1. Mistakes In Your Earnings Record Can Reduce Your Benefit
Far too many working Americans fail to regularly check the accuracy of their Social Security earnings record. Mistakes can happen due to employer reporting errors or administrative errors when people change names.
Typically, you have three years, three months and 15 days after the year in which you earned the wages to fix mistakes. The Social Security Administration may make exceptions if you have documentation such as a tax return filed with the IRS, a W-2 form or pay stubs. To see your statement online, click here to create a my Social Security account.
2. Social Security Survivor Benefits Are Not Retroactive
Since the loss of a loved one can be a traumatic experience, applying for Social Security survivor benefits may be the last thing on one’s mind. However, eligible survivors need to apply for their benefits as soon as possible because benefits are dated from the time you apply and are not retroactive to the time of death.
“In fact, if a collection agency threatens to take your Social Security income, it may be guilty of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”
3. Your Social Security Benefits Are Protected From Private Debt Collectors
When it comes to private debt like medical costs, car loans and credit card bills, federal law protects your Social Security benefits from debt collectors. In fact, if a collection agency threatens to take your Social Security income, it may be guilty of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
4. Newlyweds May Not Qualify For A Survivor Benefit
Social Security has a length-of-marriage rule for widows and widowers. Generally, you must be married for at least nine months to qualify for survivor benefits if your spouse dies. However, exceptions are made when a spouse has died in an accident or in the line of duty while in a uniformed service.
5. Under Certain Circumstances, You Can Get A New Social Security Number
Even if you’re assigned a new Social Security number, your previous number will be cross-referenced and on record with your new one so that earnings under both numbers are credited to your name. Contact your local Social Security office to get the process started if any of the following circumstances apply to you.
- If you’re the victim of domestic violence.
- If you’re experiencing ongoing issues due to identity theft.
- If people use your Social Security number to track you results in harassment or endangers your life.
- If someone else is using your Social Security number.
If you need to replace your Social Security card, report a stolen number, or have any other questions about your benefit, go to: www.ssa.gov.
