National Social Security Month is celebrated in April and is dedicated to educating you about Social Security programs and services. From programs that help support you through life's journey to services that help put you in control and systems that help protect what's important to you, Social Security is committed to helping secure today and tomorrow for you and your family.

During National Social Security Month, we encourage people to take control of their future with my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Create an account to check your earnings history, confirm you have enough credits to retire, see an estimate of future benefits while still working, or manage your monthly benefits once you begin receiving them. You can also check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card and get an instant benefit verification letter.

Our Retirement Estimator is another great tool that provides you with immediate and personalized benefit estimates based on your own earnings record. This allows you to receive the most accurate estimate of your future retirement benefits. Estimate your benefits now at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

After you have viewed your earnings history for accuracy, confirmed you have enough work credits to retire and determined the best age to retire, you can get started on the next phase of your life right away by retiring online. It's fast and easy at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.

For more than 80 years, Social Security has changed to meet the needs of our customers. During National Social Security Month, and throughout the year, Social Security puts you in control with secure access to your information anytime, anywhere. To estimate or manage your benefits, request a replacement Social Security card or retire online, visit SocialSecurity.gov today, and see what you can do online at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Nicole Tiggemann, Social Security spokesperson.