Talking Points for Large Employer Outreach

• Social Security along with many large companies, organizations and agencies is facing a “retirement boom.” As the baby boomers get older, we will see an increase in the claims for retirement and disability benefits. In order to provide timely services, Social Security is encouraging people to use the internet, and save a trip to the local office.
  
• The first baby boomers will turn 62 in January 2008, and can begin filing for retirement benefits in the autumn of 2007.
  
• To keep up with the increasing workload, SSA has set up a user friendly method of filing for benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov
  
• SSA asks that you encourage your employees to file for Social Security benefits online and let them know that online filing is the most efficient way for them to conduct their business with us.
  
• Social Security online services are safe and secure. Social Security takes all appropriate measures, including encryption, to ensure that personal information is protected.
  
• Those who file for benefits online can also check the status of their application online.
  
• Social Security’s online benefit calculators can be used to estimate benefits by using different retirement ages and estimating future earning amounts.
  
• People already receiving Social Security benefits can use Social Security’s website for additional services.
  
• Change their address
  
• Replace their Medicare card
  
• Request benefit statements
  
• Apply for Medicare Extra-Help
  
• The information at www.socialsecurity.gov is useful for employees, and their family members.
  
• Even if the employee is not retirement eligible, the information may be helpful when taking care of parents or grandparents.
  
• Some of Social Security benefits apply to people of all ages- not just retirees.