Two Social Security Resolutions for 2010

Kirk Larson, Social Security Public Affair Specialist

Resolution One: Protect Your Family in 2010 and Beyond

At the start of a new year, many folks like to take stock of their situation in life—work, health, finances, etc. However, most of us avoid doing much thinking about death, or what it might mean for surviving loved ones. Still, wouldn't you feel better knowing that, if you were no longer living, your family wouldn't have to depend only on any life insurance or savings you might have? Here are some basic facts that may interest you about Social Security survivors insurance.

If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of your Social Security taxes go toward survivors insurance. In fact, for most workers, the value of the survivors insurance under Social Security may be more than the value of any life insurance policy owned.

Who can receive survivors benefits based on your work? Your surviving spouse may be able to receive full benefits at his or her full retirement age. They also can choose to take reduced survivors benefits as early as age 60. In addition, if your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50.

Your minor children also can receive benefits if they are living with you and depend on you for income—as long as they are under age 18 or disabled. Moreover, if your widow or widower is taking care of your child or children under age 16, then she or he may be eligible for benefits at any age.

Therefore, the best life insurance plan may be one you already have but perhaps didn't know about. Now that you do know, it's easy to learn more. For more information on widows, widowers, and other survivors benefits, and to get an idea of just how much those survivors benefits might be, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the "Survivors" section of the site.

Resolution Two: Apply for Social Security Benefits Online

Many Americans begin each new year with a list of resolutions and goals. Maybe your resolution is to go on a diet and shed a little weight, do a bit more exercising, or clean out the long-neglected attic. The trouble is, these well-intended goals often melt away long before winter's snow does. 

So why not make a resolution that's easier to keep? If applying for retirement benefits is on your list of things to do this year, resolve to visit Social Security Online.  

As we enter 2010, visiting a Social Security office to apply for benefits is no longer necessary. You'll save time, energy, and resources by filing your application from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. In fact, it can take as little as 15 minutes to complete your retirement application. How's that for an easy resolution to keep?

Of course, not everyone is ready to retire. So here is another resolution that is easy to keep. If you're only dreaming of retirement now, why not turn those daydreams into concrete plans for your future retirement goals? Just use the Social Security Retirement Estimator. Plug in some basic information and you'll instantly get a personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits. It's another easy resolution to keep and will take only a few minutes.

Whether you're already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or just beginning to work, Social Security offers a number of services and a wealth of information online at www.socialsecurity.gov. 

So as we enter the new decade, make a resolution to set goals you can keep. Apply online for Social Security benefits or plan your retirement at www.socialsecurity.gov. Now, if only you could get your diet plan or exercise regimen to work in as little as 15 minutes!