Spanish-language website has Social Security information
Social Security touches the lives of every American. Hispanics make up our nation’s largest ethnic minority group with a population of 57.5 million, according to 2016 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. In fact, Hispanic Americans form 17.8 percent of the nation’s total population.
Social Security provides retirement, disability and other benefits to over 63 million American workers and their family members. When people hear “Social Security,” they think of retirement first, but Social Security also provides protection for the families of workers who become unable to work due to severe impairments or who have died.
We work hard to provide ready customer service and easy-toaccess information about our important programs and benefits to millions of Americans. If Spanish is your primary language, you can visit www.segurosocial.gov, our Spanish-language website. It includes hundreds of pages of important information about how to get a Social Security card, plan for retirement, apply for benefits and manage your benefits once you’re receiving them. Many of our offices have staff who speak Spanish, or you can call 800772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and select the option for Spanish.
Spanish-speaking individuals wishing to apply for retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits, as well as Medicare, can request an appointment online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits for an in-person interview or telephone claim with a representative.
In many cases, you can make an appointment with a bilingual representative.
Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey. To learn more about what Social Security offers, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/people/hispanics.
Applying online is the fastest way to get Social Security benefits. Here are some of the types of benefits you can apply for:
■ Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits — You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
■ Disability — You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started. Apply for disability at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityonline.
■ Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs — Many people need assistance with the cost of medications. Apply for Extra Help at www. socialsecurity.gov/i1020.
■ Medicare — Medicare is a national health insurance program administered by the U.S. federal government that began in 1966. You can apply online or continue an application you already started at www. socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
■ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income. You may be able to apply online if you meet certain requirements. See if you can apply online for SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/ssi.