Good day! Last week we commemorated Press Week, so I congratulate all journalists and members of the media for their reporting. I will always treasure fond memories of my journalistic preparation at the School of Public Communication of the University of Puerto Rico. Did you know that there is a close relationship between some news and Social Security? After the press reports some news, the affected people, their dependents or survivors will probably start a new chapter in their lives where Social Security will play an important role.
How wonderful it would be if journalists reported happy news to us frequently! However, journalists should also report unfortunate news such as illnesses, pandemics, accidents or other events that have caused disability or death to one or more people. In addition, we all follow the extensive news coverage of the funeral services of some artistic, sports or political personality.
After knowing the details of some news, have you ever wondered, what income could the disabled person or their widow (or) and children have later? There is a good chance they will contact Social Security. If they meet all the requirements, they could collect retirement, disability, dependents or survivors benefits for many years, although almost all of us forgot that news.
Since we pay benefits to millions of people of different ages around the world, various local or international events in various settings could affect our laws, regulations and procedures. For example, when many people have been harmed by inclement weather — hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. — and other tragedies, Social Security puts special contingency plans in place to speed up the deposit of benefits, as well as processing of the new claims.
Social Security is not a financial assistance benefit but rather insurance. Therefore, all workers must verify that their earnings record is up to date. Open your personal ‘My Social Security’ account at www.segurosocial.gov to identify and correct any errors and obtain estimates of your benefits. Check your account to prevent yourself or your loved ones from receiving the unfortunate news that – even though you worked a long time – you cannot collect benefits because your income is not credited to your Social Security record.
In general, every employer must provide each employee with a withholding slip —W2— as evidence of their salary and payroll deductions, including Social Security (FICA) and Medicare. In addition, any person who is self-employed, renders professional services or operates his own business, must pay his Social Security annually by filing the federal return 1040PR with the Federal Internal Revenue Service (1-800-829-1040). Remember to save these evidences as they could become your lifeline if you discover that your income is not credited.
Suppose that, at age 62, Betty Boop Martínez held a press conference in Old San Juan’s Plaza del Quinto Centenario to announce her retirement as a classical ‘ballet’ dancer. She always paid her Social Security and reviewed her earnings record so she was prepared for her retirement. To close the press conference with a flourish, Betty stood on tiptoe at the top of the Telluric Totem and exclaimed her memorable “Pupupirup”. This positive news graced the front pages of all the newspapers and was broadcast live as ‘Just received’, ‘Nobody has it’ and ‘Úrrrrrrrrrtima hora!’ by radio, television and internet. The next day, at home, Betty applied for her Social Security retirement benefits over the phone. Although her triumphant farewell to the Totem pole occurred almost fifteen years ago and few remember this event, Betty Boop Martinez continues to enjoy her Social Security… and Medicare benefits.
Due to the pandemic, we cannot receive visitors until further notice except to attend critical, brief or limited situations, previously coordinated. Sign in www.segurosocial.gov, automated services in www.segurosocial.gov, or call your local Social Security office available – after clicking on ‘Locate an Office by Zip’ and entering your zip code – at www.ssa.gov/locator.
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