Joan's Corner - October 2024 Update
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Agencies or processes related to Social Security.
When will you claim your Social Security retirement benefits?
"For many of us, Social Security is the most important part of our retirement picture, and deciding when to claim is a big decision. The amount of your benefit will depend on your average income over your working years, your spouse’s average income and the age at which you claim benefits.
This calculator will help you decide when to claim and show you how to maximize your benefits."
Use the following link to take advantage of this AARP tool.
"The AARP Social Security Resource Center is as an online retirement-planning tool designed to help you figure out your eligibility for Social Security payments, when you can get them, and how much you and your family can receive. In this section you’ll find easy-to-understand answers on eligibility topics including:
Use the web link to visit the AARP Social Security Resource Center.
Go to this website to apply to receive any of the following Social Security benefits:
Retirement:
Whether you need help deciding when to retire or are ready to start the next chapter in your life, we have the tools you need to get started. No need to visit an office — estimate your benefits, apply for retirement, and check your application status online.
Disability:
If the unexpected happens, Social Security may be able to help. We pay disability benefits to those who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Find out how Social Security can help you and how you can manage your benefits.
Medicare:
Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. Social Security works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure the public receives the assistance they need.
Survivors:
If you lose a loved one, we are there to help you get through the difficult time. We pay survivors benefits to widows, widowers, and to the dependents of eligible workers. Find out more about how we help protect you and your family.
Supplemental Security Income:
We are with those who need a helping hand. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides support to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources, as well as people age 65 and older who are not disabled but have limited income and resources.
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
You can use our online services to apply for benefits, check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in many areas), get an instant benefit verification letter, and much more.
We (Social Security Administration) are constantly expanding our online services to give you freedom and control when conducting business with Social Security. Today, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!
You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time). We are also less busy later in the week (Wednesday to Friday) and later in the month. We also offer many automated telephone services, available 24 hours a day, so you do not need to speak with a representative.
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, you can call our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
Most frequently asked questions:
How much will the COLA amount be for 2023 and when will I receive it?
How can I get help from Social Security?
What should I do if I receive a call from someone claiming to be a Social Security employee?
How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?
How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment?
How do I apply for a replacement Social Security number card online?
What should I do if I get a call claiming there's a problem with my Social Security number or account?
What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?
How much will the COLA amount be for 2023 and when will I receive it?
How can I get a Social Security Statement?
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Before You Consider Calling
Frequently Asked Questions:
Did you know we’ve answered more than 200 of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs)? Check out the online FAQs for quick and convenient answers.
If you don't find your answers online, you can call:
You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time). We are also less busy later in the week (Wednesday to Friday) and later in the month. We also offer many automated telephone services, available 24 hours a day, so you do not need to speak with a representative.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
If you cannot submit your application online:
You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); or
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visits to our offices are by appointment only for certain services. Please visit our Coronavirus page to see if you may be eligible for an in-person appointment.
If you live outside the U.S. you can contact the Federal Benefits Unit that provides service to your country of residence.
Survivors Benefits:
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors' benefits online.
If you need to report a death or apply for survivors' benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday. You can also contact your local Social Security office.
In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to Social Security. If you want them to do that, you will need to give the deceased's Social Security Number to the funeral director so they can make the report.
Retirement insurance, survivors' insurance, SSI, disability insurance and Medicare. Arizona Office.
AARP has answers to the most common Social Security questions that you may be asking. Subscribe to AARP Answers YouTube channel to get the information you need to make the best decisions about your Social Security benefits.
Click the link below to Access these helpful videos from AARP.
"It’s a pivotal age for retirement planning — even if you aren’t ready to retire yet."
"Gone are the days when most people retired at 65, received a gold watch, then lived off their pension and full Social Security benefits. But 65 is still an important age financially for retirees and near retirees, in terms of both what you get and what you don’t."
Check out this article from AARP for some hints and tips on actions you need to be considering when approaching. 65.
This site is owned and managed by Ron Smith