In April, the Social Security Administration celebrated National Social Security Month, and highlighted the agency’s mission and purpose.

The agency is constantly expanding its online services to give you freedom and control in how you wish to explore it.

For example, you can go online to:

1. Find out if you qualify for benefits;
2. Use benefit planners to help you better understand your Social Security protection;
3. Estimate your future retirement benefits to help you plan for your financial future;
4. Retire online, or apply for Medicare quickly and easily; and
5. Open your personal my Social Security to help you stay in control of your Social Security record.

If you currently receive benefits, you can:

1. Change your address and phone number;
2. Get a benefit verification letter to prove you receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare;
3. Start deposits or change your direct deposit information at any time;
4. Get a replacement Medicare card; and
5. Get a replacement Benefit Statement (SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S) for tax purposes

For more information, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Ask students if they have a Social Security account. If not, encourage them to establish their account, regardless of their age.
• Make students understand that Social Security is not just for people over 65. The program provides benefits to retirees, survivors, and disabled persons.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to open a mySocial Security account, even if you are in your teens?
2. What are the pros and cons of collecting Social Security at age 62? Under what circumstances would you choose to collect benefits before full retirement age?