Happy 2012 familia! As promised, I’m starting this New Year with the best energies and sharing relevant information for Latinos. I want to kick off my first blog of 2012 taking about how applying for your Social Security benefits can potentially lead to a road full of twists and unknown turns. Fortunately, I’m here with great news for our community. AARP has unveiled a Social Security Benefits Calculator en español that helps you determine the best time to claim benefits.
Part of AARP’s “Ready for Retirement” effort, this interactive tool is designed to guide you through what can be at times a tricky process. This initiative also includes a ten-step approach to help you start with the planning process, creating a sustainable budget and preparing for the unexpected. I am pleased with this new tool because claiming your Social Security benefits should not be a burdensome event but exactly the opposite: An exciting and rewarding step towards a happy retirement.
Also, the Social Security Administration has expanded its suite of online services en español and now you are able to apply online for Social Security retirement and Medicare benefits totally in language. The application process for Social Security should take only 15 minutes and can be done in the comfort of your home. The Medicare application process should only take an additional 10 minutes and with very little additional paper work to submit.
Resources:
To use AARP Social Security Benefits Calculator please click here.
To learn more about the Social Security information en español, go to the SSA’s website.
Read about AARP’s premiums and services for Latinos by visiting www.SoyAARP.org.
Photo Credit: AARP
Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza 