Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Maintaining Your Independence during Retirement 7
Chapter 2 The Importance of Social Security 37
Chapter 3 Your Social Security Number 42
Chapter 4 Your Retirement Benefits under Social Security 52
Chapter 5 Family Benefits under Social Security 65
Chapter 6 Survivor Benefits under Social Security 71
Chapter 7 Disability Benefits under Social Security 75
Chapter 8 Taxes and Social Security 83
Chapter 9 Why Many People Will Never Get Social Security 93
Chapter 10 Applying for Social Security Benefits 98
Chapter 11 How Social Security Benefits Are Paid 110
Chapter 12 Your Right to Appeal Decisions by the Social Security Administration 119
Chapter 13 Effect of Pensions on Your Social Security Benefits 129
Chapter 14 Receiving Social Security Benefits outside the United States 137
Chapter 15 Benefits under the Supplemental Security Income Program 152
Chapter 16 Benefits under the Medicare Program 176
Appendix
A Some Facts about Social Security 185
B Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security 188
C Setting Up and Using an Online Social Security Account 195
D Identity Theft and Fraud 199
E Retirement Resources 214
F How to Contact Social Security Administration 215
List of U5 Embassies and Consulates 217
Index 254