New Social Security Calculator Online

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/21/national/w095140D28.DTL&tsp=1

Online Social Security estimator: http://ssa.gov/estimator/

Social Security unveils new earnings calculator
By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer
Monday, July 21, 2008


(07-21) 09:51 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) --
People planning for retirement got a new tool this week: a fast and easy online estimator for their Social Security benefits.

The Social Security Administration unveiled its new retirement estimator on its Web site Monday. On it, it takes just a few points and clicks and some personal information to produce benefit estimates within a few minutes.

The new calculator will be followed this fall by an updated online application for benefits that Social Security Administrator Michael Astrue promises will reduce application time from the current 45-minute process to 15 minutes — and eliminate the need for follow-up visits to agency field offices.
"These initiatives will help us better handle the baby boomer wave and make it easier for the public to do business with us online," Astrue said.

Currently, workers get an annual benefit estimate mailed to them. It's based on prior earnings but assumes people's salary stays the same until retirement age. The online calculator supplements the annual mailing but won't replace it.

more at link

but positive. Courteous, well-informed and very efficient, at least here in Palm Beach County. This is one agency that works well and FOR its clients....no wonder Old McGaffe wants to dismantle/change it.I would also mention the time I was mugged, my bank immediately got them on the phone while I was still on the line, I personally spoke with SS (I was worried about my card in the wallet)and they proceeded to send me another card immediately. I was pretty impressed with both SS and my bank (Wachovia)....

When my dad died, I made an appointment with SS to stop his benefits. The person there was the most sensitive, caring person I have ever met. She was empathetic and took time to explain everything. She also updated my address info.
High marks based on her ambassadorship.

Government that works, and works well, (and does it for a fraction of the margin of the private sector) is anathema to them.