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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
About the Author
Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Jim C.
My birthday is on the 29th of December. When I apply to begin receiving my social security benefits, do I apply to begin receiving them in December or in January?
A.C.
Hi, Jim. It really depends on your age. To begin receiving reduced retirement benefits at 62, you are required to be age 62 for the entire month. For Social Security purposes, individuals born on the first or second day of the month are considered age 62 for the “full” month and could be entitled to benefits for the month of their 62nd birthday. Retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For more information about Retirement, visit here. We hope this helps.
Linda B.
I need to change my email nana200268@yahoo.com as I no longer use it
A.C.
Hi, Linda. It isn’t necessary to notify us of an email change; however, you might find it helpful to sign up for a personal my Social Security account. With a my Social Security account, you can get your benefit verification letter; check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record; change your address and phone number; and start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment. We hope this helps!
kathleen c.
how do i cancel a social security number after someone dies.
V.V.
Hi Kathleen. 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, 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.
See our Factsheet on How Social Security Can Help When a Family Member Dies.
Jonathan W.
Had Social Security card taken away because wrongfully accused of sexual assault, case over,’ Just issued a IPO’ which I agreed to, to get away from that bunch. when or if will I can get my card back? I would like to get job or drivers license.
Lex M.
My social security deposits were stopped for 2 months but the social security did not send any notice and frequently calls to SSA did not provide any useful information. Tey stopped my social security without notice to change the payment schedule from the month before to the month after payment. Laws are not retro active. New laws should apply to people who just start getting benefits. It seems that the social security tried to improperly apply a law to be retroactive. New laws only apply to the present and future not the past.
Sharon O.
I’m currently receiving social security which is a lot less than half of my husbands. Am I entitled to receive the remaining amount to equal half of his social security benefit?
irene
I am the payee of my cousins money she no longer wants me to be her payee she wants someone else could she do it by herself or do I have to come in person to change it thank you
A.C.
Hi, Irene. She may be able to receive her own Social Security check unless SSA believes she is not capable of managing or directing the management of her money. If she has a representative payee because of a physical or a mental disability, in order to become her own payee, she must show SSA that she is now mentally and physically able to handle her money herself. She could provide: A doctor’s statement that there has been a change in her condition and that the doctor believes she is able to care for herself; or an official copy of a court order saying that the court believes that she can take care of herself; or other evidence that shows her ability to take care of herself. If she has specific questions, she can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or she can contact her local Social Security office. Generally, she’ll have a shorter wait time if she calls later in the day. For more information, she can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps!
Robert K.
My sister passed away. What do I need to do to report this? I have durable and medical power of attorney.
A.C.
Hi, Robert. We are sorry to hear of your loss. Typically, funeral homes report deaths to the Social Security Administration directly. You can check with the funeral home to determine if reporting has been done. If the reporting has been done and you need further assistance please contact your local Social Security office. You can also call our toll-free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further guidance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Cathy R.
Hie do in remove m myself from being payee. I’m to sick to continue.
V.V.
Thank you for your question, Cathy. To make a representative payee change, the individual interested in applying to be the new payee should visit a Social Security office to apply. The beneficiary may be able to receive their own Social Security benefits unless Social Security believes they aren’t capable of managing or directing the management of their money.
For specific questions, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives.
Robert L.
Hello, I have a new email which is different when I signed up in 2005.
I am unable to sign into my account as it does not accept my new email address