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Social Security hasmade a differencein the lives ofAmericans — andthat is somethingto celebrate.

FOR YOUR

BENEFITYOUR GUIDE TO SOCIAL SECURITY

PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS

A custom advertising publication of The Indianapolis Star • Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013

insideRetire onyour ownterms

SocialSecuritymyths

SHIPnavigatesMedicare

Post-disasterassistance2 3 4 5

By CarolynW. ColvinActing Commissioner of Social Security

There are special moments—birthdays, reunions, holidays,anniversaries—when people lookback and evaluate a life or an era.Time is, after all, the simple stringing

together of events— some small, otherssignificant. These events can speed byquickly, but each one can have an effect

on the greater whole.A lifetime of seeminglymundane events can passin what seems like theblink of an eye…untilone looks back to examinethem and realizes just howmuch has filled the space.When I think about

Social Security, I amamazed by the significant difference it hasmade, one event at a time, one person at atime. Over Social Security’s long history,every singlemonthly payment hasmade adifference to anAmerican somewhere. Butwhen you string those payments together,it’s remarkable what a huge and positiveeffect Social Security has had on the peopleand economy of our nation.Social Security has been a cornerstone,

Reflecting on 78 years of Social Securitytouching the lives of almost every Americanat one time or another for 78 years. It’s themost successful domestic program in ournation and, arguably, the world.When President Franklin D. Roosevelt

signed the Social Security Act into law onAug. 14, 1935, he said, “The civilization ofthe past hundred years, with its startlingindustrial changes, has tendedmore andmore tomake life insecure. Young peoplehave come towonder what would be theirlot when they came to old age. Themanwitha job has wondered how long thejobwould last.”The same can be said of the

current information age, withour digital revolution and periodsof economic instability. SocialSecurity is a safety net cast to helpthose who need it.Roosevelt knew the cornerstone

of his administrationwould offer security,yet he also understood that Social Securitywould need to evolve as changes challengedthe nation.“This law, too, represents a cornerstone in

a structure which is being built but is by nomeans complete,” he admitted. “It is, in short,a law that will take care of human needs andat the same time provide the United Statesan economic structure of vastly greatersoundness.”

Today, Social Security is muchmorethan a retirement program.We providebenefits to disabled individuals and theirfamilies.We provide survivors benefits towidows, widowers and theminor children ofdeceasedworkers.We provide SupplementalSecurity Income to aged and disabled peoplewho have low income and few resources.We provide incentives to help people work.We even provide Extra Help withMedicareprescription drug costs. In somanyways,Social Security benefits America.

Milestones come andmilestones go. But lookingback over the past 78 years ofthe nation’s most importantprogram, thosemillions ofindividual moments— themonthly benefit payments—havemade a tremendousdifference. In good times and

bad, in sickness and health, Social Securityhas helped Americans. Each payment hashelped someone, somewhere. But placed sideby side, Social Security hasmade a differencein the lives of Americans— and that issomething to celebrate.Learnmore about Social Security’s rich

history at www.socialsecurity.gov/history.Become a part of Social Security’s historyby doing business with us online atwww.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.★

Colvin

A note from the regional commissionerBy Marcia R. Mosley

Regional Commissioner Social Security Administration

I am pleased to present youwith a Social Securitysupplement to this issue of The Indianapolis Star.The Social Security program touches all people of all ages,

income levels, races and nationalities. It is an invaluable resourcethat is by far themost successful domesticprogram in the history of the U.S.As you read the pages of this publication, you’ll

see how Social Security—which started in 1935as a retirement program—plays an integral partinmeeting the needs of people of all ages. Eachyear, we send benefits totaling about $775 billionto some 60million beneficiaries.Social Security’s mission is to deliver Social

Security services thatmeet the changing needsof the public we serve. Our award-winningwebsite—www.socialsecurity.gov— continues to be an increasingly popularoption.We also deliver services through a network ofmore than1,400 offices nationally, which includes regional offices, fieldoffices, Social Security card centers, teleservice centers, processingcenters, states’ disability determination services, hearing offices andthe Appeals Council.In the Chicago region, our 222 field offices are located in six

states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio andWisconsin.The offices are the primary points for face-to-face contact with thepublic. Readers in the nine counties listed below are served by sevenfield offices in central Indiana, spanning as far north as Andersonand south to Bloomington.

As you look over the information provided by our employeesin this supplement, you’ll easily see the difference Social Securityhasmade in our neighborhoods and counties. Social Securityhas enjoyed a rich history in Indiana, andmany of our employeesgrew up in the counties we serve.We are your neighbors, friendsand familymembers, andwe are committed to providing greatcustomer service to you and your loved ones.Remember, as you approach themilestones of your life, we are

here to assist you. Take amoment to visit our award-winningwebsite—www.socialsecurity.gov— to see how Social Securitycan help you.★

Mosley

★

County Beneficiaries Monthly benefitsBoone 9,270 $11.9 millionHamilton 35,025 $47.3 millionHancock 13,730 $17.4 millionHendricks 22,360 $29.0 millionJohnson 25,305 $32.1 millionMadison 31,235 $37.9 millionMarion 147,160 $174.1 millionMorgan 14,525 $17.9 millionShelby 9,030 $10.8 millionTotal 307,640 $378.4 millionSource: Social Security Administration, Master Beneficiary Record, 2012.

Social Security in central Indianaefi

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This publication is an advertising product of Custom Publications, a division of Star Media.

By Phyllis M. SmithDeputy Regional Commissioner

While the baby boom era is behind us, the effects will live on.The number of people reaching the autumn season of life is higher than ever. In

fact, theWorld HealthOrganization reports that around 600million people aged60 and older are alive in the world today. That number is expected to double by2025— a short 12 years from now—and is expected to reach about 2 billion by2050.In the U.S., 10,000 people reach retirement age every single day.

The elders of acommunity often areknown as wise sages whomyounger people can go tofor advice. Older peoplehave the life experienceand reflection that youngerpeople lack. But given thefast-paced changes theworld now experiences,with new technologybecoming outdated in amatter of years or evenmonths, younger peoplemay have helpful insightsto share with elders.For example, if you know

someonewho is nearingretirement age, tell them about www.socialsecurity.gov. Theymay not be awareof the helpful and easy-to-use tools available. It’s no exaggeration to say that evensomeonewho doesn’t use the Internet regularly can plan their retirement and evencomplete a retirement application online in amatter ofminutes—much less timethan it takes to drive to a local Social Security office.The best starting place for anyone thinking about retirement is Social Security’s

Retirement Estimator. Use it to get an instant, personalized estimate of futureretirement benefits in amatter ofminutes. Spend a fewmoreminutes pluggingin different information— such as different projected future wages and differentretirement dates— to helpmake a wise decision on the best retirement date. TheRetirement Estimator is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.Then there’s the online retirement benefit application. In as little as 15minutes,

a person can apply for Social Security benefits and submit their application online.Inmost cases, once an individual submits the application, there is nothingmore todo but wait for the first payment. It’s really that simple. And if someone decides todouble-check information before submitting the application, that’s fine, too. Theapplication can be paused and later restarted any time during the process. It’s allavailable at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.It makes sense to go to our elders for advice and guidance. But in this technology-

drivenworld, wemay be able to offer advice to the sages as well. A good bet is to tellthe older adults in your life about www.socialsecurity.gov. ★

Share a Social Security tipwith your wise elders

By Charo BoydSSA Public Affairs

While hard to believe, it’s beenfive years since Social Security’sRetirement Estimator debuted.Withinmonths of becoming

available, the online estimator waspraised as one of the best services on

the Internet. Thetool has retainedits excellent ratingconsistently everyyear since.Results from the

American CustomerSatisfaction Indexshow Social Security’sonline Retirement

Estimator is one of the highest-ratedservices on the web— even higherthan the sites ofmany other public- andprivate-sector agencies and companies,including Netflix andAmazon.Every yearmillions of people use

the Retirement Estimator. You can tooat www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.Prefer to conduct your business inSpanish? Go towww.segurosocial.gov/calculador.The Retirement Estimator is a

convenient, secure and fast financialplanning tool that lets workers

calculate howmuch theymay expectto receive in Social Security benefitswhen they retire. Themost attractivefeature of the calculator is that it usesyour earnings information on file atSocial Security without displayingyour personal information. You get aninstant personalized estimate of yourfuture retirement benefits. And it’s soeasy to use.The estimator even gives you the

opportunity to run different scenariosand “what if” situations. For example,you can change the date you expectto retire or change expected futureearnings to create and comparedifferent retirement options. This canhelp you as you plan ahead.To use the Retirement Estimator,

youmust have enough Social Securitycredits to qualify for benefits andcannot be receiving benefits.Join the celebration! Experience the

popular online service now by visitingSocial Security’s Retirement Estimatorat www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.Once you’ve sketched out yourretirement plans, you’ll knowwhere togowhen the time comes to apply forbenefits: www.socialsecurity.gov.Happy fifth anniversary, Retirement

Estimator!★

By Vanessa McClendonSSA District Manager

Most Americans are aware thatthey need to save for retirement.Yet the topic is easy to brush asideto a later date because, although thesubject is important, it may not seemurgent. But the longer you put off basicretirement planning, the harder it is tocatch up later.

Now is the perfect time to give it somethought as we share a few importantitems about Social Security retirementbenefits.When you decide to retire, the easiest

andmost convenient way to do it isfrom the comfort of your home or officecomputer. Go towww.socialsecurity.gov, where you can apply for retirementbenefits in as little as 15minutes. Inmost cases, there are no forms to signor documents to send. Once you submityour electronic application, that’s it!In addition to using our award-

winningwebsite, you can call ustoll-free at (800) 772-1213— the TTYnumber is (800) 325-0778—or visitthe Social Security office nearest you.Either way you choose to apply, be sureto have your bank account informationhandy sowe can set up your paymentsto be deposited directly into youraccount.Your age when you start to receive

Social Securitymakes a differencein your benefit amount. The fullretirement age— that is, the age atwhich 100 percent of retirementbenefits are payable— is graduallyrising from age 65 to 67. You can retireas early as age 62, but if benefits beginbefore you reach your full retirementage, yourmonthly payment is reduced.Find out your full retirement age bytyping in your birth year at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm.You also can choose to keepworking

beyond your full retirement age to takeadvantage of a larger payment. Yourbenefit will increase automatically eachyear from the time you reach your fullretirement age until you begin receivingyour benefits or at age 70.The decision of when to retire is

personal and depends on a number offactors. For help, we suggest you readour online fact sheet,When To StartReceiving Retirement Benefits, availableat www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.Youmaywant to consider your

options by using our RetirementEstimator to get instant, personalizedestimates of future benefits. You canplug in different retirement ages andscenarios, which can help youmakeamore informed retirement decision.Try it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.You’ll also want to take advantage

of our latest and extremely popularservice by setting up an online “mySocial Security” account. You can useyour account to obtain a copy of yourSocial Security Statement, check yourearnings record and see estimates ofthe retirement, disability and survivorbenefits you and your familymayreceive. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.Another great website for financial

planning—whether for retirementor other financial goals— is www.mymoney.gov. Thewebsite featuresinformation about planning for ahost of life events, such as the birth oradoption of a child, home ownershipand retirement. The site also providesmoney-management tools, including afinancial savings calculator.To learnmore about Social Security

retirement benefits and options,read Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.You can retire on your own terms,

andwe’re here to help.★

By Charo BoydSSA Public Affairs

Often, people decide theyneed to apply for a new SocialSecurity card because they can’tfind their old one.But as long as you have all of

the required information anddocumentation, it’s not difficult toobtain a replacement. And here’s betternews: You probably don’t even needthe card.When you think about it, your

Social Security number is your SocialSecurity card. That is, knowing yournumber is usually all you ever need.When you know your number byheart, you’ll never leave homewithoutit.In the event you really want or need

to get a replacement card, either foryourself or for a child, you can findall the details at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. The “How toGet orReplace a Social Security Card” pageprovides information on obtaininga replacement card and the specificdocuments you need to provide. Each

situation is unique, but inmost casesyou simply need to print, complete andeithermail or take the application tothe nearest Social Security office withthe appropriate documentation, usingoriginals or certified copies only.In almost all cases, an application for

your newborn’s Social Security cardand number is taken in the hospitalat the same time you apply for yourbaby’s birth certificate.There are a number of reasons a baby

or childmay need a Social Securitynumber. Themain one is so that youcan claim your child as a dependenton your tax return. Your child also willneed a Social Security number to applyfor certain government and socialservice benefits.Whether you need a Social Security

card for yourself or your child, it’s easyto apply for one. But remember: If youalready have one and can’t find it, inmost cases all you need is to knowyour number. Memorize your SocialSecurity number, and you’ll never leavehomewithout it.Learnmore about your Social

Security card and number atwww.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.★

Celebrate the RetirementEstimator’s 5th anniversary

Boyd

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By Marisela Orozco-JaramilloSSA Area Director

If you’ve read anything about Social Security in recent years, youprobably know that ourmost convenient office location is whereveryou happen to be— thanks to www.socialsecurity.gov.Whether you’re on your computer at home or in the office, or using yourmobile

device at the park or the beach, Social Security’s online office is a click away.We recognize, however, that some people prefer to do business face-to-face. If

that’s you, we’d like to let you know about an online feature that can easily help youfind your nearest Social Security office.From your computer ormobile device, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/locator. That

linkwill take you to our Social Security Office Locator. Once there, key in yourZIP code to find the address, phone number and hours of the Social Security officeclosest to you.The locator page also gives you the option to see amap and get directions. If you

are on the run and have yourmobile device, this feature has the capability to “MapIt,” providing turn-by-turn directions andmaking it easy to get to the office fromwherever you are at the time. (Of course, it’s still up to you to find a place to park, ifneeded).You don’t have to worry about parking or traffic or lines if you transact your

business on our website. If you can use our onlineOffice Locator, you’ll probably beable to take advantage of our other online features.For example, you can get a personalized, instant estimate of your future Social

Security benefits by using our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Or you can do some retirement planningwith our Benefits Planners atwww.socialsecurity.gov/planners.You even can apply for benefits from your home computer at www.socialsecurity.

gov/applyonline.We encourage you to set up a “my Social Security” account at www.

socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. You thenwill have quick, easy access to a numberof personalized, secure services. Get yourSocial Security Statement online or, if youalready receive benefits, get an instant benefitverification letter right through the computer.When you just want some information, you

can get that online as well. Browse our libraryof publications, which you can read or listento, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Get the

Social Security forms you need at www.socialsecurity.gov/online. Or get an answerto your question by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/faq.You can find these andmany other Social Security services at

www.socialsecurity.gov. ★

By Cathy KienitzSSA Deputy Area Director

Like any other successful and longstanding program ororganization, Social Security is surrounded by a number ofmyths.Some of them are grounded in truth but are slightlymisconstrued.Others are completely out of line with the truth. Let’s take a lookat a few.

Myth 1: Social Security is just a retirement program.Truth: Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides benefits

to retirees, survivors and people with disabilities who no longer canwork. Infact, almost 7million disabled workers and nearly 2million of their dependentsget Social Security disability benefits. Some 6.5million dependents of deceasedworkers (including 2million children) get Social Security survivors benefits.Social Security is more than just retirement.

Myth 2: I don’t need to save because Social Securitywill take care of me when I retire.Truth: Social Security never was intended to be a person’s sole income in

retirement. It should be combinedwith pension income and personal savings andinvestments. Your Social Security Statement, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement, is a great place to get an idea of what to expect duringretirement. You also can use the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Myth 3: If I work after I retire, I’ll be penalized.Truth:Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no penalty and no

limit on the amount you can earn. You can determine your full retirement age atwww.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. The earnings limit for workers who are youngerthan full retirement age (i.e., age 66 for people born in 1943 through 1954) is$15,120 in 2013. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $15,120.)The earnings limit for people turning 66 in 2013 is $40,080. (We deduct $1 frombenefits for each $3 earned over $40,080 until themonth the worker turns age66.)Keep inmind that if wewithhold some of your benefits due to work, wewill

recompute yourmonthly benefit amount when you reach full retirement age toaccount for thosemonths wewithheld your benefit. There is no limit on earningsfor workers who are full retirement age or older for the entire year.

Myth 4: To apply for benefits or do business withSocial Security, I need to go to an office.Truth:Not only is this false, but we encourage you to do business with us the

most convenient and fastest way: at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can go to ourwebsite to apply for benefits, use our Retirement Planner, get an estimate of yourbenefits, request a replacementMedicare card andmuchmore. You’ll find it all—alongwith answers to your questions— at www.socialsecurity.gov.★

MythsYou knowwhere to

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SPONSOR FEATURE

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By Jen BinghamFor Custom Publications

Sorting through informationabout theMedicare programcanbe confusing and frustrating.Fortunately, the StateHealth Insurance

Assistance Program, sponsored by theIndianaDepartment of Insurance andfunded by grants from theCenters forMedicare&Medicaid Services, wascreated to helpwith this very issue.SHIP is a national program that offers

free one-on-one health insurancecounseling and assistance. Through

federal grantsdirectedto states, SHIPsupports a networkof volunteerswhoprovide informationover the telephone

and in face-to-facemeetings. Plentyof information is available atwww.medicare.in.gov. You also can contactSHIP to request that a speaker come talkto your organization.The program isn’t affiliatedwith any

insurance company, and counselors can’ttell youwhat to do. They can help youclarify your options so you understandall aspects of your choices regardingMedicare coverage.Because open enrollment forMedicare

startedOct. 15 and runs throughDec. 7,it’s the busy season for SHIP volunteers— though they remain fully occupiedthroughout the year.SHIP volunteers also help peoplewho

qualify find programs that help pay forMedicare coverage and prescription drugcosts.

Unbiased adviceSHIP counselors are trained volunteers

whohelp people understandMedicarePart A and Part B and other governmentinsurance programs. They’re also trainedto answer questions aboutMedicaresupplement insurance,MedicareAdvantage and PartDprescription drugcoverage.“WehelpwithMedicare andMedicaid.

We talk them throughhow to get extrahelp, how to go to theVA,” saidHelen

SHIP can help you wisely navigate Medicare

SHIP volunteers, such as Helen Woodward (above), take their supporting roles very seriously.

Woodward, local counsel coordinatorfor SHIP at CommunityHospital East.“We also are there for themon anyquestions they have about filling outapplications. Anolder person can beso afraid they’re going to fill out theapplication incorrectly.”Many of the people she talks to are

frustrated as they sort through loads ofinformation.“They’re just so overwhelmedwith

information they get that they can’tprocess it. That’s where you have to bereally patientwith themand really listentowhat they’re asking you,”Woodwardsaid. “They don’t always understandthat SHIP doesn’t sell insurance, andthey don’t understand that I can’t tellthemwhich insurance to buy. I feel veryhumble that I’m in a position to helppeople; itmakes you really feel goodwhen you’re helping someone.”Woodward said she and other SHIP

volunteers take their supporting roleseriously.“It’s very important to us thatwe’re

here to help people (and) it’s veryrewardingwhen someone says, ‘You’vemade this somuch easier,’” she said.

Counselors go through a four-daytraining programandhave to pass a testbefore being assigned to a volunteer site.Theywork closelywith experiencedvolunteers for fourweeks before fieldingcalls on their own. Training is ongoingfrom there, facilitated by trainerswhohelp volunteers answer unexpectedquestions.“We’re all in a position to have

someone else help us if we are faced

with a problemwedon’t knowabout,”Woodward said. “If I don’t knowanything about a topic, I say, ‘I’m sorry,I don’t knowanything about that. ButI have people I can go to, and they cansteerme in the right direction.’Wehave aretiredMedicare personwho is excellent,andwehave trainerswe can go to.There’s always something available for usto get an answer for someone.”★

“I feel very humble that I’m in a positionto help people; it makes you really feelgood when you’re helping someone.”

SHIP sites in Marion CountyArea 8CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions(317) 803-6138Community Hospital of IndianapolisEast(317) 355-1530Community Hospital of IndianapolisNorth(317) 621-1576Community Hospital of IndianapolisSouthSHIP Office(317) 887-7447Heritage Place of Indianapolis, Inc.(317) 283-6662Robin Run Village(317) 293-5500St. Vincent Orthopedic Center(317) 338-2198Contact the Indiana Medicare office at(800) 452-4800 to learn more, or seekinformation and answers atwww.medicare.in.gov.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program:❯ Provides educational materials and brochures.❯Helps you understandMedicare and organize your records.❯ Educates you about filing Medicare claims and appealing Medicare decisions.❯ Teaches you to assess your needs so you can make informed decisions about healthinsurance.

❯ Informs you of your rights as a Medicare beneficiary and/or health insurancepolicyholder.

❯ Shows you how to evaluate various prescription, Medicare supplement and long-termcare insurance options.

❯ Provides information about and enrollment assistance in programs that can help pay forMedicare.

❯ Refers you to agencies that can help with other needs.❯ Provides speakers to make presentations to groups, clubs and senior centers.

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In the aftermath of disaster,Social Security can help

By Robert HilczSSA District Manager

Social Security can be animportant financial asset formarried couples when the timecomes to apply for retirementbenefits.Inmany cases, one spousemay haveearned significantlymore than the otheror worked for a longer span of years. Orit could be that one spouse stayed hometo do the work of raising children orcaring for elderly familymembers whilethe other focused on a career.

Regardless of your situation, SocialSecurity will look at all possibilitiestomake sure both spouses receive themaximumbenefit possible.Even if you haven’t paid Social

Security taxes, it’s likely you’ll be eligibleto receive benefits on your spouse’srecord. If you did work and pay intoSocial Security, wewill check eligibilitybased on your work record and yourspouse’s to see which amount is higher.You can apply for spousal benefits the

sameway you apply for benefits on yourown record. You can apply for reducedbenefits as early as age 62 or for 100percent of your full retirement benefitsat your “full retirement age.” You canfind your full retirement age, based onyour birth year, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm.

The benefit amount you can receiveas a spouse, if you have reached yourfull retirement age, can be asmuch asone-half of your spouse’s full benefit.If you opt for early retirement, yourbenefit may be as little as a third of yourspouse’s full benefit amount.If your spouse already has reached full

retirement age but continues towork, heor she can apply for retirement benefitsand request to have the paymentssuspended until as late as age 70. Thiswould allow the worker to earn delayedretirement credits, whichwouldmeanhigher payments later, but would allowyou to receive your spouse’s benefit.You also can apply for spouse benefits

based on the earnings record of anex-spouse or deceased spouse if youweremarried at least 10 years. Spousescan consider a number of options andvariables.Wemake it easier to navigatethem. A good place to start is byvisiting our benefits planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. Take noteof the “Benefits As A Spouse” section.If you are ready to apply for benefits,

the fastest, easiest andmost convenientway is to apply online. You can do so atwww.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.Whether you receive benefits on

a spouse’s record or your own, restassuredwewill make sure you get thehighest benefit we can pay you. Learnmore at www.socialsecurity.gov. ★

Spouses have a significant benefit

By Casey HurstSSA District Manager

For someAmericans, life has beenmore difficult in recent yearsbecause of natural disasters.Fatal tornadoes inOklahoma.Massivewildfires and strong earthquakes in

Colorado andCalifornia. Landslides inWashington. Flooding in Texas, NorthCarolina and Florida. Hail storms in Tennessee. Hurricane Sandy along the Easternseaboard. Andnow,we brace ourselves for another hurricane season.In addition to natural catastrophes, there areman-made tragedies, such as the

theater shooting inAurora, Colo., which killed 12 and injured 58; the SandyHookElementary Schoolmassacre inNewtown, Conn., which took the lives of 26 childrenand staffmembers; and the BostonMarathon explosions, killing three and injuringmore than 260.When disasters strike, youmaynot knowwhere to turn, despite the immediate

response by somanywell-intentioned people and organizations. Butwhen it comesto the need for disability and survivors benefits, Social Security is always here to servethosewho require our services.Dependent survivors ofwage earners—such as spouses,minor children and in

some cases parents or grandchildren—maybe eligible for survivor benefitswhen thefamily’s provider dies. The sad fact is that about 1-in-8 of today’s 20-year-oldworkerswill die before reaching age 67. The goodnews is about 96 percent of people age 20 to49whowork have survivors insurance protection if they die and leave behind youngchildren and spouses.Social Security is here to help people afflictedwith disabling conditions aswell. In

fact, disabledworkers account for about 19 percent of all Social Security benefits paid.Of today’s 20-year-oldworkers, 1-in-4will becomedisabled before reaching age 67.Our emergency services reachmore than the limited number of peoplewhodie

or becomedisabled froma tragedy. For example, if you still receive a paper checkand yourmail delivery is interrupted due to severeweather, inmany cases any SocialSecurity office can issue an immediate replacement payment. To avoid this situation,switch to electronic payments as required by law. Even if yourmailbox—or home— is destroyed due to an emergency or you are evacuated or displaced, your paymentwill arrive on time every time if you receive it electronically.Sometimes, emergencies cause Social Security offices to close. If youwant to check

whether your local office is open, the best place to go is the Social Security’sOfficeClosingsAnd Emergency Information page atwww.socialsecurity.gov/emergency.This site is a great place to visit before you go to an office, especiallywhen severeweather affects your area.The emergency page also offers valuable FEMAadvice, which can help youprepare

for or copewith emergency situations.Whilewe all hope and pray to avoid disasters, unfortunately they are bound to

occur. The bestwe can do is be prepared to dealwith them if they happen. And knowthat Social Securitywill be here for youwhen youneed it.Be prepared. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency. ★

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