Social Security And Today's Woman

Nearly every American—man, woman and child—has Social Security protection, either as a worker or as a dependent of a worker. When the program began in 1935, Social Security benefits were limited to retired workers, and most workers were men. Most women did not work outside the home.

Today, the role of women is far different. Nearly 60 percent of all women are in the nation's workforce. Many women work throughout their adult lives. Although Social Security always has provided benefits for women, it has taken on added significance. More women work, pay Social Security taxes and earn credit toward a monthly income for their retirement. Working women with children earn Social Security protection for themselves and their families. This could mean monthly benefits to a woman and her family if she becomes disabled and can no longer work. If she dies, her survivors may be eligible for benefits.

Although some women choose lifetime careers outside the home, many women work for a few years, leave the labor force to raise their children, and then return to work. Some women choose not to work outside their homes. They usually are covered by Social Security through their husband's work and can receive benefits when he retires, becomes disabled or dies.

Whether a woman works, has worked or has never worked, it is important that she knows exactly what Social Security coverage means to her. She also should know about Social Security coverage for anyone she may hire as a household worker or provider of child care. She needs to know what to do if she changes her name. And she needs to know that if she receives a pension for work not covered by Social Security, her Social Security benefits could be affected.

We invite you to read this booklet to see what Social Security offers you. The booklet is not intended as a complete explanation of the Social Security program. It's a guide to those provisions that are, or can be, of particular interest to you and every woman. You may want to keep this booklet for future reference.

Social Security's
Internet Website: www.socialsecurity.gov
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
TTY Number: 1-800-325-0778

Download Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know

PDF format, 134KB, 22Pages.

Social Security Administration

What's Inside
Part I-When You're Employed Or Self-Employed 4
Part 2-Some Special Employment Situations 5
Part 3-When You Retire 7
Part <1 If You 've Never Been Employed ..... 9
Part 5-When You Have Income From A Government Pension 10
Part 6 When Your ftturital Status Changes 12
Part 7-You Also Need To Know 15
Part 8-When You Need More InFormation About Social Security 17
Part 9 Your Personal InFormation Is Safe With Social Security 18

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