If you are looking for a job while you are in college, make sure you have your Social Security card.
By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs SpecialistCollege Students Need Social Security Cards When Looking For Work
College is starting and maybe a new job is, too! Whether you find the perfect job on campus or you get to practice your people skills in retail or fast food, one thing’s for sure: college students can always use a few extra dollars.
No matter what the job is, make sure to look at the tax deductions when your first paycheck is issued. Some of the taxes you are paying as an employee will help you qualify for Social Security benefits later.
Here is another important thing to know as you go out to find employment: your Social Security number. Knowing your Social Security number is important as you enter the workforce. Treat your number as confidential information and keep it protected. Memorize your number and do not carry your Social Security card with you unless you need to show it to your employer. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.
If your employer wants to see your card and you don’t know where it is, it’s easy to apply for a new one. Simply complete an Application For a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and show us original documents proving your U.S. citizenship or immigration status, age, and identity. The online application includes examples of documents you may need; you can find the application at
www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf. Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. We will mail your Social Security card to you.
If your card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement for free. However, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.
Whether you find a job filing paperwork or cooking burgers, have fun as you work and save for your future.
Give yourself some credit – Social Security credit
Sometimes people don’t give themselves enough credit. If you work and pay Social Security taxes, you’re earning credit for yourself every payday. This is credit that will pay off later in life when it comes time for retirement, or in the event that you become disabled and are unable to work. It’s also credit that can help your family if you die early and need to provide for those who depend on you.
You qualify for Social Security benefits by earning Social Security credits when you work in a job or are self-employed and pay Social Security payroll taxes. In 2011, you receive one credit for each $1,120 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits per year. Most people need 10 years of work (40 credits) to be eligible for retirement benefits.
The number of credits needed for ¬disability benefits depends on how old you are when you become disabled. For example, if you become disabled before age 24, you generally need 1 1/2 years of work (six credits) in the three years before you became disabled. At age 31 or older, you generally need at least 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled.
In most cases, about 10 years of work is needed for a worker’s family to qualify for survivors benefits. Survivors of very young workers may be eligible if the deceased worker was employed for 1_ years during the three years before his or her death.
You can find a detailed chart that shows exactly how many credits you would need in the online publication, How You Earn Credits, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
You may benefit from new pre-existing condition insurance plan
Do you find it hard to obtain health insurance due to pre-existing conditions? You may be eligible for the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan – a program for people who have a pre-existing medical condition and have been without health insurance coverage for at least six months.
People with pre-existing conditions face daunting challenges – and high costs – when they shop for health insurance. This new plan covers physician and hospital services and prescription drugs. Premiums vary by state. Annual out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees are capped.
Details about the program and how to apply vary depending on what State you live in. In Michigan, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is not run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services but by the state. To learn more about Michigan’s program, call 1-877-459-3113 or visit
www.hipmichigan.com.
Regardless of which State you live in, to qualify for the program you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and you must have been uninsured for at least six months. In addition, you must have a pre-existing condition or have been denied insurance coverage because of a medical condition.
For more information, call the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan toll-free at 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Time or visit
www.pcip.gov and select “Find Your State” to learn about eligibility and how to apply.
This was printed in the August 14, 2011 – August 27, 2011 Edition
