Individual

Social Security should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. This site provides information about how you can report a death in the family and about possible benefits for family members, including surviving spouse, unmarried children, and parents.

You can apply online for Social retirement or spouse's benefits or disability benefits. You can also check the status of your application, or request an appeal if benefits were denied. This site provides guidance and forms.

The on-line Retirement Estimator produces estimates of Social Secuirty retirement benefits based on your Social Security earnings record. These estimates are provided for three different ages -- early retirement age, full retirement age, and age 70.

Small Business Information for Women and Minorities.

This website provides information and guidance on understanding your Social Security Statement -- which is a concise, easy-to-read personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes and a summary of the estimated benefits you and your family might receive. The website also features a sample Statement, information on how to request a Statement, and answers to frequently asked questions about the Statement.

The SBA’s Women’s Business Center Program comprises a national network of WBCs providing business training, counseling and other resources to help women start and grow successful businesses.

The Social Security Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law and points out things you might want to consider as you prepare for retirement.

The SEC’s Web site, focused on the needs of individual investors, Investor.gov, offers a wealth of information on how to become a smarter investor. Use retirement calculators, tools, and games to increase your financial knowledge. Or, read articles on products such as mutual funds, variable annuities, and 529 college savings plans. The site also can help you figure out what questions to ask before investing and where to get the answers.

Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. This brochure covers the basics of saving and investing and includes key tips on making money grow over time.  Sections include: (i) Define Your Goals, (ii) Make a Financial Plan, (iii) Determine Your Risk Tolerance, (iv) Investment Products: Your Choices, (v) How to Pick a Financial Professional, and (vi) Avoid Problems.

Over the past decade, American investors increasingly have turned to mutual funds to save for retirement and other financial goals. Mutual funds can offer the advantages of diversification and professional management. But, as with other investment choices, investing in mutual funds involves risk. In addition, fees and taxes can diminish a fund’s returns. This article explains the basics of mutual fund investing — how mutual funds work, what factors to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls.