Social Security Website Can Save Trip To Office

The sun is out and there are a thousand and one things you could be doing outside.

The last thing you want to do is sit in traffic on your way to the Social Security office, or to wait in line once you get there. From your doorstep to the local office and back again, you could spend a lot of extra time taking care of your Social Security business.

Or, you could choose to visit our online office at www.socialsecurity .gov, and complete your Social Security business in a matter of minutes with no commute whatsoever.

There are so many things you can do at our online office, such as apply for retirement benefits. Our website makes it simple, allowing you to apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, once you fill out the application, you’re done.

There are no forms to sign and no documents to submit. The direct link to applying for benefits online is www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

Not ready to retire yet, or not sure about retiring? We have online resources that can help you plan ahead or make your decision. Our “Retirement Estimator” will allow you to enter different scenarios to come up with the retirement plan that’s best for you. You can find it at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator.

Perhaps you need to file an application for disability benefits. A “Disability Starter Kit” explains the documentation and information you’ll be required to provide on the application, and includes checklists and worksheets to help take the mystery out of applying. You can find the starter kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability, on the left hand side of the page.

You can also apply online for Medicare if you’re within four months of your 65th birthday. Most people, including those who do not plan to receive their retirement benefits right away, must apply for Medicare coverage at age 65. The application takes as little as 10 minutes from start to finish. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10530. html.

There are other things you can do at the Social Security website, such as applying for a replacement Medicare card or requesting an SSA- 1099 form for tax purposes. You can learn about these and other online services at www.socialsecurity.gov/ onlineservices.

So if you’d like to soak up some sun this summer, we suggest that you take your Social Security business online. You may even be able to take your laptop computer outside and conduct your business in the great outdoors.

Editor’s note: Samuel Garcia is the district manager of the Social Security Glendale office, located at 67- 10 Myrtle Ave. For more information, call 1-800-772-1213.