Social Security and Medicare

(Please notify the web administrator if the link or phone number below are not correct, using the Contact Form on the Home page.  Information was last checked or updated on 6/19/2025)

• Link to the Social Security Administration at https://www.ssa.gov/.
• To learn more about getting started with Medicare, link to Medicare at https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare
• More information about the Social Security Fairness Act can be found at  https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html
• The Maine Public Employees Retirement System can be accessed at https://www.mainepers.org/

Contact the Social Security Administration in order to determine your eligibility for both Social Security and/or Medicare benefits. Currently (6/19/25), you can still call toll free, 1-800-772-1213.  Due to changes at the federal level, people are not being directed to a local Social Security office.  There may have been office closures or staff reductions that change your access to services.

You must establish contact with the Social Security Administration prior to reaching 65 in order to ascertain whether or not you will be eligible for Medicare. Also, if you have earned 40 quarters under Social Security you will need to inquire as to your eligibility for financial benefits. Depending on a number of factors, i.e., date eligible for retirement, amount of contributions, and whether you will be seeking benefits at age 62 or 65, your monthly Social Security benefits will be determined.

Teachers Who Have Earned 40 or More Social Security Quarters

Teachers who have earned 40 or more Social Security quarters are eligible for Social Security benefits. However, the amount depends on when you were eligible for retirement under the Maine State Retirement System (now MainePERS).

As each individual case is unique, you must contact Social Security to determine your eligibility. Benefits must be applied for, they are not automatic.

If you were eligible to retire prior to January 1, 1986, you should contact the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to secure a letter of 1st eligibility. Social Security will need this verification letter to determine your benefits.

Verification of retirement depends on two factors:

1.) Date you completed 25 years of service* OR

2.) When you attained age 60*.

* Either of these criteria must have occurred prior to January 1, 1986, for Social Security benefits that are not subject to an "offset".

Again, please contact with Social Security to check  your eligibility.  Don't forget to inquire about your eligibility for Medicare.  Social Security will be able to advise you as to which benefits you are eligible to receive.  Also, remember to check with MainePers for additional information for teachers.