Benefits Offered:
- Social Security: Provides retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.
- Medicare: Public health insurance program for those 65 and older or with disabilities.
Contacting the Right Agency:
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or online at www.socialsecurity.gov
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or online at www.medicare.gov
Common Inquiries:
- Reporting a death: Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Checking Medicare eligibility: www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare
- Signing up for Medicare: www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare
- Replacement Medicare card: www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
- Reporting address or phone number changes: www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
- Finding Medicare publications: www.ssa.gov/pubs/?topic=Medicare or www.medicare.gov/publications
- Understanding Medicare coverage: www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers
- Checking Medicare claims: www.mymedicare.gov
- Finding Medicare providers: www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/find-compare-doctors-hospitals-other-providers
- Enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan: www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/how-to-get-prescription-drug-coverage
- Finding Medigap plans: www.medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans
Applying for Social Security Retirement Benefits:
- Eligibility: At least 61 years and 9 months old, not currently receiving benefits, not already applied, want benefits to start within 4 months.
- Apply online: www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement
Getting Your Social Security Statement:
- Access and print a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S: www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount (available after February 1).
Managing Your Benefits with my Social Security:
- Create an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to:
- Request replacement Social Security card (in most areas).
- Get benefit verification letter.
- Check benefit and payment information.
- Change address and phone number.
- Change direct deposit information.
- Request replacement Medicare card.
- Report wages if working while receiving benefits.
Planning for Retirement:
- America Saves Week: February 24-29. Resources: www.americasavesweek.org
- Social Security retirement planning tools: www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire
- Information for young workers: www.socialsecurity.gov/people/earlycareer
Applying for Medicare:
- Do it earlier even if not retiring yet: www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare
- Initial enrollment period: 3 months before your 65th birthday to 3 months after.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs:
- Eligibility: Receiving Medicare, limited resources and income, residing in US/DC.
- More information: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10525.pdf
Additional Resources:
- www.socialsecurity.gov
- www.medicare.gov
Share this information with friends and family to help them navigate Social Security and Medicare!
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with the appropriate agency or professional for specific guidance.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood
