Welcome, from the Social Security Administration

By Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist, Toledo, OH

This is the third edition of “Social Security- Your Lifelong Partner.” I would like to thank Mature Living for the time, effort, resources, expertise, and expense they have given
to promote and provide this public service supplement to Northwest Ohio.

In this section, you will receive valuable information on a multitude of topics, as Social Security truly touches everyone’s life from birth to death. You will read about benefits for people of all ages, information on fraud, Retirement, Disability, Medicare, and how to access your own record through your “my Social Security” account.

As different situations arise in your life, this can become a handy reference to provide accurate information. It is our hope “Social Security- Your Lifelong Partner” will be beneficial to you and your family. Please keep this Social Security supplement and refer to it as issues and concerns arise.

***Produced at US Taxpayer Expense

Ask the Expert

SOCIAL SECURITY & RETIREMENT

QUESTION: My father receives social security retirement benefits and i will be in charge of his estate when he dies. Should that occur, do i need to report his death to social security or will benefits automatically stop?

ANSWER: When your father dies, please notify Social Security as soon as possible at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Another person, such as a spouse, may be eligible for survivors benefits based on his record. Also, we might be able to pay a one-time payment of $255 to help with funeral expenses. We suggest reading a copy of our online publication, How Social Security Can Help You When A Family Member Dies, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10008.html.

QUESTION: I’m trying to decide when to retire. Can Social Security help?

ANSWER: The best place to start is with a visit to the online Social Security Statement. The Statement provides you with estimates of benefits for you and your family as well as your earnings record and information you should consider about retirement and retirement
planning. It is easy to access your statement online by creating a my Social Security account. To create an account, please visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount. The “right” time
to retire is different for everyone and depends on your individual situation. To help you make your own decision, we offer an online fact sheet, When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, that highlights some of the factors to consider. Find this publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10147.html.

QUESTION: I’ve decided I want to retire. Now what do I do?

ANSWER: The fastest and easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is to go to www.ssa.gov/retireonline. Use our online application to apply for Social Security retirement or spouses benefits. To do so, you must:

• Be at least 61 years and 9 months old.
• Want to start your benefits in the next four months.
• Live in the United States or one of its commonwealths or territories.

QUESTION: I plan to retire soon. When are Social Security benefits paid?

ANSWER: Social Security benefits are paid each month. Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born. If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by your spouse’s birth date.
Here’s a chart showing how your monthly payment date is determined:

For a calendar showing actual payment dates, see the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments at www.ssa.gov/pubs.

How to Contact Social Security

Visit the website at www.ssa.gov

Doing business with Social Security online is fast, convenient, and secure. You can get a quick and accurate estimate of your future retirement benefits, use the online planners to prepare for retirement, obtain your Social Security Statement and even apply for Social Security retirement, disability and Medicare online. It is also a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs, including a person’s own account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount

Call the toll-free number

In addition to using the website, you can call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. All calls are treated confidentially. Specific questions can be answered from 8 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. Information is provided by automated phone service 24 hours a day.

Local Locations

Toledo Downtown | 4 Seagate Ste 1000 | Toledo, OH 43604 | 866-331-2196

Toledo West | 4906 Monroe St., Ste A | Toledo, OH 43623 | 877-274-5429

Monroe MI |1300 S Telegraph RD | Monroe, MI 48161 | 877-274-5416