Social Security handles the retirement benefits that we have
contributed to over the years of our working life and also Medicare, which is
health insurance coverage for retirees and disabled individuals. Again, all states have Social Security
offices and if you are getting ready to retire, you should contact your local
office about 3 months before your retirement date. These days, Social Security is sending out periodic reports on
your earnings, which tell you what you can expect to collect from Social
Security. Read these over carefully and
make sure they reflect your earnings correctly.
IMPORTANT TO SENIORS WHO
HAVE LOW INCOME – KEEP THE
LETTERS YOU RECEIVE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH
YEAR. THEY ARE NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR
ELIGIBILITY PROGRAMS AS PROOF OF INCOME.
Upon your retirement, you can enroll in Medicare for health
insurance coverage. Medicare has 2
parts – Part A which covers hospitalization and Part B which covers doctors’
visits and other health care costs.
Medicare is also available for disabled people who have been on Social
Security disability for 2 years. This
is a very complex area so it is wise for you to contact your local Social
Security office and have your questions answered by the experts.
IMPORTANT!!!!!
See the Medicare Page for information on the new Part D
(Prescription Drug Program) that is coming 1/1/2006.
It is vital that you learn about it and how it will affect
you!
Many senior centers participate in the S.H.I.P. (Senior
Health Insurance Program) and have volunteers who are specially trained to
handle the Medicare paperwork, look for errors and answer questions so this
could be another avenue for help.
Social Security
Medicare
AARP
