It’s National Social Security Month and this year we’re highlighting some of the time-saving features of the my Social Security account. Once you create an account, you’ll see that we already have your work history and secure information to estimate what you could receive once you start collecting benefits.
With your personal my Social Security account, you can also:
Request a replacement Social Security card;
Set up or change direct deposit;
Get a proof of income letter;
Change your address;
Check the status of your Social Security application; and
Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).
For over 80 years, Social Security has worked to meet the changing needs of the American public. Today, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, as well as take care of other business.
Knowledge is power. You care about your friends’ and family’s future, so encourage them to create a my Social Security account. Celebrate National Social Security Month by learning what you can do online anytime, anywhere at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Last month we featured how you can replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, get a copy of your 1099 (SSA-1099), and check the status of your Social Security benefit application or claim. This month we share three more advantages.
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can set up or change direct deposit information online with a my Social Security account. In most cases, you are required to receive federal benefits electronically, so when you choose direct deposit, we will electronically deposit your funds directly into a bank account. If you do not have a bank account, you can choose Direct Express and your funds will be electronically deposited into a prepaid debit card account. Direct Express has no enrollment fee or minimum balance requirement to open or use the account. We strive to provide online services that best suit when, where, and how you do business with us. You can set up direct deposit SSA.gov/myaccount, or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Visit SocialSecurity.gov to learn more about all of our online services.
Do you receive Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are you enrolled in Medicare and getting ready to move? You can change your address information online when you create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
If you already receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and have instant access to your award letter or, as we call it, benefit verification letter.
Please know that securing your identity and personal information is important to us. We protect your information by using strict identity verification and security features. The application process has built-in features to detect fraud and confirm your identity.
Share with friends and family what you can do online with a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Do you know someone who is just starting their career? Now is the best time for them to start preparing for retirement. The sooner we begin to save, the more we’ll have when we reach retirement age. Share this page with a young worker you know. www.socialsecurity.gov/people/earlycareer.
We proudly serve wounded warriors and veterans. They faced sacrifices to preserve the freedoms Americans treasure. Many of them do not know they might be entitled to benefits. Share our resources with them to make sure they are getting the benefits they deserve. www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.
Social Security plays an important role in providing economic security for women. Nearly 55 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Women face greater economic challenges in retirement. First, women tend to live longer than men. A woman who is 65 years old today can expect to live, on average, until about 87, while a 65-year-old man can expect to live, on average, until about 84. Second, women often have lower lifetime earnings than men, which usually means lower benefits. And, third, women may reach retirement with smaller pensions and other assets than men. Share this page with someone who needs this information and may need help planning for their golden years. www.socialsecurity.gov/people/women.
These are just a few People Like Me pages that are tailored to a specific group’s needs. If you didn’t see your own, check out our home page at www.socialsecurity.gov/people.
Editor's note: Chris Burke is a Social Security district manager based in Glendale.
