1. Social Security

2. my Social Security
Your Online Account ... Your Control ... my
my Social Security is a convenient way to access valuable personalized Social Security information, whether you’ve been working and paying Social Security taxes or now are receiving Social Security benefits. And you can check your online account just about whenever you want at
my Social Security is an easy-to-access, easy-to-use portal to view and update some of your own Social Security information.

3. Who Can Create a my Social Security Account?
You must be at least 18 years old and have:
A valid address;
A Social Security number; and
A U.S. mailing address.
Almost anyone can get an online account. You must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid address, a Social Security number, and a U.S. mailing address (includes military addresses, APO/FPO/DPO AE, AP or AA).
Users can only create an account for themselves. They cannot set up an account for another person, even if they have his or her written consent. This also applies to an appointed representative or someone who has business with that person. Users may be unable to create an online account if they: •     Blocked electronic access to their personal information with us; •     Recently moved or changed your name; or •     Placed a freeze on their credit report.

4. my Social Security Services
If you don’t get benefits, you can—
View, save, and print your online Social Security Statement.
 If you do get benefits you can—
Get your benefit verification letter;
Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record;
Change your address and phone number; and
Start or change your direct deposit.
(Read from slide.)
Note: Services are available (and presented) to registered users based on the type of benefits they receive.
If the user does not receive benefits:
Access online Social Security Statement
If the user only receives Social Security benefits:
Get benefit verification letter
Change address and telephone number
Start or change direct deposit
If the user only receives SSI benefits:
If the user receives both Social Security and SSI benefits:
If the user only receives Medicare:

5. my Social Security is an Upgrade to Your Password Services
If you have been using the old password system —
As of January 5, 2013, your old password will not work
You will need to create a my Social Security account to use our upgraded online services
You do not need your old password to create a my Social Security account
(Read from slide.)

6. Your Online Social Security Statement Provides
Estimates of the retirement and disability benefits you may receive;
Estimates of benefits your family may get when you receive Social Security or die;
A list of your lifetime earnings according to Social Security’s records;
The estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid;
Information about qualifying and signing up for Medicare; and
A printable version of your Social Security Statement.
Your online Statement provides a wealth of information to help you and your family. (Walk through the bullets in the slide.)

7. my Social Security Provides Extra Security
You will need to enter a unique code we will send to your text-enabled cell phone each time you want to sign in, in addition to your username and password. Your text message rates still apply.
To add this feature, you will first have to provide us with one of the following to verify your identity:
The last eight digits of your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card;
Information from your W-2 tax form;
Information from your 1040 Schedule SE (self-employment) tax form; or
Your direct deposit amount, if you receive Social Security benefits.
We offer you the choice to add extra security when you create an online account. In addition to your username and password, you would be required to enter a unique code we would send to your text-enabled cell phone each time you want to sign in. Your text message rates still apply.
To add this feature, you will first have to provide us with one of the following to verify your identity:
The last eight digits of your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card;
Information from your W2 tax form;
Information from a 1040 Schedule SE (self-employment) tax form; or
Your direct deposit amount, if you receive Social Security benefits.
In the past, we told you Social Security would never ask for your credit card number or other financial information. We have changed our policy for this one service. Now, we may ask you for the last eight digits of your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card for some other financial information. Our new security process and federal guidelines require that we do this so we can be sure that you are who you say you are when you conduct online business with us.
This information provides extra security because even if someone gets your username and password, he or she will not be able to access your personal information.
Once you give us this additional information, we will send you a letter in the mail in five to 10 business days. You will need this letter to complete the process to add extra security.
You can upgrade to extra security or disable it at any time.

8. Go Online for Your Social Security Statement
You can get your Social Security Statement online by visiting

9. How Do You Qualify for Retirement Benefits?
You need to work to earn
Social Security “credits”
Each $1,160 in earnings
gives you one credit
You can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year
Example: To earn 4 credits in 2013, you must earn at least $4,640. Earning 40 credits (10 years of work) throughout your working life will qualify you for a retirement benefit.

10. How Social Security Determines Your Benefit
Social Security benefits are based on earnings
Step 1 -Your wages are adjusted for changes in wage levels over time
Step 2 -Find the monthly average of your 35 highest earnings years
Step 3 -Result is “average indexed monthly earnings”
This slide provides an overview of the first step that we use in computing a benefit. We are looking for the highest 35 years during a worker's lifetime of earnings, regardless of when earned.
This formula also makes clear how a worker who qualifies for a retirement benefit with just 10 years of work would have a low benefit payment. Since we are looking for his or her highest 35 years, in this example, we would be adding in 25 zero years. Needless to say, this worker would be receiving a lower benefit. There is, however, no such thing as a minimum benefit. 26

11. Full Retirement Age Year of Birth Full Retirement Age
1937 or earlier 65
& 2 months
& 4 months
& 6 months
& 8 months
& 10 months
1943 –
& 2 months
& 4 months
& 6 months
& 8 months
& 10 months
1960 or later 67
The increase in full retirement age was the result of the 1983 Amendments. Full retirement age increases apply to all Retirement Benefits and to Survivors Benefits. Although, we at Social Security have always used the term “full” retirement age, you may find that some people now refer to “full retirement age” as “Normal Retirement Age”.
Regardless of your full retirement age, reduced benefits can still be paid as early as age 62.
In addition, the Medicare eligibility age of 65 has not changed. You should apply for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, even when you plan to apply for your retirement or spouse’s benefits later.

12. Definition of “non-covered”
State governments not contributing to F.I.C.A.
Civilian federal (not covered under F.I.C.A.)
local government (cities and towns)
Foreign pensions
EXCEPTION: private company pensions do not meet this definition

13. Windfall Elimination Provision
If any part of your pension is based on work not covered by Social Security and
You are eligible for a Social Security benefit based on your earnings
You may be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision.
“Windfall” is a formula change, not an offset!!! 35

14. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) - 2012
Normal Computation WEP Computation
90% of the First $ % of the First $767
32% of the Next $3, % of the Next $3,857
15% of the Remainder 15% of the Remainder
Prior to the 1983 Amendments when workers spent most of their careers in government jobs where they did not pay Social Security taxes (non-covered employment), they received the equal benefits of the weighted benefit formula. These workers, based on their Social Security earnings record, appeared to be low wage earners; primarily because the majority of their wages were not covered for Social Security purposes. These federal, state, or local employees effectively were receiving a windfall from Social Security.
The 1983 Amendments rectified this windfall. Since they had their 40 credits, they will continue to be eligible for a Retirement benefit, but their benefit will be computed differently. The benefit formula is identical to the normal computation with the exception of the first level of the formula. Instead of receiving 90% of the first level, they will receive 40%.
If any part of your government pension is based on wages not covered by Social Security, then WEP will apply. WEP only applies to Retirement and Disability Benefits. Survivor’s Benefits are not affected by WEP.
If you are a government employee the benefit estimate you see on your Social Security Statement might be in error because the formula used in the estimate does not take into consideration WEP.
WEP applies to the workers’ benefits. Any auxiliary benefits payable on the worker's record also would be affected.

15. Exceptions to the Windfall Elimination Provision?
You must be age 62 by 1/86.
You must have been eligible for your “government pension” by 1/86.
You have 30 years of “substantial earnings” under Social Security.
If you do not meet one of these exceptions, “WEP” will apply to you!

16. Exception to the Windfall Elimination Provision
Years of Social % of First Factor Security Coverage in Benefit Formula
30 or more 90
20 or fewer 40
This chart is a simple reflection of the major exception to WEP and its variables. A government worker with 21 to 30 years of significant (substantial) years of Social Security wages will have a different percentage factor used in the first level of their benefit computation.
To see how your benefit may be reduced by WEP use our WEP calculator at
Our Online WEP calculator allows you to estimate

17. Government Pension Offset (GPO)
If you receive a government pension based on work not covered by Social Security, your Social Security spouse’s or widow(er)’s benefits may be reduced.

18. Government Pension Offset (GPO)
Applies to Spouse’s Benefits Only
2/3 of amount of government pension will be used to reduce the Social Security spouse’s benefits
Example:
$1,200 of government pension 2/3 = $800
Social Security spouse’s benefits = $750
No benefit payable by Social Security
The Government Pension Offset (GPO) affects people who earned a pension while working in non-covered government employment. Unless a federal worker switched to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and worked under FERS for at least 5 years, GPO will affect the amount of the wife’s/husband’s or widow’s(er’s) benefits payable to them.
Generally, the concept of spouse’s benefits have the inherent concept of dependency. The notion that a spouse is working in non-covered employment and thereby earning a pension from that employment argues against the notion of dependency. As a result, GPO was passed as part of the 1983 Amendments.
The fact sheet, "Government Pension Offset," provides a detailed overview of GPO and all of the exceptions.
Understanding WEP and GPO by themselves is not a problem. Many people become confused when they mix the principles of each together. It is possible for a worker to be affected by WEP on their own work record due to their government pension and to have any potential spousal benefit payable to them affected by GPO.
To estimate your future benefits under GPO, use our Online GPO calculator at
Our Online GPO calculator allows you to estimate your Social Security benefit.

19. When WEP and GPO will NOT apply!
WEP and GPO do not apply while you are still working. Until you retire and begin to draw the monthly “non-covered pension, Social Security will not adjust your benefits!!!

20. You Can Work & Still Receive Benefits
You Can If You Make More,
If You Are Make Up To Some Benefits Will
Be Withheld
Under Full
Retirement Age $15,120/yr. ($1,260/mo.) $1 for every $2
The Year Full Retirement
Age is Reached $40,080 /yr. ($3,340/mo.) $1 for every $3
Month of Full Retirement
Age and Above No Limit No Limit
Note: If some of your retirement benefits are withheld because of your earnings, your benefits will be increased starting at your full retirement age to take into account those months in which benefits were withheld.

21. HOW to DETERMINE YOUR WEP and/or GPO BENEFIT
Go to socialsecurity.gov!!!!
Go to “groups” on the side bar
Click on “Govt. Employees”
Click windfall calculator
Click government pension offset calculator

22. Your Age at the Time You Elect Retirement Benefits Affects the Amount
If You’re a Worker and Retire
At age 62, you get a lower monthly payment
At your full retirement age, you get your full benefit
You get an even higher monthly payment if you work past your full retirement age

23. Your Age at the Time You Elect Retirement Benefits Affects the Amount
For example, if you were born from 1943 through 1954:
Age 62 75% of benefit
Age % of benefit
Age % of benefit
The reduction for early retirement is:
20% if you were born before 1938
25% if you were born between 1943 and 1954
30% if you were born 1960 or later

24. In Addition to the Retiree, Who Else Can Get Benefits?
Your Child
Not married under 18
(under 19 if still in high school)
Not married and disabled before age 22
Your Spouse
Age 62 or older
At any age, if caring for a child under age 16 or disabled
The worker and his or her spouse must be married for one year (continuously) immediately before the day on which the application is filed.
(Note: The one-year requirement can be waived if the spouse is the natural mother or father of the worker’s biological child or if the spouse was entitled or potentially entitled to certain auxiliary or survivor’s benefits in the month before the month of marriage to the worker.)
If a spouse is caring for a child under age 16 of the worker, the spouse could qualify regardless of age. When the youngest child turns 16, the spouse’s benefit will stop, even though the child’s benefit will continue. However, if the child is disabled, the spouse’s benefits will continue as long as the child is under his or her care.

25. In Addition to the Retiree, Who Else Can Get Benefits?
Your Ex-Spouse
Marriage lasted at least 10 years
Ex-spouse 62 or older
Divorced at least two years and you and your ex-spouse are at least 62, he or she can get benefits even if you are not retired
Ex-spouse’s benefit amount has no effect on the amount you or your current spouse can get
Your divorced spouse can get benefits on your Social Security record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Your divorced spouse must be 62 or older and unmarried. Also, if you and your ex-spouse have been divorced for at least two years and you and your ex-spouse are at least 62, he or she can get benefits even if you are not retired. Your current spouse cannot receive spouse’s benefits until you file for retirement benefits.
The amount of benefits your divorced spouse gets has no effect on the amount of benefits you or your current spouse can get.

26. Spouse’s Benefit Computation
Benefit is 50% of worker’s unreduced benefit
Reduction for early retirement
If spouse’s own benefit is less than 50% of the worker’s, the benefits are combined
Does not reduce payment to worker
A spouse who has not worked or who has low earnings can be entitled to as much as one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit. If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. If spouses want to get Social Security retirement benefits before they reach full retirement age, the amount of the benefit is reduced. The amount of reduction depends on when the person reaches full retirement age.
For example:
If full retirement age is 65, a spouse can get 37.5 percent of the worker’s unreduced benefit at age 62;
If full retirement age is 66, a spouse can get 35 percent of the worker’s unreduced benefit at age 62;
If full retirement age is 67, a spouse can get 32.5 percent of the worker’s unreduced benefit at age 62.
The amount of the benefit increases at later ages up to the maximum of 50 percent at full retirement age. If full retirement age is other than those shown in our example, the amount of the benefit will fall between 32.5 percent and 37.5 percent at age 62.
However, if a spouse is caring for a child under age 16 or disabled, who gets Social Security benefits on the worker’s record, the spouse gets full benefits, regardless of age.

27. How Do I Apply for Retirement Benefits?
Apply online at It is the most convenient way to apply;
Call Social Security to schedule an appointment (TTY ); or
Apply at your local Social Security office.

28. Use the Retirement Estimator
Convenient, secure, and quick financial planning tool
Immediate and accurate benefit estimates
Lets you create “What if” scenarios based on different ages and earnings
You can get estimates of your future Social Security retirement benefits using our online Retirement Estimator.
You must enter certain ID information about yourself to use, such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, place of birth and mother’s maiden name. This service is drawing high favorability ratings from users.

29. What Will You Need When Applying for Your Social Security Benefits?
Social Security number for each applicant
Proof of age (only if date of birth allegation doesn't match Social Security records)
Latest W-2 or self-employment tax return
Earnings estimate
Bank information for direct deposit
Information about marriages/divorces
Information about military or railroad service
We need to see the appropriate proofs when you file your claim.

30. Who Can Get Survivors Benefits?
Your Child if:
Not married under age 18 (under 19 if still in high school)
Not married and disabled before age 22
Widow or Widower:
Full benefits at full retirement age
Reduced benefits at age 60
If disabled as early as age 50
At any age if caring for child under 16 or disabled
Remarriage after age 60 (50 if disabled)
Divorced widows/widowers may qualify
The length of marriage requirement for a widow or widower is 9 months, and for a surviving divorced wife it is 10 years immediately before the date of divorce. Please note, there are exceptions to the duration of marriage requirements.
Generally, you cannot get widow’s or widower’s benefits if you remarry before age 60. But remarriage after age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled) will not prevent you from getting benefit payments based on your former spouse’s work. And at age 62 or older, you may get benefits based on your new spouse’s work, if those benefits would be higher.

31. Widow or Widower Benefit Computation
At full retirement age, 100% of deceased worker’s unreduced benefit
At age 60, 71.5% of deceased worker’s unreduced benefit
Reduced benefits on one record at age 60, reduced or unreduced benefit on other record at age 62 or older
Full benefits to both widow or widower and divorced widow or widower
Regardless of the change in full retirement age, a widow or widower can still receive 71-1/2% of the worker’s benefit at age 60.
A widow or widower can receive a survivors benefit at age 60 and then switch to a benefit on his or her own work record at age 62. Or, a widow or widower could receive a reduced survivors benefit at age 60 and then file for an unreduced benefit on his or her own work record at full retirement age.
Benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse who is 60 or older (age 50 if disabled) will not affect the benefit rates for other survivors receiving benefits.

32. Social Security’s Disability Definition:
A medical condition or combination of impairments preventing substantial work for at least 12 months, or expected to result in death. The determination also considers age, education & work experience.
The actual disability definition makes the clear distinction between Social Security’s disability requirements compared to other disability programs, such as Veterans and Workman’s Compensation. Social Security’s disability definition is based on your medical condition and the fact that you are not expected to be able to do any work for at least 12 months or your condition is terminal. This work determination is based on your age, education and work experience.
After becoming eligible for a disability benefit, the law requires us to review the continuing disability (CDRs) generally every 3 to 7 years, depending on the severity of the disability.

33. Who Can Get Disability Benefits?
Worker
Must have paid into Social Security five out of last 10 years
For younger workers, under age 31 less work is required
Spouse
At age 62
At any age if caring for child under 16 or disabled
Divorced spouses may qualify
Under age 31 - Must have paid Social Security taxes for half the time elapsed since turning age 21
Age Social Security Taxes
EXAMPLE: /2 years
29 4 years

34. Who Can Get Disability Benefits?
Child
Not married under age 18 (under 19 if still in high school)
Not married and disabled before age 22
(Note to speaker: The children’s category is offered here as in the Retirement and Survivors Benefits Sections.)

35. Your Benefits Can Be Taxable
About 1/3 of people who get Social Security pay income taxes on their benefits.
At the end of each year, you’ll receive a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099). Use this statement to complete your Federal income tax return to find out if you have to pay taxes on your benefit.

36. Why Apply Online?
Step-by-step help screens guide you through questions
Apply from any computer at your own pace
Start and stop at any time—return later to finish
A relative, friend, or caregiver can help
Online application is secure
We strongly recommend you apply for Extra Help online, for many reasons:
The online application takes you through all of the questions to help you answer them completely;
You can apply from the convenience of any computer, at your own pace;
If you have to take a break, you can stop and return to the application later without losing the information you already filled in;
If you don’t have or use a computer, someone else can help you fill out the application;
Our online application is safe and secure; and
It’s generally much faster to apply online. There’s no mail time as there is with a paper application, so decisions usually can be made more quickly.

37. Who Can Get Medicare ? 65 & older -or-
24 months after entitlement to Social Security disability benefits
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Permanent kidney failure and receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant
Exposure to Environmental Health Hazards
Remember that although the full retirement age has increased above age 65, Medicare eligibility is still age 65. You should apply for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, even when you plan to apply for your retirement or spouse’s benefits later.
You also are eligible for Medicare benefits, 24 months from the month you were entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits, not from the first month you receive a payment. If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), or permanent kidney failure and you receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant, you become entitled for Medicare beginning with the month you first become entitled to disability benefits.

38. Medicare Coverage Part A - Hospital Insurance
Covers most inpatient hospital expenses
2013 Deductible $1,184
Part B - Medical Insurance
Covers 80% doctor bills & other outpatient medical expenses after 1st $147 in approved charges
2013 Standard Monthly Premium $104.90
Part D - Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Covers a major portion of prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries
Enroll With Medicare prescription drug provider not SSA
There is no monthly premium for Part A if you are insured for retirement benefits.
After you retire, your health insurance may only pay after Medicare pays. Many supplemental plans require you to file for Medicare Part B. The Medicare premium beneficiaries pay represents 1/4 of the actual cost; the federal government covers the balance of the cost.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan covers a major portion of prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

39. Medicare as a health care product
Medicare A and B are a complete product which only gives you 80% coverage.
A “gap plan” is needed as a 20% supplement to Medicare for complete coverage (usually provided by the employer retirement package).
You must have A and B to receive a supplement!!!
The 80% plus 20% will give you complete coverage!!!

40. When Can I Sign Up for Medicare Part B?
Medicare Enrollment Periods:
Initial – at age 65
Special – if still working
General – January-March
The Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before the month you turn age 65 and extends 3 months past the month you turn 65. If you are not receiving benefits, you should inquire about filing for Medicare 3 months prior to turning age 65 so that your coverage can start the month you turn 65. If you already are receiving Social Security benefits, you'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance). (Note: Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will not receive Part B automatically. They must elect this benefit.) However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. Most people choose Part B even though it’s optional. You will be contacted by mail a few months before you become eligible and given all the information you need. The Special Enrollment Period is for people (and their spouses) who continue to work past age 65. Since Medicare pays second after their employer group health plan pays first, they are not required to file for Part B. Since Medicare pays second there may be no need for Part B coverage. It is extremely important for workers to check with their employer group health plan for specific guidance. For this reason, they are offered a special period in which to file for Medicare. As a general rule, we recommend that people file for Part A 3 months prior to turning age 65, and then on the day they stop working call Social Security to file for Part B.
The General Enrollment Period is for those people who missed their Initial or Special Enrollment Periods. The window to file is January to March with coverage beginning in July. Anyone filing in the General Enrollment Period will be assessed a 10% penalty for each year after the Initial or Special Enrollment Period. 58

41. RETIREMENT BEFORE AGE 65
You must enroll in BOTH Medicare A&B within 3 months of age 65 to ensure coverage at 65!
Medicare becomes the primary payer at age 65
Failure to do this results in a $$ penalty and a restricted enrollment period
Exception: You are retired but covered under an “actively” employed spouse

42. Retirement after age 65 Upon retirement…
While still “actively” working at age 65 and covered by the employer health insurance…
FILE ONLINE FOR PART A (optional)
REFUSE PART B (not necessary if covered under employer plan)
Upon retirement…
FILE FOR MEDICARE PART B UNDER “SPECIAL ENROLLMENT” with no penalty and no lapse in coverage

43. CHECKLIST OF WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RETIRE AND RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY!
Contact your local SS office 2-3 months before retirement.
Provide SS proof of your gross monthly pension from the “noncovered” source to Social Security.
Sign up for Medicare Part B, if you are over age 65.

44. Social Security’s Online Services
Online Services for before or after you receive benefits
Retirement Estimator
Create an Online Account
Retirement & Disability Applications
Medicare Online
Apply for Extra Help With Medicare Drug Plan Costs
Retirement/Survivors/Disability Planner
Change of Address
Medicare Card Replacements
Request a Benefit Verification Letter
Start or Change Direct Deposit
( Note to speaker: depending on your audience, you may wish to briefly describe the quick calculator, online calculator and the detailed estimate.)
What You Can Do
Apply for Social Security retirement/spouse’s benefits
Apply for Social Security disability benefits
Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs
Check the status of your online application
Find out what benefits you can apply for
Find out if you can get extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs
Use our benefit planners to calculate your retirement, disability and survivors benefits
Request a Social Security Statement
Change your address or telephone number
Get a replacement Medicare card
Request a Proof of Income letter
Get a Form 1099/1042S—Social Security Benefit Statement
Get a password
Check your information and benefits
Start or change direct deposit