SSA Updates Online “my Social Security” Account Services
Keeping track of your Social Security benefits has always been a hassle – from waiting for the annual statements to come in the mail, to endless wait times on the phone or in long lines at a Social Security Office. However, the SSA now offers several online services through their updated “my Social Security” portal.
In this article our Long Beach Social Security lawyers explain how the online “my Social Security” works, and how you can sign-up.
Signing Up for “my Social Security“
To sign up for your free, personal “my Social Security” account, go to https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/. You will need to have the following information at hand: a valid e-mail address; your social security number; and a valid U.S. mailing address. You must also be at least 18 years of age. Click on “Create an Account,” and once you agree to the terms of service, just follow the prompts and you are all set.
What You Can Do at “my Social Security”
“my Social Security” is completely secure and is your one stop portal to managing your benefits. There are a lot of things you can do once you set up your “my Social Security” account. For instance, you can get an estimate of your future benefits based on your earnings; you can access your most recent statement; update or change your address; get a benefits verification letter; and you can review and check your earnings history or the estimated amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes you have paid. If you have lost or misplaced your Social Security card, you can order a replacement.
What You Can Do If You Receive Benefits or Have Medicare
If you already receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, in addition to the things listed above, you can also report your wages if you work and receive either Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits. You can also check your benefit and payment information or get an SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
Online “my Social Security” Account Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Notices
One of the newest features of “my Social Security” is the online cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notice. These will be available in December of 2018 for beneficiaries with a “my Social Security” account, except to those with foreign mailing addresses or those who pay higher Medicare premiums due to higher income. (The Social Security Administration hopes those individuals will be able to access COLA information on line in the next year or so.) For the year 2018, COLA notices will still be sent by mail; however, in the future you will be able to specify whether you wish to receive them by mail or online.
Avoiding Fraud with “my Social Security” Account
To be sure your “my Social Security” account is safe, never give your log-in information to anyone. Our attorneys stress that the Social Security Administration will never solicit your personal information by email or request advanced fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards – their services are always free of charge. And of course, you should never reveal personal information to unverified sources, select links or open attachments in emails that you suspect may not be safe.
Long Beach Social Security Lawyers
If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disabling injury, medical condition or disease our skilled and experienced lawyers are here to help you get the maximum Social Security Disability benefits for which you qualify.
The Law Office of Cantrell Green is a group of highly qualified and experienced disability attorneys who have obtained millions of dollars in Social Security Disability benefits for thousands of clients in Long Beach, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles. Our lawyers care about every client, and fight tirelessly to obtain the benefits you deserve.