Coffey: Basic info on system available on Internet

As the Thanksgiving holiday has arrived, families everywhere are reuniting. Generations are gathered around dinner tables across the nation today. And certainly some people are already coming up with conversation topics to season the festivities.

If family members like to talk about Social Security, make sure you're ready with a visit to www.socialsecurity.gov.

After table time, sit down for some online time with anyone in your family who needs information. In fact, right on your tablet or laptop, you can even help a loved one apply for benefits in as little as 15 minutes, or Medicare in as little as 10.

There are a number of other things you can help your loved ones do online. Use the benefit eligibility screening tool to see whether they qualify for benefits. Or use the retirement estimator for an instant and personalized estimate of their retirement benefits.

You can learn about these and many other online services available by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

If you're in a conversation about Social Security, use your smart phone or mobile device to visit our mobile-friendly frequently asked questions at www.socialsecurity.gov/faq.

If you end up talking about Social Security between turkey and pumpkin pie, rest assured that the authority on the subject is as close as your laptop, tablet or smart phone. Feast on the food at the table, and then take advantage of the feast of information and services available online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Note: Social Security offices will be closed today and Friday and will reopen on Monday.

Submit questions to local Social Security Director Martin Coffey by writing to Business Editor Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at dflessner@timesfreepress.com.

Upcoming Events