New for Consumers

Release Date: February 2004

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY

We all want to be financially secure in retirement. And an important part of your retirement income is your Social Security benefit. But do you know how much you're eligible to receive?

You can use a new package of free publications from the Federal Citizen Information Center and the Social Security Administration to get the facts on Social Security and how it affects your financial future.

Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides you and your loved ones with an insurance package of disability, retirement, and survivors protection. Learn how you earn Social Security “credits” and how your retirement age affects your eligibility for full benefits with Social Security: Understanding the Benefits . This useful publication also includes information on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare programs.

If you're a woman who works, has worked, or has never worked, it's important that you know what Social Security means to you. Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know explains how your benefits are affected by retirement, widowhood, divorce, disability, or other special circumstances.

When it comes time to file for your benefits, you can save time and money by applying online at www.socialsecurity.gov . It's a private and secure way to submit your application. Get started with Apply Online for Social Security Benefits to find out what records you will need and where to send the signed application.

Learn more with the Understanding Social Security package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Understanding Social Security package.
  • Send your name and address to Understanding Social Security, Pueblo, Colorado 81009 .
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to order a Catalog or print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.

 

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  • Please check with Samantha Donaldson if you plan to use this release after May 15, 2004
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to shantae.goodloe@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2609

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