire family could receive would be between $1,500 and $1,800 — that’s $1,000 for you and between $250 and $400 per child.

Whether you receive Social Security benefits because you have a disabling condition, due to the death of a spouse or because you’ve reached retirement, if you have minor children, you’ll want to read Social Security’s online publication, Benefits for Children at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html.

 Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

Check Your Application Status Online

July 7, 2009 at 12:34 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

 There’s a lot you can do at Social Security’s website, and it’s easy to locate — just go to www.socialsecurity.gov.   You can estimate your retirement benefits, find out what kinds of government benefits you might qualify for and even apply for benefits online.

But did you know that you can check the status of your benefit application online — even if you applied the “old fashioned” way, in person at a Social Security office or over the phone?

That’s right — you can check the status of your pending Social Security application on our website, www.socialsecurity.gov, from the convenience of your home or office.  It doesn’t matter whether you applied for benefits online, in person, or on the phone.  And it doesn’t matter whether the application is for retirement, disability, survivors or spouse’s benefits.  You can get instant status on your claim at any computer with Internet access.  It’s quick, easy, and secure! 

Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the “Check the status of your application” link on the upper, left-hand side.  Then enter the Social Security number and the confirmation number, given to you when you applied.  It’s that easy — instant status. 

While you’re online, there are other things you can do.  Learn how Social Security works, research Social Security’s history and visit the “Questions” link for answers to hundreds of the most frequently asked Social Security questions.  You also can read our online publications about benefits, which may come in handy when a decision on your application is made.  Wherever you are, you can find us online at www.socialsecurity.gov.   

 Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

Retirement Estimator Celebrates First Anniversary

July 7, 2009 at 12:31 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin

  It’s been only a year since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online, but you’d never know it based on the praise it continues to receive from users.  It was rated the best online service in government by the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for Federal Websites in February 2009.  In the most recent ACSI report, the Retirement Estimator tied for first place with Social Security’s online application.

 The Retirement Estimator is so popular, in fact, that people have visited the website more than three million times in the past year.  You can visit it yourself online at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

 The online Retirement Estimator is a convenient, secure and quick financial planning tool that lets workers calculate how much they might expect to receive in Social Security benefits when they retire.  The attractive feature of this calculator is that it uses your earnings information on file at Social Security, without displaying your personal information.  So you get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits.  And, it’s so easy to use.

 The Estimator even gives you the opportunity to run personalized scenarios and “what if” situations.  For example, you can change the date you expect to retire or change expected future earnings to create and compare different work and retirement options.  This can help you as you plan ahead.

 To use the Retirement Estimator, you must have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits and you must not be receiving benefits currently.

Experience the best online service in government now by visiting Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.  Then, once you’ve sketched out your retirement plans, you’ll know that the place to go when the time comes to apply for benefits is:  www.socialsecurity.gov.

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

 

How to File Your Disability Application

July 7, 2009 at 12:28 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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If you or someone you know recently became disabled and have been thinking about applying for Social Security disability benefits, there’s something you can do to get the process off to a good start.

Visit the “Disability Starter Kit” at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. It will help you prepare for your disability interview and guide you through the application process.

The starter kit gives general information about the disability programs that Social Security offers, and about the process we use to decide whether or not you qualify for disability benefits. The kit also provides guidelines about the specific information and documents we will ask you for during the interview. It takes some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.

Each disability starter kit contains:

  • a fact sheet that answers most questions people ask about filing for disability benefits;
  • a checklist of documents and information we will request; and
  • a worksheet to help you gather and organize the information you will need.

The fact sheet provides the Social Security definition of “disability” and explains how we decide whether your condition is severe enough to meet the eligibility criteria. It also gives tips on steps you can take to speed up the decision-making process.

The checklist provides a list of the information we need for most disability claims. That includes needing information such as the names and addresses of the doctors and other health professionals who have treated you.

The worksheet is designed to reflect many of the most important questions we ask during the disability application interview, such as a description of your impairment(s) and the date you became disabled. In addition to the information about your treatment sources as outlined in the checklist, it also asks you to list the medications you take and the medical tests you have had. And it asks for information about the kinds of jobs you have held.

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.

And when you’re ready to apply, the most convenient way to do it is online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin. You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email atkenneth.hess@ssa.gov

 

By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

Best Online Services at SocialSecurity.Gov

July 7, 2009 at 12:24 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

 

Americans love their computers. In fact, a recent study shows that the number of Americans who use the Internet has more than doubled over the past 10 years, reaching nearly three quarters of the U.S. population. Nearly half of all Americans have a high-speed Internet connection at home, compared to only five percent at the start of the decade. The study indicates that Internet use is even beginning to outpace traditional media. Younger Americans spend more time online than in front of a television.

But as most people know, the Internet is a gateway to more than media and entertainment. It is a highly accepted way to do business. As Americans become increasingly comfortable with the security and convenience of doing things on the Internet, online business is becoming more and more popular.

There is so much you can do at Social Security’s website from the convenience of your home or office. Here are some of our best online services:

There’s even more you can do at www.socialsecurity.gov. So whether you’re interested in planning your retirement or applying for disability, learning about Social Security’s history or finding out about how the system works, our online office is the most convenient one to visit.

In survey after survey, Social Security’s online services top customer satisfaction lists. That’s because doing business with Social Security online is fast, convenient, and secure. And it’s so easy! Next time you’re online, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin. You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at

A “Congratulations” Card for New Brides

July 7, 2009 at 12:14 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

 

Weddings are in season at this time of year. If you’re planning to have one, or know someone who is, make sure you put Social Security on the to-do list — because we may need to send you a card. A new Social Security card, that is.

If you plan to exchange your maiden name for a married name — including hyphenated names such as Smith-Jones — be sure you let us know.

Telling us about your name change shortly after your marriage will help us accurately keep track of your earnings and will ensure that you and your family get the Social Security retirement, disability or survivors benefits you’re entitled to. Also, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records do not show the same name and Social Security number, your federal income tax refund could be delayed.

If you continue to use your maiden name consistently throughout your working years, you do not need to contact us. But if you decide to change your name at a later time, you should let us know so that we can update your Social Security record and send you a Social Security card with your new name.

There’s no need to pay a third party to mail in the information for you. Changing your name with Social Security is a quick, easy and free service. You’re welcome to visit your local Social Security office. Or just go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber and click on “Print an Application Form SS-5.” You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 to obtain the form.

We will need the completed application along with either your marriage certificate showing your old and new names or two documents, one showing each name. If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of your U.S. citizenship or proof that you are lawfully living in the U.S. You can bring or mail these documents to us.

So remember: if you are getting married and changing your name, let us know. You will get a slew of cards congratulating you; we’d also like to send you a card, your updated Social Security card.

Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

 

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin. You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at

kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

How Much Social Security will You Receive?

July 6, 2009 at 12:31 pm | In Uncategorized | 1 Comment

From “Answer Quickly: How Much Do You Think You’ll Get from Social Security?” By Andrew G. Biggs
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE PERIODICAL: _Retirement Policy Outlook, No. 4, June, 2009

“This year, one in four new retirees will discover that their largest retirement income source falls 28 percent or more below their expectations. But that asset is not a recession-battered 401(k) account. It is Social Security. To understand why, answer quickly: how much do you think your Social Security benefit will be? If you do not know, you are in good company. Due to the complexity of Social Security’s benefit formula, a worryingly large proportion of Americans have no idea what their Social Security benefit will be until the first check arrives. This “predictability risk” is just as costly as the market risk associated with 401(k) plans. Simplifying Social Security benefits should be a priority when reform is addressed.”

Go here to read/download this paper -> http://www.aei.org/docLib/20090616-RPO-June.pdf

The Freedom To Apply Online

June 29, 2009 at 10:01 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin

 Every American knows that July 4th is Independence Day — a day for celebrating our nation’s independence and the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

 So on July 4th, and throughout the year, it makes sense that independent-minded Americans tend to be do-it-yourselfers.  We revel in the freedom to make our own choices and to do things on our own schedule, in our own way.

 When you’re done grilling those burgers and hotdogs and watching the neighborhood fireworks display, remember that “do-it-yourself” does not apply only to building bookshelves, rummaging underneath the sink, and changing your car’s oil.  You can also exercise your right to do things yourself, when you want and how you want, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

 To apply for retirement benefits, you can complete your application online from the comfort of your own home or office.  There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required.

In fact, what used to take an hour or more can be done online in as little as 15 minutes.  In less time than it takes to read the instructions on a build-it-yourself picnic table, your Social Security retirement application can be completed and submitted for processing.

Not ready to retire?  Regardless of your age or how far away retirement may seem, it’s never too early to begin planning.  Take a look at your financial future by visiting our helpful Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.  The online tool uses your earnings record along with information that you key in to give you a quick estimate of your future benefits. 

So this 4th of July, after you’ve enjoyed the picnic and fireworks, continue to celebrate your freedom to do it yourself by going online to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Our wish from all of us at Social Security is for you to have a happy Independence Day.

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 1619 Golden Court, Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov 

New Assistant Secretary for Aging Announced

June 29, 2009 at 9:51 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Peggie Rice
June 25, 2009 (202) 898-2578

WASHINGTON, DC – NASUA applauds the United States Senate’s confirmation of President Obama’s choice of former NASUA Board Member, Kathy Greenlee to the position of the United States Assistant Secretary for Aging.

“We’re proud and excited that such a visionary in long term services and supports will be helping to chart the course for health care reform for our nation’s seniors and individuals with disabilities,” said Martha A. Roherty, Executive Director of NASUA.

Greenlee was confirmed by the United State Senate this evening. A former NASUA board member, Greenlee served as the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging (KDOA) appointed by then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Greenlee had previously served as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Kansas, as well as the state’s Assistant Secretary of Aging, with the responsibilities of legislative liaison and chief budget officer.

“Kathy’s extensive experience uniquely qualifies her to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations in an economic downturn like this,” said Alabama Department of Senior Services Commissioner Irene Collins, NASUA’s incoming President.

“Given the fiscal struggles of the states right now, long term services and supports including single entry points to information, evidence-based disease management and prevention and health promotion activities, and nursing home diversion measures must be included in health care reform. We must look at ways to keep Americans healthier, delay or avoid unnecessary institutionalization and over-utilization of clinical services, and ultimately save health care dollars in Medicaid and Medicare,” said Patricia A. Polansky, NASUA’s President. “I am confident that Assistant Secretary Greenlee will be an effective advocate for seniors in this process.”

As Kansas’ Secretary of aging, Ms. Greenlee headed the cabinet-level agency whose mission is to promote the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors. With 192 full-time staff members and a total budget of $495 million, KDOA is responsible for administration of Older American’s Act programs, distribution of Medicaid long-term care payments and regulation of nursing home licensure and survey processes.

Assistant Secretary Greenlee also served as general counsel at the Kansas Insurance Department (KID). During her tenure at KID, she led the team of regulators who evaluated the proposed sale of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas. While there, she also oversaw the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas program, more commonly known as SHICK. That program is now part of the Department on Aging. Assistant Secretary Greenlee also served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Operations for then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas with degrees in business administration and law.

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National Association of State Units on Aging, founded in 1964, represents the nation’s 56 officially designated state and territorial agencies on aging. The Association’s principal mission is to support visionary state leadership, advance state systems innovation and articulate a national policy on home and community based services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. http://www.nasua.org

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