Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 20 June 2002 — Page 32

The Muncie Times, June 20. 2002, page 32

SOCIAL SECURITY

BEST system allows consumers to check social security benefits

By James Warner Social Security Manager in Muncie Have you ever wondered if you might now be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits, or if you qualify for Medicare health insurance? Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin when you are looking for information about large government programs. Social Security has introduced a new online service that can provide some real help for you. It’s called the Benefit Screening Tool (BEST). If you would like to know what benefits you may be eligible for, just log onto

www.ssa.gov/best. It’s available in English and Spanish. You will need to answer some questions about your age and marital status. And there will be some questions about your personal finances. These questions will help determine if you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or if you can qualify for help with your Medicare premium. BEST takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You will not have to give any personal identifying information, such as your name or Social Security number. And once you exit this screening

tool, all your answers will be permanently erased. BEST is an application for benefits. After you complete the questions and see the results, you then decide if you should apply for benefits. You can file forretirement, spouse and disability benefits online at www.ssa.gov/apply for benefits. You also can file a retirement, spouse, survivor’s, disability or SSI application by calling Social Security’s toll free number, 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office.

‘The Muncie ‘limes appreciates your support and your business 1 . ‘We are open Monday through ‘Friday from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.

■ I .V. \ ■ ; x MpJrC m d f # , 4 Arri 1 rru brother S jce t was, until tonight.

eri ft. to . "

We hear the stats all of the time: 75% of African-Americans killed in automobile crashes were not buckled up. Crashes are the second leading cause of death to African-American males between 15-24. Wearing seat belts increases your chance of surviving. BUCKLE UP it’s c[uic\z Ltjusttalees a dtck

Governor’s Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving a rtMSfcr'of the |{Y' I :«hawa I Via I CWMtKAi. I AISTKr iKSTtnjTf

"'tIcke

■Ahc

»! . 1/ \« -V V'

r ._ !