50+ Lifestyles

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY Davenport, Iowa Office

By Karen Cole
Social Security District Manager
Davenport, Iowa

SOCIAL SECURITY GOES FOR THE GOLD

Millions of Americans are following the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The last time swimmer Michael Phelps competed, he brought home more gold medals at one time than anyone in the history of the Olympics. Will he do it again?

If there was an Olympics for customer services available online, the services at www.socialsecurity.gov would be the Michael Phelps of that competition. Over the years, Social Security’s online services have been rated the best in government and the best in all industries.

When it comes to independent customer satisfaction scores, Social Security’s online services consistently bring home the gold, silver, and bronze. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) tracks customer satisfaction and rates websites for their performance.

Out of all online services provided by 101 federal agencies in the running, Social Security took all of the top three spots again in the latest survey.

In third place, the application for Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs is rated 89. Bringing home the silver, in second place, the Retirement Estimator scored a 91. And the top-rated online service in government is the online application for Social Security benefits, with a satisfaction score of 92!

It’s worth noting that even our newest online service is already scoring high praise. Since being launched in May, the online Social Security Statement is rated 88, giving this new service one of the highest ratings in government.

Whether you want to plan for or apply for your retirement, look into other benefits available, or learn about the
history of the program, you can do it all at Social Security’s website. When you’re taking a break from the Summer Olympics, visit the Olympian of online services at www.socialsecurity.gov.

MAKE SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE SERVICES ‘PAR FOR THE COURSE’

For many retirees (and near retirees), there is nothing that they look forward to as much as a day on the golf course. The game recently has been made more pleasurable by the use of computers and GPS technology. A hand-held electronic unit acts just like a personal caddie, providing quick and accurate yardage information — and much more. It saves time … as well as mental and physical effort.

So, golfers should be among those retirees (and near retirees) to recognize the value of technology in other aspects of life, such as Social Security’s online services. Just by logging onto your computer at www.socialsecurity.gov, you can handle such important Social Security business as:

• Applying online for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits;
• Getting a personalized estimate of future benefits with our Retirement Estimator;
• Accessing your Social Security Statement online;
• Changing your address or phone number in Social Security records once you start receiving benefits;
• Signing up for or changing direct deposit; and
• Much, much more.

One thing that golfers everywhere hate is slow play — waiting on the tee box, and then waiting again in the fairway. While we can’t eliminate waits on the golf course, going online to www.socialsecurity.gov can eliminate the time you would spend sitting in traffic or waiting in lines at an office.

If you happen to be a golfer (or any other person) who loves tradition and hates to try new things, here’s a thought. 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of three of golf’s legends — Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead. All of these golfing greats were quick to adapt to the newest golfing innovations of their day — and you should, too. Just go online to www.socialsecurity.gov and take a look at what we offer.

Once you do, you’ll think of every other way of handling Social Security business as a bogey.

WHAT ARE AMERICA’S MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES?

Each year, Social Security announces the top baby names for boys and girls, based on Social Security card applications for babies born in the previous year. If you have children or you’re friends or relatives with those who do, chances are you might know a few babies with the “in” names. This year, the most popular babies in the playpen are Jacob and Sophia, followed by Mason and Isabella. You can visit them in their online “crib” at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

At the website, you also can see other lists of popular baby names. For example, you can search for the 1,000 most popular names of a decade, the five most popular names of the past century, or search for the most popular names in your state. You can even get popular baby names for twins. Plug in any name — including your own — to see where it comes in on the list.

But, Jacob and Sophia’s page isn’t just about baby names. Find out about getting a Social Security number for your baby and what every parent should know about Social Security. Learn about benefits for children and grandchildren, and plan your family’s financial future.

When people think about Social Security, they often think of the retirement years. But Social Security is there throughout your life — from the day a child is named. Social Security’s popular Baby Names page has a lot to offer. See for yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames today.