Social Security Offices in Westchester County
5 Stevens Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
914-663-9306
85 Harrison Street
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-636-6915
One Park Place, Third Floor
Peekskill, NY 10566
800-772-1213
TTY: 800-325-0778
297 Knollwood Road, 4th Floor
White Plains, NY 10607
914-682-6205
20 South Broadway, 10th floor
Yonkers, NY 10701
800-772-1213
What Are the Benefits or Entitlements?
As you make plans for your future, one of the questions you'll probably ask is, "How
much will I get from Social Security?" There are several ways you can find out.
Social Security sends a yearly statement to everyone age 25 or older who has paid Social
Security taxes but does not yet receive benefits. You should receive a Social Security Statement
every year about three months before your birthday.
Your Social Security benefit is a percentage of your earnings averaged over most of your working lifetime.
Social Security was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire or become
disabled, or your family's only income if you die. It is intended to supplement other income
you have through pension plans, savings, investments or other sources.
Low income workers receive a higher percentage of earnings than those in the upper
income brackets, but a worker with average earnings can expect a retirement benefit that
represents about 40 percent of his or her average lifetime earnings.
You also can request a statement by:
Or you may calculate your approximate benefit by using the programs available
at http://www.ssa.gov/retire2 on the Internet.
In April 2000, a law was passed that changes the way Social Security determines how
your benefits are affected when you work while receiving Social Security benefits.
When you're working, your benefit amount will now be reduced only until you reach your
full retirement age, not up to age 70 as the previous law required.
For further information about earnings limits before you reach your full retirement age,
please call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and ask for Publication No. 05-10069, How
Work Affects Your Benefits.
If you're receiving retirement benefits, some members of your family also can
receive benefits. Those who can include:
- Your wife or husband age 62 or older
- Your wife or husband under age 62, if she or he is taking care of your child who is under age 16 or disabled
- Your former wife or husband age 62 or older
- Children up to age 18
- Children age 18-19, if they are full-time students through grade 12
- Children over age 18, if they are disabled
When you die, certain members or your family may be eligible for benefits if you
earned enough Social Security credits while you were working. The family members include:
- A widow(er) age 60 or older, 50 or older if disabled or any age if caring for a child under age 16
- Your children if they are unmarried and under age 18, under 19 but still in school or 18 or older but disabled
- Your parents if you were their primary means of support
A special one-time payment of $255 may be made to your spouse or minor children when
you die. If you are divorced, your ex-spouse could be eligible for a widow(er)'s benefit.
When Do the Benefits or Entitlements Start?
The usual retirement age for people retiring now is age 65. Social Security calls
this "full retirement age," and the benefit amount that is payable is considered
the “full retirement benefit”.
Because of longer life expectancies, the full retirement age will be increased in
gradual steps until it reaches age 67. This change starts in the year 2003, and it
affects people born in 1938 and later.
You can start your Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit
amount you receive will be less than your full retirement benefit. If you take early
retirement, your benefits will be permanently reduced based on the number of months you will
receive checks before you reach full retirement age.
If your full retirement age is 65, the reduction for starting your Social Security
at age 62 is about 20 percent; at age 63, it is about 13-1/3 percent; and at age 64, it is
about 6-2/3 percent.
There are disadvantages and advantages to taking your benefit before your full
retirement age. The disadvantage is that your benefit is permanently reduced. The
advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. Each person's
situation is different, so make sure you contact Social Security before you decide to retire.
When you reach retirement age, it is the intent of the Social Security system to
pay out benefits for the rest of your life.
How Do I Apply For the Benefit?
Call to make an appointment to visit any local Social Security office to apply in
person. (Please see the above list of Westchester offices.)
You may be able to apply for Social Security retirement benefits
online at http://www.ssa.gov/applytoretire/.
If you are 61 years and 9 months or older and plan to start getting your benefits
within four months, you may be able to apply online. Social Security will store your
electronic application in a database and automatically retrieve it when they get the
signed copy you send or bring to them. (A few other documents will also be necessary.)
Privacy is a high priority, and Social Security uses state-of-the-art encryption to
ensure that confidential information you send them is secure.
Depending on your circumstances, you will need some or all of the documents listed
below. But don't delay applying for benefits because you don't have all the information. If
you don't have a document you need, Social Security staff may be able to help you get it.
You will need the following information:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate
- Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year
- Your military discharge papers if you had military service
- Your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits
- Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children's benefits
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you (or a spouse or child is applying for benefits)
were not born in the U.S.
- The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account
You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or
bring them to Social Security. Social Security staff will make photocopies and return your documents.
Whenever Social Security makes a decision that affects your eligibility for Social Security
benefits, they send you a letter explaining their decision. If you disagree with their decision,
you have the right to appeal to Social Security. If you still disagree with Social Security,
you have the right to a final appeal to an Administrative Law Judge.
To learn more about the appeals process, call or visit any Social Security office to ask for
a copy of the factsheet, The Appeals
Process http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10041.html (Publication No. 05-10041).
In addition, you have the right to be represented by a qualified person of your choice
when dealing with Social Security. For more information, ask us for a copy of the factsheet,
Your Right To Representation http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10075.html
(Publication No. 05-10075).
Is There A Cost To Me?
There is no cost to receive Social Security retirement benefits.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have to pay taxes on your Social Security
benefits. For further information call your local Social Security office or call toll-free 800-772-1213.
Who Provides the Benefit?
Social Security is a Federal program supported by tax dollars.
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