I have to constantly remind myself that filing for Social Security benefits is a big deal for almost everyone. After all, it’s something you usually do only once in your life. (Although there are some people who might file twice. For example, a woman who applies for retirement benefits in her 60s and then goes back to the Social Security office in her 80s to file for widow’s benefits.)
But the point is, it’s a rare and significant occasion for most people. And I have to remind myself of that is because I’m so used to helping people who have plans to apply for benefits. I worked for the Social Security Administration for more than 30 years and have written this column for 20 years. So I have helped literally tens of thousands of people sign up for Social Security. I could do it in my sleep! (Actually, I really do. Believe it or not, instead of dreaming about alluring women or exotic beach locales, I dream about Social Security scenarios all the time.)
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So there are many elements of Social Security eligibility, or many facets of filing for Social Security benefits, that I just take for granted. And when I get some basic or elementary questions from people, my first instinct is to say, “Duh, the answer is so obvious!” But then I remind myself that for the person asking the question, it is not so elemental at all. Filing for Social Security is a big and new and important part of his or her life and the person just wants to make sure to get it all right.
Today’s questions are like that. They are no-brainers to me. But they are important issues to many readers.
Q: I am getting close to Social Security age. I am 61. I am so glad I found your column because I am learning so much about Social Security. But where else can I turn to for Social Security help?
A: There is an entire government agency, the Social Security Administration, with about 60,000 employees in over 1,300 offices around the country, whose primary job is to help you when it comes to your Social Security questions and issues. Go to their award-winning and easy to navigate website, www.socialsecurity.gov, and you’ll find all kinds of useful information and help. Or call them at 800-772-1213.
Q: I will turn 66 in March 2019 and want my benefits to start then. When should I sign up for my Social Security? Some people told me three months ahead of time. Others say six months. A neighbor told me it’s actually best to wait until after my birthday. So what do I do?
A: SSA is super efficient when it comes to processing retirement claims. In fact, it usually takes them less than a week to get a claim ready for monthly payments. Still, I suggest you get the ball rolling about two months ahead of time. You said you turn 66 in March. So file your claim in January or February. You can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling SSA at 800-772-1213.
Q: I am about to sign up for my Social Security and am in a panic. I swear I always had my Social Security card hidden in a safe place in my desk. But now that I need it and went to get it, I can’t find it! I’ve looked everywhere. Do I have to wait to get a replacement card before I can apply for my Social Security benefits?
A: You don’t need your Social Security card to apply for Social Security benefits. You just need to know what your Social Security number is, and I’m sure you know that.
Q: I’ve had a copy of my birth certificate in a safe deposit box all my adult life. I went to get it because I intend to sign up for Social Security next week. But I’ve noticed the copy is just that — a photocopy. And my financial planner says that Social Security needs to see an official certified copy. I worry that it might take me a month to get such a copy. What should I do?
A: You should go ahead and apply for Social Security benefits as you planned. There is a chance that SSA might not even need your birth certificate. That’s because for many people, they already obtained proof of your birth at the time you signed up for your original Social Security card.
But if they do need your birth certificate, they will need to see an official certified copy before they can finish the processing of your claim. So you might want to start the process of getting one. Even if SSA doesn’t need it, you probably will want to have it in your records for future use.
Q: I just applied for my Social Security benefits online. One of the questions asked me where I was born. I answered Litchfield, Illinois. It was only later that I looked at my birth certificate and remembered that even though my parents lived in Litchfield and I grew up there, I was actually born in a town up the road, Hillsboro, Illinois. Now I am worried sick that this incorrect answer will mess up my Social Security benefits. What should I do?
A: What you should do is stop worrying. Your place of birth has absolutely no bearing on your eligibility for Social Security benefits. You don’t have to do anything about it. On the off chance that someone from Social Security ever contacts you about this, you simply tell them exactly what you told me in your email.
Q: I am 66 in December, and that’s when I want my Social Security. But I know the December check comes in January. So do I tell them I want benefits effective with December or January?
A: Don’t worry about the actual month your check arrives. Instead, just think about the first month you are eligible for benefits — and that’s December. So tell them you want your benefits effective with December.
