TERRE HAUTE — Thanksgiving is almost here. Families across the nation will come together to share more than a meal — to share warm memories, and to make them. You may plan to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, toss a football on the leaf-covered yard or simply sit together over coffee or wine to talk. While the family is together, it may be the perfect time to help Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa, or your favorite aunt or uncle. Just ask them to pass the mouse.
No, we’re not suggesting a new meal plan — ask them to pass the computer mouse. Relax in front of the computer and show them how easy it is to conduct their Social Security business online from the convenience and comfort of their own home or office. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
There are a number of the things you can help your loved ones do online. Use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST, to see whether they qualify for benefits. Or use the Retirement Estimator for an instant and personalized estimate of their retirement benefits. You can learn about these and many other online services available by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
But perhaps the best thing you can do to help them this Thanksgiving is to go beyond just helping them prepare — help your loved ones apply online for Social Security benefits.
That’s right! You can help them apply for Social Security retirement benefits right from the comfort and convenience of the family computer. What’s more is that you can do it in as little as 15 minutes.
It’s so easy to apply for retirement benefits online. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.
Need to take a break or look for some records to answer the questions — or snack on leftovers? That’s just fine with us. You can leave and then come back to complete your application.
In most cases, once the application is submitted electronically, that’s it. There are no forms to sign and usually no further documents required. Social Security will process the application and contact your loved one if any further information is needed. After you have applied, you can check back online for the status of your application as well.
So once you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and pie, pass the mouse and visit Social Security’s online services at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Seniors
Social Security: This Thanksgiving, pass the mouse
- Seniors
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Wabash Senior Center planning trips for all ages
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Dine with a Doc Tuesday, Wednesday
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Social Security: Open season for Medicare program
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‘60 Plus’ group, conservative alternative to AARP, seeking to expand in Indiana
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James L. Martin said he started The 60 Plus Association in 1992 “as a competitor with the AARP [American Association of Retired Persons]. We are for limited government and are more right of center philosophically. The AARP is a more liberal philosophy. They sell a lot of products, we don’t. We’re hawking limited government and less taxes.” -
Planning to move? Don’t forget to contact Social Security
Moving can be hectic. Some studies show that relocating is one of the greatest stresses we face in our lives. Whether you are moving nearby or across the country, don’t forget Social Security if you are a beneficiary.
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Agency hoping for Foundation grant
Terre Haute resident Mary Baker owns an automobile, but says she can’t drive it to Indianapolis to seek medical attention.
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Groups need senior transportation info
There is a need in Vigo and surrounding counties for transportation services for medical purposes to Indianapolis, and there is a need for door-to-door evening transportation for seniors.
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Dine with a Doc at Senior Center
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wabash Senior Citizen’s Center at 300 S. 5th St. in Terre Haute.
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If you’re a farm worker, it’s likely that you’re busy right now.
The spring planting season has ended, but the farm work has only begun. - Senior Menu: June 24, 2010
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Parkinson’s support group meeting Friday at Westminster Village
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SOCIAL SECURITY: People agree, applying for Medicare online is quick, easy
We’ve been telling people how quick and easy it is to apply for Medicare benefits online – even if you’re not ready to apply for retirement benefits.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: SS helps survivors of fallen service members
Families of fallen military service members bear significant burdens from the loss of their loved one. Lives are changed forever. Aside from the emotional devastation, the financial hardships placed on such families can be difficult. Often, if a death occurs, a two-income household must make do with one income.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Attention students: Are you ready for your summer jobs?
Summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to plan for that summer job you really want.
Whether you find the perfect outdoor job at a summer camp or the local golf course, or you get to practice your people skills in retail, fast food or an amusement park, one thing’s for sure: Nothing’s better than having fun this summer while earning a few extra dollars. -
SOCIAL SECURITY: New 'twist' in law may help your mom
Mom has always been there to nurture and take care of you. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give back and look out for her. If she’s having a hard time paying for her prescription drugs, tell her about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and the extra help available through Social Security.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Call SS toll-free anytime
Telephones certainly have made our lives easier. Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without your cell phone? Now imagine life without telephones at all.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Here's to a green planet in retirement
Social Security has been practicing environmental stewardship since long before “going green” was a fashionable catch-phrase.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Ticket to Work offers free support services
Millions of disabled and blind Americans receive monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments. Some receive both. Most also have help in paying medical bills from Medicare or Medicaid.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Most convenient SS office is online
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that times are tough for many people right now. The past year has seen a recession-driven increase in applications for Social Security retirement and disability benefit applications. These increases translate into busier offices and telephone lines.
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Social Security has rich history full of facts
When you think of Social Security, you probably think about a monthly payment for retired and disabled workers. But Social Security has a rich history full of interesting facts.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: SS shares March reminders
Time goes by so quickly, it can be easy to forget important deadlines and even easier to let critical items fall to the nether regions of your to-do list. Whether you get to everything or not, time marches on — so we’d like to share some March reminders with you.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: SS launches Open Government page
In support of President Barack Obama’s Transparency and Open Government initiative, Social Security has launched a new Open Government Web page.
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- Social Security showcases history in 75th year What you may not have realized when you rang in 2010 was that you also were ringing in the 75th anniversary of Social Security.
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