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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Cathleen P.
I just applied for SSI benefits this month at age 65; my full retirement would occur when I’m 66 yrs, 4 months.
My husband receives SSI at less than 50% of my benefits, and he is already at full retirement age. Could he qualify for spousal benefits from my SSI account?
Vonda
Hi Cathleen, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. We will always pay your husband’s own retirement benefit first. If benefits as a spouse are higher than his own retirement benefits, he will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. However, the spouse’s benefit cannot exceed one-half of your full retirement amount (not your reduced benefit amount). So, he can only receive additional spouse’s benefits if his own full retirement benefit (not a reduced benefit) is less than half of your full retirement benefit.
To inquire about potential benefits, your husband can call his 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.
Barbara J.
During tax year 01/01/20-12/31/20 …
~ My husband died 11/23/20.
~ His Soc Sec direct deposit made on 11/25/20 was withdrawn from our account on 11/30/20.
~ His SSA-1099 reflects 12 months of Soc Sec benefits … NOT the actual 10 months of benefits direct deposited to our bank account.
~ I need the “CORRECTED SSA-1099” in order to file our 2020 IRS Income Taxes.
Please advise to whom I can speak to obtain the “corrected” SSA-1099 as quickly as possible. I have tried repeatedly to get assistance via the local SSA office without response to messages left 3 times thus far.
Vonda
We are very sorry for your loss, Barbara. Please 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.
Ruby J.
I have the Direct express card, Why is it that the IRS claims not to have any information about that? Whose suppose to turn over that info? Can someone please help?
Vonda
Hi Ruby, 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.
Mary E.
I called my local SS office on 09/03/20 to claim spouse benefits after I turned 65. On 10/20/20 I had my phone interview. I was informed it would take forty days to process. It has now been ninety days since my phone appointment and I still haven’t started getting benefits. I’ve called the local office and the Baltimore, MD offices about nine times and each time they tell me I have to talk to the woman who is manually entering my claim. Despite reaching out to her personally via her voice mail several times since 12/01/20 she has never contacted me. I did indicate the last times I left messages for her that I am in dire need of my benefits. The power company is sending me disconnect notices. How can I now reach out for help? Should I call the Regional Communications Director for assistance? I can understand if they are backlogged, but I do not understand their failure to at least give me a courtesy call back. If I can’t get my benefits soon I fear I’ll be impoverished through no fault of my own. Please help me. I did open an account at my social security but it hasn’t given me any info either.
Vonda
Hi Mary, we sincerely apologize for your experience working with Social Security and we understand your frustration. We recommend that you continue to work with your local field office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. 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.
Jean
My husband receives full social security retirement benefits, however the amount he receives is less than 50% of my full retirement benefit. Can he draw from my benefits once I apply for retirement?
Vonda
Hi Jean, thanks for using our blog. Your husband may be eligible for spouse’s benefits if he is at least 62 years of age and you’re receiving retirement or disability benefits. Check out our Benefits For Your Spouse web page for additional details.
Richard S.
My wife and I are receiving benefits (we are 74 years old) and we are raising our grandchildren. Are we eligible for increased benefits if we adopted them?
Son
Hi, I applied online for Social Security benefits, and received an email to call a SS agent/administrator. I called and only heard messages. I left 4 messages.
I called the local SSA office. They told me that I cannot cancel the online application. I should have NOT (emphasized NOT) the online application. Question: how do I cancel the application, so I can apply locally in my city. Thanks!
Sue
Hi, Son, and thanks for using our blog. You cannot cancel your application online once it’s been submitted, but you can check the status using your online my Social Security account. To make an appointment to file for benefits, you will need to call your local office. You’ll find the phone number using our Social Security Office Locator. Our call volume and wait times are greater than normal, so please be patient. We hope this helps.
JAMES S.
I am 68 1/2 years old and am thinking of applying for benefits…are benefits pegged to my birthdate or are they prorated based on the date of application.
Thank you.
Vonda
Hi James, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. When you delay collecting benefits beyond your full retirement age, the amount of your retirement benefit will continue to increase up until age 70. There is no incentive to delay claiming after the month you attain age 70. Our Online Calculator gives you an estimate with all credits applied for comparison purposes.
Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of April, you will receive your first benefit payment in May. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay days, you may find the Schedule of Social Security Payments calendars useful.
Keep in mind that you can apply four months before you want your benefits to start. When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application, the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply.
Steve O.
If I take early retirement (63), my benefits will be reduced. Will they stay at that reduced rate for the rest of my time or will the benefit go up when I reach full retirement age (66 & 6 months)?
Vonda
Hi Steve, thank you for your question. The benefit reduction is usually permanent with some exceptions due to work. When you reach full retirement age, we will recalculate your benefit amount to leave out the months when we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings.
jennifer L.
i need to find out how do i report a change in my house like husband and i split up? what and how do i do that
Vonda
Hi Jennifer, thanks for using our blog. If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and have a change in your living arrangement, you should call 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.