Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American, from Day 1 when your parents applied for your Social Security number through your first job and your retirement party and beyond.

For more than 80 years, Social Security has provided financial protection for the American people and has served as one of the most successful antipoverty programs in our nation’s history.

Everyone is encouraged to take steps toward their financial security and the first step in this is getting to know your Social Security by visiting socialsecurity.gov.

Your Social Security number is vital throughout life, from applying for student aid and opening your first bank account to starting your first job and buying your first house.

Your contributions to the Social Security system through FICA payroll taxes can make you eligible for important future benefits when you reach retirement age or if you become severely injured or ill.

On the Social Security website (socialsecurity.gov), you can learn about survivor benefits or how the Supplemental Security Income program assists disabled children and our most vulnerable adults.

Online services include:

>> Verifying your lifetime earnings record.

>> Estimating future benefits for you and your family.

>> Managing your Social Security benefits and personal information.

Other online resources can be found at the Social Security Matters blog at blog.ssa.gov/.

Nicole Tiggemann is a spokeswoman for the Social Security Administration.