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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Sequoia T.
My mom died,and I am told since I am the only child- I am intitled to an compensation of $250.00
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Sequoia. Generally, the special lump-sum death payment of $255 is paid to the surviving spouse or the minor children of the deceased. See Our Benefit Planner: If You Are The Survivor for more information. Thanks.
Laurel A.
I have spent hours & days researching applying for Social Security benefits at 65 & Medicare. I’m a regular computer user at home & job, yet find SSA extremely difficult to navigate. Asking a simple question of how to apply for Medicare A & B, I got 8000+ results. NOT user-friendly! When I went through the labyrinth of filing for SS, on last page of many it said I timed out even though I was actively typing, & had to start all over again for the “Other reasons” page at the end. Also, it did NOT say you had to apply for Medicare 1st before SS. When I tried to do Medicare the day after SS app, again w/ infuriatingly frustrating “Get help” (help which I never got NO matter the subject or trying re-wording). When I finally found a way or so I thought, I was told they couldn’t honor my request because their info differed from mine (?) & was only provided a phone # on which I’ve been on hold already 3/4 of an hour Wed. afternoon which conflicts w/ being told “after Tuesday are the best times to call.” This is highly anxiety-producing, great for my high BP & “risk of heart attack or stroke.” Seriously, I am an intelligent person & these processes should NOT be so maddening!
Thank you,
LF
Donna J.
Hi….. trying ti find out how My PERS bennifits will affect my Social Security bennifits ? I am eligible for both but am only 56 yrs now. Will my Social Security be be a lesser amount ?
R.F.
Hello Donna, if the earnings on which your PERS pension is based were exempt from Social Security taxes, it will likely cause a reduction in your Social Security benefits.
A pension based on work that is not covered by Social Security (for example, Federal civil service and some State or local government agencies) may affect the amount of your Social Security benefit.
Your benefits can be reduced based on one of two provisions: The Windfall Elimination Provision & The Government Pension Offset.
We hope this information helps!
Janice E.
I am sixty six years of age, I want to suspend my social security for four to five years and draw half of my husbands social security, in five years pick my social security benefits back up, what should I do, I know someone that did this,
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Janice. If you were born before January 2, 1954 and have already reached full retirement age (currently age 66), you can choose to receive only the spouse’s benefit and delay receiving your retirement benefit until a later date. You earn delayed retirement credits when and if you delay getting your benefit beyond your full retirement age, up until age 70.
You can apply for Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits online. Or you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time when you call later during the day or later in the week.
We hope this information helps!
Maxine E.
Why did I only get a $2.00 raise and my husband got $12?
R.F.
Hello Maxine. 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 provide you with an explanation. 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. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Rebecca J.
I need to find out if I can put my SSI payments on a card?
R.F.
Hello Rebecca, if you would like to learn how you can receive an electronic payment, click here!
victoria
I am 65 and want to take my expouses social security until I am 70. Then when I am 70 switch over to mine. Is that accepted still in 2018?
R.F.
Hello Victoria. As a Divorced Spouse, if you are eligible for benefits both as a retired worker and as a divorced spouse and are not yet full retirement age, you must apply for both benefits. You will receive the higher of the two benefits.
See “What do the Recent Social Security Claiming Changes Mean for Me” for more information on the new law. Thanks!
davy j.
how do i file for my disabled son under my disability?
Donna F.
I applied for Social Security retirement benefits at my local office on April 17, 2018, three months prior to the month I turn age 66 (full retirement age) in July. The process was straight-forward and went smoothly. I was told I would hear back within 30 days. As of today, June 25, 2018, I have not heard back. My online account shows the status of my application as “processing”, so I called the main phone number for Social Security and was told they have my application, have no idea why there is a delay, and check back in a week. When I asked what should I do if the status is still “processing” next week, I was flatly told, “I don’t know.”
What am I supposed to do next?
Donna F.
Update: I managed to get everything straightened out. I called my local office today and spoke with the person who processed my application. She said she was going to “trigger” the application to be removed from “waiting to be processed”, and by evening I was able to see on my account that it was approved. I also downloaded my letter of verification. I’m so relieved that the problem is resolved. I found it a bit odd though that she said it was probably “stuck” because I applied so early. I applied within the recommended 3-month period prior to the month of my 66th birthday.
Suleiman I.
Am a fun of Magic and don’t mis the performance by DYNAMO MAGIC IMPOSSIBLE. IN most cases his magic is always amazing one need to ask how and get answers.