Plan Ahead To Avoid Long Lines
AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Like many businesses and organizations, Social Security had turned to options like online and telephone services to conduct its operations during the pandemic. Those options are still available. Nevertheless, people in rural areas and those without access to transportation or technology have struggled for help with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .
To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call us and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment, said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Securitys acting commissioner, in a statement. Social Security warns that it is currently having problems with its phone systems. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls and long wait times.
Report The Death Of A Social Security Or Medicare Beneficiary
You must report the death of a family member receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration processes death reports for both. Find out how you can report a death and how to cancel benefit payments. In addition to canceling SSA and Medicare benefits, find out what other benefits and accounts you should cancel.
Calendar Your Ssa Appointment
Making an appointment is simple: call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 7 am and 7 pm. The best time to call is first thing in the morning or in the last hour of the day, from 6-7 pm.
An SSA employee will give you a call back if you leave a message before the office opens at 9 am. Set up your appointment, and do your best to keep it. The sooner you get there, the faster you can begin your application process. Write the date and time in your calendar and make it a priority.
Also Check: Can One Collect Disability And Social Security
Can I Apply For Medicare Benefits At This Palos Hills Office
If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by: Visiting your local Social Security office. Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. Before you decide how you want to go about applying for Medicare, you need to understand the different parts of the program and which ones you need. Learn More About Applying for Medicare.
Common Scenarios In Which Your Ssn May Be Requested
- When an employer is setting up payroll and tax paperwork at a new job.
- When setting up a new bank account, opening a credit card, or applying for a loan.
- When a business needs to check your credit in order to apply for an apartment, sign up for utilities, or get a contract-based mobile phone plan.
It is always a good idea to ask questions before deciding to share your or your dependents SSN in-person, on a form, or online, since SSNs are commonly used in identity theft scams.
Also Check: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Ptsd
Who Is Eligible For Social Security
The following people are eligible to receive social security benefits:
Lost Or Stolen Federal Payments
Report your lost, missing, or stolen federal check to the agency that issued the payment. It’s usually one of these paying agencies. If your documentation indicates it’s a different agency, and you need its contact information, look in the A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies.
To get an update on your claim, contact the Treasury Department Philadelphia Financial Center at 1-855-868-0151, option 1.
Don’t Miss: Can You Work If You Are On Social Security Disability
How Do Benefits Work And How Can I Qualify
While you work, you pay Social Security taxes. This tax money goes into a trust fund that pays benefits to:
-
Those who are currently retired
-
People with disabilities
-
The surviving spouses and children of workers who have died
Each year you work, youll get credits to help you become eligible for benefits when its time for you to retire. Find all the benefits the Social Security Administration offers.
There are four main types of benefits that the SSA offers:
-
Learn about earning limits if you plan to work while receiving Social Security benefits
How Do I Know If Social Security Is Calling Me
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be Social Security beware. You can call Social Securitys customer service line at 800-772-1213 to confirm whether a communication purporting to be from SSA is real. If you get an impostor call or email, report it to SSA using their detailed online form.
Recommended Reading: Is Nerve Damage Considered A Disability
How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card
The Social Security Administration does not issue temporary Social Security cards. However, there is a way to get something almost as good. If you need a same-day Social Security card replacement, here is what you need to do. You will need to complete the Form SS-5 application and return it in-person to your local Social Security office. Upon the acceptance of the application, the SSA rep will be able to issue you a receipt showing that your application for a new card has been completed. This receipt will act as a temporary Social Security card in some cases. Many agencies will accept this receipt in lieu of your new card, although this will not always work. If they do not accept the receipt, then you will need to wait until you receive your new card in the mail.
How Do I Make An Appointment At A Social Security Office In Illinois
To make an appointment at a Social Security office in Illinois, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Remember that you do not need an appointment to apply for benefits or appeal a disability decision. These tasks can be completed online. You can also contact Social Security at the same number if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Recommended Reading: Do You Accrue Pto While On Short Term Disability
What Is A Social Security Number
The Social Security Number is a tax identification number that tracks employee salary in a payroll system. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service , which is the tax authority of the United States, at birth for U.S. citizens. To be eligible to apply for a SSN, foreign nationals must be required to have one for a specific immigration status or as an employee onboarding requirement.
The University Payroll Office must show proof an SSN to the IRS for every individual employed by the University in order to pay that employee and to conduct government reporting required of employers. F-1 and J-1 students that are eligible for employment in the United States, whether on or off campus, will also require a Social Security Number.
Beyond tracking payroll, the SSN has become somewhat of a universal identification number used for many purposes around the country, including signing up for utilities, phone service, credit reporting, and banking.
Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Springfield Social Security Office
The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.
The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.
If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.
When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.
Don’t Miss: Is Cerebral Visual Impairment A Disability
Still A Good Idea To Make An Appointment For In
Social Security field offices, closed since March 17, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened Thursday, April 7.
During the pandemic, in-person appointments at Social Security field offices were limited to critical situations, such as for people who were without food, medicine or shelter. While most offices can help you without an appointment, a few offices are closed or open by appointment only. Find out which offices are closed or open by appointment only, by visiting ssa.gov/emergency. SSA encourages you to make an appointment as this will help them plan for you.
You can do many things online at ssa.gov, such as apply for benefits. Also, with a personal my Social Security account, you can get an instant benefit verification letter or check the status of your application most people can request a replacement Social Security card.
How Can I Check My Social Security Benefits
You can easily check your Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov through a My Social Security account. This account allows you to do many things through the Social Security Administration. First, you can get information about your existing benefits. You can also estimate future benefits using their benefit calculator tools. You also have access to your earnings history and other valuable information about your Social Security benefits.
Also Check: How Much Does Long Term Disability Pay In California
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Joliet Illinois Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Joliet, Illinois office at 866-783-7302 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
When To Apply For An Ssnheading Linkcopy Link
OIS strongly recommends that you wait at minimum one business day from the date you complete your Immigration Check-In with OIS to apply for your SSN. SSA must verify your immigration status in order to accept your application and it takes one business day for federal databases to communicate information about your arrival and status to SSA.
Applying too early for your SSN may result in significant delay of receiving your card.
Recommended Reading: What States Have No Property Tax For Disabled Veterans
Finding Your Closest Ssa Officeheading Linkcopy Link
While you are allowed to visit any SSA office location, we encourage you to visit an office near campus if possible. Staff at these locations are more familiar with processing the applications of the UIC international community. When searching for an SSA office location, always search directly on the SSA website or call their national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.
- SSA near UICs Chicago Campus605 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60661 563-3899
Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Palos Hills Social Security Office
The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.
The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.
If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.
When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.
Read Also: Services For Veterans With Ptsd
My Social Security Card Was Lost/stolen What Should I Do
If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, you need to act immediately! You will need to request a replacement card, but you should also take the proper steps to prevent identity theft. Thieves could use your information to apply for loans, obtain credit cards, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name. You should place a fraud alert on your Social Security number and keep a watch on your credit report. Also be aware of scams that attempt to steal your SSN.
Replacing Your Cardheading Linkcopy Link
In the unfortunate event that your Social Security Card is damaged, lost, or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement. Non-U.S. citizens cannot apply for a replacement Social Security Card online. You will need to follow the application steps outlined above for your particular status. Please note that applying for a replacement Social Security Card is free. Websites claiming to expedite the processes or complete it online for you at a fee are scams.
Recommended Reading: Is It Better To Retire Or Go On Disability
How Do I Apply For A Social Security Number
Step 1: Be in the U.S. for 10 Days with ‘Active’ Record
If you are in F-1, H-1B or J-1 status, the data that confirms your status and the fact that you are eligible for a Social Security Number has to be accessed on-line by the agent of the Social Security Administration at the time you apply. The data will not travel from the Immigration Service to the SSA database until two conditions apply:
How To Respond To A Request For Your Ssn
- Why do they need your SSN?
- How will your SSN be used?
- How will they protect your SSN and other personal information?
- What happens if you dont share your SSN?
- Is there other identifying information you can provide in place of the SSN?
If you dont feel comfortable with the answers to these questions, or you are being asked to share your SSN over public Wi-Fi to a non-encrypted website, it may be best to protect your SSN and not share it.
Read Also: Is Short Term Disability Income Taxable
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Peoria Illinois Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Peoria, Illinois office at 877-319-6039 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
If You’re Not Sure Why You Received A Payment
If you receive a check or direct deposit payment from the Treasury Department and do not know what its for, contact the regional financial center that issued it. Only the agency that authorized the payment can explain why you received it.
If you received a check, look for the RFCs city and state at the top center. Then contact that RFC to find out which federal agency authorized the payment. It will be one of these:
If you received payment byelectronic funds transfer , or direct deposit, follow the directions under Find Information About a Payment.
Use the Treasury Check Verification System to verify that the check is legitimate and issued by the government.
Recommended Reading: Free Computers For Veterans 2021
Bring A List Of Questions
It can be intimidating to sit down with a Claims Specialist when you have limited time and are unfamiliar with the SSA application process. For this reason, everyone should bring a list of questions.
Give some thought to what you dont understand about the disability or retirement process, and write it down. There is no such thing as a dumb question!
Your goal is to make sure everything gets answered. Some examples of good questions to ask if you are applying for disability:
- Should I apply for SSI or SSDI? Whats the difference?
- Where do I apply?
- How long will it take for me to find out the decision?
- What medical information will I need?
- What information do I need to show my work history?
- What are work credits?
- What documents will I need to prove my income?
- What documents will I need to prove my resources?
Obtain Proof Of Employment Eligibility
To be eligible for an SSN, you must provide proof of employment to the Social Security Administration. You must have this documentation in hand before you apply for an SSN. The type of proof varies with the type of work authorization you have:
Recommended Reading: How Does It Take To Get Social Security Disability