In April, we celebrate National Social Security Month by letting you know what you can do online with a my Social Security account. Last month we featured how you can replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, get a copy of your 1099 (SSA-1099), and check the status of your Social Security benefit application or claim. This month we share three more advantages.
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can set up or change direct deposit information online with a my Social Security account. In most cases, you are required to receive federal benefits electronically, so when you choose direct deposit, we will electronically deposit your funds directly into a bank account. If you do not have a bank account, you can choose Direct Express® and your funds will be electronically deposited into a prepaid debit card account. Direct Express® has no enrollment fee or minimum balance requirement to open or use the account. We strive to provide online services that best suit when, where, and how you do business with us. You can set up direct deposit, or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Visit our website to learn more about all of our online services.
Do you receive Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are you enrolled in Medicare and getting ready to move? You can change your address information online when you create a my Social Security account.
If you already receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can create a my Social Security account and have instant access to your award letter or, as we call it, benefit verification letter.
Please know that securing your identity and personal information is important to us. We protect your information by using strict identity verification and security features. The application process has built-in features to detect fraud and confirm your identity.
Share with friends and family what you can do online with a my Social Security account.
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I tried to register myself and see my S.S. A/c but could not do so even after trying all the instructions I followed. Can somebody help me?
How or where do I find out information about depositing my social security check (when I start receiving it) directly into my foreign account in Ireland.
I haved recently moved. I am unable to update my new mailing address. How to do this?
Send a smoke signal to SSA main headquarters in Baltimore M.D. Once received they will send you a complementary smoke signal back ton confirm your change of address has been processed…………………….
I haven’t been able to post an acceptable user name and
password. I’ve tried several but none have been
acceptable. Would appreciate help.
Stanley Shryock
I is very picky! I ended up having to use the name of a favorite person with a few numbers for my username.
It would not allow me to use any part of my name or email address.
Good luck.
Thank you so much for the information, I am 80 yr old a male…..I take home from SS 1109.00 per month if is hard to live on so little and still enjoy life, can you send more I could have a more lucritive life with a little more.
thank you
Robert Hill
XXX XX 2375
Please , how I can get more from SSI
because it is too small for me.
my SS# is 6188. pls help me.
Regards.
I lost my security card and I cannot remember my password so I cannot access my account.
Please help me!
My spouse currently draws spousal benefits. Taxes have not been taken out of her checks for some reason. She would like Social Security to withhold her taxes. Does she need to come in in person to get that done or can she do that via her online account? I have been looking on the website and cannot find where that can be accomplished.
Sir,
Thank you so much for your informative statement.
Some of the points which have been obscured
for a long time have become clear right now.
Respectfully,
Nyi Nyi
RFA Retired International Broadcaster.
I have been told that i have to contact Social Security in order to get my husbands new Medicare card. I was told that we have to go to the Social Security office to change his address. Why? Why cant that be done by calling Medicare and they do that for us?
Hi, Nancy. For more information about the new Medicare card and what to do if your husband did not receive his, please visit Medicare’s website here. We hope this helps.
When I turn 65 in November 2019 how much will my benefits be?
Great question, Janet ! We have an online calculator where you can test various scenarios and retirement ages to estimate your benefits. Visit our Benefits Planner: Calculations web page for more information. Thanks!
Thank you for the info. Unfortunately, I dont have a US address, one of the requirements for having an online access, since I live in Israel at the present time.
I have access to my Medicare records, and I find it so strange that I am deprived of access to my social securith record.
Someone needs to look into this restrictive stepulation. There are no breaches whatsoever with my Medicare online account.
How many Americans, like me, who live overseas yet ca not benefit fron online access?
Please look into this matter and advise..
Thank you,
Fahmi A. Natour.
I get my own S.S. but my husband passed away in January and I would like to know if I should make an appointment for possible higher S.S. payment through my husbands.
Barbara, we are very sorry for your loss. If you already receive benefits as a spouse, under your husband’s record, your benefit will automatically convert to widow’s benefits after we receive the report of death. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office.
If you are receiving retirement benefits on your own record, you can only apply for benefits as a widow if your retirement benefit amount is less than the benefits you would receive as a survivor.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office.
I am trying to get a replacment Card for my 18 year old daughter so she can get an ID but I dont have any picture identification of her. I have her birth certificate and Nv Medicaid card. What else do I need?
Hello, I also am trying to assist my son in getting a replacement card. Also have birthcerficate, medical (state issed Chip)ins card. He is not currently in school so no CURRENT identification. We were told by the Single employee of the Mckeesport office we need to have medical ins insurers, (Chip) print his DOB on his card. Desperately called Chip to request new card with DOB , Declined, stated never heard of such a request. Several phone calls , trips later he obtained school record an copy of old student Return to SS office , 3rd visit. Woman employee. Declined records we obtained.. My son in tears with desperation asked employee what else can he obtain or do..or provide ? She told him she is there to give information ONLY , NOT TO ASSIST HIM. Then rudely dismissed him. If you would kindly share any other items you know of or if had better luck. It would be SO APPRECIATED.
Hi Estelle. Because your daughter is 18 years old, she may be able to request a replacement card online. If she does not qualify to apply online, then she can apply by mail or visit her local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Can the government attach a chip to your ss card with your dna id on it?
Can I enroll for SS at the office?
Can I enroll for disability at the SS office?
I requested a statement from social security on my disability benefits (in person ) at the SS office. This was in October 2018. I was informed that I would receive the information by mail in 8 weeks. As of today I have not received that information. I have called, emailed and have my US Senator write. The statement that was sent to my senator was not the information i requested. This was communicated to SSA and as of today they have not providedt the corrected information.
Hi there. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. To inquire about the status of your request, you will need to continue working with your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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Is there anyone I can talk to about my SS benefit. I need to know if I should take early retirement or if I should wait.
Hi Karen. Please bear in mind that the decision on when to start receiving retirement benefits is a personal one. We can only provide you with the information to help you make the best choice according to your own situation. To help you decide, please take a look at this publication. We hope it will help with your decision. If you have specific questions, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and speak with one of our representatives. Thanks.
I think I was hasty in grabbing my benefits before I quit working. Now I think the right thing to do is to suspend. Can I suspend online? Will my benefit increase when I resume collecting benefits? Is this a bad idea?
Hi Gary, thank you for your question. Depending on when you applied for your benefits, you may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim and re-apply at a future date. However, if you change your mind 12 months or more after you became entitled to retirement benefits, you cannot withdraw your application. Also, keep in mind that you must repay all the benefits that you and your family received. For more information, go to our web page If You Change Your Mind. We hope this helps.
I will be turning 65 July 30, 2019. Already on Social Security. Need to enroll in Medicare. Please advise.
Hi Connie. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. You will receive a packet of information in the mail a couple months prior to your 65th birthday.
My husband needs a replacement social security card.. what do I do to get one?
Hi, Amy. First, realize that your husband may not need a replacement card. He will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if he’s eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, he can visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Keep in mind all submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once he’s submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
I need a social security card for my daughter. I just joined the military and i ship out next Monday and don’t have time to come into the office. What’s the quickest way for me to get her card?
Hi, Kristan. Thanks for your question. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. Remember that knowing their numbers is what is important. You will rarely need to show their cards, but if you need information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your children’s identities and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your children. Also keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use birth certificates to prove your children’s age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
How can I get my W-2 or 1099 so as to complete my 2018 tax return?
Either I never received it in mail or it got misplaced after it arrived. I need the information to file my taxes and am overdue. Thanks, and Sorry for the hassle.
Hi, Maureen. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. You can also contact or visit your local Social Security office. They can assist with a replacement 1099. We hope this helps.
Necesito la tarjeta dorada, tuve una válida por 8 meses cuando llegué a este país. Ahora con 65 años de nuevo me dieron el Medicaid pero aquella tarjeta está extraviada.
For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov or http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial. For Social Security information in other languages, please visit us at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage. Thanks!
Recently received a notice from SSA saying, “we need to talk to you about an important Social Security matter.” Cannot seem to find time to contact you during the week. Is it possible to let me know just what this important matter is about? There’s a BNC number on the notice 19T2193J95043-A .
Hi, Thomas. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to continue to work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Ann Clifton,
Can you give me direction on why a claim filed on 11/16/2018 has not been replied to by anyone in the SS system. I’ve called the 800 number and the local office. The agent who took the claim as not returned a single call to me as of this post. I even asked to speak to a supervisor and still no return call, no assistance what so ever.
My full retirement age, 66 is on May 11, 2019. I plan to apply for my benefit online by 11 April. When will i receive my first disbursement?
If you turn 66 in May 2019, your first check would be payable the second Wednesday in June 2019.
Hi, Iscah. Your payments are established almost immediately after we process your application. Remember that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of May, you will receive your first benefit payment in June. For future pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefit payments calendar useful. Thanks!
Hello, I also am trying to assist my son in getting a replacement card. Also have birthcerficate, medical (state issed Chip)ins card. He is not currently in school so no CURRENT identification. We were told by the Single employee of the Mckeesport office we need to have medical ins insurers, (Chip) print his DOB on his card. Desperately called Chip to request new card with DOB , Declined, stated never heard of such a request. Several phone calls , trips later he obtained school record an copy of old student Return to SS office , 3rd visit. Woman employee. Declined records we obtained.. My son in tears with desperation asked employee what else can he obtain or do..or provide ? She told him she is there to give information ONLY , NOT TO ASSIST HIM. Then rudely dismissed him. If you would kindly share any other items you know of or if had better luck. It would be SO APPRECIATED.
Can I fill W4V on-line?
Hi, Donald. Thanks for your question. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Can one’s work history be accessed through the SSA system? If so how can a request for records be handled?
myself aged 80years and my wife aged 69 years are U S Citizens since 2015 and have been living in Pleasanton ca 94588.we became us citizens through family sponserd through my daughter who has been living here since 1974. we are presently getting Medical and partB medicare benefits.we are now keen in getting SSI to meet our needs . we are from India and have not worked in US. my Wife is having knee problem and has to under go surgery also she underwent breast surgery for cancer. i am having high B P and Diabetic.
Your valued advise will be highly appreciated.
I will be 65 in August, Can I sign up on line for Medicare? I received a W-2 reflecting income for taxes in Jan? It’s not on SS statement. What should I do?
social security month and your website is down can’t sign up just great get to stand in your crappy office on Monday
I AM RETIRED AND RECEIVING SS BENIFITS, HOWEVER, I HAVE LOST MY SS CARD AND WOULD LIKE A REPLACEMENT. HOW DO I GO ABOUT OBTAINING A NEW CARD?
Hi, Judith. Thanks for your question. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Keep in mind all submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
When my husband turned 65 he was automatically enrolled in part a and b for medicare. he dropped part b because he was using the Va facility for health and meds. Va is not reliable and he wants to sign up for part b again. When can he do that? He needs to see a local dr. and specialist. I can not make an account for him because they say we have the same address and will not sign him an account. He really needs the part b.
Hi, Lela. First, thanks to your husband for his service to our country. Typically, if he applies after age 65, he can sign up only during the general enrollment period (GEP).The GEP lasts from January 1 through March 31. Coverage would begin July 1. Most people who sign up for Part B during the GEP will have a 10 percent increase in monthly premiums for each 12-month period they did not enroll, but were eligible. For more information about Medicare, check out our publication here. For specific questions about his case, he can call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and ask a representative to assist him, or he can contact his local office. We hope this helps.
I’m on social security and dating for a while. They’re also on social security. We discussed marriage and need to know if either of our ss payments received will change if we do so. Also, need to know the pros and cons of 2 getting married after being on SS separately for a while,
Hi Bernice. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions link on “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for details. Thanks!
Where do I find a W4V form on the website? Can you email one to me at fanshell@yahoo.com. Thank you. Gail DiPane
Hi, Gail. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Where do you mail the W4v form for withholding changes?
Hi, Ornate. Thank you for your question. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
I have received two phone scam calls today. Just reporting as told.
I’m just trying to get the form W4v and I don’t see where it says very simple…..just hit print and you have it???
Can you send it to me or do is have to go to a Social Security Office? Can I get one at the library?
Thanks,
Debra Roland
Hi Debra. The form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be found here. Once you have completed it, you can returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our “Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits” web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Why is it so difficult to find “Award Letter”. This is the second time in 18 months that I a have to obtain one and I am confused. This should not be so difficult. I search and do not locate it. Maybe it is staring me in the face, but it should just pop up easily.
Thank you! N
Hi N. We are sorry to hear you are experiencing difficulties with your account. For help accessing your Award Letter, please follow these instructions located at my Social Security, or you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or you may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Can I get my SSI rewards letter.. mailed to me.
Hi Angela. Good news! If you need a benefit verification letter (rewards letter), you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.