BENEFIT ESTIMATES ARE FOR YOUNG ADULTS

CAPE GIRARDEAU - "Could I support myself on my Social Security benefits if I became disabled?" "Would my children be able to get Social Security if something happened to me?"

These are questions that we want young adults to ask. Young people can get answers to these questions with a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement.

The benefit statements show estimates of the Social Security benefits each worker could expect. The estimate shows disability benefits for workers and their families, and survivors benefits available to family members if the worker dies.

With a realistic estimate of their Social Security benefits, people will be in a better position to make informed decisions about their need for insurance and savings.

People can also use their statements to verify that all their earnings are shown correctly on their Social Security records. If the record is wrong, Social Security may be able to correct it. It's usually easier to make corrections if the error is found within a few years, while records are still available.

To get a benefit statement, call your Social Security Office or Social Security's toll-free number (1-800-234-5772) and ask for a free Request for Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement. When it comes in the mail, fill it out, and send it back. You'll get your statement in a few weeks.

The Cape Girardeau office telephone number is 314-334-5281.