Social Security For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 1

What Social Security Is and Why You Need It

In This Chapter

Knowing what Social Security means for you

Looking at the value of Social Security

Considering where your contributions go

Getting all you can out of Social Security

Contacting the Social Security Administration

Social Security is the foundation of long-term financial support for almost every American. If you’re like most people, you’ll depend on Social Security to help you survive in your later years (if not sooner). In fact, its protections are becoming even more important as an answer to growing insecurity in old age.

Look around you. If you’re in the workforce, you know that jobs are hard to come by. If you’re an older worker who loses a job, you may also know it can take a long time to get a new one. Have you been able to set aside money for the future? Saving is essential, but many Americans save little, if anything. Maybe you contribute to a 401(k) at work, if your employer offers one, but who knows how ...