Perhaps in recognition of the fact that the rules around Social Security are plentiful and resolutely recondite the agency has taken advantage of the new school year to reach out to teachers and encourage them to educate their charges on the basics of SSA benefits.

The agency has gone as far as creating some rather well constructed lesson plans for high school teachers to address the topic of why Social Security was created, what on earth FICA is, and what it means when they talk about work credits. There are only two lessons’ worth of material but it’s a worthwhile effort and may spark something in one of those awkward teenagers who have no idea what they want to be when they grow up: a career in Benefits Counseling may be the answer!

For any teachers out there scratching their heads as they ponder how to occupy their classroom for a couple of hours here’s the link to the toolkit: Information for Educators | Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)