The Miami Times

Your Social Security
WHEN WERE YOU BORN?

"What evidence do you have in your possession that will establish the date you were born? If your marriage were to be questioned can you prove you are married? What was your gross salary last year?

"These are not $64,000 questions'—neither are they '$250,000 questions'," said Edward P. Blonston, Manager of the new Miami (North) Social Security District Office, at 234 N. E. 79th, Street, in Miami. They are some of the statements you can be required to prove when you file claim for benefits as a retired wage earner under the Social Security Act.

Just as a bit of information, benefits can total, in some survivor case, more than $40,000 before the full liability of the law has been discharged..This explains why the Social Security Administration requires proof of certain events which most of us take more or less for granted.

"Actually having available proof of age, proof of marriage, and evidence of'wages paid will not only help you to meet the requirements: of the social security law, but will speed the day when you will receive your first check. Any delay in obtaining the necessary proofs results in a proportionate delay in receiving your first check. If you want your checks promptly, be equally as prompt in furnishing the required proofs.

"When 'dad' retires he should have 'mom' go to the social security office with him if she is 62 or older. The decision to file at age 64 is entirely up to mom,' but she should be present for the full explanation of the results of filing at this age rather than filing at the age of 65. Women who apply as wives of retired workers should bring some proof of their age. Women applying as widows, who have never filed as wives, should bring some proof of their. marriage; in some cases proof of age will be required. We repeat, if you don't have these documents at hand, get them, at your earliest convenience," Mr. Blonston stated.

"Employees retiring early in 1957 should bring proof of their earnings in 1956 as shown on U. S. Treasury Form W-2, the form your employer gives you at the end of the year showing the amount of wages he has paid you during the year. If you have been operating your own busines, then a copy of your income tax·return for 1956 will speed your payment. The cancelled check, or other evidence showing the tax has been paid will also be needed.

Mr. Blonston concluded, "Remember, when you call at your social security district office to claim benefits, the question will be not whether you were born— but when."