An Office Visit Is Worth Your Time
Many people find that visiting the SSA office is the best way to get the help they need, and this is especially true of people who are unfamiliar with computers or the internet. The Claims Specialists are trained to answer questions about the process, and are there to help you with the most common reasons people visit the office: Social Security Disability applications, retirement benefits, and Social Security cards.
Its worth the time to go to the field office, but be sure to make an appointment, come prepared, ask questions, and find out what your next move is.
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Seattle Washington 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 Seattle, Washington office at 866-931-2875 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
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.
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Social Security Resource Guide
Doing a bit of research can help you prepare for the application process and collect the correct information. It can reduce stress and hassle to prepare a bit beforehand. Read the Social Security Administration Benefits Resources Guide to find links and resources for each kind of SSA benefit.
David Duford
David Duford is the owner of SSAOffices.com. He owns numerous businesses including life and Medicare agencies, dedicated to helping seniors with their insurance needs. David resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife and four chlidren.
How To Change My Address When I Move
It is a requirement that you notify the SSA when you move. If you do not report your change of address in time or if you do not report your change of address at all you may lose your Social Security payments.
You can change your address online by:
To learn more about the reporting deadline and the consequences of missing the deadline read the article How To Change My Address. This article covers common questions, methods of reporting, and what to do if you move abroad.
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How Do I Make An Appointment At The Aurora Social Security Office
It is always advisable to make an appointment before visiting the Aurora 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.
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.
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How To Reach The Social Security Administration
A toll-free number operates from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday at 1-800-772-1213. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. You can also visit their website at www.ssa.gov for more information. You must apply for your Social Security Number in person. There are several local offices throughout the Seattle area, which are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm .
Below are some of the offices close to Seattle University:
| Downtown Seattle |
Who Is Eligible For Social Security
The following people are eligible to receive social security benefits:
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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?
How To Request The Correct Information When Speaking With An Agent
When speaking with an SSA agent to learn more about the application process you will need to collect as much information as possible. Ask specific questions that are related to your specific benefits. Ask for the agent to share resources, links, and any other information you can review.
Record details, dates, and specifics the agent describes. Make sure the information is stored in a safe place that you can access when you start the application process.
Ask the agent to email you a summary of the conversation and include the links and directions you discussed.
You can also do your own research, browse my articles to find specific directions and information for a variety of Social Security forms and applications. Click here to view other articles.
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How To Speak To A Live Person
When contacting your local SSA office in Aurora, 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.
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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What Are The Most Common Social Security Or Medicare Scams
Scammers will try many different scams to get your personal information. They are specifically looking for an identification number. Once they have that information they will use it to steal your identity or steal money.
This list includes some of the most common scams:
How To Protect My Personal Information And Social Security Number?
Protecting your personal information is vital. Ensure all documents are in a safe and secure location. Learn how to recognize and avoid common scams.
Be vigilant when you receive a phone call from someone claiming to work for the government. A Social Security officer will NEVER threaten you or say you will go to jail if you do not give them your personal information.
To learn more about common scams and how you can protect yourself read the article Avoid Social Security Fraud And Medicare Scams.
How To Replace My Social Security Card Or My Medicare Card
If you are over 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a U.S. mailing address you can request to replace your card online. If you are requesting a name change or any other information to be changed on your card you will need to go to the Social Security office in person.
You can log into your Social Security account and go to request a replacement Social Security number card.
To learn how long the process takes and the information you need to provide the SSA read How To Obtain/Replace My Social Security Card.
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How Does The Coronavirus Impact Social Security
The SSA has reopened all local offices for in-person services. The government agency recommends people who need help try online first, then phone, before making an in-person visit.
If you must visit an office, please be aware:
Denver Region Home Page
Welcome to the Social Security Administrations internet site for the Denver Region. Our goal is to provide exceptional service to the public throughout the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and Fergus Falls, Minnesota. We encourage you to take advantage of the many online services we offer there are many benefits to conducting business with us, right from the comfort of your own home! When you create a my Social Security account online at , access to our services is easier than ever before. We urge you to become familiar with the benefits, programs, and services that Social Security provides by visiting our Internet Site at .
You may also call us at 1-800-772-1213 with any questions or to report changes. The toll-free TDD number for the deaf and hearing-impaired community is 1-800-325-0778. You may also visit us at any of our local field offices. If you or your group would like more information or to arrange for a speaker, please contact our Regional Communications Office.
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How Do I Make An Appointment With The Aurora 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 Aurora, Illinois office at 877-274-5412 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
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.
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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.
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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How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .
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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Prepare For Your Ssa Appointment
When preparing for your Social Security phone appointment you need to prepare a few things.
This list should be a good start:
Once you have everything together, sit back and wait for the phone to ring.