About Charo Boyd
Charo Boyd is a Social Security public affairs specialist in the agency's Indianapolis office.
Each holiday gathering is special. Families and friends get together to see how big the kids have gotten, catch up on family news from the summer and new school year, and remind each other to be grateful for what we have.

But what's the best way to know what you have to be thankful for when it comes to Social Security disability or retirement benefits?

This year, between holiday presents and egg nog, give your loved ones the gift of access, knowledge, and empowerment that they'll be thankful to have.

Before everyone gathers around the glow of a fire, gather around the glow of the computer screen and pull up www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to open a free my Social Security account. There, your friends and family who don't yet receive benefits can access their:

  • Earnings information

  • Social Security Statements

  • Estimates of future benefits if they are still working.

    This information is invaluable to family members - both young and old - or family members who are planning to file for disability benefits. It can help them make informed financial decisions about the future.

    If your loved one is already receiving retirement or disability benefits, my Social Security is useful for quick and easy updates and changes like:

  • Changes of address

  • Direct deposit information

  • Replacing a Medicare card

  • Receiving replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S documents for tax season.

    By showing your loved ones how to access this resource and encouraging them to open their own my Social Security accounts, you can keep the good feeling of gratitude going all year round. Join the more than 20 million families and friends already using my Social Security to stay informed of their benefits and prepare for the future. Gather the family around www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It's the gift that keeps giving all year long.