Social Security

Social Security field offices are now open for extended hours, while online and phone services are also expanding. People may create a 'my Social Security account,' a personalized online service, at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.  ...

There’s a widespread telephone scam involving callers claiming they’re from Social Security. The caller ID may even show a government number. These callers may tell you there’s a problem with your Social Security number. They may also threaten to arrest you unless you pay a fine or fee using gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, a wire transfer, or cash. Beware: That call is not from the Social Security Administration. ...

There are certain questions regarding Social Security that keep coming up. Here are a few, along with the answers to help you take the next step in your decision-making. ...

There are certain questions regarding Social Security that keep coming up. Here are a few, along with the answers to help you take the next step in your decision-making. ...

To change your name in our records, you must provide Social Security with documents proving your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must provide our agency with documentation proving your U.S. citizenship. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies. ...

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But if you’re younger than full retirement age and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced, although not dollar for dollar. Your benefits may increase when you reach full retirement age. Check the Social Security guidelines so there are no surprises. ...

 

Time is one of our most valuable commodities. That’s why at Social Security, we are constantly improving our online resources to make doing business with us easier and faster.

With a My Social Security account, those receiving benefits can change their address and direct deposit information; get proof of their benefits; and request replacement documents, like a Medicare card. If you aren’t currently getting benefits, you can check your earnings record, get estimates of your future benefits, and view your Social Security Statement. In many states, you can even request a replacement Social Security card online. See everything you can do with a My Social Security account and open one today and at socialsecurity.gov.

You don’t need a My Social Security account to:

Select or change the way you receive information from Social Security if you are blind or visually impaired at socialsecurity.gov/people/blind.

Block electronic and automated telephone access to your personal information at socialsecurity.gov/blockaccess. 

Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs at socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.

Be sure to share my Social Security with friends and family. By freeing up their time, they may plan on spending more of their valuable time with the people they love.   

...

In the 21st Century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Yet, on average, women face greater economic challenges than men in retirement. 

Nearly 55 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Women generally live longer than men, while often having lower lifetime earnings. And women usually reach retirement with smaller pensions and other assets compared to men. These are three key reasons why Social Security is vitally important to women. 

If you’ve worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you may be eligible for your own benefits. Once you reach age 62, you may be eligible for your own Social Security benefit whether you’re married or not and whether your spouse collects Social Security or not. If you’re eligible and apply for benefits on more than one work record, you generally receive the higher benefit amount.

The sooner you start planning for retirement, the better off you’ll be. We have specific information for women at socialsecurity.gov/people/women. Email or post this link to friends and family you love.

...