March is Women’s History Month.
The Social Security program treats all workers — men and women — exactly the same in terms of the benefits they can receive. But women may want to familiarize themselves with what the program means to them in their particular circumstances. Understanding the benefits may mean the difference between living more comfortably versus just getting by in retirement.
One of the most significant things women need to remember about Social Security is the importance of promptly reporting a name change. If you haven’t told us of a name change, your W-2 may not match the information in Social Security’s records and this could affect the amount of your future benefits. Not changing your name with Social Security also can delay your federal income tax refund. To report a name change, please fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). You can get the form by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, or any Social Security office or card center, or by calling Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You must show us certain identity documents, including one recently issued to prove your legal name change.
If expanding your family is in your plans, it’s a good idea to apply for a Social Security number for your baby in the hospital, at the same time that you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. Social Security will mail the card to you. If you wait, you must then separately provide evidence of your child’s age, identity and U.S. citizenship status, as well as proof of your identity. Then, we must verify your child’s birth record, which can add 12 weeks to the time it takes to issue a card.
When women start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members may be eligible for payments as well. For example, benefits can be paid to a husband:
◆ If he is age 62 or older; or
◆ At any age, if he is caring for your child (the child must be younger than 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits on your record).
Benefits also can be paid to unmarried children if they are:
◆ Younger than age 18;
◆ Between 18 and 19 years old, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or
◆ Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).
The family of a woman who dies may be eligible for survivors benefits based on her work.
For more information about women and Social Security, ask for the publication, What Every Woman Should Know (SSA Publication No. 05-10127) or visit our special Women’s page online at www.socialsecurity.gov/women.
Charo Boyd is Social Security public affairs specialist for east central Indiana. Her column appears every other Monday on the Business page.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Charo Boyd
Discussion
Charo Boyd: Women should familiarize themselves with Social Security benefits
- Opinion
-
-
Editorial: AU softball team did university, community proud
During the Anderson University softball team's run to the final eight in the NCAA Division III tournament, the Ravens played quality softball with high-quality individuals, and they did it while brandishing the Anderson name. Whenever the city is associated with high-quality and successful people, it’s always a positive accomplishment.
-
Letter: Major flaws found in reservoir proposal
After a lot of research, I found several major flaws in the reservoir proposal.
-
Letter: Obama should follow Constitution
Congress, or I should say the Democrats, have been trying to take away some of our guns by legislation, thus trying to do away with the Second Amendment.
-
Letter: Wheel tax just costs driver 6.8 cents a day
I can’t understand all of the commotion over a wheel tax when residents of this state pay outrageous fees for license plates. And even more bizarre tax is the state tax on pensions.
-
Letter: County Council should nix wheel tax
Following a conversation with Councilwoman Lisa Hobbs after the May 13 County Council meeting, I believe, in her mind, the wheel tax is needed.
-
Charo Boyd: Social Security honors all who serve
Every day of the year, Americans across the nation remember friends and family members who have served and sacrificed for their country. Memorial Day is a day when we all come together to honor those who have given their lives in the defense of freedom and the principles we hold dear in this country.
-
Scott Underwood: Spring brings new athletic inspiration
Spring is a great time for sports in the Madison County area. In addition to high school softball, baseball, tennis, track and field, and golf, younger kids and older folks are out and about participating in sports.
-
Maureen Hayden: Indiana’s liquor laws are confusing to consumers
I’m not much a drinker, so I haven’t spent much time thinking about how Indiana’s alcohol laws personally impact me, but that changed last fall when my daughter got married.
-
You Said It: About the wheel tax, Ravens softball and cold beer sales
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
-
Our View: New state law should help get grads college ready
Graduation from high school can be a hollow achievement for those who haven’t truly mastered the skills and subject matter to prepare themselves well for higher education.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
