Social Security Program Experts Can Answer Your Important Questions
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
There are many online resources about Social Security, so it is important that you come to us as the first place for answers. You can find many of the answers about our programs and services on our Frequently Asked Questions page. We feature our most-asked questions at the top of the page to help you find answers to the most common questions quickly, like:
- Are Social Security services affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- 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 apply for a new or replacement Social Security number card?
- How can I get a Social Security Statement that shows a record of my earnings and an estimate of my future benefits?
You can also browse by topics like:
- Disability.
- Social Security Payments.
- Retirement.
- Medicare.
You can visit our publications library for detailed information on nearly all of our topics. We make each publication available in text, audio, and downloadable formats.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Matt B.
My wife is 66 and is receiving Soc Sec benefits. I am 56, have not retired yet and not receiving any Soc Sec benefits. If I die before claiming any benefits can my wife claim survivor benefits, if so what percentage can she expect to receive? Her current benefit is about one half of the benefit I am projected to receive at full retirement age.
V.V.
Thanks for your question, Matt. Your wife’s survivor amount would be based on your earnings. The more you paid into Social Security, the higher her benefit will be. If you are already receiving benefits when you die, survivors benefits are based on that amount. The percentage of that amount that your wife would receive depends on how old she is when she files as a widow. We are only going to pay the highest benefit amount from either record, meaning you don’t get both retirement and widow(er)s benefits but the higher of the two.
Widows benefit are payable as early as age 60 (for a reduced benefit) or a full widowers benefit at full retirement age or older.
Check out our Planning For Your Survivors web page to look at how your family members are protected if you die.
kathy
i am receiving spousal benefits and have an application in when i applied at age 66 do i have to reapply now again
Carolyn A.
When will I get my stimulus check
V.V.
Hi Carolyn, thanks for using our blog. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), not Social Security, issues the Economic Income Payments. Social Security cannot answer EIP questions about your specific situation. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more details. We hope this helps.
Ellen M.
What to do if I think my Social Security Benefit amount is incorrect?
V.V.
For your security, Ellen, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Donna
How do I change my IRS withholding for the year. Submit W-4 Form?
V.V.
Thank you for your question, Donna. To change your withholding, complete and return Form W-4V. You can download the form or request it by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. Mail the completed, signed form to your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain their mailing address.
Check out our Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this is helpful!
Todd J.
How does it work If I draw my social security at age 62 and continue working?
jivikaa
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Carol A.
My husband and I were together for 19 years and lived as a married couple but we were not legally married. He recently passed away and I want to know if I’m eligible to receive benefits?
V.V.
We are very sorry for your loss, Carol. In cases where a common-law marriage may be involved, Social Security follows the state laws. So, check the laws in your state.
If you need further assistance, call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Michael M.
I plan on collecting my Social Security Benefits at my full retirement age, 66 years and 2 months. That would be late May 2021. How early should I apply for the benefits?
Thank you.
V.V.
Hi Michael, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. You can apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. Once you’re ready to apply, the easiest way to complete your application is online.
If you need further assistance, call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
m l.
Is there a maximum amount of Social Security will pay out monthly for 2021?
V.V.
Hi there. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable. We hope this helps!