Since 1995 March has been designated as Women’s History Month in the United States. Each year at this time we can recognize and celebrate all the achievements that women have made since the very beginnings of the creation of this country. Indeed, today, March 11, if you happen to be in possession of a child between the ages of 3 and 6 you can participate in a virtual workshop run by the Smithsonian and learn all about how women and girls transformed the world. Or perhaps you would prefer to visit an exhibition titled “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words” which accesses the Library of Congress’ vast collection of her writings and correspondence. In any case, there’s a wonderful array of options that do commemorate the significant contributions that American women have made. (For further information you can go here: Women’s History Month (womenshistorymonth.gov))
Not wishing to be left out of the party Social Security has highlighted its publication, the confidently titled “What Every Woman Should Know”. This document, whilst not quite providing the answers to every question that women might have, does clearly summarize some key aspects and options for benefits for all Americans, at the same time acknowledging that women are more likely than men to access some of the options.
Here you can find out the basics on benefits for spouses, survivors and for children. There’s information on the importance of ensuring that your employer is recording your taxes using the same name that Social Security has listed for you; there’s information on how to record a change of name. Recognizing the primary role that women still play in dealing with household finances, the pamphlet also gives you the basics on the how to become a Representative Payee. There’s also details on how to request a change of Social Security Number should there be a need for that.
You can read the publication in full here: What Every Woman Should Know (ssa.gov)