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Social Security Column
From Typewriters to Megabytes – Social Security’s Evolution
By Phil Walton, Social Security Manager in Toledo, OH
Guest Column
The first
typewriter to be commercially successful was invented on
June 23, 1868. One hundred years later, Social Security
still used the same technology to type Social Security
cards, envelopes, forms, and applications. This system
required thousands of employees to create, maintain,
transmit, and file the folder for each current and future
beneficiary by hand to ensure accurate payments to retirees
and disability beneficiaries.
Of course, that has
all changed with modern computers and the Internet. Now, you
don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home to do the
majority of your business with Social Security. Your first
step in embracing the future is creating your own, personal
my Social Security account.
Setting up a
my
Social Security account is quick, secure,
and easy. More than 18 million
Americans already have accounts. In fact, someone opens one
about every 6 seconds. Join the crowd and sign up today at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
With a personalized
my Social Security
account, you can:
·
Obtain an instant, personalized estimate of your future
Social Security benefits;
·
Verify the accuracy of your earnings record — your future
benefit amounts are based on your earnings record;
·
Change your address and phone number, if you receive monthly
Social Security benefits;
·
Sign up for or change direct deposit of your Social Security
benefits;
·
Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season; and
·
Obtain estimates of the Social Security and Medicare taxes
you’ve paid.
Here are some other things you can do with a few
simple key strokes at our website,
www.socialsecurity.gov:
·
Apply for retirement, disability, spouses, and Medicare
benefits;
·
Check the status of your benefit application;
·
Use our benefit planners to help you better understand your
Social Security options as you plan for your financial
future;
·
Request a replacement Medicare card; and
·
Apply for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription
drug plan costs.
Accessing
www.socialsecurity.gov on the go is just as easy as it
is at home. We’ve optimized our website to function on your
desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Just look
at how far we’ve come. Those slow days of typewriters are
gone. At Social Security, we’re embracing innovation and
seeking new technologies to better serve you. Social
Security isn’t just prepared for the future; we’re
protecting your future. Learn more about Social
Security by typing
www.socialsecurity.gov —
in your web browser, not on your typewriter.
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