How To Replace My Social Security Card Or My Medicare Card
If you are over 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a U.S. mailing address you can request to replace your card online. If you are requesting a name change or any other information to be changed on your card you will need to go to the Social Security office in person.
You can log into your Social Security account and go to request a replacement Social Security number card.
To learn how long the process takes and the information you need to provide the SSA read How To Obtain/Replace My Social Security Card.
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Austin Texas 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 Austin, Texas office at 866-627-6991 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
What Are The Most Common Social Security Or Medicare Scams
Scammers will try many different scams to get your personal information. They are specifically looking for an identification number. Once they have that information they will use it to steal your identity or steal money.
This list includes some of the most common scams:
How To Protect My Personal Information And Social Security Number?
Protecting your personal information is vital. Ensure all documents are in a safe and secure location. Learn how to recognize and avoid common scams.
Be vigilant when you receive a phone call from someone claiming to work for the government. A Social Security officer will NEVER threaten you or say you will go to jail if you do not give them your personal information.
To learn more about common scams and how you can protect yourself read the article Avoid Social Security Fraud And Medicare Scams.
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How To Change My Address When I Move
It is a requirement that you notify the SSA when you move. If you do not report your change of address in time or if you do not report your change of address at all you may lose your Social Security payments.
You can change your address online by:
To learn more about the reporting deadline and the consequences of missing the deadline read the article How To Change My Address. This article covers common questions, methods of reporting, and what to do if you move abroad.
How To Request The Correct Information When Speaking With An Agent
When speaking with an SSA agent to learn more about the application process you will need to collect as much information as possible. Ask specific questions that are related to your specific benefits. Ask for the agent to share resources, links, and any other information you can review.
Record details, dates, and specifics the agent describes. Make sure the information is stored in a safe place that you can access when you start the application process.
Ask the agent to email you a summary of the conversation and include the links and directions you discussed.
You can also do your own research, browse my articles to find specific directions and information for a variety of Social Security forms and applications. Click here to view other articles.
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Addresses Of The Nearby Local Social Security Office In Austin Texas
There is no guarantee that you will qualify for the first time especially if you have not gathered all your necessary documents. In such a case it is advised that you hire an expert that is social security attorney. A professional will do all the job and you will also get the guidance of an expert. The majority of the social security beneficiaries rely on social security attorneys when it comes to filing the claim. This raises the chances of getting your claim in time .Social Security office near me
How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .
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Prepare For Your Ssa Appointment
When preparing for your Social Security phone appointment you need to prepare a few things.
This list should be a good start:
Once you have everything together, sit back and wait for the phone to ring.
Bring A List Of Questions
It can be intimidating to sit down with a Claims Specialist when you have limited time and are unfamiliar with the SSA application process. For this reason, everyone should bring a list of questions.
Give some thought to what you dont understand about the disability or retirement process, and write it down. There is no such thing as a dumb question!
Your goal is to make sure everything gets answered. Some examples of good questions to ask if you are applying for disability:
- Should I apply for SSI or SSDI? Whats the difference?
- Where do I apply?
- How long will it take for me to find out the decision?
- What medical information will I need?
- What information do I need to show my work history?
- What are work credits?
- What documents will I need to prove my income?
- What documents will I need to prove my resources?
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A Guide To Your Local Ssa Office Visit
The Social Security Administration local office is the location that handles all types of Social Security claims and applications, from retirement to Social Security Disability Insurance to Supplemental Security Income . When you visit, you can get more help if you have questions ready for the representative who serves you.
Use these tips to ensure your SSA trip goes as smoothly as possible, with few hassles and hiccups. It helps to go prepared.
We Simplify The Overwhelming Process
Applications, deadlines and appeals! Oh, my! Anything that involves the legal system demands plenty of time, energy and due diligence. Our team of attorneys will simplify the process from start to finish by cutting through the government bureaucracy that comes along with a social security disability case.
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What Kind Of Documentation Do I Need To Bring
The documentation that you need to bring along varies depending on what it is you are trying to do. At a minimum, you will need some form of identification. This might be a driver’s license, U.S. Passport, or state-issued non-driver’s identification card. You might also need your current Social Security card and even your birth certificate. It is usually best to take everything you can even if you are not sure whether you need it. It is better to carry documentation that is not needed than to arrive without the proper documentation.
We Will Save You Thousands Of Dollars
While hiring an attorney is something people shy away from because of the cost, we believe the investment is worth it relative to the money we will save you. In addition, our services dont end once your case is won. Even after your case is approved, the government will continue to send you paperwork. Therefore, we welcome all of our clients to drop by and speak to our legal team about any questions or concerns they may have regarding their social security case or any other legal questions at no additional cost.
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How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
You will need to complete an application for benefits. This can be done online, in person, or over the phone. The application process is necessary whether you are applying for retirement or disability benefits. You will need your Social Security number and other required documentation to complete your application.
Still A Good Idea To Make An Appointment For In
Social Security field offices, closed since March 17, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened Thursday, April 7.
During the pandemic, in-person appointments at Social Security field offices were limited to critical situations, such as for people who were without food, medicine or shelter. While most offices can help you without an appointment, a few offices are closed or open by appointment only. Find out which offices are closed or open by appointment only, by visiting ssa.gov/emergency. SSA encourages you to make an appointment as this will help them plan for you.
You can do many things online at ssa.gov, such as apply for benefits. Also, with a personal my Social Security account, you can get an instant benefit verification letter or check the status of your application most people can request a replacement Social Security card.
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Show Up With Your Documents
When you call for the appointment, be sure to ask the Claims Specialist which forms you should bring, and take notes. It may require some time to locate your documents, but if you cannot find all of them, bring what you have.
If you forget a document or cant find it, you may need to make another trip so its worth checking the notes you took while speaking with the Claims Specialist.
You should always bring your Social Security Card and a copy of any personal identifying information . If you have a US passport or US birth certificate, take them with you.
If you are not a US citizen or are naturalized, bring all documentation relating to your temporary or permanent resident status to your appointment.
Myth #: You Can Claim Early Then Get A Bump Up Once You Reach Full Retirement Age
Many believe there is a “bump up” or “added income” once they reach their full retirement age. They’ve heard they can claim early at 62, then when they reach 66 or older, their checks will increase to the amount that corresponds to their full retirement age benefit. That’s a big misperception.
There is no bumping up of income once you’ve claimed your Social Security retirement benefit. However, anyone receiving a benefit can voluntarily “suspend” that benefit after they reach FRA and resume it as late as age 70. If they do, the annual benefit will increase by 8% until age 70. After that, you get an annual cost of living adjustment, but no increase in your base benefit, which will start automatically the month you reach age 70 unless you specify otherwise.
In general, you can cancel your Social Security claim if you do so within the first 12 months of receiving benefits.2 You must repay the full amount you’ve received, and the full amount a current spouse or family member received based on your benefit. Then, you are eligible to claim again at a later date and will receive a larger monthly payment. Each individual can only cancel a claim once in their lifetime.
Case Study: Lower-income spouses may get a “top up” or “auxiliary” benefit.
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My Social Security Card Was Lost/stolen What Should I Do
If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, you need to act immediately! You will need to request a replacement card, but you should also take the proper steps to prevent identity theft. Thieves could use your information to apply for loans, obtain credit cards, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name. You should place a fraud alert on your Social Security number and keep a watch on your credit report. Also be aware of scams that attempt to steal your SSN.
Proof Of Employment And Work Authorization
In order to obtain a Social Security Number and card, the Social Security Administration requires F-1/J-1 students to provide proof of valid F-1/J-1 status, proof of employment and of work authorization. Required documents vary depending on the job.
F-1 Students
J-1 Students
If you are applying for an SSN for on campus employment, Necessity Employment, or Academic Training:
- A letter from your Program Sponsor authorizing employment.
- Your DS-2019 with work authorization serves as proof of employment.
- Go to the International Students and Scholars Office and request a SSN letter. Processing time is one business day. You will receive an email from the ISSO when the letter is ready for pickup.
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What Documents Will I Need To Provide
When collecting the documents you will need to apply for your benefits to confirm they are correct. The Social Security Administration will accept photocopies for certain documents but other documents may need to be original.
Generally, you must provide proof of age, income, work history, identity, and citizenship. To learn more about the documents you will need to provide read the article What Documents Must I Provide The Social Security Administration When Applying For Benefits.
Confirm Your Documents Are Correct
To confirm you have the correct documents cross-reference with a list of required documents. Double-check, incorrect documentation is a common reason for an application to be rejected.
Refer to the What Documents Must I Provide The Social Security Administration When Applying For Benefits to find a list of documents. You can use this list to cross-reference.
Myth #: Your Monthly Social Security Benefit Could Be Reduced Or Denied If Your Ex
In a recent survey,3Fidelity asked more than 1,000 people if an ex-spouse could influence their Social Security benefits52% of them said yes, this is true.
The real answer: False.
There are a lot of things an ex-spouse might do to complicate your life, but Social Security is off limits. Your ex has no influence over your benefits. If you have an ex-spouse, you may be entitled to spousal benefits as if you had remained married. If you were married for 10 consecutive years and have not remarried, you are entitled to either your own benefitor 50% of your ex’s Social Security benefit, whichever is higheronce you reach your FRA.
If you wish to claim on your ex-spouse’s benefit, you simply make an appointment with your local SSA office and bring documents that prove the marriage and divorce. They will calculate your benefit options, and when you submit your claim, youll receive the higher benefit.
Tip: There’s no need to discuss this with your ex-spouse, and your claim does not reduce or affect your ex’s benefit in any way. It’s your benefit, even if you’ve been divorced for many years. And, it may be larger than your own individual benefit. Read Viewpointson Fidelity.com: Unraveling Social Security rules for ex-spouses.
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How Do I Change The Name On My Social Security Card
There are a couple of ways you can perform a Social Security card name change. The easiest is by making the request online through your My Social Security account. Depending on the state you live in, you might be unable to complete the request online. If you cannot, then you will need to mail in the application for name change with the required documentation or visit your local Social Security office.
What Is Social Security
In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This new federal legislature started the collecting of taxes in 1937. Since then, working citizens across the United States began paying into social security in order to have a form of guaranteed income once they reached retirement age.
The Social Security Act was initially meant to be a form of basic retirement for working individuals. However, in 1939, an amendment was made to the act that allowed spouses and/or children to begin receiving social security survivor benefits if a parent or spouse was deceased and qualified for social security income.
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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.