50+ Lifestyles

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

Davenport, Iowa Office

By Linda Clayton-Powell
Social Security District Manager
Davenport, Iowa

YOUR WINNING RETIREMENT GAME PLAN This month, a driver will take the checkered flag at the Daytona 500, skiers will stand atop the podium at the World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail, Colo., and a football team will win Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz. The sports are different, but the winners share a common trait—years of commitment to their plans.

To win the retirement game, you also need commitment and a plan. For years, you have worked hard and paid into Social Security. Whether you’re new to the workforce or getting ready to cross your own career finish line, you’ll want to open a my Social Security account to see how your hard work is paying off. You can create or access your account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. You can use it to verify your earnings history, get estimates of your future Social Security benefits, and more. It is the place to get the information you need to put together your own winning game plan.

A good NASCAR pit crew keeps its driver on the track, and our Retirement Estimator can do the same for your retirement plan. The Estimator offers an instant and tailored estimate of your future Social Security benefits based on your earnings record. You can plug in different anticipated yearly earnings to discover different retirement options and learn how your benefits could increase if you work longer. Give the Retirement Estimator a test drive today at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Once you have come of age to retire—or if you are just in the planning phase—our quick and convenient online services are in place at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speed through our online application. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you are done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required.

Fine-tune your game plan. Take advantage of our services and resources at www.socialsecurity.gov to optimize your retirement.

A DAY DEDICATED TO THE NEW YOU

Proudly displaying your new last name on a marriage certificate is only the first step in legally changing your name. Now that the wedding and honeymoon are over, you need to tell Social Security so you can get a corrected Social Security card.

February 18 is “Get Another Name Day.” It is the perfect day for you to get a replacement, corrected, or original Social Security card—but only if you really need one. Of course, you can do this any time, but you should do it as soon as possible after your name changes.

If you have changed your name, whether due to marriage, divorce, or for another reason, the way to change your name with Social Security is to apply for a corrected Social Security card. This ensures that your legal name matches our records, thus avoiding possible problems in the future, such as a delay in obtaining any federal tax refund owed or not getting full Social Security credit for all your earnings.

There are a number of other reasons you may want to get a Social Security card: starting a new job, verifying eligibility for government services, opening a bank account, obtaining medical coverage, filing taxes, and legally changing your name. In most cases, unless an employer or other entity specifically requests to see your card, all they really need is your number. Nevertheless, be cautious when sharing your Social Security number. People who commit fraud or want to steal your identity will often ask for your Social Security number. Always verify the identity of anyone who is asking, whether you are online, on the phone, or face-to-face.

If you just had a baby, he or she will need a Social Security number. The main reason is to show your child’s dependent status on your tax return. In most cases, you apply for your newborn’s Social Security card and number, as well as the baby’s birth certificate, in the hospital.

If you need a new, replacement, or corrected Social Security card, you can find all the details at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, including the “Learn What Documents You Need” page, which lists the specific documents we accept as proof of age, identity, and citizenship. Each situation is unique, but in most cases, you simply need to print, complete, and either mail or bring the application to Social Security with the appropriate documentation (originals or certified copies only).

After you receive your Social Security card, do not carry it with you. To reduce your risk of identity theft, keep your card in a safe place with your other important papers.

Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.