YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

When you think of Social Security, who do you think of? Older Americans who receive monthly benefit payments? Younger people with disabilities who aren't able to work and receive disability payments?

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

The fact is Social Security serves a number of different audiences. That's why we offer information by category on our Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov .

For example, if you are a financial planner, you can visit our page dedicated to your needs at www.socialsecurity.gov/financialplanners . On this page, you'll find information about benefits; calculators that allow you to help your clients project their future benefit amounts; information about incomes that may offset Social Security benefits; and a link to the Social Security Statement page, where you can assist your clients in ordering a statement - a planning tool which details their earnings history and estimates their retirement benefit.

If you are a health or school professional, you may want to visit our Disability Programs page tailored to you at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals. This Web portal explains the Social Security disability determination process, and how you may be asked to play a part in it. It tells about information we may request from you during a disability evaluation, and offers options on how you can submit the requested information to us - including the fastest and easiest way, through Electronic Records Express. Learn how to submit records electronically at www.socialsecurity.gov/ere/index.html .

Human resource managers will find a wealth of useful information on our Web site designed especially for their needs. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/hrm for everything you need to help you assist employees in planning for retirement and other life events.

If you are a Teacher or school official, you may find it helpful to use our Schools page at www.socialsecurity.gov/schools1.htm . On this page, you can certify student attendance, obtain a teacher questionnaire, and learn more about students who apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security is relevant to a vast array of people. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov. Look for the "Information for" section in the right column. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).