LISTEN AND LEARN ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY. FREE AUDIO PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

By Kirk Larson Social Security Washington Public Affairs Specialist

Perhaps you’ve been planning to read that booklet on Social Security benefits for some time now, but you never seem to find the time to sit down with it. If only you could listen to an audio version, just as you might listen to the latest novel by your favorite author on audio book.

Now you can. Social Security offers more than a hundred publications in audio format, in both English and Spanish. You can find them at https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/index.html and https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/ or you can call (800) 772-1213 for assistance.

At Social Security, we want to make sure you can get the information you need. That is why we offer our publications in print, online in both Internet and PDF versions, and some in audio format. You also can get publications in Braille, in enlarged print and even cassette or CD. If you are blind or visually impaired and are having trouble reading a notice we sent you in the mail, you can ask a Social Security representative to read it and explain it to you. You can contact us as many times as you want to get an explanation.

You can even learn about Social Security in 15 different languages at our Language Gateway. There are many publications you can read and down load in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese. If you want to learn about Social Security in Greek, well now you can. Just go to - https://www.ssa.gov/site/languages/en/

Social Security is committed to using technology to improve the customer service experience. Learning about any aspect of Social Security’s programs is easier than ever, in the format that works best for you. These days, you can even get a personalized estimate of your future benefits and apply for those benefits online.

From the comfort of your home, you can access information about Social Security. Take it a step further and use the audio publications in combination with the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to get answers to over 700 questions.

If you were planning to plug in the ear buds and listen to a little music tonight, why not play the Social Security publication you’ve been putting off? It’s never been easier to learn about Social Security. Visit our webpage and you can learn about Social Security programs at www.ssa.gov. Welcome to our online library. Whatever your preferred format, we’re here for you.

Kirk Larson is a Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist located in Seattle and serving Western Washington.