Listen to the Podcast
- 2:09 – Social Security is more than a Retirement program
- 4:42 – Social Security is a defined benefit
- 6:53 – How to qualify for Social Security Retirement
- 8:39 – How Social Security determines your benefit
- 12:02 – If you have a gap in your earnings
- 13:08 – How work affects retirement benefits
- 18:48 – Options for when to claim Social Security benefits
- 22:03 – Online retirement calculator
- 23:03 – Applying for benefits and how to contact Social Security
- 25:42 – Questions
Mr. Melton began his career with the Social Security Administration in September 1976 as a Claims Representative in the New Iberia, LA field office. During August 1979 he transferred to the Lake Charles, LA District Office and worked there as a Claims Representative, Operations Analyst, and Operations Supervisor. In June 1989, he transferred to the Winchester VA District Office. In June 1990, he was selected as the Field Representative for a 14-county district in Virginia and West Virginia that is serviced by the Winchester, Manassas, Culpeper and Martinsburg SSA field offices. He was responsible for the coordination of public information & education activities throughout the district. On March 6, 2005, Mr. Melton was selected as a Public Affairs Specialist for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. As a member of a 3-person public information team working in cooperation with 14 offices serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, he is involved in a variety of public affairs activities. Through the establishment and maintenance of networks of working relationships, he consults with a wide variety of media outlets, governmental entities, special interest groups and key employers. He ensures the public is properly informed as to the solvency, direction and purpose of Social Security Administration programs. Mr. Melton also served as the Acting District Manager of the Martinsburg WV District Office on two occasions.
