By Vince Petrice
Social Security Manager
in Elkins, WV
“Black Friday” is the busiest shopping day of the year, with people lining up at midnight for deals as they begin the busy holiday shopping season. More people than ever are taking advantage of online holiday deals. “Cyber Monday” is the day internet-savvy people search for deals, all online.
You’re smart, and you probably already know there’s more than one way to find value on the internet. For example, Social Security offers many online services to the public — and they’re free and secure! Doing business online with Social Security will also save time. The feeling of instant gratification is like clicking submit on that online shopping cart.
Here are some of the most popular online services you’ll find at www.socialsecurity.gov. Each site is safe and secure.
Need a replacement Social Security card? You may be able to request your replacement card without visiting a local Social Security office. Still working and wondering what future Social Security benefits you might receive? The online Social Security Statement is a smart service that is a hit with the millions of people who’ve used it. Your online Statement provides you with a record of your past earnings along with projected earnings for future years to give you estimates of future Social Security benefits. Do you already get Social Security benefits? You can use your online account to manage your benefits, such as starting or changing Direct Deposit, getting an instant proof of benefits letter, and much more. Just go towww.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
The Retirement Estimator is another easy way to get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits. Just enter some basic information and the Estimator will use information on your Social Security record, along with what you input, to give you a benefit estimate on the spot. You can even experiment with different scenarios, such as changing your future earnings and retirement date. Check it out in English atwww.socialsecurity.gov/estimator or in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador.
The online Retirement Application is the most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You can apply from the comfort of your home — it’s convenient and secure. In fact, you can apply online in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, after you submit the application electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and, usually, no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. When you’re ready to retire, apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.
Business Services Online is our one-stop shop for small business owners. The site allows organizations and authorized people to conduct business with and submit confidential information to Social Security. Employers can use it to file W-2s for their employees the fast, convenient, and paperless way — online. Visit Business Services Online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.
Social Security’s online services continually receive the highest customer satisfaction ratings in both the public and private sectors. Each site uses the highest security to keep your information safe. Learn more about all you can do online at Social Security on Cyber Monday, or any day, atwww.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
