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Social Security News
First Baby Boomer Files for Social Security Benefits
to Start the Silver Tsunami
New Jersey woman was born a second after midnight on
Jan. 1, 1946
 Oct. 15, 2007 – Maybe you didn’t feel the earth
shake, or see the water rising, but for sure what is being called
America’s “Silver Tsunami” has started. Kathleen Casey-Kirschling, born
one second after midnight on Jan. 1, 1946, today became the first Baby
Boomer to file for Social Security retirement benefits, which she can
begin collecting in January 2008.
“I know how important Social Security benefits are
to Americans of all walks of life,” said Social Security Commissioner
Michael J. Astrue.
“Today, Kathy has reached a personal milestone –
she has made the transition from the workforce to retirement. I could
not be more pleased that she has chosen to make this transition by
filing for her benefits online.”
As the nation’s first Baby Boomer, Ms. Casey-Kirschling
is leading what is often referred to as America’s silver tsunami. Over
the next two decades, nearly 80 million Americans will become eligible
for Social Security benefits, more than 10,000 per day.
As her 60th birthday approached Ms. Casey-Kirschling
had already been identified as the oldest boomer. She made many
television appearances and was featured in magazines and newspapers.
"I had no idea turning 60 was going to be so big,"
the Cherry Hill, N.J., resident told USA Today. "I guess the baby
boomers turning 60 is a big milestone." (Click
for rest of this story.)
To prepare for this wave of new filers, Social
Security has developed a wide range of online services.
To find out what Social Security services are
available online go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
“Filing for Social Security benefits online is
easy and convenient,” said Ms. Casey-Kirschling. “I urge my fellow Baby
Boomers to give Social Security’s online services a try. Save a trip
and do business with Social Security from the comfort of your home or
office.”
Social Security’s online services are convenient
and secure. In The Federal American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)
Scorecard, Social Security’s online benefit application has the highest
score among all federal websites followed closely by Social Security’s
application for extra help with Medicare drug costs. ACSI notes “Their
respective scores of 88 and 87 put them in the elite company of online
private sector satisfaction leaders like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.”
“Social Security provides economic protection to
millions of Americans and their families,” Commissioner Astrue said.
“And we remain committed to providing the public with the highest
quality service possible. Boomers have always been a generation of
trendsetters. Kathy is leading the way by doing business with Social
Security online.”
>>
www.socialsecurity.gov
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