YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

By DAVID BROWN

Do you have a question or two about Social Security? Well, you're not alone. The good news is that we're here to answer your questions - and you don't have to call us on the phone for us to serve you. Just go to our Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov.

One of our most popular on-line services is our frequently-asked questions section. There, we have listed hundreds of the most commonly-asked questions along with easy-to-understand answers in plain language.

How are my retirement benefits calculated? How do I replace a lost or stolen Social Security card? How do I apply for Medicare Extra Help? How can I get a replacement Medicare card? What are the most popular names given to babies? There are nearly 600 frequently-asked questions on the Web site right now.

But don't let the number of questions and answers overwhelm you. It's easy to find answers to your questions with our subject index and search features.

Our frequently asked questions page is just one of the many popular on-line services offered by Social Security. At www.socialsecurity.gov , you can apply for benefits, use our financial planners, request a replacement Medicare card or Social Security Statement, get the location of the nearest Social Security office, and more.

Of course if you don't have access to the Internet, you can still get your questions answered by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Take advantage of Social Security's frequently-asked questions now at www.socialsecurity.gov .

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.