Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the agency’s most popular online services, the applications for retirement and Medicare and for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, are now available in Spanish. The new online services are available at www.segurosocial.gov.

In addition to the new applications, Social Security has also recently made online estimates of retirement benefits available in Spanish.   People interested in planning for retirement can get an immediate, personalized estimate of their Social Security benefit by using the Retirement Estimator at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador.   Using people’s actual wages from their Social Security record, the Estimator gives a good idea of what to expect in retirement.   Workers can enter in different dates and future wage projections to get estimates for different retirement scenarios, which is why this service is one of the most highly rated electronic services in the public or private sector.

Social Security Webinar: Applying Online for Social Security Disability Benefits

October 6, 2010, 2:00 p.m. EST

A number of enhancements have been made to Social Security’s online disability application, making it easier and more convenient to complete online.

During this webinar, Social Security will highlight the new aspects of this online application and tell you about other Social Security disability initiatives currently underway.

To RSVP for this webinar please click here

SSA Webinar on September 21: Tips for People Who Receive Social Security

SSA is holding webinars on its website, www.socialsecurity.gov, on a variety of topics. Coming up on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. ET, is the following webinar:

Using socialsecurity.gov: Tips for People Who Receive Social Security:

There are many Social Security services available online. You can replace a Medicare card, request a proof of income letter, change your address or phone number, start or change direct deposit, get or change a password or receive updates by email. Social Security will give you some tips on how to make the most of using those services.

You can sign up for the webinar on Social Security’s home page, www.socialsecurity.gov. Scroll down to the bottom of the center column to “Watch Our Webinars.” Double click on “Learn More.” You will be directed to a description and link to RSVP for the webinar.

Social Security has unveiled its newest online service – an application for Medicare benefits.

This new online application, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is for people reaching the Medicare eligibility age of 65 who want to delay filing for Social Security retirement benefits.

Currently about a half million Americans enroll in Medicare each year without applying for monthly benefits.

“Social Security’s online services are the best in all of government and exceed the top private sector companies in customer satisfaction,” said Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security.

“The new Medicare application is a welcome addition to our suite of online services and will make it easier than ever to sign up for Medicare.”

To apply online for Medicare, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and choose Retirement/Medicare under the header, “Click Below To Apply For.”

You will be asked a brief series of questions. If you have a question or need additional information, there are convenient “more info” links. When you’re done, just click the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required.

If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you by phone or letter.

For a variety of reasons, more and more Americans are choosing to delay receiving Social Security retirement benefits past the Medicare eligibility age of 65.

Although the age to collect full retirement benefits used to be age 65, it is now age 66 for individuals just becoming eligible for retirement benefits and will eventually become age 67. Benefits can be increased by up to 32 percent if someone delays receiving them until age 70.

Yes! If you want to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits, the easiest way to do so is online. Save yourself the time and gas money driving to and from your local social security office. Applying for your Social Security Disability benefits online can take a little as 15 minutes, as opposed to the possible hours of being at an actual office, as social security offices are often very busybusy. Plus, some social security offices require an appointment to be made, and online there is no such delay.

If you are not sure whether or not you are ready to apply, please call my law firm, Needham Mitnick & Pollack, PLC for a free evaluation of your case.