The development of social security programs and systems is one of the most important social policy achievements of the 20th century. However, strengthening and expanding social security will remain a major challenge in the decades to come.
Based on available data, more than 2,700 rules govern your Social Security benefits. A significant number of those rules may not apply to you, but to have a chance of interpreting all these rules on your own you have to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In this article, we have carefully explained the three ways to contact Social Security to get info and solve issues. Before we dive into that, you have to learn what Social security is.
Social Security is the term used for the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program in the United States, run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is a federal agency. While best known for retirement benefits, it also provides survivor benefits and disability income. Source: Investopedia
Social security is an insurance program. Employees contribute to the program, usually through deductions from wages, when they work. You can earn up to four credits per year.
For every $1,470 earned, one credit is granted, until a sum of $5,880, or four credits, has been achieved according to Investopedia. That money will go to two Social Security Trust Funds: the Social Security Trust Fund and the OASI Retiree Trust Fund and Disability Insurance Fund. It is used to pay benefits to those currently entitled to those benefits. The money that is not spent remains in trust funds.
A Board of Directors oversees the financial functioning of the two Social Security Trust Funds. Four of the six members are the secretaries of the Treasury, Labor, Health and Social Services, and the Social Security Commissioner, while the other two are public officials appointed by the president and approved by the Senate.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and some people with disabilities, is also funded through payroll withholding. However, that money goes to a third trust fund managed by the Centers for Medicare and Services. Medicaid.
Applying for social security can be a pleasant experience if you know what to expect. Applying for social security benefits is an important step, but it can be easy when you know what to expect and have the right information on hand.
Depending on the service you want, you may have the option of applying in person, by phone or online.
#1. Apply in person
If the social security offices reopen, if you cannot solve your problem or cannot find the information you need on the website or by phone, you can visit one of the field offices (the website offers a Social Security Office Locator, which works via zip code). In some cases, you may need to go to an office when applying for a social security card or updating certain types of personal information.
#2. Make a telephone request
The website is a good place to start, but sometimes the information provided doesn’t seem to answer your situation or to answer your specific question. So your next step might be to call.
Since Social Security does not publish the phone numbers for most local offices, you will likely need to call the main number at 1-800-772-1213. Even if you have your local office number, you probably want to get started with SSA’s automated system.
There are many services available to you when you call, including requesting a performance review letter and/or declaration of performance, querying the status of a claim, requesting a replacement card, finding your local office address, and doing business.
Note that, Social security recommends calling on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays to shorten the waiting time. If the automated system is insufficient, you can speak to a representative between 8:00 a.m. and Monday to Friday at 5:30 p.m.
#3. Apply online
Unlike other government websites (e.g. IRS), the Social Security website is easy to use for English-speaking users and has almost all of the services you might need. You can view a list of online services by visiting the What to Do Online page.
You will find that, among other things, you can apply for benefits, get a copy of your statement, appeal a decision by social security officials, and get estimates of your future Medicare benefits and services. Each section of this page has a drop-down menu that will point you in the right direction based on your specific needs.
The Social Security Administration provides interpreters free of charge. You can call 800-772-1213 to speak to an interpreter who can speak the following languages.
- Arabic
- Armenian
- Chinese
- Persian
- French
- Greek
- Haitian Creole
- Hmong
- Italian
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Somali
- Spanish
- Tagalog or
- Vietnamese.
You can also set up face-to-face appointments with the Social Security Administration Office hiring an interpreter.
Like the SSA offices, the website has specific opening hours for you to do business. But be brave: if it’s not around the clock, the hours are long enough unless you’re trying to get benefits between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Before 5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, or after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, or before 8:00 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, your business hours are unlikely to affect you
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Retirement benefits
You will need to collect information about your current income, marriage history, military history, entitlement to a federal pension, and any family members’ social security benefits, if any, based on your own employment record.
The required material includes your social security number; Birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a religious act of your birth, such as a baptism certificate before the age of 5; Form W-2 for the income tax return of each of your employers or your income tax return for the previous year if you are self-employed; military discharge papers; and proof of US citizenship or legal alien status.
Where should I go? Present in person, by phone or online.
Survivor benefits
Obtain the deceased’s social security number, your own and any dependent children, your birth certificate or an acceptable religious certificate, W-2 income tax return, or income tax return if you are self-employed, the deceased’s death certificate, and your marriage or divorce papers.
Where should I go? Present in person or by telephone (from the month of death of the insured employee or pensioner).
Disability benefits
You can claim a disability pension as soon as you are disabled (and keep in mind that it may take some time to present your case). Dependent family members can claim additional benefits based on a disabled worker’s records.
In general, you’ll need the following information and documents:
- Your social security number and the social security number of your spouse and minor children
- A birth certificate or an acceptable religious act
- Contact details of your health care providers
- Dates of your health appointments
- Prescribing information
- Medical records for this condition
- A summary of your employment history
- Your most popular income tax returns or current Form W-2 tax returns if you are self-employed
- Military disclosure documents
- Information on other disability claims filed with an insurance company or an employee compensation scheme.
Additional security income
Request these benefits when you need them. Requirements may vary depending on the SSI benefit. You may be asked for your social security number, birth certificate or religious activity, or other proof of age, as well as documents relating to your place of residence (e.g. rental agreement or deed).
Learn about Security Agreement: How to use the General Security Agreement.
Conclusion
The Social security website allows you to do just about everything, and if you’re looking for good strategies on how to maximize your benefits, the local Social Security Administration office can’t help you anyway. Instead, try AARP, or consult with a financial planner, estate-planning attorney, or Social Security expert who can help you figure out the best way to structure and maximize your benefits.
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