Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay
Courtesy: Social Security Administration
GIVE AN INVALUABLE GIFT THIS MOTHER’S DAY
Having a hard time finding that perfect gift for Mom this Mother’s Day? Like most Americans, her schedule is busy and she might not get to spend as much time as she would like to with loved ones. So, in addition to giving her flowers or a gift certificate, how about giving her a gift she’ll really appreciate — the chance to spend more time with the ones she loves!
Mom can never start planning for retirement too early. If she isn’t already retired, she can view her Social Security Statement, verify her earnings records and find out what benefits she can expect to receive at age 62, at her full retirement age or at age 70.
The next time you’re with your mom, help her to quickly and easily sign up for a free, online my Social Security account. You can do it from home, which means less time waiting in line and more time doing the things you want to do together.
Signing up for a my Social Security account will give Mom (and Dad) the tools she needs to stay on top of her future Social Security benefits. When she signs up at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, she can do a number of things. First and foremost, she can plan for her retirement.
In some states, she can even request a replacement Social Security card online using my Social Security. Currently available in the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, Washington and Wisconsin, it’s an easy, convenient and secure way to request a replacement card online. We plan to add more states, so we encourage you to check back regularly at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
The time saved by using our convenient and secure online services is priceless. Helping Mom sign up for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount is a great, personalized gift that shows you really care!
HONORING OUR SERVICE MEMBERS ON MEMORIAL DAY
Traditionally on Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Social Security respects the heroism and courage of our military service members and we remember those who have given their lives in defense of freedom.
The unexpected loss of a service member is a difficult experience for the family. Social Security helps by providing benefits to protect the dependents of service members. Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors.
It’s also important to recognize those service members who are still with us, especially those who have been wounded. Just as they served us, we have the obligation to serve them. Social Security has benefits to protect veterans when an injury prevents them from returning to active duty.
Wounded military service members can also receive expedited processing of their disability claims. For example, Social Security will provide expedited processing of disability claims filed by veterans who have a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent & Total (P&T). Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel, including dependent children and, in some cases, spouses, may be eligible to receive benefits. You can get answers to commonly asked questions and find useful information about the application process at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.
Service members can also receive Social Security in addition to military retirement benefits. The good news is that your military retirement benefit does not reduce your Social Security retirement benefit. Learn more about Social Security retirement benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/retirement. You may also want to visit the Military Service page of our Retirement Planner, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/veterans.htm.
Service members are also eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you have health insurance from the VA or under the TRICARE or CHAMPVA programs, your health benefits may change, or end, when you become eligible for Medicare. Learn more about Medicare benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare.
In acknowledgment of those who died for our country, those who served and those who serve today, we at Social Security honor and thank you.
Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay is Social Security’s public affairs specialist in Hawai‘i.
