5 services you probably didn’t know

Most people think of Social Security as a retirement income program, but it’s actually much more than that. Social Security provides several other services, such as survivor benefits, disability benefits, and a health insurance program (Medicare). In addition to these, Social Security offers many other incentives that people are unaware of.

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Whether you’re a soon-to-be parent, have recently lost a loved one, or are a retiree seeking help with prescription drug costs, Social Security can help. Learn about 5 Social Security services you probably didn’t know existed.

advance designation

Did you know that you can designate up to three people as alternate payees in the future? Applications for predesignation can be submitted online through your Social Security account or by calling the administration. You can also make a request in person.

A primary beneficiary can manage your Social Security benefits if at some point you lose control of your Social Security benefits. A big advantage that most people don’t realize is that you can designate the person now instead of waiting until the need arises.

Reduce prescription drug costs

Most people know that Social Security offers health insurance known as Medicare. Medicare helps pay for both hospital and medical bills, but it can also help pay for prescription drugs.

With Social Security, you’re usually enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (hospital and medical insurance), but you can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (formerly Medicare C) or Medicare Part D. In addition to the coverage associated with Part A and Part B, prescription drugs and other benefits such as sight, hearing, and dentistry.

Medicare D helps cover the extra cost of prescription drugs. Some people are also eligible for “extra help” to help cover premiums, deductibles, and other costs associated with Medicare Part D. , others must apply to receive benefits.

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domestic violence support

Social Security can be a particularly important program for women, who historically earn significantly less than men throughout their lives. Relevant to survivors of violence.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) rarely assigns new Social Security numbers to individuals, but makes an exception for victims of domestic violence. A woman who has moved to a new location and “wants to establish a new identity” can apply for a new her SSN. You must show evidence of harassment, abuse, or life threatening.

Free interpretation service

Recognizing the diverse needs of individuals applying for social security, the administration now provides free interpreting services. Interpreters are provided over the phone or in person at your local social security office.

Interpretation services are provided free of charge to assist in the “performance of social security duties”. The administration recently released a detailed language access plan that will help “remove barriers to services and benefits for people with limited English proficiency.”

According to the plan, the administration will provide services in more than 200 languages ​​through multilingual staff, telephone interpretation and translation services.

baby name

One of the lesser-known services Social Security provides is helping people find baby names. Parents must submit their child’s name to the government to obtain a social security number for tax purposes. These submissions result in a wealth of data on the most popular baby names each year.

Expectant parents eager to keep up with the latest name trends or stand out from the crowd have decades of information to look at. You can also choose popular names according to year of birth, state, or era.The top boy names for 2021 are Liam, Noah and Oliver, while the most popular girl names are Olivia, Emma and Charlotte. was. For comparison, John and Mary won the highest amount a century before her.

For more information, please visit the SSA Government website.

Now that you know all the additional benefits and services you get from Social Security, you can dive deep into all the exciting things SSA has to offer.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Social Security: 5 Services You Probably Didn’t Know It Offers