my Social Security: To avoid calling or going to your local Social Security office to get information about your account, you may want to consider creating an online "my Social Security" account. An online "my Social Security" account will serve as a valuable source of information beginning in your working years and continuing throughout the time you receive Social Security benefits. If you currently receive Social Security benefits or have Medicare, you can use the online account to:

  • ·   Get your benefit verification letter

  • ·   Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record o Change your address and phone number o Start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment If you are not currently receiving Social Security benefits, you can use your online account to:

  • ·   Get Your Social Security Statement

  • ·   Get Estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits

  • ·   Check your earnings record.

  • ·   Review the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you've paid In order to create a "my Social Security" account, you must be able to verify some information about yourself and have a valid E-mail address, a Social Security number, a U.S. mailing address, and be at least 18 years of age.

To get started, go to http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ , click on the "SIGN IN OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT" button and follow the prompts.

NOTES:

1. To create a "my Social Security" account, you must provide some personal information about yourself and give answers to some questions that only you are likely to know. Next, you create a username and password that you will use to access your online account. This process protects you and keeps your personal Social Security information private.

2. You can create a "my Social Security" account only to gain access to your own personal information. Even with a person's written consent, you cannot use this online service to access the records of a person with whom you have a business relationship; or for whom you are an appointed representative. Unauthorized use of this service may subject you to criminal or civil penalties, or both.

3. You may be unable or unwilling to create an online account if you:

  • ·   Blocked electronic access to your personal Social Security information.

  • ·   Recently moved or changed your name.

  • ·   Placed a freeze on your credit report. To create a my Social Security account in person without removing the security freeze or fraud alert, visit your local Social Security office

  • ·   Have been the victim of domestic violence or identity theft.

  • ·   Are uncomfortable with or unable to use the online process for some other reason