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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robert c.
I’m 82, collecting ss income, working part-time-earning about $2500 for the year. Why do I have to pay ss taxes on this small income?
Thank you,
Bob Cleminson
bobcleminson36@gmail.com
R.F.
Hello Robert, some people have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits. For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040. We hope this information helps.
JoAnna B.
If i received social security, and my fiance does to, how will getting married affect our individual checks. and what does couples instead of indvidual checks.
kevin p.
what are my limitations on earnings once i select to take my social security?
R.F.
Hello Kevin, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, your earnings may reduce your benefit amount. For 2018, that limit is $17,040. See “Getting Benefits While Working” for more important information. Thanks!
john B.
how do I claim my deceased wife’s social security ?????
Carla D.
How do I make an appointment with a representative online to talk with them about filing for my husband’s SS. I have tried calling but there is always an hour or more wait.
R.F.
Hello Carla. There are different ways to apply for Social Security benefits. You can complete an application on line. If you do not wish to use the online application, or the application for the benefit you want is not available online, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). When calling our toll free number, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply. Even setting up an appointment weeks in the future will establish a protective filing date, so we urge you to get on the calendar to protect your benefits. Thanks!
Deb E.
I want to collect my ss. I’ve been getting my late wife’s. How do I change it? Thank you
K.O.
Hello Deb, your question is a bit more involved than we can handle in this forum. Secondly, for your security, we do not have access to information about beneficiaries through our blog site. We recommend speaking to your local Social Security representative.
If you’re unable to visit your local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps.
Linda H.
I have been told I will receive more by changing from drawing on my husbands ss number to my ss number now that I have turned 70. How do I do this online
R.F.
Hello Linda. There are different ways for you to apply for your benefits.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply. We hope this information helps!
Sandra
My grandson needs to show proof that his father did not pay income taxes for the year 2016 before he can be eligible for fasfa for school. Can he get this himself or does his father have to .
K.O.
Thanks for your question Sandra. For tax related requests, you will need to contact the IRS for more information. You may visit their website at: http://www.irs.gov/.
Hope this helps!
ora n.
what is the time limit for benefits to start after completing on line sign up
R.F.
Hello Ora. The period from when you submit your application to when you start receiving your benefits can vary. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending claims in your area.
Once we receive your application, we’ll review it. After the review, we will contact you if we need more information or if we need to see any documents.
When we have all of the necessary information and documents, we’ll process your application.
We care about our customers and are working as fast as we can, you will be notified, in writing, once a final decision is made on your claim.
Remember, your receipt includes a confirmation number you can use to check the status of your application.
Or you can 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!
ron q.
My mother (87 years old) passed away on April 27th. Are there forms from SS I need to be filling out?
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Ron. 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. However, you may report the death of your mom’s passing by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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 April, you must return the benefit paid in May. Thank you.