How To Check The Status Of My Benefits Application
Once you have submitted the application for your benefits you need to wait for Social Security process the application and come to a decision. This could take a few days to a few months.
It depends on what benefit you are applying for, the information you provide, and the number of applications that are currently being processed.
If you would like to confirm your application status you can log into your my Social Security account and check from there.
Or you could call the Social Security office yourself and request information on your claim.
Each benefits application article I have written will provide details on how to check your applications status.
What Documents Will I Need To Provide
When collecting the documents you will need to apply for your benefits to confirm they are correct. The Social Security Administration will accept photocopies for certain documents but other documents may need to be original.
Generally, you must provide proof of age, income, work history, identity, and citizenship. To learn more about the documents you will need to provide read the article What Documents Must I Provide The Social Security Administration When Applying For Benefits.
Confirm Your Documents Are Correct
To confirm you have the correct documents cross-reference with a list of required documents. Double-check, incorrect documentation is a common reason for an application to be rejected.
Refer to the What Documents Must I Provide The Social Security Administration When Applying For Benefits to find a list of documents. You can use this list to cross-reference.
How To Find The Correct Application Forms
Once you have researched applying for benefits and collected the required documents you will need to complete the application form.
. This article covers the forms you will need when applying for retirement benefits, child benefits, survivors benefits, mothers and fathers benefits, and lump-sum death benefits.
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How Social Security Could Affect You
During your employment in a SERS-covered job, you do not pay into Social Security or accrue any Social Security benefits. However, most members have worked in one or more jobs covered by Social Security at some point during their lives.
If you are eligible for a Social Security benefit when you either retire with SERS or begin receiving a disability benefit, your Social Security benefit may be affected by federal law regulating Social Security benefits for public employees in non-Social Security states like Ohio. Your Social Security benefit may be reduced by either the Government Pension Offset or the Windfall Elimination Provision .
The federal law does not affect your SERS pension it affects only your Social Security benefit. Your SERS payment would not be reduced because of these Social Security laws. To learn more about the WEP and GPO penalties, read the Social Security Handout.
The following is provided as general information. For more detailed information on the GPO and WEP and how they may affect your specific Social Security benefit, you should contact your local Social Security Administration office, visit the SSA website, or call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
Guide To The Columbus Social Security Office In Ohio
If you reside in Columbus, Ohio, you should have no trouble locating a Social Security office in your community. The Social Security Administration oversees these facilities. If you want to submit a Social Security application, you may need to go to your Columbus Social Security office. This applies to any of the SSAs programs you would want to apply for in Ohio.
You need to know how to find a Columbus Social Security office near you before you can begin to utilize these facilities. Depending on your needs, you may need to report to a Columbus SS office to obtain your application, submit your completed materials or speak with a program representative. You can also report to a Columbus SS office if you want to obtain a Social Security Number or card. Therefore, it is important that you understand where in Columbus, Ohio you need to go to apply for SSA benefits.
How to Find a Columbus Social Security Office in Ohio
You can use this site to locate a Columbus, Ohio Social Security office in your area. Once you find a Columbus facility near you, click on the entry. Then, you can find specific information about the services this Ohio SS office offers you. You may also use this page to find contact information for your specific facility. This is especially helpful if you need to contact a Ohio SSA office worker to help you enroll in the program.
What programs does the Columbus Social Security Office oversee?
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What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security
Documents the Social Security Administration may ask for include:
How Do I Make An Appointment At A Columbus Social Security Office
It is always advisable to make an appointment before visiting a Columbus Social Security office. You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, or directly call the local office you want to visit. Appointments are rarely available the same day or even the same week, so it is advisable to plan ahead.
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Ohio Resident Sentenced To Six Months In Prison Ordered To Repay $254116 In Stolen Pension Funds Social Security Benefits
COLUMBUS, OHIO A federal judge sentenced Cindy Hardway a Newark, Ohio resident to six months in prison on July 8, 2022, after she pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money and one count of theft or embezzlement from an employee benefit plan. Hardways guilty plea comes after she collected $254,116 from her deceased fathers pension fund and Social Security following his death in 2005.
The courts action follows the discovery of the theft, which continued through May 2020, by the U.S. Department of Labors Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Social Security Administrations inspector general, and their subsequent investigation.
In addition to incarceration and restitution, Judge James L. Graham of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division in Columbus, ordered Hardway to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and pay a $200 special assessment. Hardway must report to prison by Sept. 6.
In her plea agreement, Hardway admitted she did not report the Jan. 12, 2005 death of her father, Joseph Fries, to the Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Plan or to the Social Security Administration. In total, she collected $20,165 in pension benefits and $233,951 in Social Security benefits illegally. Using her fathers debit card, Hardway accessed the funds and used them for her personal benefit.
U.S. v. Cindy S. Hardway
Criminal Case No: 2:21-cr-00057-JLG
How To Set Up A Phone Appointment
You cannot schedule a phone appointment with Social Security online. To set up a phone appointment with the SSA you can call 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 am 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Or you can locate your local Social Security Office in Columbus, and contact their phone number. Once you speak to a live person, request a phone appointment with an SSA agent. You may need to leave your phone number to be contacted by a specific agent to schedule the appointment.
Locate your local office by clicking this link.
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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.
How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card
Requesting a replacement card online is the fastest way to get your new card however, if you need a temporary Social Security card, then you will need to head down to your local SSA office. While they will not technically issue a temporary card, they will give you a receipt showing that your new card has been requested. This receipt can act as a sort of temporary card in some cases.
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A Guide To Your Local Ssa Office Visit
The Social Security Administration local office is the location that handles all types of Social Security claims and applications, from retirement to Social Security Disability Insurance to Supplemental Security Income . When you visit, you can get more help if you have questions ready for the representative who serves you.
Use these tips to ensure your SSA trip goes as smoothly as possible, with few hassles and hiccups. It helps to go prepared.
How Do I Protect Myself From Social Security Scams
Scammers use phone calls, emails, text messages, and letters to impersonate Social Security personnel and trick people into giving up personal information.
Common tactics include asking for your Social Security number and threatening to cut off Social Security benefits if personal information isnt provided.
Always remember, the Social Security Administration offers free forms and services.
If you suspect that youve been a victim of a Social Security scam or wish to report any attempts, you can call the Office of the Inspector General hotline from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
You can also submit a fraud report through the OIG website.
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How To Speak To A Live Person
When contacting your local SSA office in Columbus, you may be directed to a prerecorded message or an auto-response bot. In many cases, you will need to speak to a live agent.
To do so you can say Speak to an agent. when the bot asks why you are calling. You may need to repeat that sentence three times before the bot transfers you to a live agent.
If you know the reason for your call you can describe it when speaking to the bot and then the bot can direct you to the appropriate Social Security Administration team.
This number is a live person SSA assistance number 1-800-772-1213. Contact this number Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm.
Portman Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration To Reopen Ohio Field Offices To The Public
WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman sent a letter Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi asking him to immediately reopen SSA Ohio field offices to the public. The closure of Social Security field offices is of particular concern because many areas of Ohio still lack access to high speed Internet, which is necessary to establish a My SSA.gov account and interact with the agency due to offices being closed. SSA suspended in-person services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining Portman in signing the letter were Senators Tim Scott , Mike Crapo , Todd Young , Susan Collins , Richard Burr , Marco Rubio , Mike Braun , Rick Scott , John Barrasso , Bill Cassidy , Chuck Grassley , James Lankford , John Thune , and Pat Toomey .
Social Security is a bedrock of our nations social safety net, especially for our nations seniors aged 62 or older who comprise more than four-fifths of all Social Security beneficiaries. On March 17, 2020, the Social Security Administration suspended in-person services because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suspension created a disruption to the millions of new applicants and beneficiaries receiving Social Security benefits, the senators wrote.
On behalf of the nearly 70 million Americans who receive benefits from SSA, we reiterate the need to reopen the field offices as quickly as possible. Our nations seniors and beneficiaries of SSA programs deserve no less, the senators continued.
Sincerely,
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Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Columbus 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.
How To Appeal The Ssas Decision If I Am Denied Benefits
You can file for an appeal online in your my Social Security account. You need to fill in your information and complete the appropriate form. In some cases, you can request an appeal in person at your local Social Security office.
If you have any questions about applying for an appeal or escalating the appeals process you can contact your local Social Security office.
To learn more about fees, wait times, and the requirements of filing an appeal visit How To Appeal An SSA Decision And Check The Status Of An Appeal. That article mentions the specific forms you will need to fill out to escalate an appeal.
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What Kind Of Documentation Do I Need To Bring
The documentation that you need to bring along varies depending on what it is you are trying to do. At a minimum, you will need some form of identification. This might be a driver’s license, U.S. Passport, or state-issued non-driver’s identification card. You might also need your current Social Security card and even your birth certificate. It is usually best to take everything you can even if you are not sure whether you need it. It is better to carry documentation that is not needed than to arrive without the proper documentation.
How Does Soar Work
Clients work with SOAR Ohio Specialists in agencies throughout Ohio. These are highly trained provider specialists who use the evidenced-based SOAR methodology to complete an expedited disability applications on behalf of clients.
Through a strong partnership with the Social Security Administration and the Division of Disabilities Determination, SOAR Ohio Specialists represent clients during the application process from start to finish. To learn more about how to become a SOAR certified specialist click here.
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The Government Pension Offset
The GPO affects SERS retirees or disability benefit recipients who are, or will be, receiving a Social Security benefit based on their spouses Social Security account. This includes surviving spouses qualifying on an ex-spouses account. The GPO does not apply to the spouses own Social Security benefit. It does not affect Medicare coverage.
The GPO applies to a SERS retiree or disability benefit recipient who was first eligible to retire from SERS after July 1, 1983, and who receives Social Security benefits.
How the GPO Works
The amount of your Social Security spousal benefit is reduced by two-thirds of the amount of your SERS pension.
For example: Your SERS monthly pension is $1,200, and you also are entitled to a $1,000 Social Security spousal benefit. Two-thirds of your SERS benefit is $800, and when deducted from your Social Security benefit, leaves you with $200 in a Social Security benefit and your full $1,200 SERS pension.
Depending on your gross SERS pension amount, the GPO could eliminate your Social Security spousal benefit entirely.
To find out how the GPO might affect you, go to the SSA website or contact SSA.
How To Check My Earning Records With The Ssa
You can get your earning records from the SSA online or by mail. It is recommended that you view your earning records before applying for benefits. That way you can confirm your benefits will be calculated correctly.
To find your earning records follow these steps:
To read more about the documents you can use to verify your earning records, read my article How To Check My Earning Records And Adjust Them If Necessary provides step-by-step directions for accessing and adjusting your earning records.
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How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
You will need to complete an application for benefits. This can be done online, in person, or over the phone. The application process is necessary whether you are applying for retirement or disability benefits. You will need your Social Security number and other required documentation to complete your application.