Social Security: Supporting rural communities

Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Millions count on us — retirees, people no longer able to work due to disability, dependents, and survivors. As a member of the Rural Partners Network, we want to continue reaching out to rural communities.

We make it easy for you to access our programs and services. Our website offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits. Visit www.ssa.gov/applyonline to learn how to apply for:

Retirement or Spouse's Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits to start in no more than 4 months.

Disability Benefits – Our disability program pays benefits to workers who are insured and certain family members. This means that they worked long enough – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, or people 65 or older, who have low income and resources. After you begin your application online, we will review the information you submit and contact you by mail or phone if we have questions.

Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older or have a disability or end-stage renal disease. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits and not covered under an employer group health plan, you may want to consider applying for Medicare 3 months before turning age 65.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – Extra Help assists with monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare prescription drug coverage for people with limited income and resources. Apply at www.ssa.gov/extrahelp.

Rural community leaders should encourage others to sign up for a personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. With a personal my Social Security account, they can request a replacement Social Security card, verify earnings, get future benefit estimates, and obtain benefit verification letters.

If they are not able to use our online services, they can speak with a representative by calling our National toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If an office visit is required, we can make an appointment.

In addition, our automated phone services are available 24 hours a day, so they may not need to wait for a representative. Learn more at www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.html.

We remain committed to helping maintain the well-being of the people we serve—including those in rural areas. Please share this information with others in your local community.

Rich Fowler is the Social Security District Manager in Maryville, Missouri.