Calendar Your Ssa Appointment
Making an appointment is simple: call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 7 am and 7 pm. The best time to call is first thing in the morning or in the last hour of the day, from 6-7 pm.
An SSA employee will give you a call back if you leave a message before the office opens at 9 am. Set up your appointment, and do your best to keep it. The sooner you get there, the faster you can begin your application process. Write the date and time in your calendar and make it a priority.
Social Security Office Structure
The Social Security Administration is headquartered in Woodlawn, Maryland. The SSA employs roughly 62,000 individuals that work in 10 regional offices, 8 processing centers, 1300 field offices and 37 tele-service offices. The SSA is divided into 10 different regions across the United States. Each of those regions has a main office that oversees the field offices located throughout that region.
*SocialSecurityPledge.org is NOT affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration , the Indianapolis Social Security Office, or any other government agency. All of the information presented on this website isn’t guaranteed to be accurate and we’re not liable for any mistakes that are displayed on this site.
Social Security And Medicare
My office can help you with determining Social Security benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income and Medicare eligibility.
- Do you want to know if you qualify for disability and SSI? Use Social Security’s Screening Tool to check if you do.
- Do you need information on how to apply for Medicare? Go to the Medicare Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Do you have other general questions about social security services and benefits? Find an answer on the Social Security Administration’s Answers to Your Questions page.
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Federal Income Taxation Of Benefits
Originally the benefits received by retirees were not taxed as income. Beginning in tax year 1984, with the Reagan-era reforms to repair the system’s projected insolvency, retirees with incomes over $25,000 , or with combined incomes over $32,000 or, in certain cases, any income amount generally saw part of the retiree benefits subject to federal income tax. In 1984, the portion of the benefits potentially subject to tax was 50%. The Deficit Reduction Act of 1993 set the portion to 85%. Moreover, since the taxable income threshold is not indexed to inflation, the portion of beneficiaries’ social security payments subject to income tax has risen significantly in real terms since the threshold was set in 1984.
Restrictions On Potentially Deceptive Communications
Because of the importance of Social Security to millions of Americans, many direct-mail marketers packaged their mailings to resemble official communications from the Social Security Administration, hoping recipients would be more likely to open them. In response, Congress amended the Social Security Act in 1988 to prohibit the private use of the phrase “Social Security” and several related terms in any way that would convey a false impression of approval from the Social Security Administration. The constitutionality of this law was upheld in United Seniors Association, Inc. v. Social Security Administration, 423 F.3d 397 , cert den 547 U.S. 1162 126 S.Ct. 2346 .
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Plan Ahead To Avoid Long Lines
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Like many businesses and organizations, Social Security had turned to options like online and telephone services to conduct its operations during the pandemic. Those options are still available. Nevertheless, people in rural areas and those without access to transportation or technology have struggled for help with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .
To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call us and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment, said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Securitys acting commissioner, in a statement. Social Security warns that it is currently having problems with its phone systems. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls and long wait times.
An Office Visit Is Worth Your Time
Many people find that visiting the SSA office is the best way to get the help they need, and this is especially true of people who are unfamiliar with computers or the internet. The Claims Specialists are trained to answer questions about the process, and are there to help you with the most common reasons people visit the office: Social Security Disability applications, retirement benefits, and Social Security cards.
Its worth the time to go to the field office, but be sure to make an appointment, come prepared, ask questions, and find out what your next move is.
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Can I Apply For Medicare Benefits At This Indianapolis Office
If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by: Visiting your local Social Security office. Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. Before you decide how you want to go about applying for Medicare, you need to understand the different parts of the program and which ones you need. Learn More About Applying for Medicare.
Social Security Numbers For Dependents
J-2 dependents
If you are in J-2 status, you can obtain an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. Talk to OIS about how to do this. Once you have the EAD, you can take it, along with your passport, I-94 card, DS-2019, and another form of identification to the local Social Security office.
F-2 dependents
F-2 dependents may not work and therefore do not qualify for a Social Security number. The Social Security office will not accept their applications.
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Office Of Hearings Operations
On August 8, 2017, Acting Commissioner Nancy A. Berryhill informed employees that the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review would be renamed to Office of Hearings Operations . The hearing offices had been known as “ODAR” since 2006, and the Office of Hearings and Appeals before that. OHO administers the ALJ hearings for the Social Security Administration. Administrative Law Judges conduct hearings and issue decisions. After an ALJ decision, the Appeals Council considers requests for review of ALJ decisions, and acts as the final level of administrative review for the Social Security Administration .
File For Disability In Indiana
The Social Security Administration is a government organization that runs the disability programs known as Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance . Since these programs are federally run, most states follow the same procedures throughout the application process. There are a few different ways you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits in Indiana. You can file online on the SSA’s website, over the phone, or in-person.
- Online: You can apply online at ssa.gov.
- Telephone: You can apply over the telephone by calling the SSA’s toll-free customer service line at 1-800-772-1213
- In-person: You can apply in-person at your local Social Security field office. Find your local Indiana office here.
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How Does The Coronavirus Impact Social Security
The SSA has reopened all local offices for in-person services. The government agency recommends people who need help try online first, then phone, before making an in-person visit.
If you must visit an office, please be aware:
Social Security Administration Services
The Social Security Administration in Indianapolis, IN will help you navigate several federal programs that include retirement, SSI, Medicare and disability benefits. Your local Social Security Office can help accept applications, determine your eligibility for various programs, hear appeals if your request was denied, and also can assist individuals trying to access their benefits. All of these and more are available at this location at 5515 North Post Road , Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Fraud In The Acquisition And Use Of Benefits
Given the vast size of the program, fraud sometimes occurs. The Social Security Administration has its own investigatory unit to combat and prevent fraud, the Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit . The Cooperative Disability Investigations Program continues to be one of the most successful initiatives, contributing to the integrity of SSA’s disability programs. In addition when investigating fraud in other SSA programs, the Social Security Administration may request investigatory assistance from other law enforcement agencies including the Office of the Inspector General as well as state and local authorities.
How Do I Know If Social Security Is Calling Me
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be Social Security beware. You can call Social Securitys customer service line at 800-772-1213 to confirm whether a communication purporting to be from SSA is real. If you get an impostor call or email, report it to SSA using their detailed online form.
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Social Security Offices Within 100 Miles
This website is not associated with the Social Security Administration or any government services and is for general information only. Although we attempt to keep the information up to date, some information may be out of date. Please contact your local Social Security Office to obtain information directly from the SSA.
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must be both medically and technically eligible. Medically, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administrations definition of disability. In general, this means two key things. First, that your mental or physical health condition has lasted 12 months, is expected to last for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death. Second, that your mental or physical health condition is so severe that it prevents you from sustaining a full-time job without accommodations.
Technically, to apply for benefits you must either not be working, or if you are working, not working at a level over what the Social Security Administration describes as substantial gainful activity. To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must have accumulated enough work credits, through your prior work, to be insured by the Social Security Administration. For Supplemental Security Income, your household income must be below a certain threshold set by the Social Security Administration. It is important to know your options. Our consultations are always free, and our experienced attorneys can help you determine which programs you may be eligible for.
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Private Retirement Savings Crisis
While inflation-adjusted stock market values generally rose from 1978 to 1997, from 1998 through 2007 they were higher than in March 2013. This has caused workers’ supplemental retirement plans such as 401s to perform substantially more poorly than expected when current retirees were investing the bulk of their savings in them. In 2010, the median household retirement account balance for workers aged 55 to 64 was $120,000, which will provide only a trivial supplement to Social Security benefits, but about a third of households had no retirement savings at all. 75% of Americans nearing retirement age had less than $30,000 in their retirement accounts, which Forbes called “the greatest retirement crisis in American history.”
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Indianapolis Indiana Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Indianapolis, Indiana office at 866-220-7899 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
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Delays In Issuing Ssns To Aliens By The Social Security Administration
Sometimes aliens experience significant delays in obtaining Social Security numbers . The consequences of these delays are discussed below.
There is no federal law administered by any federal agency which prohibits the hiring of a person based solely on the fact that the person does not have a Social Security number. Similarly, there is no federal law which prohibits the making of a payment to a person based solely on the fact that the person does not have an SSN.
However, there are federal laws and regulations which require the reporting of a payee’s TIN on federal information returns and payee statements such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1042-S, etc. In addition, federal regulations require that all tax treaty claims made on Form 8233, Exemption From Withholding on Compensation for Independent Personal Services of a Nonresident Alien Individual, Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding, or Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification be accompanied by the beneficial owner’s TIN.
Demographic And Revenue Projections
| This section’s factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. The reason given is: Several of these projected dates have passed, and some language referring to data as ‘current’, ‘latest’, ‘most recent’, etc. is as old as 2005, or undated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. |
In 2005, this exhaustion of the OASDI Trust Fund was projected to occur in 2041 by the Social Security Administration or by 2052 by the Congressional Budget Office, CBO. Thereafter, however, the projection for the exhaustion date of this event was moved up slightly after the recession worsened the U.S. economy’s financial picture. The 2011 OASDI Trustees Report stated:
Annual cost exceeded non-interest income in 2010 and is projected to continue to be larger throughout the remainder of the 75-year valuation period. Nevertheless, from 2010 through 2022, total trust fund income, including interest income, is more than is necessary to cover costs, so trust fund assets will continue to grow during that time. Beginning in 2023, trust fund assets will diminish until they become exhausted in 2036. Non-interest income is projected to be sufficient to support expenditures at a level of 77 percent of scheduled benefits after trust fund exhaustion in 2036, and then to decline to 74 percent of scheduled benefits in 2085.
Ways to eliminate the projected shortfall
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Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Indianapolis Social Security Office
The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.
The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.
If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.
When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.
Claim That It Is A Ponzi Scheme
Critics have drawn parallels between Social Security and Ponzi schemes, arguing that the sustenance of Social Security is due to continuous contributions over time. One criticism of the analogy is that while Ponzi schemes and Social Security have similar structures , they have different transparencies. In the case of a Ponzi scheme, the fact that there is no return-generating mechanism other than contributions from new entrants is obscured whereas Social Security payouts have always been openly underwritten by incoming tax revenue and the interest on the Treasury bonds held by or for the Social Security system. The sudden loss of confidence resulting in a collapse of a conventional Ponzi scheme when the scheme’s true nature is revealed is unlikely to occur in the case of the Social Security system. Private sector Ponzi schemes are also vulnerable to collapse because they cannot compel new entrants, whereas participation in the Social Security program is a condition for joining the U.S. labor force. In connection with these and other issues, Robert E. Wright calls Social Security a “quasi” pyramid scheme in his book, Fubarnomics.
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Be Polite And Patient
Keep in mind that the Claims Representative you speak to talks with a lot of people each day, and some of them are frustrated and difficult. Your patience and kindness will go a long way to helping you get the service you deserve and getting all your questions answered.
While you are being polite, also be persistent. Its okay to ask a question more than once if you dont understand the answer.
Total Benefits Paid By Year
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Workers in Social Security covered employment pay FICA or SECA taxes and earn quarters of coverage if earnings are above minimum amounts specified in the law. Workers with 40 quarters of coverage are “fully insured” and eligible for retirement benefits. Retirement benefit amounts depend upon the average of the person’s highest 35 years of “adjusted” or “indexed” earnings. A person’s payroll-taxable earnings from earlier years are adjusted for economy-wide wage growth, using the national average wage index , and then averaged. If the worker has fewer than 35 years of covered earnings these non-contributory years are assigned zero earnings. The sum of the highest 35 years of adjusted or indexed earnings divided by 420 produces a person’s Average Indexed Monthly Earnings or AIME.
The AIME is then used to calculate the Primary Insurance Amount or PIA. For workers who turn 62 in 2021, the PIA computation formula is:
90 percent of the first $996 of average indexed monthly earnings, plus
32 percent of average indexed monthly earnings between $996 and $6,002, plus
15 percent of average indexed monthly earnings over $6,002
Monthly benefit amounts are based on the PIA. Once the PIA is computed, it is indexed for price inflation over time. Thus, Social Security monthly benefit amounts retain their purchasing power throughout a person’s retirement years.
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