YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

Want convenient Social Security services without leaving your home? If you don't have a computer, you can still handle much of your Social Security business without being required to visit one of our offices or speak to a live service representative on the telephone. Just call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and select one of our automated services.

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

Social Security's automated telephone services allow you to get Social Security information and to conduct business quickly, efficiently, easily and whenever is convenient for you. And this service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Using our automated system, you can request Social Security booklets, pamphlets, publications and informational material, ask for a Social Security card application (SS-5) to be mailed to you, or even have a replacement Medicare card mailed to your address on record.

If you are already receiving benefits, you also can change your personal information over the phone using our automated services, such as your mailing address or direct deposit information.

Although these automated services are easy to use and can be accessed around the clock, you still have the option to ask for a customer service representative during our normal business hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To learn more, call us. (the TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov.