YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

Did you ever think that your Social Security number may be the most valuable thing you have? Well, it certainly can be more valuable to an identity thief than a wallet full of cash and credit cards. That's why it is important that you keep your Social Security card and number safe.

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

We at Social Security do our part to protect your information. We strictly maintain the privacy of Social Security records. In addition, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. We do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers.

You, too, should treat your Social Security number and personal information as confidential. Don't share it with just anyone. Remember to shred important documents with your Social Security number and personal information before throwing it away. And you should never carry your card with you unless you've been asked to show it to an employer or service provider.

When it comes to service providers and businesses, you should be cautious about sharing your Social Security number. Many companies will ask for your number, but they may not need it to do business with you.

Any time you are asked for your Social Security number you should ask: - Why do you need my number? - How will you use my number? - What if I refuse to provide my number? - What law requires me to give my number?

If you want to do business with the person asking for your number, the answers to these questions can help you decide whether you feel safe entrusting your information to them.

By taking advantage of Social Security's on-line retirement application, you can apply for retirement benefits from the convenience and comfort of your home or office.

Here's how to apply on-line for Social Security benefits.

First, go to our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire . Here, you can apply on-line not only for your own retirement benefits, but also for your spouse if he or she is also eligible.

The on-line application will be signed electronically. Now, you may think, "I don't know how to do that." But it's easy. Signing electronically just means that you accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information you submitted by selecting the "SIGN NOW" button at the end of the application. This electronic signature also authorizes Social Security to complete the processing of your application for benefits.

You will still need to submit appropriate documents to prove your age, citizenship and, in some cases, earnings and marriage.

If you are nearing retirement age but are uncertain whether you are ready to retire, you will find another Social Security on-line service to be very helpful - Retirement Planners. These planners allow you to estimate future Social Security retirement benefits and also provide links to outside Web sites that discuss other sources of retirement income and post-retirement concerns, such as housing and medical care.

For more information about these and other Social Security retirement topics, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov.