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Social Security and You: Web site helps in 15 languages

Web Posted: 09/10/2006 09:35 PM CDT

Oscar Garcia

Special to the Express-News

Question: I work for an agency that assists immigrants in acquiring services that are available in our community. Many of them do not speak, read or write English. Does Social Security produce their booklets and information in other languages?

Answer: Yes, we do. Social Security recently announced an expansion of the "Multilanguage Gateway" on the Internet. Visitors to the Social Security Web site http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage/ will now find an additional 30 Social Security program publications.

These online publications provide detailed and useful information about Social Security retirement, disability and survivor benefits, the Supplemental Security Income program, and the Social Security card and number ? in 15 languages. The languages are Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

The Spanish language page, "Seguro Social en Español" at www.segurosocial.gov/espanol, is even more extensive, offering more than 65 publications as well as benefit calculators, news releases and frequently asked questions.

Social Security understands the need to provide information and services to the public in languages other than English. Part of this effort involves providing free interpreter services in more than 100 languages to help conduct Social Security business, whether you talk to us by phone or visit a Social Security office.

Q: I have had several unexpected and severe financial setbacks since I retired two years ago. Is it true that if my income has dropped dramatically I can get help paying for my Medicare premiums?

A: Yes. If your monthly income is limited, the state in which you live may help with your Medicare premiums and may also help pay for deductibles and coinsurance.

Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services or welfare office, or call the Medicare hotline ? (800) 633-4227 ? and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs.

Also, if your income and assets are low enough, you may want to explore the possibility of getting extra help with your Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles and co-payments. You can learn more by visiting Social Security's Web site, or calling the agency at (800) 772-1213 or TTY (800) 325-0778.