Checking your social security benefits and earnings is necessary to plan for retirement and correct errors. The Social Security Administration (SSA) collects and maintains a database of each individual’s earnings and work credits, which it follows via your social security number. You can monitor these figures on your Social Security statement. A social security statement is available to everyone 25 and older and can be viewed online once you open an account at http://ssa.gov/mystatement.
Your Social Security Statement
Your social security statement will show all of the earnings on which you have paid taxes and an estimate of what you will be entitled to receive in social security benefits at various retirement ages. It’s a good idea to make sure that the social security number listed on your statement is indeed yours, and that the amount of earned income corresponds to your own records and pay stubs. In addition, you will want to check the social security agency’s math, as it is not unheard of for there to be errors.
Errors On Your Social Security Statement
If you detect an error, you can call the Social Security helpline at 800-772-1213, or make an appointment at a local office to discuss your findings in-person. Either way, make sure you have documented evidence to support your claim. If there is sufficient evidence to support your claim, it may take several months for the SSA to notify you that they have made the correction. When they do, be sure to request another statement to verify they have corrected your account properly.
What To Do With Your Social Security Information
The amount of social security retirement benefits you will be entitled to receive will largely depend on how long you work. The longer you work, the higher your retirement benefits will be. But this does not mean that it’s better to wait as long as you can to start receiving benefits. If you are in need of money to live on, or don’t expect to live until you are long past 75, it may be better to start receiving benefits earlier rather than later. The Social Security Administration provides a calculator to help you determine which age would be best for you to start receiving benefits.
For help with checking your Social Security earnings and benefits, and for a more thorough discussion of Social Security Benefits in general, consult with a knowledgeable Social Security attorney.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee, Oklahoma Social Security Lawyer
If you’d like to speak with a social security attorney in Okmulgee, Ok, call (918) 756-9600 or (888) Wirth-Law now for a initial consultation with the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee. Or, enter your legal question or concern in the form at the top right of this page, and one of our knowledgeable attorneys will email or call you.
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