Social Security: Declare your independence with Social Security online

photo Gregory Holmes, district manager for Social Security

Independence Day is a good time to declare your independence from heavy traffic, long lines, and visits to crowded offices by taking important matters into your own hands.

Anytime, anywhere Social Security's website is waiting to let you take care of important matters yourself, independently, without the need to visit or call an office.

All you need to do is visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to set up a my Social Security account so you can do business with Social Security the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way.

We're only halfway through 2013 and, already, more than 6 million people are registered for a my Social Security account. They use it to easily get information and service -- without needing to visit an office or make a phone call. That's a great reason to set off some fireworks.

The things you can do using your account are as varied as the menu at a Fourth of July picnic. For example, you can use my Social Security to obtain a copy of your Social Security Statement to check your earnings record and see estimates of the retirement, disability, and survivor benefits you and your family may be able to receive.

If you are already receiving benefits, you can join the parade. We recently expanded my Social Security for those receiving benefits; now you can use your account to view, save, and print a benefit verification letter, check your benefit payment information, and even change your address and your phone number in our records. You also can start or change your direct deposit information. You can do this all from the comfort of your home.

Whether you are currently getting Social Security benefits, or you are planning for that day in the future when you do, you can easily access all your important Social Security information by creating a my Social Security account. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Before you go to your Independence Day picnic and fireworks, declare your independence from traffic and lines by saving a trip to the office and going online to www.socialsecurity.gov. And happy Independence Day.

Gregory Holmes is the local director for the Social Security Office in Chattanooga.

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