By EDWARD CARIUTY

Social Security

District Manager

Escanaba

It’s the New Year — 2018 has arrived. There’s no better time to tell you about the new features we have in my Social Security. They not only save you time but also put you in control of your retirement future.

There are a growing number of states (and the District of Columbia) where if you’re a resident you can request a replacement Social Security card online. Our new online version of the application for a replacement Social Security card can make getting a replacement easy and stress-free. It allows people to apply for a replacement card without traveling to a field office or card center, as long as you’re not requesting a name change or any other change to your card. We are working to add this capability to every state.

Your personal “my Social Security” account is secure and gives you ready access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and printable statements. Those who already receive benefits can view their payment history, current status, and manage their benefits.

Social Security has also made replacing your annual benefit statement even easier. The Benefit Statement, known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S, shows the amount of benefits received the previous year and is needed for filing taxes.

Now you have the ability to download it using Social Security’s online services. There’s no need to visit a field office. A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available after Feb. 1 for the previous tax year.

If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating a secure account is very easy to do and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Putting you in control of your future is a key part of securing today and tomorrow. “My Social Security” provides the power to steer your future in the direction you deserve.