50+ Lifestyles

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY: Davenport, Iowa Office

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

THIS FALL, EASE INTO RETIREMENT, ONLINE

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 is 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 are 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 will 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:

• 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:
• Change your address;
• Start or change your direct deposit;
• Get a replacement Medicare card; and
• 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.  In addition, when you are done, you will have more time to rake up those pine needles and leaves!  Go to ww.socialsecurity.gov/retire/apply.html to start that new season in your life today.

HISPANIC HERITAGE IS AT THE HEART OF SOCIAL SECURITY’S MISSION

From September 15 to October 15, people across the country will join in celebrating the many contributions of Hispanic Americans during National Hispanic Heritage Month.  Social Security is no stranger to celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. Social Security’s website is a trailblazer when it comes to providing information and services in Spanish.  Our site offers the same great service in Spanish on your tablet or laptop when you are on the go.  Try it out at www.segurosocial.gov.  There, you can learn all about our programs and online services and view more than 100 Spanish-language public information pamphlets, leaflets, and fact sheets.

We offer several of our most popular online services in Spanish, as well.  One of the most personalized features of the site is the Spanish-language Retirement Estimator at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador. The Retirement Estimator allows visitors to receive an instant estimate of future retirement benefits.  Try out different scenarios, like changing your future wage estimates or retirements dates, and see how your future benefits could change.  The Retirement Estimator is an indispensable, personalized tool for planning your financial future, and you will not find it anywhere else.

When you are ready to retire, you can apply online for retirement benefits — all in Spanish — and in as little as 15 minutes!  Once you complete the online application for benefits, in most cases, that is all there is to it.  There are no papers to sign or documents to provide.  Try it when you are ready to retire at www.socialsecurity.gov/espanol/soliciteporinternet.

If you need to visit an office and speak with someone in Spanish, we have free interpreter services available if there is not a Spanish-speaking representative working in
the office. To learn about our interpreter services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/espanol/interpreter.htm.

In addition, our national toll-free number (1-800-772-1213) provides automated prompts in Spanish.  Toward the beginning of the call, you will be asked to continue in English or Spanish to get service in your language of choice.

So, whether you are on a computer or tablet, calling us on our national 800 number, or visiting one of our offices, Social Security remains committed to providing quality service to you and all of our customers.

This National Hispanic Heritage Month, visit www.segurosocial.gov to learn about Social Security’s resources for Spanish speakers.