Before the end of this year, I'd like to remind folks who will reach full-retirement age next year about some facts that I think will interest them.

The age at which a person is eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits is referred to as the full-retirement age. Up until 2003, age 65 was traditionally SSA's full -retirement age. However, an amendment to the Social Security Act was signed on April 20, 1983. An item that was part of this amendment concerned the gradual increase in the full-retirement age for benefits that affects individuals born 1938 and later. Thus, beginning 2003, a gradual increase in the full-retirement age began and eventually will reach age 67 in the year 2027. In 2003, full retirement age was 65 and 2 months; in 2004, it was 65 and 4 months; in 2005, 65 and 6 months; 2006, 65 and 8 months; 2007, 65 and 10 months; 2008, 66 years old. In 2009, full-retirement age is also 66 years old.

It would be in the best interest of many of those who will reach full-retirement age next year to inquire now about their eligibility for Social Security benefits. Some folks could even risk the loss of benefits by waiting too long to file a Social Security application.

Social Security has introduced a new online financial and retirement planning tool, called the Retirement Estimator. Folks can now receive an online estimate of their retirement benefits.

The estimator, which has proven to be a very popular planning tool, can be found

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at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Also, it is important to know that your earnings in (or after) the month you reach your full retirement age will not affect your Social Security benefits. In addition, the Medicare age remains at 65.

If you'll reach full-retirement age any time in 2009 and have not filed a Social Security or Medicare application, you can easily file online by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits.

This site, as well as all services that are provided online at SSA's home Web site www.socialsecurity.gov, are safe, secure and convenient.

Questions and Answers

Q.: Are people in the military covered by Social Security?

A.: Yes. People in the military services pay Social Security tax just like civilian employees do and receive the same coverage for Social Security survivors, disability and retirement benefits.

To learn more, read our online publication, "Military Service and Social Security" at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html, or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

Q.: I'd like to enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. When is open season?

A.: Open season for enrollment in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program began Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31. The Medicare prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications.

Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. Some people with limited income and resources also may qualify for extra help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,600 this year, and $3,900 in 2009.

For more information about the Medicare prescription drug program, visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

To learn more about the extra help available through Social Security visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call SSecurity at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Anthony Renzoni is district manager of the Bridgeport office of the Social Security Administration. His column appears every Monday.