Free Social Security Information
Social Security has different programs, including retirement, survivors benefits, disability and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Each program has established guidelines, rules, facts and figures creating a maze of information. As you reach milestones in life like disability, death or retirement, questions you never needed answered become important. Obtain free information from different sources and learn the answers.
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History
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Social Security began in 1935 to provide some security to the American worker for retirement. Social Security information was available in books and materials produced on paper for the first 60 years of its existence. The American consumer has the availability of the Internet in most homes or at a public library nearby, and although the group applying for retirement benefits is older, many asking questions about Social Security programs are accustomed to finding free information online.
Considerations
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Locating free information is preferred to buying books or paying for Social Security information. The Social Security website has developed a simplified system of short topics to make locating information easier for the American consumer. Consumers can search the SSA.gov website for free information on the topic of choice. You will find accurate and up-to-date facts, figures and schedules to assist you in planning for whatever milestone you are approaching.
The AARP website also offers free articles and information for older Americans, and often has questions asked by others that may answer your questions. The website is searchable for Social Security items only and is a source of reliable information from experts, financial planners and analysts.
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Finding Written Information
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Social Security publishes extensive materials for informing the public about the programs and policies for different programs. These materials are available on the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov or on the government-printing website at pueblo.gsa.gov. You may read the publications online or request copies for free with a $2 service fee for all the publications you order at one time. A Consumer Information Catalog quarterly publication contains titles and numbers of publications for federal programs, including Social Security. "Social Security: Understanding the Benefits" is publication 518V. "Social Security: When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits" is 522V and "Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know" is 523V. These booklets are free from the printing office.
Misconceptions
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The local Social Security office is available for service to the surrounding area. Stories about taking a number and waiting all day are common, but this is not necessary. Consumers can call their local Social Security office and make an appointment to shorten the wait. This service is free.
Before the meeting, you should prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss with an employee who knows the answers or who can find the answers immediately. Social Security employees are free and reliable sources to answer questions about retirement, disability, survivor benefits or SSI.
Warnings
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With a program as large as Social Security, scams are common. You should not respond to telephone calls with questions that ask personal information and should not provide your Social Security number over the telephone. The telephone is a good source for free information, but you should initiate the call yourself. You can call the Social Security 800 number and ask questions for free. It's a good idea to prepare a list in advance and write out the answers so you can read them again after you are off the telephone. The Social Security Administration encourages telephone communication and offers free assistance.
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