What is my social security and what can I do with it?

Global pandemic and labor shortages have forced government agencies to deliver more services online than ever before. This article explains why people should use the “my Social Security” system of the Social Security Administration (SSA) instead of calling or visiting local SSA offices.

Why would you want an online Social Security account?

The SSA’s online system offers many services that you might get from visiting a local Social Security office.

Suppose you needed proof of your Social Security income to apply for a senior housing community or you lost the SSA-1099 form needed for income tax purposes. In both cases, you could get those records from your online SSA account without having to call or visit a Social Security office. The website also has calculation tools to help you decide when to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.

What do you need to know to create an online SSA account?

We suggest that you take these steps to prepare for the registration process before creating an account:

• Recruit someone to help you to take notes and complete the registration process.

• Have these items ready:

a. a drivers license, state photo ID, or other similar government-issued identification card ready as part of your identity verification.

b. a credit card (not debit card) and your most recent income tax return, Form W-2 (if you’re still employed) or Social Security benefits statement ready as a second form of identification and your Social Security number, birth date, mobile phone number (not someone else’s mobile phone number), email address (not someone else’s email address) and the address listed on your federal income tax returns.

• Make sure you can access your email and text messages to receive notices during the registration process.

Creating an online SSA account

Read each instruction and notification carefully, and only click on buttons and links after thinking about the probable results of your next action.

The system will ask you to choose one or two ways to verify your identity. We recommend that you choose the text message and authentication app alternatives so you can use either method to confirm your identity.

About the Authors

Jeff R. Hawkins and Jennifer J. Hawkins are Trust and Estate Specialty Board Certified Indiana Trust and Estate

Lawyers and active members of the Indiana State Bar Association and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Both lawyers are admitted to practice law in Indiana, and Jeff Hawkins is admitted to practice law in Illinois. Jeff is also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; a member of the Illinois State Bar Association; and he was the 2014-15 President of the Indiana State Bar Association.

Find more information about this and other topics at www.HawkinsElderLaw.com. © Copyright 2022 Hawkins

Elder Law. All rights reserved.