800 ACCESS Fill in your Social Security check
By Judy Feldman

(MONEY Magazine) – If you are interested in learning the projected amount of your future Social Security benefits, you can ask for your Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (PEBES) from the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. The line operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., nationwide, Monday through Friday. People age 60 and up receive an immediate calculation -- expressed in today's % dollars. Younger folks will be sent a request form and will get the numbers by mail within three weeks. You can also use the toll-free line to do the following: Apply for benefits; begin direct deposit of payments; report missing checks or a change of address; and get free brochures on Social Security for household workers, Medicare, retirement, self-employment, and disability and survivor benefits.