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
Comments
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Mary F.
I would just like to change my address without setting up an account. Would you please send me the link to do that?
Carol F.
What happens if I would win on the lottery? Would I lose my Social Security benefits?
R.F.
Good question Carol. For individuals receiving “regular” Social Security benefits, winning the lottery does not affect their benefit. These benefits are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits.
For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), winning the lottery may affect their benefit. This is because the amount of the SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income available to him or her and the spouse.
Jerry D.
I got a visa debit card that my social security check is supposed to go on I need to find out if my check will be deposited onto my new card for April’s benefits
R.F.
Hi Jerry, you will need to speak with a Social Security representative. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance, 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. Thanks.
Pat
how much money am I allowed to earn when receiving ssn benefits, without paying back?
R.F.
Hi Pat! If you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, your earnings may reduce your benefit amount. In 2018, the annual earnings limit is $17,040 if you’re under full retirement age.
If you reach your full retirement age in 2018, the limit on your earnings is $45,360 but we only count earnings before the month you reach .
If you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. Please read our publication “How Work Affects Your Benefits” for more information.
Kathy H.
I want to know the answer to a simple question that is not made at all clear in the Notice of Award under “What We Will Pay and When,” but I could not formulate a question that could be answered on FAQ or find an answer anywhere on the site. This is the situation and question: I became eligible in January but didn’t receive the first check until the third week in February. Am I owed a January check? When do benefits begin after an eligibility date is established, in other words?
john m.
will my benefits increase if I wait 3 months beyond my 66 birthday ?
R.F.
Hello John! Generally, the longer you wait, the higher the benefit amount you will receive. You may find our Early or Late Retirement Calculator and our Retirement Age Calculator helpful. Thanks.
L'Tanya H.
I have received medical malpractice money the end of july 2017.I told social security bye calling on 8/3/2018 then I went into the office on 8/4/2017 in person to report it now my benefit were just cut on 12/2017 I was told I needed some receipts witch I sent in12/2017 after that they ask for more the receipts I faxed them they said they never received now beginning of 2018 I was told I have no insurance now I preganant with no insurance I have a permanent disability ok I filed a wavier 2/8/2018 it was denied because they said my attorney didn’t give them the same info I sent my attorney sent the info 2/22/2018 the same day they had this lady call my phone from rossivile office mrs littles acting like she was helpin me she was fake she lied and told me them at social security made a mistake so why am I still fighting for my money please someone tell me why I have done all they ask and more they went as far as to lie on my attorney that is sick they treat people like trash I talk to mrs blackston she talk to me like trash and hung up in my ear if the calls are being recorded I pray they lisen to how these people talk on the phone and in person is just as worst I was cursed out on 2/8/2018 and treated like trash and told no I don’t want your documents the same documents they ask me to bring I brought in person I am preganant I have been in the hospital due to this stress I am now on blood pressure pills due to the stress my pregnancy is high risk am these people has help make this my worst stressed pregnancy ever thanks to your office at roseville social security my baby is small I cant sleep due to stress thanks
Harry E.
My wife died on 02/09/2018. Will the SSA send her a payment for February 2018?
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Harry. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit payment, a person has to live throughout the entire month. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. Keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. For example, if the person dies in February, you must return the benefit paid in March.
Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to the local Social Security office. You cannot report a death online.
To verify if the information was reported and to see if you’re eligible for survivor’s 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. Thanks.
John W.
I haven’t been able to access my information on the web site during the month of December. A new password was supposedly mailed on the 15th but I have still not received it. Help!
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience, John. if you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Daniel G.
Born 8/4/34. On SS since 1996. I would like to find out about the Windfall Exemption Act in person. Can I make an appointment to speak to a supervisor? r Previously went to office (2006) and was dissatisfied .