The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) manages Social Security benefits. Social Security is a U.S. government insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. You or your survivors may qualify for Social Security benefits if you paid Social Security tax and earned enough work credits.

Work credits are calculated based on earnings and the number of years worked. For example, in 2009, each worker received one credit for $1,090 earned and could accrue up to four credits per year. To qualify for retirement benefits, you need at least ten years of work or 40 credits, if you were born after 1929. Less years of work are required for those born prior to 1929.

For each worker, the SSA creates a Social Security Statement detailing the status of his or her benefits. The statement lists the worker’s taxed Social Security earnings and an estimate of the benefits to be expected. Social Security statements are automatically mailed each year to current and former workers over age 25 years. A statement is sent about three months prior to the recipient’s birthday. Upon request, the SSA will mail a statement to workers of any age.

To request your Social Security Statement, go to the SSA Web site at www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov. Submit your request online or download a request form and mail it. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and request a form to be sent to you, or pick up a request form from any Social Security office in your area. You may apply for benefits on the Web site or call and make an appointment with your local Social Security office. Check the status of your application on the SSA Web site at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/IAPS/applicationStatus.

In the Social Security Statement, the SSA makes assumptions about a worker’s future earnings. If you would like a statement based on your own assumptions, provide your future average yearly earnings in a request for a statement. The SSA Web site also offers:

--  Retirement planner: www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/index.htm

--  Disability planner: www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dqualify.htm

--  Survivors planner: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan/index.htm 

--  Benefits calculators: www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm