In the past, we usually conducted personal business in person or by telephone. Now, more than ever before, it’s time to consider online options instead. Shopping via the Internet is one thing, but what about more important functions like handling your Social Security Account. Online options are available. That’s what we will cover in this article.
Setting Up Your Account
The Social Security Administration (Social Security) currently offers most of its services online. However, you need to have a MySocialSecurity account to access them. Fortunately, you can create your account online without having to call or visit a local Social Security office.
After setting up your account, check out the frequently asked questions section. You may quickly find answers to your questions and concerns.
Review Your Information
Another important thing you can do online is to review your earnings history. You can see if Social Security has a complete record of your income from your own home office. Errors could make a difference in the benefits you receive in the future.
In fact, you can estimate your Social Security benefits from Social Security’s website. Your earnings record also shows how much you can expect to receive for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
At some point, you will be ready to take the next step.
Applying for Benefits
Social Security offers three types of benefits to qualified indivivduals:0
- Retirement
- Disability
- Medicare
You can apply for all of these benefits online using your Social Security account. Sometimes you might be asked to interview with a Social Security caseworker. Because of COVID-19, Social Security tries to minimize in-person contact by allowing more telephone interviews.
After applying, you can use Social Security’s website to check on the status of your application.
Appeal a Negative Decision
Unfortunately, we don’t always get good news from the government. However, you often can appeal when your request for benefits has been denied. Here, again, is a service that can be accomplished online. Talking to an attorney about your application is a great idea if you have not already done so.
Print Important Documents
If you ask Social Security to mail documents to you, there’s a good chance you will have to wait weeks for them to arrive. However, you usually can print the following documents immediately through your online Social Security account:
- Proof of benefits, also called a benefits letter; and
- Your 1099 tax form.
From time to time, you may find that you need to request other items from Social Security.
Replace Missing or Lost Cards
Typically, you have to go to a Social Security office to replace a missing Social Security card. However, it is much easier to replace your card using your online Social Security account. In fact, most people can replace their Medicare cards online also.
Set Up and Change Settings
When you set up your account, you may or may not have completed your profile. By accessing your Social Security account, you can:
- Change your contact information, including your address and phone numbers; and
- Change other settings, like Direct Deposit.
Social Security needs to know your current address at all times, especially if you are receiving benefits. As you approach retirement age, you can expect correspondence that describes how to apply for benefits – which you will probably do online.
You Can Handle Many Tasks Using Your Social Security Account Online.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about anything covered in this article.
Attorney Robert Slutsky was one of the first lawyers in Pennsylvania to focus on elder law issues, including Medicaid and Medicare. Since 1992, he has helped countless people find solutions that work for their individual situations.
Please give us a call at (610) 940-0650 or schedule a consultation on our website. We help clients throughout Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties and beyond.
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