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Social Security Column
This Fall, Ease Into Retirement, Online
By Phil Walton, Social Security Manager in Toledo, Oh
Guest Column
September 23 marks the first day of fall. During this
season, many people reflect on the gradual passing of time
as green leaves turn gold and pine needles blanket lawns.
You are also slowly changing, and those golden years of
retirement are one season closer.
We want you to be as prepared as possible, and making
applying for retirement easy is one of Social Security’s top
priorities. In fact, applying for retirement benefits has
never been easier. You can do it all online. Unlike the
leaves that take many weeks to change, you can complete
Social Security’s online retirement application in as little
as 15 minutes.
Better yet, you can apply from the comfort of your home or
office. There's no need to drive to a local Social Security
office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security
representative. Simply go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire/apply.html.
Most of the time, after your online application is
submitted, you're done. There are no forms to sign, and we
usually require no additional documentation. Social Security
will process your application and contact you if we need
further information. Planning for retirement is much like
preparing for colder weather — you want to protect yourself
and your loved ones as best you can with the best resources
possible.
One important, but easy way to do this is to check your
Social Security Statement using your secure online my
Social Security account. Set up your account easily by
answering a few questions to prove your identity. After you
have an account, you can check your Statement
anytime, day or night. Your Social Security Statement
shows your lifetime earnings so you can make sure those
records are correct. This way, you’ll know your retirement
benefit will be accurate.
In addition, there are some useful things you can do with
your personal my Social Security account, such as:
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Get an estimate of your future benefits if you’re still
working;
·
Print a letter with proof of your benefits if you currently
receive them; and
·
Manage your benefits:
o
Change your address;
o
Start or change your direct deposit;
o
Get a replacement Medicare card; and
o
Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
Beginning the season of retirement can be exciting and scary
at the same time. At Social Security, we make it easier by
providing the tools and information you can use to help you
make the best decision for you and then apply for benefits
online. And, when you’re done, you’ll have more time to rake
up those pine needles and leaves! Go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire/apply.html to start
that new season in your life today.
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