1. This presentation produced at U.S. taxpayer expense.
Social Security
This presentation produced at U.S. taxpayer expense.

2. A Foundation for Planning Your Future
OTHER INCOME
SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS
PENSION
SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security provides a foundation on which to build retirement security.

3. Who Gets Benefits from Social Security?
60 million people
This graph is an overview of the number of beneficiaries we pay. Currently, more than one in every six people in America is receiving a Social Security benefit. The majority of our beneficiaries are retired.
But Social Security is more than retirement...it is a family protection plan (almost 1/3 of the beneficiaries are disabled, dependents of disabled, or survivors).

4. Who Pays for Social Security?
Today’s Workers
&
Employers
Today’s
Beneficiaries
The basic concept of Social Security is an intergenerational transfer system: the workers of today pay the benefits of current retirees and other beneficiaries.
Currently, an estimated 156 million workers are paying Social Security taxes.

5. The Number of Workers per Beneficiary is Decreasing
5 – 1960
3 – 2016
2 – 2035
Because of the changing demographics, over the years we have seen the ratio of workers to beneficiaries change: in to 1; today about 3 to 1. When the baby boom generation is in full retirement, the ratio may be about 2 workers for each beneficiary.

6. How Do You Qualify for Retirement Benefits?
You need to work to earn
Social Security “credits”
Each $1,260 in earnings
gives you one credit
You can earn a maximum of 4 credits per year
Example: To earn 4 credits in 2016, you must earn at least $5,040. Earning 40 credits (10 years of work) throughout your working life will qualify you for a retirement benefit.

7. Thinking of Retiring? Deciding what is the ‘right’ age to retire
Check online Social Security Statement
How working after retirement can affect benefits
Medicare considerations
Online retirement estimator
How to apply online for benefits

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Deemed Filing FAQ www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html
What is the change in the law for people who qualify for
both Social Security retirement and spouses benefits?
If you are eligible for benefits both as a retiree and as
a spouse (or divorced spouse), you must file for both
benefits.
This “deemed filing” used to apply only before the full
retirement age, which is currently 66. Now, deemed filing
will apply at any age, if you reach age 62 after
January 1, 2016.
( 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

12. Voluntary Suspension FAQ
What is the change in the law for voluntarily suspending
Social Security retirement benefits?
If you take your retirement benefit and then ask (on or
after April 30, 2016) to suspend it to earn delayed
credits, your spouse or dependents (excluding divorced
spouses) generally won’t be able to receive benefits on
your Social Security record during the suspension. You
also won’t be able to receive benefits on anyone else’s
record during that time.
( 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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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. 15

16. 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.

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

18. Who Can Open a my Social Security Account?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a:
Valid address;
Social Security number; and
U.S. mailing address.
Almost anyone can open a my Social Security 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).
There are many options available to set up an address and it can be done in as little as five minutes. Each provider has its own criteria for setting up an account and you must accept the provider’s terms of use agreement. Some examples of free providers include:
AOL: aolmail.com
Gmail: gmail.com
iCloud Mail (Apple): icloud.com
Outlook: outlook.com
Yahoo: yahoo.com
*This is not a complete list of providers. Social Security is not endorsing any of these particular account provider(s), as you may use other account providers as appropriate.
Even if you do not use on the computer, if you have a smart phone it is likely that you already have an account. Contact your cell phone service provider to find out.
You can only open a my Social Security account for yourself. You cannot open a my Social Security account for another person, even if you have his or her written consent. This also applies to an appointed representative or someone who is in business with the number holder. You may be unable to open a my Social Security account if you: •     Blocked electronic access to your personal Social Security information; •     Recently moved or changed your name; or •     Placed a freeze on your credit report.

19. my Social Security Services
If you don’t get benefits, you can—
Request a replacement Social Security card (available in some states and the District of Columbia);
Review estimates of your future retirement and disability benefits;
Review estimates of the benefits your family may get when you receive Social Security or die;
Verify your lifetime earnings according to Social Security’s records;
Review the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid;
Learn about qualifying and signing up for Medicare; and
View, save, and print your Social Security Statement.
Your online my Social Security account provides a wealth of information to help you and your family. (Walk through the bullets in the slide.)
(Note to presenter: 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:
Change address and telephone number)

20. my Social Security Services
 If you do get benefits you can—
Request a replacement Social Security card (in some states and the District of Columbia);
Check your benefit and payment information and verify your earnings record;
Change your address and phone number;
Start or change your direct deposit;
Request a replacement Medicare card; and
Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S.

21. Online Benefit Verification Letter
With my Social Security you can get your benefit verification letter online and use it as official proof of:
Your income when you apply for a loan or mortgage, assisted housing, or other state or local benefits;
Your current Medicare health insurance coverage;
Your retirement or disability status; and
Your age.
(Note to presenter: Read from slide.)

22. How to open a my Social Security account
Getting Started
How to open a my Social Security account 1
Visit socialsecurity.gov/myaccount 2
Select: Create an Account
After you have a valid address, you are ready to open your own my Social Security account.
To start, go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and select “Create an Account”.
This will bring you to our Terms of Service page. After reading this information, select the box that displays, “I agree to the Terms of Service” and select “Next” to continue.

23. How to open a my Social Security account
Getting Started
How to open a my Social Security account
Provide some personal information to verify your identity. 3
To secure your identity, we ask a few personal questions to which only you will likely know the answer.
Choose a username and password to create your account. 4

24. my Social Security You May Choose to Add 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.
You will also notice the option of adding an extra level of security to your account. By selecting “Yes, let’s start now” you are prompted to select an additional question to answer. With this feature, you will receive a temporary code via text message each time you attempt to log in. And you will use this code with your account password. Keep in mind that your cell phone provider’s message rates may 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 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 or 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.

25. How to Get Your Online Benefit Verification Letter
To get your benefit verification letter:
Sign into your account; and
Select “Get a Benefit Verification Letter.”
(Note to presenter: Read from slide.)
Your letter will be displayed and you may print it or save it for later use.

26. Remember the Fastest Way to Verify Social Security and SSI Benefits—
my Social Security provides an online benefit verification letter immediately.
my Social Security is the fastest, easiest and most secure way to access your personal Social Security information and we will add new information and services to this portal in the coming months and years.
socialsecurity.gov/myaccount

27. Windfall Elimination Provision
If any part of your pension is based on work not covered by Social Security, you may be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision. 27

28. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – 2016
Normal Computation WEP Computation
90% of the First $ % of the First $856
32% of the Next $4, % of the Next $4,301
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.

29. Exception to the Windfall Elimination Provision
Years of Social Security Coverage
% of First Factor 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 your Social Security benefit.

30. 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.

31. 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
Our Online GPO calculator allows you to estimate your Social Security benefit
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

32. You Can Work & Still Receive Benefits
If You Are
You Can Make Up To
If You Make More, Some Benefits Will Be Withheld
Under Full Retirement Age
$15,720/yr. ($1,310/mo.)
$1 for every $2
The Year Full Retirement Age is Reached
$41,880/yr. ($3,490/mo.)
$1 for every $3
Month of Full Retirement Age and Above
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.

33. 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.

34. Applying for Retirement Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement Benefits by visiting and clicking “Apply for Retirement”

35. Applying for Retirement Benefits

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. Other Survivors Benefits
Parents
Age 62 and was receiving at least one-half support from deceased worker
Lump Sum Death Payment ($255)
Most spouses and some children
Although parents’ benefits are included, the number of parent beneficiaries is negligible.
Misleading advertising is sometimes used by some insurance companies that imply that the only benefit payable is the LSDP, without regard to the monthly widow or widower’s benefits.

40. 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.

41. 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
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

42. 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
Spouse
At age 62
At any age if caring for child under 16 or disabled
Divorced spouses may qualify
(Note to speaker: The children’s category is offered here as in the Retirement and Survivors Benefits Sections.)

43. Applying Online for Disability Benefits
Social Security offers an online application for adults to apply for disability benefits.
It’s the most convenient way to apply.

44. Advantages of Applying Online for Disability
You can:
Apply for yourself or for someone else;
Provide all the information at once or over several sessions, in the setting of your choice;
Use the “more info” links if you need help answering a question;
Print or save a copy of what you submit;
Send the information electronically; and
Check the status of your application online after you submit it.

45. Who Can Apply Online for Disability
You can apply online for disability benefits if you:
Are age 18 or older;
Have a medical condition or combination of impairments that has prevented you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or end in death; and
Reside in the United States or one of its territories or commonwealths.

46. Applying for Disability Benefits
You can apply online for Disability Benefits by visiting and clicking “Apply for Disability”

47. Three Steps to Applying Online for Disability
Complete the online disability benefits application
Complete the online adult disability report
Electronically sign and submit the Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA form (SSA-827) 47

48. Your Benefits Can Be Taxable
About 40 percent 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.
To get a replacement SSA-1099, go to my Social Security at

49. 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.

50. Medicare Has Four Parts
Part A - Hospital Insurance
Covers most inpatient hospital expenses
2016 deductible $1,288
Part B - Medical Insurance
Covers 80% doctor bills & other outpatient medical expenses after 1st $166 in approved charges
2016 standard monthly premium $121.80
There is no monthly premium for Part A if you are insured for retirement benefits.
After you retire, your health insurance may require for Medicare to pay first. Many supplemental plans require you to sign up for Medicare Part B. The Medicare premium most beneficiaries pay represents 1/4 of the actual cost. The Federal government covers the balance of the cost.

51. Medicare Has Four Parts
Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans
Health plan options offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
When you join a Medicare advantage plan, you can get the benefits and services covered under Part A, Part B, and in most plans, Part D
Part D – Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Covers a major portion of your prescription drug costs
Your out-of-pocket costs—monthly premiums, annual deductible and prescription co-payments—will vary by plan
You enroll with a Medicare-approved prescription drug provider not Social Security
Each Medicare Advantage plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs, but they must follow rules established by Medicare.
Medicare-approved prescription drug plans cover a major portion of your prescription drug costs.
NOTE FOR HIGHER-INCOME BENEFICIARIES ONLY: If you have higher income, the law requires an adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. Higher-income beneficiaries pay higher premiums for Part B and prescription drug coverage. This affects less than 5 percent of people with Medicare, so most people do not pay a higher premium.

52. When Can I Sign Up for Medicare Part B?
Medicare Enrollment Periods:
Initial – at age 65
Special – if still working
General – January-March 52

53. 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; and
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.

54. For More Medicare Information
( )
TTY

55. Social Security’s Online Services
Apply for Retirement & Disability
Apply for Medicare
Apply for Extra Help With Medicare Drug Plan Costs
Review your Social Security Statement
Retirement Estimator
Retirement/Survivors/Disability Planner
( 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

56. Social Security’s Online Services
Request a replacement Social Security card
(available in some states and the District of Columbia)
Get a Benefit Verification Letter
Change address and phone number
Start or change direct deposit
Medicare card replacement
Get a replacement SSA-1099/SSA-1042S
( 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

57. Social Security Engages on Social Media
Discover us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and our blog, Social Security Matters
View popular agency webinar videos at
Sign-up to get s and SMS/Texting when we update popular web pages
At Social Security, we are all about social media, and we offer quick and easy access to all our social media channels right from socialsecurity.gov, with our social media hub.
You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
The Hub also provides you quick access to our online webinars and the ability to sign up for or text messages to learn when we update popular web pages on our site.

58. The Social Security Center for Section 504 Compliance
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires all Federal agencies to provide accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, ensuring meaningful access to our programs and services.
Determines requests for accommodations, beyond the Standard accommodations, and assists local offices in providing approved accommodations.
Ensures agency compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires the Social Security Administration to provide accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to our programs and services.

59. Anti-Fraud We take fraud seriously!
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, report it to SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) by:
Submitting a report online at oig.ssa.gov. and using the e-8551 (Fraud Reporting Form);
Calling the OIG Hotline at from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST) (TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing);
Faxing your statement to ; or
Mailing your statement to Social Security Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17785, Baltimore, MD