Social Security officials recommend introducing your relatives to its many programs and help them create a safe and secure my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It has features that will let you:

Review your Social Security statement;

Estimate future retirement, disability and survivors benefits;

Check your earnings to verify the amounts that are posted are correct; and

Show the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.

You can also get a benefit verification letter stating that:

You never received Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare; or

You received benefits in the past, but do not currently receive them. The letter will include the date your benefits stopped and how much you received that year; or

You applied for benefits but haven’t received an answer yet.

People with disabilities can apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

Additionally, resources for family members in the military who have been injured while serving, or are now disabled veterans are available. Contact www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.

Social Security has many online services that can fit people’s diverse needs at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov