Getting what you need from Social Security can be difficult. In addition to receiving monthly benefits from the program, there are times you need to be able to receive documents and information from Social Security. In the past, this has meant calling customer service on the telephone or visiting a local office. However, times have changed and now you can do everything online with a “my Social Security” account.
How a “my Social Security” Account Can Help You
There are many good reasons to set up a “my Social Security” account. According to Social Security Matters, the program’s official blog, having an account will let you:
- Check your Social Security Statement to see estimates of the retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for
- Get a benefit verification letter that you can use as proof of your benefits
- Change your address and phone number
- Start or change your direct deposit of your benefit payments
- Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season
- Request a replacement Medicare card
A “my Social Security” account can benefit you whether you’re already receiving benefits or not. If you’re already retired, it can give you a way to keep track of your benefits and make sure that everything is going smoothly. If you’re not retired yet, it can help you get an estimate of the benefits you’ll be eligible for when you do retire.
Creating an online account is easy. You can do it online by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. All you need is a email address, a U.S. mailing address, your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once you have all that information, you can create your account in just a few minutes.
Learn More from The Seniors Center
The Seniors Center is working to demystify Social Security for older Americans. Through articles on issues like senior scams and updates on important legislation concerning Social Security, The Seniors Center keeps seniors informed and engaged on the issues that matter to them.
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