LITTLE ROCK — Q. What’s the easiest way to apply for retirement benefits?
A. You can apply for retirement benefits using our online Retirement Application at
socialsecurity.gov/retire
. It’s fast, easy and secure. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if more information is needed.
Q. How can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits?
A. The online Retirement Estimator uses your Social Security earnings record to estimate future benefits; go to socialsecurity.gov/esti mator. There, you can enter certain identifying information. As long as the personal information you provide matches our records, you can use the Retirement Estimator to enter other information, such as your expected retirement age and estimated future wages. This information will be combined with the information that Social Security has on record about your past earnings to provide a quick and reliable online benefit estimate. A Spanish language Retirement Estimator also may be accessed at segurosocial.gov/calculador.
Further information is available by calling Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or TTY, (800) 325-0778. On the web, go to socialsecurity.gov.
This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration.
Style, Pages 23 on 02/22/2011