When it comes to learning about Social Security, there is a lot to know — so you may find yourself full of questions. If you have a question, visit Social Security’s frequently asked questions page at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov” www.socialsecurity.gov.
Just go to the section at the upper-right portion of the page where it reads, “Questions?” and use the drop-down menu directly below it to select the most appropriate subject matter, such as “Benefits,” “Checks and Payments,” or “Disability.”
Or, select “All Other Topics”, select go, and you’ll be directed to the entire list of frequently asked questions. There are close to 700 of them, so one of them is likely to answer any question you may have.
What kinds of questions? Just about any Social Security-related questions and answers you can think of. How can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits? Can I apply for retirement benefits on the Internet? How do I replace my lost Social Security card? What are the tax, benefit and earning amounts for 2010? How can I locate Social Security’s regulations?
Answers to these and hundreds of other questions await you at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov” www.socialsecurity.gov. The frequently asked questions page is so popular more than 33 million questions and answers were viewed over the past year!
While you’re online, you may want to check out some of the other popular features on the Social Security website, such as the new online Retirement Estimator, benefits planners, benefit eligibility screening tool, news, publications and more. You can even watch a brief video about the things you can do on the website.
But what if you don’t do computers or don’t have access to one? Today, most adults in America carry a cell phone. If you don’t, you probably have a landline phone at home. Although millions of people go online each year and take advantage of the services at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov” www.socialsecurity.gov, Social Security still offers a full range of services over the telephone too.
That’s an important thing to remember when you need to do business with Social Security. You can conduct many business transactions with automated telephone services 24/7/365. Simply dial 1-800-772-1213. And by calling that same number, you can talk with a Social Security representative from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The Social Security toll-free 800 number service is over 20 years old and has now answered over a billion phone calls. Yes, that’s billion with a ‘b!’ And this year it is estimated that Social Security will handle more than 60 million calls.
The Social Security phones are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so if your business can wait, it’s best to call at other times. Also, whenever you call, have your Social Security number handy.
Bilingual representatives are available to assist non-English speaking members of the public.
Do you have a Social Security question or problem and cannot call during normal business hours? Recorded information and many automated services are available 24 hours a day — including weekends and holidays. You can use these automated services to report a change of address or telephone number, start or change direct deposit of benefits, request a proof of income letter or a replacement Medicare card, and order popular public information pamphlets.
Of course, if you have a computer, you may find that the information and services offered online are even more convenient at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov” www.socialsecurity.gov. While you’re online, you can read more about Social Security’s toll free phone service at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/services.htm” www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/services.htm.
But if you don’t have a computer or prefer to do business over the phone, you can still call Social Security on their toll-free number. Social Security is never more than a phone call away: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
By: Matthew M. Wallace, CPS, JD
Published edited April 18, 2010 in The Times Herald newspaper, Port Huron, Michigan as: Social Security help available by phone, online