You Don’t Need A Magic 8 Ball To Find The Answers To Your Questions
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Sometimes, finding answers to your questions on government websites can feel a lot like asking questions of a Magic 8 Ball™. That’s not the case with Social Security’s frequently asked questions.
In 2015, Social Security won the “ClearMark Award of Distinction” for best plain language websites and documents from the Center for Plain Language for our redesigned Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) website. We continue to improve our communications to provide you with clear, helpful information and easy access to our services.
We recently narrowed down our FAQs from more than 500 to less than 200. The newly revised FAQs are more clear and concise. You come to our website for immediate answers, not a long drawn out experience. We’re all busy, right?
Social Security wants our online content and our communications with you to be accurate and easily accessible. We want you to locate the information you’re looking for faster than a magician could wave his wand. We are constantly searching for ways to improve navigation throughout our online presence and use feedback from your comments and suggestions when making changes to our website.
Visit our new FAQ home page to find the answer to your question. We promise that with our award-winning site, you won’t get the result reply hazy, try again later. When it comes to getting an answer, you’ll find out that your outlook is good.
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About the Author
Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Turan T.
I became disabled November 2014 and got approved June 2017. I my first payment in July. They said I’m going to get 3 years back pay. When will the next payment come?
Sharon g.
I am currently receiving small amount from late husband’s disability but want to claim my full monthly amount.
Juan D.
I need to change my Bank Account Number. I have contacted the Consulate, since I live in Germany, and I have written several letters to the Social Security Services, without receiving an answer. Please tell me what I should do.
Jonathan C.
Why does Social Security hold your money so long after you are approved? My lawyer was paid over a month ago and the treasury hasn’t tried to send me my money. I was approved for a closed period and everything has been approved and finished. Why don’t they send me the money?
Vonda V.
Thank you for contacting us, Jonathan. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your benefits, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
JAY K.
I have a question I’d like to ask in an email. Can I do that? How do I address the email, or where on your website can I submit a question?
Vonda V.
Hi Jay. Thanks for using our blog. In your my Social Security account, you can click on “Get Help” to “Ask a Question” or “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. Plus, a new “Click to Chat” feature, providing individuals in their my Social Security account an opportunity to chat with a Social Security representative, is coming soon. Also, through our blog, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask it here. But remember; never post personal information on social media.
Glenn H.
The SSA retirement website indicates that if you reach full retirement age in 2019, the limit on your earnings for the months before full retirement age is $46,590. So why does the online application ask for estimated income month by month if it’s the AGGREGATE dollar figure which is important? Some call center operators state the limiting factor is 46590/12 or $3807/month during the months during that year prior to reaching the FRA month.
Glenn H.
Sorry, I meant $46,920 for 2019.
Vonda V.
Hi Glenn, thank you for your question. In the year you reach full retirement age, we deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a limit. In 2019, that limit is $46,920. But, we only count earnings before the month you reach your full retirement age. If your earnings will be over the limit, we have a special rule that applies to earnings for one year. Under this rule, you can get a Social Security benefit for any whole month that you are “retired” and earning $3,910 or less in 2019. You can use our earnings test calculator to see how your earnings could affect your benefit payments and our Getting Benefits While Working web page.
Kathy
Do I have to show my social security number to a doctor, if I’m paying cash and have no insurance?
Jack C.
When Were My Benefits Sent?
Ray F.
Hello Jack. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
For information on payment dates, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments. Thanks!
Jason P.
I recently placed an order online using my direct express card & it was initially accepted, but the next day, the sent me an email saying “Dear Sir and/or Madamn
This is to inform you that your order placed via the web has been canceled due to the following reason:
MC card that you are using is some type of benefit and/or payroll card and we do not accept.”
Isn’t that disability discrimination?
Vonda V.
Jason, thank you for your question. For questions and assistance with Direct Express, you can call the Direct Express helpline at 1-800-333-1795 to see if they can help you.
Steve S.
how do I stop my deceased wifes SSI payments,and do I get any part continuence as remaining spouse?
Vonda V.
Steve, we are very sorry for your loss. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office. To verify this information was reported, and to make an appointment for potential survivor benefits, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.