Social Security Guide, 2012

7/31/2019 Social Security Guide, 2012

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Page 2 Social Security Guide August 9, 2012 _____________________________________________________________________

Meet your Rapid City Social Security te

Gay Klim

Attorn

WillsProbatesPowers of Atto

TollefsLaw Offi(605) 859-

PO Box 8

Philip, SD 5

Fax: (605) 859Email: grekt@g

Owned by those served

Bison, SD

605-244-5211

West River Cooperative

Telephone Company

605-244-5213


3/16

_______________________________________________________________________________Social Security Guide August 9, 2012

Visit the website at www.socialsecurity.govDoing business with Social Security online is fast, convenient, and se-

ure. You can get a quick and accurate estimate of your future retirement

enefits, use the online planners to prepare for retirement and even apply

or Social Security retirement, disability, and Medicare only online.

t is also a valuable resource for information about all of Social Securitys

rograms.

Call the toll-free number

You can call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. All calls areonfidential. Specific questions are answered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday

hrough Friday. Information is provided by automated phone service 24

ours a day. (The automated response system can be used to change an ad-

ress, get proof of your benefit amount, or request a replacement Medicare

ard or direct deposit.) If deaf or hard of hearing, call Social Securitys TTY

umber, 1-800-325-0778.

Visit a local office605 Main Street, Suite 201 Rapid City, SD 57701

Phone toll free 1-866-964-7416; Fax 605-342-7840

The Rapid City office is open to the public Monday Friday 9 a.m.

to 3:30 p.m., except Federal holidays.

How to contact Social Security

uestion: My wife and I both

worked under Social Secu-

rity. Her benefit estimate

says she can get $850 a

onth at full retirement age and

ine says I would get $1450. Do we

ch get our own amount? Someone

ld me we could only get my

mount, plus one-half of that amountr my wife.

Answer: Since your wife's own

nefit is more than one-half of your

mount, you will each get your own

nefit. If your wife's own benefit

ere less than half of yours (that is,

ss than $725), she would receive

er amount plus enough on your

cord to bring it up to the $725

mount.

Question: My spouse and I both

orked under Social Security. He's

rrently receiving benefits but I

ant to wait until age 70 so the de-

yed retirement credits will make

y benefits higher. Someone told me

at, when I reach full retirementge (66) later this year, I can just

pply for benefits as a spouse. Are

ey right?

Answer:Yes. If you are between

ll retirement age and age 70, and

ur spouse is receiving Social Secu-

ty benefits, you can choose to file

nd receive benefits on just your

ouse's Social Security record. If

u only collect benefits as a spouse,

u can continue to earn delayed re-

rement credits up until age 70.

Question: I'm retiring early, at

ge 62, and I receive investment in-

me from a rental property I own.

oes investment income count asrnings?

Answer: No. We count only the

wages you earn from a job or your

net profit if you're self-employed.

Non-work income such as annuities,

investment income, interest, capital

gains, and other government benefits

are not counted and will not affect

your Social Security benefits. Most

pensions will not affect your benefits.

However, your benefit may be af-fected by government pensions

earned through work on which you

did not pay Social Security tax.

Question: Will my retirement

pension from my job reduce the

amount of my Social Security bene-

fit?

Answer: If your pension is from

work where you also paid Social Se-

curity taxes, it will not affect your

Social Security benefit. However,

pensions based on work that is not

covered by Social Security (for exam-

ple, the federal civil service and some

state, local, or foreign government

systems) probably will reduce the

amount of your Social Security bene-fit.

Get the facts about Social Securitye Rapid City staff answers the most frequently asked retirement questions

Q

Get Direct Deposit


4/16


ou might worry about how to

protect your family if some-

thing suddenly happens to

you. But you probably have

fe insurance you havent even

hought about.

If you are working and paying

to Social Security, your family may

ualify for Social Security benefits ifou die. You see, some of the Social

ecurity taxes you pay go toward

urvivors insurance. In fact, its value

ay be more than the value of any

her life insurance you may have.

If you die, your family could be

igible for monthly benefits based on

our earnings. Your family members

ho might qualify include your

inor children and your spouse.

milarly, if your spouse is working

and dies, you and your children may

qualify for benefits on your spouses

record. More than six million people

currently receive Social Security sur-

vivors benefits.

How it works: You can earn up to

four Social Security credits each

year. In 2012, for example, you earn

one credit for each $1,130 of wages orself-employment income. When you

have earned $4520, you have earned

your four credits for the year.

The number of credits you need

for your survivors to receive benefits

depends on how recently you worked

at the time of death. For example, if

you have worked for only one and a

half years in the three years prior to

death, benefits can be paid to your

minor children and your spouse who

is caring for them. No one needs

more than 40 credits (10 years of

work) to be eligible for any Social Se-

curity benefit.

The benefit may be more than

you think. In 2012, the average sur-

vivors benefit for a widowed parent

and two children is $2,543.The best way to put a dollar fig-

ure on what the estimated benefit

amount would be for your family is

to go online. At www.socialsecurity.

gov/survivorplan you will find three

different calculators that will help

you estimate how much your family

might be eligible to receive. You also

will find a detailed explanation of

survivors benefits.

Americas life insurance programy Deb Imsland Hartford

ocial Security Claims Representative

Y

ocial Security is responsible for running two major programs that pro-

vide benefits based on disability. Social Security Disability Insurance

(SSDI) is based on prior work and the taxes you pay into the Social Se-

curity program. To be eligible for a SSDI benefit, the worker must earn

fficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security pur-

ses. SSDI benefits are payable to eligible blind or disabled workers, the

idow(er)s of a disabled worker, or adults disabled since childhood. SSI dis-

ability payments are made on the basis of financial need to adul

who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, m

arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. SSI is a

nanced through general revenues. For more information, visit ou

www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TT

0778).

What is the difference between Social Security disab

and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability?

S

Get Direct D


5/16

Thank you for your business. We appreciat

See us for you

needs!

Jan Hewitt, AgentKim R. Deuter, Office Associate

101 N. Center AvenuePO Box 608Philip, SD [email protected]

Medicare Supplem

Phone: (605) 859-2559Fax (605) 859-2999


lmost everyone knows that

Medicare is a medical insur-

ance program for retired and

disabled people, run by the

overnment. But there are probably

me things you dont know aboutedicare and should. Some people

re only covered by one type of

edicare; others opt to pay extra for

ore coverage. Understanding

edicare can save you money. Here

re some things you should know

bout Medicare.

There are four parts to Medicare:

arts A, B, C and D. Part Ahelps

ay for inpatient hospital care,

killed nursing care, hospice care

nd other services. Part B helps pay

r doctors' fees, outpatient hospital

sits, and other medical services

nd supplies that are not covered by

art A. Part C allows you to choosereceive all of your health care

rvices through a provider organiza-

on. These plans may help lower

our costs of receiving medical serv-

es, or you may get extra benefits

r an additional monthly fee. You

ust have both Parts A and B to en-

ll in Part C. And Part D is the

edicare Prescription Drug Pro-

gram. Part B is the one we get the

most questions about, so here are

some things to know about it.

Most people dont pay a premium

for Part A because they have worked

and paid enough in Medicare taxeson wages over the years. However,

there is a monthly premium for

Medicare Part B; in 2012 the stan-

dard premium is $99.90. Some high-

income individuals pay more than

the standard premium. Part B is a

good value for people who need med-

ical insurance, but you need to enroll

during your initial enrollment pe-

riod, or when you first become eligi-

ble, unless you want to pay a penalty

in the form of a higher premium.

Most people first become eligible for

Medicare at age 65.

There are exceptions to this rule.

For example, you can delay yourMedicare Part B enrollment without

having to pay higher premiums if

you are covered under a group health

plan based on your own current em-

ployment or the current employment

of any family member. If this situa-

tion applies to you, you can sign up

for Medicare Part B without paying

higher premiums:

Any month you are under a

group health plan based on your own

current employment or the current

employment of any family member;

or

Within eight months after youremployment or group health plan

coverage ends, whichever comes

first.

If you are disabled and working

(or you have coverage from a work-

ing family member), the same rules

apply.

Remember: If you dont enroll in

Medicare Part B when you first be-

come eligible to apply a

fit into one of the above

you'll have to wait unti

enrollment period, whi

1 through March 31 of

that time, you may thea higher Medicare Part

because you could have

Medicare Part B and di

For more informati

Medicare Parts A, B, C

the Center for Medicar

Services (CMS) Medica

www.medicare.gov.

What you may not know about MedicKathy Petersen

ocial Security Public Affairs Specialist

A

Zeeb Pharmacy

859-2833130 S. Center Ave. Philip, SD

Serving all ofyour health

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since 1989.

R BarSteak House and BarOpen M-F 11am Sat. 2pm

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etirement is probably the last thing on

your mind if youre a young worker. But

there are some basics you should know

about Social Security and savings to plan

r your retirement.

Social Security is the foundation for a secure

tirement, but was never intended to be your

nly source of income when you retire. While So-al Security replaces about 40 percent of the av-

age workers pre-retirement earnings, most

nancial advisors say that you will need 70 per-

nt or more of pre-retirement earnings to live

mfortably. Even with a pension, you will still

need to save. If you will not have a private pen-

sion, you will need to save moreand start saving

sooner. Todays young workers can expect to

spend 20, 30 or even more years in retirement, so

saving is critical.

The sooner you start to save, the more time

your savings will have to grow. Whether youre

able to save $5 or $500, its in your interest tostart saving now.

Want to start planning your future now?

There are some easy ways to do so. Visit Social Se-

curitys online Retirement Estimator at www.so-

cialsecurity.gov/estimator, which allows you to try

out different retirement scenarios, b

personal earnings record.

You can also go to www.mymon

formation on getting credit, paying

buying a home, creating a budget, s

ness as well as financial calculators

tools.

Dont forget that Social Securitynot just for retirement, but also for

survivor benefits in the event that y

to work, or you leave behind a famil

on your income when you die. Read

tirement, disability, and survivors b

www.socialsecurity.gov.

What young workers should know about Social Security and sy Mike Brant

ocial Security District Office Manager, Rapid City

R

ocial Security is as American

as baseball and apple pie.

Not everyone likes apples or

baseball games, but almostvery American who reaches retire-

ent age will receive Social Security

tirement benefits. In fact, 94 per-

nt of Americans are covered by So-

al Security.

If youre ready to retire in the

ear future, this article is for you.

Wed like to share with you a few im-

ortant items about Social Security

tirement benefits and how to apply

r them.

When you work and pay Social

Security taxes, you earn credits to-

ward Social Security benefits. If you

were born in 1929 or later, you need40 credits (10 years of work) to qual-

ify for retirement benefits.

However, the amount of your

benefit is determined by how long

you work and how much you earn.

Higher lifetime earnings result in

higher benefits. If there were some

years when you did not work or had

low earnings, your benefit amount

may be lower than if you had worked

steadily or earned more.

Also, your age when you retire

makes a difference in your benefit

amount. The full retirement age (the

age at which full retirement benefits

are payable) has been gradually ris-ing from age 65 to age 67. You can

retire as early as age 62, but if bene-

fits start before you reach your full

retirement age, your monthly pay-

ment is reduced. Find out what your

full retirement age is by referring to

the convenient chart in our publica-

tion, Retirement Benefits, at

www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.h

tml. Its in the second section.

Just as you can choose an early

retirement and get a r

ment, you also can cho

working beyond your f

age to take advantage

payment. Your benefit

automatically by a cerage from the time you

retirement age until yo

ing your benefits or un

age 70.

The decision of wh

an individual one and

number of personal fac

you weigh the factors,

you read our online fac

To Start Receiving Ret

fits, available at www.

rity.gov/pubs/10147.ht

You may want to c

options by using our R

timator to get instant,

estimates of future benplug in different retire

scenarios to help you m

informed retirement d

out at www.socialsecu

mator.

When you decide t

easiest and most conve

do it is right from the c

home or office compute

www.socialsecurity.go

can apply for retireme

as little as 15 minutes

cases, there are no form

documents to send; on

your electronic applica

In addition to usin

winning website, you cfree at 1-800-772-1213

1-800-325-0778) or vis

Security office nearest

way you choose to app

have your bank accoun

handy so we can set up

ments to be deposited

your account.

To learn more, ple

publication, Retiremen


html.

All about retirementy Shayla Hadley

ocial Security District Office Supervisor, Rapid City

S

605-255-5206

Dan Kvale, MSPA-C

Monday - Friday

105 W Main Bison, SD

Open Monday - Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Appointments

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Closed from Noon to

1:00 pm


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eople who apply for Social

Security benefits after May

1, 2011, must receive pay-

ments electronically. Nearly

veryone currently receiving benefits

ho has not signed up for electronic

payments must switch to electronic

payments by March 1, 2013. If you

dont, the U.S. Treasury Department

may send your benefits via the Di-

rect Express card program to avoid

an interruption in payment. Here are

three options:

Sign up for direct deposit

If you have a bank account, you can

sign up for direct deposit by visiting

http://www.godirect.org, contacting

your financial institution, going to

www.socialsecurity.gov (youll need a

password), or calling Social Securityat 1-800-772-1213.

Prefer a debt card?

The Direct Express card is a debit

card you can use to access your bene-

fits, and you dont need a bank ac-

count. With the Direct Express

card program, we deposit your fed-

eral benefit payment directly into

your card account. Call the toll-free

Direct Express hotlin

212-9991. Sign up onli

www.USDirectExpres

Security can help you

Electronic Transfer

If you don't have an ac

nancial institutions off

Electronic Transfer Acthat feature a maximu

$3.00 per month and a

cash withdrawals per

more information abou

to locate an ETA provi

visit the Department o

ury, ETA website at ht

find.gov/ or contact the

center at 1-888-382-33

Electronic payments for all by March 1, 2

P

t Social Security, our goal is

to make sure you are paid

the correct amount, on time,

every month. You certainly

ont want to be paid less than youre

ntitled to receive. But what can be

ven more difficult, in the long run,

to be overpaid in which case

oull probably have to pay us back,

utting your payment down each

onth until the debt is repaid.

What can cause an overpayment?

ometimes an overpayment (or even

n underpayment) occurs because

he person receiving benefits did not

port a change to us.

For example, if you receive Social

ecurity retirement or survivors ben-

its and are under your full retire-

ent age and working, we usually

sk you to estimate your earnings for

he year. If you realize your earnings

ill be higher or lower than you esti-

ated, let us know as soon as possi-

e so we can adjust your benefits.

If you receive Social Security dis-bility benefits, you should tell us if

ou take a job or become self-em-

oyed, no matter how little you

arn. You also need to report if you

egin receiving or have a change in

ny workers compensation or other

ublic disability benefits or if your

sabling condition improves.

If you receive SSI, you need to

port any changes that can increase

reduce the amount of your benefit,

uch as changes in address (even if

ou get electronic payments),

hanges in living arrangements, in-

me, or increased savings that inch

ver the resource limit ($2,000 for an

dividual, $3,000 for a couple). Any

hanges in your living arrangements,

come, or resources could change

our SSI payment amount.

Learn more about the kinds of

hings you need to report when you

ceive Social Security retirement

nd survivors benefits by reading our

nline publication: www.socialsecu-

ty.gov/pubs/10077.html

Read about reporting responsi-

lities for people receiving Social Se-

urity disability benefits here:

www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10153.

html

Learn all about the sorts of

things to report when you receive

SSI by reading over this online publi-

cation: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/

11011.html

If youre underpaid in any given

month, once we verify the informa-

tion that caused you to be underpaid,

we will send you any money you are

due. If youre overpaid, read our on-

line fact sheet to learn what happens

next: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/

10098.html

With your help and by diligently

reporting any applicable changes,

well achieve a goal we can all agree

on: paying you the right amount, on

time, every month.

Make sure you getthe right amounty Shayla Hadley

ocial Security District Office Supervisor, Rapid City

A

301 Main Avenue605-374-3897 Lemmon

Mail Delivery Service AvailablStore Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 6:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

New to Medicare?

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Social Security introduction for funeral homf you don't find the informationyou are looking for inthe below paragraphs, orwould like more specific informa-tion on a topic, you can

der a booklet from the governmentthis web site: www.ssa.gov/pub/

The following checklist is designedhelp you file for your Social Securitynefits correctly so that prompt pay-

ents may be made.igibility

The number of credits needed to pro-de benefits for your survivors depends

your age when you die. The younger arson is, the fewer credits he or sheust have for family members to receivervivors benefits. But no one needsore than 40 credits (10 years of work)be eligible for any Social Security ben-t. However, benefits can be paid tour children and your spouse who is car-g for the children even if you don't have

the required number of credits. They canget benefits if you have credit for one andone-half years of work (6 credits) in thethree years just before your death.

The deceased worker must havecredit for work covered by Social Secu-rity, ranging from 1-1/2 to 10 years de-pending on his or her age at death.

Who May Receive Monthly

Benefits?

A widow or widower age 60 or older(50 if disabled), or at any age if caring foran entitled child who is under 16 or dis-abled.

An unmarried child of the deceasedwho is:

*Younger than age 18 (or up to age19 if he or she is a full-time student in anelementary or secondary school); or

*Age 18 or older with a disabilitythat began before age 22;

Parents, age 62 or older, who weredependent on the deceased for at least

half of their support; and A surviving di-vorced spouse, under certain circum-stances

*A divorced widow or widower age60 or older (50 if disabled) if the mar-riage lasted 10 years, or if caring for anentitled child who is under 16 or dis-abled.

*Unmarried children up to 18 (19 ifthey are attending a primary or second-

ary school full lime).*Children who were disabled before

reaching 22, as long as they remaineddisabled.

*Dependent parent or parents 62 orolder.Lump-Sum Death Payment

A one time payment of $255 is paidin addition to the monthly cash benefitsdescribed above.

The lump-sum death payment(LSDP) is paid in the following priorityorder:

A surviving spouse who lived in thesame household as the deceasedperson at the time of death.

A surviving spouse eligible for orentitled to benefits for the month ofdeath.

A child or children eligible for orentitled to benefits for the month ofdeath.

Applying for Benefits

How you sign up for survivors bene-fits depends on whether or not you aregetting other Social Security benefits atthe time you apply.

If you are not getting benefits, youshould apply for survivor benefitspromptly because, in some cases, benefits

may not be retroactive. Ycalling or visiting any Sofice or making an appoinour toll-free number, 1-8(TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If you are getting bspouse's or parent's recorshe dies, you should repous. We will change your ments to survivors benef

getting retirement or dison your own record, you apply for the survivor bevisit us. We will check tocan get a higher benefit awidower.

You must apply in obenefits. You may apply curity office or, if you wisapply by telephone. Justnumber 1-800-772-1213 awill schedule an appointarrange for the local Socifice to take your claim bySocial Security Telese

Doing Business By Tel

You may call Social free, 365 days a year, 24 The number to use is 1-8

speak with a representatthe hours of 7:00 am andular business days. At otweekends and holidays, message and they will camost cases, the next busimay use the toll-free numappointment either in a Soffice or telephone to apptransact other Social Secbusiness, or just ask

I

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9/16


Many parents apply

for a Social Security

ard for their newborn as part of

he hospitals birth registration

rocess

A disabled child

who is ineligible

r SSI due to the income/re-

urces of the parents may be

ble to get SSI when he/she turns

ge 18

tudent benefits cease for unmar-

ried

chil-

ren of retired, disabled and de-

ased workers; monthly benefits

an continue if they became se-

erely disabled before age 22

Social Security

mails a Social Se-

curity statement to workers three

months before their birthday.

Workers can check their state-

ment, which provides estimates

of future benefits, anytime atwww.socialsecurity.gov/mystate-

ment

Earliest age at

which disabled

widow(er)s can receive reduced

benefits

Average age

of disabled

workers already receiving bene-

fits

Earliest age at

which non-dis-

abled widow(er)s can receive re-

duced benefits

Earliest age at

which workerscan receive reduced benefits, re-

gardless of their full retirement

age

Average age

women begin

collecting retirement benefits

Average age

men begin

collecting retirement benefits

Age at which

most people qual-

ify for Medicare

Age

divid

a disability can qual

month of full retirem

can get benefits with

earnings

Age

divid

longer earn extra c

laying retirement, ev

continues to delay ta

Ave

retir

already receiving be

Social Security lifelineBirth

Age 18

Age 18 or 19

Age 50

Age 52.4

Age 60

Age 62

Age 25

Age 63.4

Age 63.5

Age 65

Age 65

Age 65-6

Age 70

Age 74


10/16

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We accept Medicare and Medicaid pati

605-279-2149 Wall, SD

Page 10 Social Security Guide August 9, 2012 ___________________________________________________________________

hese days, everyone needs to be

cautious of scams Internet,

mail, and even phone scams

which can damage your credit

ore and pocketbook. Any time someone

ks for your personal information, you

ould be wary. Particularly cruel are

windles that target Social Security ben-

ciaries.

You may think youre safe simply by

t carrying your Social Security card

th you and not providing your personal

formation over the Internet or by

mail. But scam artists have become

rewd. Never reply to an email claiming

be from Social Security and asking for

ur Social Security number or personal

formation.

Be alert when dealing with people

ho want your personal information,

ch as your bank account number, date

birth, and Social Security number. As

rule of thumb, Social Security will not

ll you for your personal information

ch as your Social Security number or

nking information. If someone contacts

u and asks for this kind of information,

not give it.

By using a little caution, you can

otect yourself from scams.

entity theft is one of the fastest-grow-

g crimes in America. If you think

uve been the victim of an identity

ief, you should contact the Federal

ade Commission (FTC) at

ww.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/

theft. Or, you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT

(1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

Some people who receive Social Se-

curity and Supplemental Security In-

come (SSI) benefits are often victimized

by misleading advertisers. Often, these

companies offer Social Security services

for a fee, even though the same services

are available directly from Social Secu-

rity free of charge. These services include

getting a:

corrected Social Security card

showing a bride's married name;

Social Security card to replace a

lost card;

Social Security Statement; and

Social Security number for a child.

Some direct scammers suggest that

Social Security is in dire financial shape

and that people risk losing their Social

Security or Medicare benefits unless they

send a contribution or membership fee to

the advertiser.

If you receive or see what you believe

is misleading advertising for Social Secu-

rity services, send the complete mailing,

including the envelope, to: Office of the

Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social

Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768,

Baltimore, MD 21235. Also, advise your

State's attorney general or consumer af-

fairs office and the Better Business Bu-

reau.

Learn more about identity theft at

www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/

10064.html. Read about misleading ad-

vertising at www.socialsecurity.

gov/pubs/10005.html.

Be wary of scamsDeb Imsland Hartford

ocial Security Claims Representative

To you have a son or daugh-

ter who is turning 18 soon,

collecting monthly Social

Security benefits, and re-

turning to high school this fall? If so,

then we have a bit of homework for

you.

To make sure Social Security

benefits continue beyond age 18, eli-

gible students must submit the nec-

essary form to school officials. The

school will use these documents to

certify your child is still enrolled in

school. Otherwise, monthly Social

Security payments automatically

stop when a student turns 18.

This is the case regardless of the

type of Social Security benefit re-

ceived. Some students get Social Se-

curity survivors benefits because a

parent is deceased. Others may re-

ceive dependent benefits because

their parent receives Social Securityretirement or disability benefits.

Benefits for minor children generally

continue until age 18 (or 19 if theyre

still in high school) unless they are

disabled and eligible for childhood

disability benefits. In that case, a

separate application for benefits is

required.

For more informat

cial Security student b


cials. The website outl

process works and exp

student and school offi

ensure benefits contin

students 18th birthda

propriate certification

school, Social Security

not stop benefits until

fore the month the stu

or the first month in w

is not a full-time stude

is earlier.

The website also in

a downloadable v

required SSA-1372 for

Statement Regarding

dance that must be

the student, certified b

and returned to Social

answers to FrequQuestions for school of

dents; and

a field office locat

address of a local Socia

fice

If you do not have

Internet, call Social Se

800-772-1213 (TTY 1-8

Some homework bef

going back to schoo

D


11/16

______________________________________________________________________________Social Security Guide August 9, 2012

Without a password:hange your address or telephone number (unless you receive SSI also)

et a replacement Medicare card

equest a proof of income letter

et a replacement form 1099/1042SSocial Security benefit statement

With a password:heck your information and benefits

hange your address or telephone number

art or change your direct deposit

hange your password or block electronic access to your personal information

Online services if you receive

Social Security benefits you

can

Read our newspapers onlwww.RavellettePublications


12/16

Concerned

about your

insurance needs?

Stop in & visit

with Mary or Joe

Personal

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Supplements

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f you would like to get a Social

Security Statement, which pro-

vides estimates of your future

benefits, it is now available on-

ne at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Our new online Social Security

atement is simple, easy-to-use andovides people with estimates they

n use to plan for their retirement,

id Michael J. Astrue, Commis-

oner of Social Security. The online

atement also provides estimates for

sability and survivors benefits,

aking the Statement an important

nancial planning tool. People

should get in the habit of checking

their online Statement each year,

around their birthday, for example.

In addition to helping with finan-

cial planning, the online Statement

also provides workers a convenient

way to determine whether theirearnings are accurately posted to

their Social Security records. This

feature is important because Social

Security benefits are based on aver-

age earnings over a persons lifetime.

If the information is incorrect, the

person may not receive proper bene-

fits.

The online Statement provides

you the opportunity to save or print

the document for future reference, or

to have handy for discussions with

family members or a financial plan-

ner.

To get a personalized onlineStatement, you must be age 18 or

older and must be able to provide in-

formation about yourself that

matches information already on file

with Social Security. In addition, So-

cial Security uses Experian, an ex-

ternal authentication service

provider, for further verification. You

must provide identifying information

and answer security questions in

order to pass this verification. Social

Security will not share your Social

Security number with Experian, but

the identity check is an important

part of this new, thorough verifica-

tion process.When your identity is verified,

you can create a My Social Security

account with a unique user name

and password to access your online

Statement. In addition

Statement includes lin

tion about other online

rity services, such as a

retirement, disability,

For more information

online Statement, pleawww.socialsecurity.go

ment.

Get your Social Security statement onlMike Brant

ocial Security District Office Manager, Rapid City

I


13/16


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lthough the Gold Rush

has been over for more

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people today are still look-ng for ways to put more gold into

heir golden years. Some of the

ays to find more gold dont in-

olve picks or pans or prospecting

uck. Did you know that if you

ork beyond your full

etirement age before beginning

draw your Social Security ben-

fits, the amount of your monthly

enefit check will increase?

For example, if you were born

etween 1943 and 1954, your full

etirement age is 66. This means

hat if you start receiving bene-

ts at age 66, you will get 100ercent of your monthly benefit.

owever, if you delay receiving

etirement benefits until after

our full retirement age, your

onthly benefit continues to in-

rease. For example, the yearly

ate of increase in Social Security

etirement benefits for anyone

orn after 1943 is 8 percent. This

percent increase compares fa-

vorably with current average in-

terest earnings rates on bank

savings accounts.

Of course, the total benefits

increase you would receive would

depend on the number of monthsyou delay the start of your retire-

ment benefits:

At age 67, you would get 108

percent of the monthly retire-

ment benefit because you delayed

getting benefits for 12 months;

and

At age 70, you would get

132 percent of the monthly

benefit because you delayed

getting benefits for 48

months.

When you reach age 70,

your monthly benefit stops

increasing, even if you con-tinue to delay receiving bene-

fits. And once you reach full

retirement age, your income

does not affect your Social

Security benefits. In other

words, there is no additional

advantage to putting off ben-

efits once youve reached age

70.

It is also important to re-

you should apply wit

months of reaching a

Social Security h

handy online calcula

quickly give you an i

much extra money ypect by working beyo

retirement age. Jus

Securitys website at

cialsecurity.gov/OAC

early_late.html#late

member that each additional year

you work adds another year of

earnings to your Social Security

record. Higher lifetime earnings

may mean higher benefits when

you retire. But dont forget aboutMedicare. If you decide to wait

until after you are age 65 to apply

for retirement benefits, most peo-

ple should apply for Medicare

coverage at age 65. If youd like to

begin your Medicare coverage,

More gold in your golden yeaKathy Petersen

ocial Security Public Affairs Specialist

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f you are divorced, there are

several things you should

know about Social Security. A

divorced spouse may be eligi-

ble for benefits on more than one

work record. Some divorced people

may get a higher benefit based ontheir exs work. The benefits paid

to a divorced spouse or a surviving

divorced spouse will not affect the

benefit amount paid to other family

members who receive benefits on

the same record.

If your ex-spouse is living, you

can receive benefits based on his or

her work if

Your marriage lasted 10 years

or longer;

You are unmarried;

You are age 62 or older;

The benefit you are entitled to

receive based on your own work is

less than the benefits you would re-

ceive on your exs work (unless you

are full retirement age); and

Your ex is entitled to Social

Security retirement or disability

benefits. If your ex has not yet ap-

plied for the benefit, you may be

able to receive a benefit if you have

been divorced from your former

spouse for at least tw

If your ex-spouse

you can receive benef

At age 60, or age

disabled, if your marr

least 10 years, and yo

titled to a higher benown record; or

At any age if you

for your ex-spouses c

is your natural or leg

child and younger tha

abled and entitled to

Your benefits will con

the child reaches age

longer disabled. In th

can receive this benef

though you were not

your ex-spouse for 10

If you remarry aft

after age 50 and at th

marriage you are ent

ability benefits, we di

marriage. If you woul

ceive an estimate of b

may receive as a divo

a surviving divorced s

may contact our repr

our toll-free number,

1213.

Divorced? Some basic So

Security facts to remem

I

veryones situation is differ-

ent. That is why social Secu-

rity has created several

retirement planners to help

u decide what would be best for you

nd your family. Social Security has on

nline calculator that can provide im-

ediate and accurate retirement bene-

t estimates to help you plan for your

tirement.

The online Retirement Estimatora convenient, secure, and quick fi-

ancial planning tool. It uses your own

arnings record information, thereby

iminating any need to manually key

years of earnings information. The

timator also will let you create what

scenarios. You can, for example,

hange your stop work date or ex-

ected future earnings to create and

mpare different retirement options

To use the Retirement Estimator, go to

our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/

estimator.

There is one more thing you should

remember as you crunch the numbers

for your retirement. You many need

your income to be sufficient for a long

time because people are living longer

than ever before, and generally,

women tend to live longer than men.

For example: The typical 65-year-old today will

live to age 83;

One in four 65-year-olds will live to

age 90; and

One in 10 65-year-olds will live to

age 95.

Once you decide on the best age for you

to actually retire, remember to com-

plete your application three months be-

fore the month in which you want

retirement benefits to begin.

What is the best retirement option for you?

E


15/16

ocial Security is a vitalprogram that touches the

lives of almost everyone inthe country. In part be-

ause of its size and in part be-ause of its national impact, therere many misunderstandingsbout the program.

vvvvvvvvMyth: My Social Security

enefits will be based on my lasthree years of earnings.

Fact: Social Security retire-ment benefits are based on a life-

me of earnings. To figure yourenefit, we will add up your high-st 35 years of earnings after ad-usting each year for inflation.

ssuming you earn an averagencome, your retirement benefitwould represent about 40 percentf your pre-retirement earnings.

vvvvvvvv

Myth: I can take my reducedetirement benefits at age 62 and

later switch to full retirementbenefits at my full retirement

age.Fact: If you take an early re-

tirement benefit, you generallywill live with a permanent reduc-tion. Your benefit does not in-crease when you reach your fullretirement age. (A handy charton our website at www.socialse-curity.gov can tell you what yourfull retirement age is.)

vvvvvvvvMyth: If I take my own So-

cial Security benefit, I am alwayslocked into it. If my husbandlater dies, I cannot switch to awidows benefit on his record.

Fact: A woman who becomesa widow can switch to benefits onher husbands record if it is to heradvantage to do so. (A widoweralso can make the switch if itpays him more money.)

Misunderstandings

about Social Security

retirement benefits

S

n April, Social Security an-

nounced 52 new Compassionate

Allowances conditions to the

growing list of severe medical

onditions that qualify for expedited

medical decisions. Since then weve

dded several more conditions. The

ew conditions include many neuro-

gical disorders, cancers, and rare

iseases.

The Compassionate Allowances

nitiative is a way of quickly identify-

ng diseases and other medical condi-

ons that invariably qualify as

disabled based on minimal medical

nformation. Compassionate Al-wances allow Social Security to

uickly identify the most obviously

isabled individuals for allowances

ased on objective medical informa-

on that we can obtain quickly.

The announcement of 52 new

onditions, effective in August, will

ncrease the total number of Com-

assionate Allowances conditions to

65. That list continues to grow as

ocial Security, the National Insti-

utes of Health, and a number of pa-

ent organizations help identify new

conditions that clearly warrant quick

approvals.

Social Security will continue to

work with the medical community

and patient organizations to add

more conditions, Commissioner As-

true said. With our Compassionate

Allowances program, we quickly ap-

proved disability benefits for nearly

61,000 people with severe disabilities

in the past fiscal year, and nearly

173,000 applications since the pro-

gram began.

Social Security develops the list

of Compassionate Allowances condi-

tions from information received atpublic outreach hearings, comments

received from the disability commu-

nity, counsel of medical and scientific

experts, and research with the Na-

tional Institutes of Health. Also, we

consider which conditions are most

likely to meet our definition of dis-

ability.

For more information on the

Compassionate Allowances initia-

tive, please visit www.socialsecu-

rity.gov/compassionateallowances.

New compassionate allowances

conditions mean faster decisions

for thousands of disabled people

I


pen season is right

around the corner for

the Medicare Part D

prescription drug plan.Hunting down the best plan for you

is no game. Newly eligible Medicare

beneficiaries, and current beneficiar-

ies who are considering changes to

their Medicare Part D plan, should

mark their calendars for October 15.

The open season will run from Oc-

tober 15 to December 7.

The Medicare Part D prescrip-

tion drug program is available to all

Medicare beneficiaries to help with

the costs of medications. Joining a

Medicare prescription drug plan is

voluntary, and participants pay an

additional monthly premium for the

coverage.

While all Medicare beneficiariescan participate in the prescription

drug program, some people with lim-

ited income and resources also are el-

igible for Extra Help to pay for

monthly premiums, annual de-

ductibles, and prescription co-pay-

ments. The Extra Help is worth

about $4,000 a year.

To figure out whether you are el-

igible for the Extra Help, Social Se-

curity needs to know your income

and the value of any savings, invest-

ments, and real estate (other than

the home you live in). To qualify, you

must be receiving Medicare and

have:

Income not over $

individual or $22,695 f

couple living together.

annual income is highemay be able to get som

monthly premiums, an

ductibles, and prescrip

ments. Some examples

income may be higher

or your spouse:

Support other fa

who live with you;

Have earnings fr

Live in Alaska o

Resources not ove

an individual or $26,12

ried couple living toget

sources include such th

accounts, stocks, and b

not count your house o

sources.

You can complete a

online application for E

www.socialsecurity.gov

Medicare tab on the to

Then go to Apply For

With Medicare Prescri

Costs. To apply for th

by phone or have an ap

mailed to you, call Soci

1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1

0778) and ask for the A

Extra Help with Medic

tion Drug Plan Costs (S

And if you would like m

tion about the Medicar

scription Drug Programwww.medicare.gov or c

MEDICARE (1-800-63

877-486-2048).

So this open season

to December 7), after y

the perfect prescription

you, hunt for somethin

put about $4,000 in yo

bag the best Medicare

drug plan for you and s

ify for the Extra Help t

Security.

Hunting for a prescrip

drug plan is no gameBy Kathy Petersen

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

O


16/16

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isability is something most

people do not like to think

about. But the unfortunate

reality is this: the chances that you

will become disabled are probably far

greater than you realize. Studies

show that a 20-year-old worker has a

three in 10 chance of becoming dis-

abled before reaching retirement

age.

Social Security pays benefits to

people with disabilities through the

Social Security disability insurance

program, which is covered by Social

Security taxes. If you qualify, you

can receive a monthly disability ben-

efit from Social Security for as long

as your disability keeps you from

working. The amount of your benefit

is based on your average lifetime

earnings. Usually after receiving

cash benefits for 24 months, you can

also receive Medicare coverage.

When you work and pay Social

Security taxes, you earn credits. The

number of credits you need to qualify

for disability benefits depends on

your age, and some of the work must

be recent. If you become disabled

after age 31, you need to have

worked at least 10 years and five of

the past 10 years. But if you become

disabled before age 24, you need only

one and a half years of work in the

past three years. To learn how many

credits you need, refer to the conven-

ient chart at www.socialsecurity.gov/

dibplan/dqualify3.htm

If you have a disab

makes you unable to w

to get started with you

is now. Thats because

time to determine whe

ify for benefits. It usua

about three to five mon

ical decision from the s

that evaluates your co

Given the time it c

your best interest to do

you can to speed up th

fastest and most conve

apply for disability is o


disability. You can sav

tion as you go, so you c

break at any time.

If you prefer, you m

toll-free number, 1-800

make an appointment

your local Social Secur

set up an appointment

to take your applicatio

phone.If you are approve

benefits, that doesnt m

never return to work. S

has special rules called

tives that allow you to

ability to work.

Learn more about

efits and take advanta

ful Disability Starter K


Disabled? Social Security can help By Kathy PetersenSocial Security Public Affairs Sp

D

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