We at Social Security are sometimes inundated with statistical data.

Much of this data can, and is, used to tell stories of bygone days, to provide the public with current information and to predict the future status of the Social Security programs.

The first lump sum Social Security payment was made to Ernest Ackerman in 1937 for the whopping amount of 17 cents.

Actually, that wasn't a bad return, considering Ackerman worked only one day under the program and contributed five cents in Social Security taxes before retiring. The first Social Security check went to Ida May Fuller in January 1940, for $22.54. Fuller lived to be 100, which means she collected benefits for more than 30 years.

In 2008, more than 50 million Americans will receive nearly $614 billion in SS benefits.

That's one out of every five dollars spent by the federal government. The average monthly benefit for a retired worker in 2008 is $1,079 - a far cry from Fuller's $22.54.

Social Security benefits represent about 40 percent of income for the elderly. Ninety percent of Americans age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits.

An estimated 164 million workers are covered under Social Security - that's 96 percent of the work force. And Social Security is more than just retirement benefits.

Disabled workers and their dependents account for 18 percent of the total benefits paid, while survivor's benefits account for 13 percent.

Not only do these numbers paint a

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picture of Social Security today, they also help us predict how that picture will change in the future. In 1935, the life expectancy of a 65-yearold was 12.5 years. Today it's 18 years. There are 3.3 workers for every SS beneficiary. That number will decrease to 2.1 workers per beneficiary in 2034. By that time, there will be almost twice as many older Americans as there are today.

Another important statistic: More than one million people have applied for benefits online. Social Security has been America's retirement program since it was enacted into law in 1935. Its statistical data can evoke recollections of the past, reflections of present times and predictions of the future.

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 it 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.