1. In 2008, about 50 million Americans will receive Social Security benefits -- that's roughly twice the number of people who live in the cities of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego and Dallas combined.
2. The nation's first baby boomer began collecting Social Security retirement benefits in February 2008 -- and over the next 20 years another 78 million baby boomers will be eligible to apply for benefits, too. That's an average of more than 10,000 people applying for benefits every day!
3. About 70 percent of private sector workers have no long-term disability insurance -- but nearly all workers and their families have Social Security protection in the event of a long-term disability.
4. More than 3 million children under age 18 get Social Security benefits -- as survivors of deceased workers, or as the children of people receiving retirement or disability benefits.
5. Approximately 442 million Social Security numbers have been issued since 1936 -- but there are approximately 1 billion possible Social Security number combinations with the nine-digit number, so there are plenty more to go around.
6. Social Security offices are very busy. Nearly 42 million people visit a Social Security office each year. Another 60 million call our nationwide toll-free telephone service each year at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
7. By 2032, there will be almost twice as many older Americans as today -- growing from 38 million today to 72 million.
If you would like to find out more about any aspect of the Social Security programs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question and Answer
Q.: If I retire when I am age 62 will I be eligible for Medicare?
A.: No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, you may be able to continue medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from a private insurance company until you become eligible for Medicare.
For more information, see our publication Medicare at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10 043.html, or call us toll free at 1-800-772-1213
Reaching age 65 or full retirement age in 2008? - If you will turn 65 or reach full retirement age in 2008 and have not filed a Social Security or Medicare application, we can provide you with information that will be helpful in determining when to file an application. Mail us the following information:
- Your name.
- Social Security number.
- Estimated 2007 earnings.
- Estimated 2008 earnings.
- Complete mailing address.
- Telephone number (both
home and work).
-Date of birth.
- If you plan to retire in 2008, month in which you would.
- Spouse's Social Security number.
- Spouse's date of birth.
- If spouse is deceased, give date
of death.
Send this informaiton to: Your Social Security, Social Security Administration, 3885 Main St., 3rd Floor, Bridgeport CT 06606. Attn: A. Renzoni.
Anthony Renzoni is district manager of the Bridgeport office of the Social Security Administration. His column appears every Monday.
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