Social Security touches the lives of every American. Hispanics make up our nation's largest ethnic minority group with a population of 57.5 million, according to 2016 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. In fact, Hispanic Americans form 17.8 percent of the nation's total population.

Social Security provides retirement, disability, and other benefits to over 63 million American workers and their family members. When people hear "Social Security," they think of retirement first, but Social Security also provides protection for the families of workers who become unable to work due to severe impairments or who have died.

We work hard to provide ready customer service and easy-to-access information about our important programs and benefits to millions of Americans. If Spanish is your primary language, you can visit www.segurosocial.gov, our Spanish-language website. It includes hundreds of pages of important information about how to get a Social Security card, plan for retirement, apply for benefits, and manage your benefits once you're receiving them. Many of our offices have staff who speak Spanish, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and select the option for Spanish.

Spanish-speaking individuals wishing to apply for retirement, disability, survivor, and other benefits, as well as Medicare, can request an appointment online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits for an in-person interview or telephone claim with a representative. In many cases, you can make an appointment with a bilingual representative.

Social Security is with you throughout life's journey. To learn more about what Social Security offers, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/people/hispanics.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Nicole Tiggemann, Social Security spokesperson.