Every year, approximately three months before their birthdays, American workers receive a Social Security Statement. This document is a valuable resource to help you plan for a future that is financially secure. Read it carefully to understand your earnings record and estimates of the Social Security benefits to which you are entitled at various retirement ages, the disability benefits you may be able to receive before retirement, and the survivors' benefits available to your spouse and other family members if you should die. If you plan a social security filing for benefits, you will want this information at your fingertips. A tool called the Retirement Estimator is available online to provide an instant, personal look at your potential retirement benefit so you can plan for the future. This convenient tool offers secure, quick financial planning and even allows you to place different stop work dates into the tool so you can determine how retirement will affect your earnings.