Below is a GUIDE for contacting the Social Security Administration about your PERSONAL benefit situation.
Steps members could take:
1. BEFORE calling, have their Social Security number in front of them (and any spousal or children's numbers involved). Call the SSA directly (800-772-1213). If there is a spouse involved they may want to be on the line during the call. 2. Write down the NAME of the person with whom they speak. Get their mailing address. 3. Record their end of the phone call. I do NOT advise people to record OTHERS on the telephone without their permission. 4. Tell the SSA agent that they do NOT pay into Social Security at work. 5. Provide the information the SSA agent requests. 6. Ask about: a. Their OWN benefits under SSA AND Medicare. b. Any spousal benefits (past, present or possible future) they may have. What happens if the spouse dies first? What about benefits for children? c. How can they "repair" the damage they may have already done? d. Is there anything else that they should know about the "windfall" and "offset" provisions? 7. Ask for the information to be sent to them in writing. 8. WRITE and send by US Mail, a confirmation letter addressed to the SSA agent that confirms: a. There was a discussion by telephone and the date. b. A summary of what was discussed. c. The member's name and Social Security number should appear on the letter. 9. Follow up promptly on any requests made by the SSA.
Confirmation letters are a useful tool when dealing with the school system as well as other businesses or governmental agencies.
Additionally, it IS possible to set up a meeting with an agent of the SSA for a face-to-face meeting if it is needed.