HispanicBusiness

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has opened a toll-free Spanish-language telephone service so customers may apply for retirement or survivors benefits. According to the agency, of the more than 3 million people who applied for benefits last year, almost 2 percent (62,000 people) preferred to speak Spanish. The new number is (800) 772-1213.

Earlier this year, SSA launched two Spanish-language Internet pages: Preguntas Frecuentes (Frequently Asked Questions) at www.sss.gov/espanol/faqs, and Para la Mujer (For Women) at www.ssa.gov/espanol/mujeres. The agency's main Spanish-language site, Seguro Social, Información en Español (www.ssa.gov/espanol), averages about 10,000 visitors a month.

"At the Social Security Administration, we are committed to providing the public with choices in the way they want to conduct business," says SSA Acting Commissioner Larry Massanari. "We recognize that the public wants choices, and we will always be there for people who wish to be served on the telephone or face-to-face in our offices."

Naturally, SSA needs Spanish-speaking personnel to make these new initiatives function properly. For career information, visit the site at www.ssa.gov/jobssa/recruit/jobssa.htm.