Online social Security application process

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Good Listener
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Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

[Thread updated in this post (Page 2) --admin LadyGeek]

I turn 70 in November and I've had it on my calendar for years to apply for benefits on July 1st to begin in november. I did it yesterday online and it was quite seamless. It asked a bunch of questions which I was easily able to answer. Note that I am already on Medicare for almost 5 years. Is this likely to be a simple approval or despite the fact that I'm already on Medicare are they possibly going to get back to me and ask for documents.
If so, is that done online or does one have to mail it in? Or may it just go very smoothly and I get approved in a few weeks. I'd love to hear from people with recent experiences. Thank you.
dognose
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by dognose »

My wife just went through this process. She also has been on Medicare for several years. Good news-- the online process went very smoothly. My wife was not asked to provide any additional documents. The application/review process took about six weeks, and then she received notice, via email, that everything was approved. Her Social Security checks have already begun arriving electronically in our checking account.
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JoeRetire
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by JoeRetire »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:21 amIs this likely to be a simple approval
Yes.
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dbr
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by dbr »

We did everything for both of us online. They did call me once to verify one of the choices. There was a glitch on one of our applications in which they asked us to come into the office with some documents. When we got there the office couldn't figure out why we were there. They sent us to a second specialist who finally figured out that the request was sent by "Tom in Chicago" who "messes up every file he touches." After about two hours of unnecessary work everything was set straight.
cadreamer2015
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by cadreamer2015 »

I turn 70 in September, so I applied on May 1 on line for Social Security benefits to start in September (to be paid in October). I have been on Medicare since I turned 65 and have been getting half of my wife’s small Social Security benefit since I reached FRA of 66. Although the Social Security on line portal says that most applications are processed in 2-4 weeks, in my case it has been 2 months. The portal says they have started stage 2 of the 3 stage review process and it has been saying that for many weeks. I have read elsewhere that they process applications with relatively immediate start dates first and applications that come in 4 months ahead of time don’t get processed until a month or two before benefits are supposed to start. So I am not worried yet, and won’t be surprised if I don’t hear from Social Security until sometime in August. If I haven’t heard by then I will try to call the office I guess. So I’m hoping the online process goes smoothly if not quickly.
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FreddieFIRE
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by FreddieFIRE »

I seem to remember reports of SS messing up and defaulting to six months of retroactive payments in these types of situations. Did I just imagine that?
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roamingzebra
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by roamingzebra »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:21 am I turn 70 in November and I've had it on my calendar for years to apply for benefits on July 1st to begin in november. I did it yesterday online and it was quite seamless. It asked a bunch of questions which I was easily able to answer. Note that I am already on Medicare for almost 5 years. Is this likely to be a simple approval or despite the fact that I'm already on Medicare are they possibly going to get back to me and ask for documents.
To piggyback on another poster's question, do they ask if you want retroactive payments? Do they otherwise make retroactive payments the default? Being forced into retroactive payments is something many of us would like to avoid.
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JoeRetire
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by JoeRetire »

roamingzebra wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:00 pm
Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:21 am I turn 70 in November and I've had it on my calendar for years to apply for benefits on July 1st to begin in november. I did it yesterday online and it was quite seamless. It asked a bunch of questions which I was easily able to answer. Note that I am already on Medicare for almost 5 years. Is this likely to be a simple approval or despite the fact that I'm already on Medicare are they possibly going to get back to me and ask for documents.
To piggyback on another poster's question, do they ask if you want retroactive payments? Do they otherwise make retroactive payments the default? Being forced into retroactive payments is something many of us would like to avoid.
If you make it clear in the comments of the application that you do not want retroactive payments, you won't get them.

They are not the default, but unclear communication could make them happen.
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dbr
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by dbr »

JoeRetire wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:11 pm
roamingzebra wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:00 pm
Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:21 am I turn 70 in November and I've had it on my calendar for years to apply for benefits on July 1st to begin in november. I did it yesterday online and it was quite seamless. It asked a bunch of questions which I was easily able to answer. Note that I am already on Medicare for almost 5 years. Is this likely to be a simple approval or despite the fact that I'm already on Medicare are they possibly going to get back to me and ask for documents.
To piggyback on another poster's question, do they ask if you want retroactive payments? Do they otherwise make retroactive payments the default? Being forced into retroactive payments is something many of us would like to avoid.
If you make it clear in the comments of the application that you do not want retroactive payments, you won't get them.

They are not the default, but unclear communication could make them happen.
Right. You want to add all the information that concerns you. In my case I was called by someone who wanted to verify that what I said was what I meant. I appreciate that. He told me that he was a special hire brought on to expedite online claims. That was years ago and way pre-pandemic.
Wilderness Librarian
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Wilderness Librarian »

I turn 70 in Sept. and have not yet applied.

I will be subject to Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and figured there might be less complication if I handed the paperwork during an in-person appointment rather than filing online and waiting for some kind of communication as to delivering said paperwork. I want to start payments in October (no retroactive as another person said). SS website says you can start the application process 4 months in advance. So I called nearby SS office in May - they said they offer telephone appointments but only 3months not 4 in advance. Also said they may never offer in-person appointments again. At that time there were not even scheduling for June, let alone July. So I called again in late June for July appt. They repeated statement that they may never re-open for in-person appts. My telephone interview is scheduled for late July (soonest I could schedule which was about 5 weeks). They have indicated they will tell me then where to mail (yes they said mail) the WEP paperwork which I believe will be to the local office. I know I could do this online but I still feel more confident things will go smoothly this way. By the way both myself and neighbors have had very good experiences with this particular local office.
jebmke
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by jebmke »

Wilderness Librarian wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:21 pm I turn 70 in Sept. and have not yet applied.

I will be subject to Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and figured there might be less complication if I handed the paperwork during an in-person appointment rather than filing online and waiting for some kind of communication as to delivering said paperwork. I want to start payments in October (no retroactive as another person said). SS website says you can start the application process 4 months in advance. So I called nearby SS office in May - they said they offer telephone appointments but only 3months not 4 in advance. Also said they may never offer in-person appointments again. At that time there were not even scheduling for June, let alone July. So I called again in late June for July appt. They repeated statement that they may never re-open for in-person appts. My telephone interview is scheduled for late July (soonest I could schedule which was about 5 weeks). They have indicated they will tell me then where to mail (yes they said mail) the WEP paperwork which I believe will be to the local office. I know I could do this online but I still feel more confident things will go smoothly this way. By the way both myself and neighbors have had very good experiences with this particular local office.
My wife and I did the entire application over the phone -- her FRA and my spousal on her account. It took 20 minutes (pre-pandemic). I did have to go into the office eventually to show them a certified marriage cert. I start my benefit next year (70) so I'm hoping it will be simple to flip from spousal to my benefit.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
montanagirl
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by montanagirl »

I did it all online - Medicare, supplement, spousal SS, transition to my own benefit + delay credits.

Everything worked great. I got paranoid about the delay credits and sent a letter but I got a form letter not long after saying here's your delay credits, look for a deposit in your acct and boom there it was.

No way it was responding to my letter as the process was moving along just fine without me. Lol
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Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

Several of you have mentioned being called by social Security on the phone. Everything I've read has said that a lot of scammers do that. How do you know it is really social security?
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by bob60014 »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:32 pm Several of you have mentioned being called by social Security on the phone. Everything I've read has said that a lot of scammers do that. How do you know it is really social security?
They called me a week after I applied so it was a call I was expecting. They ask verification questions, and IIRC it may have been something unique that was on the initial app that a scammer wouldn't know.
Wilderness Librarian
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Wilderness Librarian »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:32 pm Several of you have mentioned being called by social Security on the phone. Everything I've read has said that a lot of scammers do that. How do you know it is really social security?
I haven't had the full appt. yet. But I called the nearest ss field office at their number listed on the ssa.gov website. All the preliminary recorded messages indicate genuine ss prologue. To schedule the phone appt. they required me to verify several pieces of personal data already in their file. I would not have answered if I had any reason to question their authenticity. (Correct me if I am wrong but I think you have to do this online if that is your approach). Then they scheduled date and time they will call me. Yesterday I got a form letter from SS confirming this date and time. The letterhead gives the correct address and phone number of the field office and came in an official ssa envelope. When the actual interview time comes I plan to ask for the individual's name if they do not provide first.

Also in May the field office said people could walk in to the office to schedule a phone interview even though they could not have the office in-person appointment. I thought about this but their phone lines seem secure. I may still take the WEP paperwork to the office if they will permit that - not sure.
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

Thanks for mentioning it. I also turn 70 in November and didn't think to apply for benefits this soon.

I have been on medicare since age 65 and pay quarterly via credit card - now online but until 2022 was US mail. How does that work when payment for Nov-Jan is due in mid-late October?

I have read that SS deducts medicare payments. Is there any other option? Does SS refund the medicare payment or just not withhold it.

I have also read that the SS payment is made according to your birthday in the month. Every one I know collecting has early in the month birthday so I just assumed that SS paid on the 3rd. I am late in November, so expect my first SS deposit after Christmas. Does this sound right?

Does the application as what % you want withheld for federal taxes?
JayB
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by JayB »

I'd like to clarify something before I apply for SS in 2 years: My annual SS benefits statement was accompanied by a piece of paper that said that I had some earnings in my record for which social security taxes were not paid and warning that I may be subject to windfall provisions if I receive a pension based on those earnings.

I have no idea what this is referring to and when I called up SS, they didn't know either. Their best guess is that the paper was sent because I currently collect income on a lifetime annuity (based on retirement plan contributions from my last job). At any rate, those annuity payments are based on a job for which I always paid SS taxes; the only pension in my future is SS benefits in 2 years.

Can I safely assume that when I apply for SS (probably online), I can simply tell them that I am not receiving -- and do not plan to receive -- any pension based on earnings not covered by SS taxes and be done with my concern over the piece of paper from SS? Or should I anticipate complications?
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Ron »

BarbK wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:14 pmI have also read that the SS payment is made according to your birthday in the month. Every one I know collecting has early in the month birthday so I just assumed that SS paid on the 3rd. I am late in November, so expect my first SS deposit after Christmas. Does this sound right?
2022 Payment Dates: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2022.pdf

My wife was initially receiving spousal benefits based upon my birth date (3rd) and was seeing her deposit on the 2nd week of the month.

When she filed for her benefit, after turning age 70, we thought that her payment would be moved to the last Wednesday of the month since her birth date is the 27th. It did not; she continues to get her SS deposit on the second week of the month since she originally had my payment date.

FWIW,

- Ron
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

Thanks - December 28th for me.
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by ehh »

BarbK wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:14 pm I have been on medicare since age 65 and pay quarterly via credit card - now online but until 2022 was US mail. How does that work when payment for Nov-Jan is due in mid-late October?

I have read that SS deducts medicare payments. Is there any other option? Does SS refund the medicare payment or just not withhold it.
SS deducts Medicare Part B premium - no option.

Based on my experience, if you start SS in November (first deposit in December) SS withholds the December Medicare Part B premium - even if you have already paid it.

In your case you should probably pay at least the November premium as usual. Whether you pay the December and/or January premium as usual depends, I suppose, whether you are worried about SS not starting as anticipated and the consequences of late payment of Medicare Part B premium.

If you have already paid the December Medicare Part B premium and SS starts in November, you will receive a refund via a check from the US Treasury. In my case the refund was prompt - arriving before the first social security deposit.

This is, of course, a very common situation. And SS, Medicare, and the Treasury do appear to communicate.
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by oldcomputerguy »

My wife just applied for her Social Security benefits. She applied online on May 30, the approval letter was dated June 14. One thing I did note was that the online application did not seem to offer the option to specify tax withholding, we had to download a Form W-4V and mail it to our local Social Security office. Other than that, it went very smoothly. We had in fact gone to the trouble of obtaining a second copy of her birth certificate to send to them in case they required it, but they never asked for anything other than what went into the online application.
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Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

ehh wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:03 pm
BarbK wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:14 pm I have been on medicare since age 65 and pay quarterly via credit card - now online but until 2022 was US mail. How does that work when payment for Nov-Jan is due in mid-late October?

I have read that SS deducts medicare payments. Is there any other option? Does SS refund the medicare payment or just not withhold it.
SS deducts Medicare Part B premium - no option.

Based on my experience, if you start SS in November (first deposit in December) SS withholds the December Medicare Part B premium - even if you have already paid it.

In your case you should probably pay at least the November premium as usual. Whether you pay the December and/or January premium as usual depends, I suppose, whether you are worried about SS not starting as anticipated and the consequences of late payment of Medicare Part B premium.

If you have already paid the December Medicare Part B premium and SS starts in November, you will receive a refund via a check from the US Treasury. In my case the refund was prompt - arriving before the first social security deposit.

This is, of course, a very common situation. And SS, Medicare, and the Treasury do appear to communicate.
In reference to this, I've been doing easy pay where they deduct the payment from my checking account on the 20th for the next month. I started that in case I ended up in the hospital or something and didn't want to ever forget to pay. I'm actually not going to stop that and I'm expecting that I'll be paying and having a deduction for the same month but you folks have assured me I will get it back at some point and if not, well we'll see.
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by jebmke »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:34 pm
ehh wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:03 pm
BarbK wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:14 pm I have been on medicare since age 65 and pay quarterly via credit card - now online but until 2022 was US mail. How does that work when payment for Nov-Jan is due in mid-late October?

I have read that SS deducts medicare payments. Is there any other option? Does SS refund the medicare payment or just not withhold it.
SS deducts Medicare Part B premium - no option.

Based on my experience, if you start SS in November (first deposit in December) SS withholds the December Medicare Part B premium - even if you have already paid it.

In your case you should probably pay at least the November premium as usual. Whether you pay the December and/or January premium as usual depends, I suppose, whether you are worried about SS not starting as anticipated and the consequences of late payment of Medicare Part B premium.

If you have already paid the December Medicare Part B premium and SS starts in November, you will receive a refund via a check from the US Treasury. In my case the refund was prompt - arriving before the first social security deposit.

This is, of course, a very common situation. And SS, Medicare, and the Treasury do appear to communicate.
In reference to this, I've been doing easy pay where they deduct the payment from my checking account on the 20th for the next month. I started that in case I ended up in the hospital or something and didn't want to ever forget to pay. I'm actually not going to stop that and I'm expecting that I'll be paying and having a deduction for the same month but you folks have assured me I will get it back at some point and if not, well we'll see.
When I started spousal benefit they shifted from my direct debit to deducting with no gap or overlap. Worked perfectly.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

Thanks for all the replies to my questions. I will start the application process after July 4.
vested1
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by vested1 »

July is the last month I will receive benefits of 1/2 of my wife's PIA using a restricted application. I just celebrated my 70th birthday on July 2nd. I applied for my age 70 benefit online on May 1st to receive my first maximum benefit in August although I could have done so a month earlier. I got a reference number as a response along with a statement that I needed to provide my marriage certificate. I called the next day and was told that I didn't need to provide it because I had done so on the previous restricted application.

I too was worried that nothing appeared to be changing on the SS website so I called the main number on June 29th and asked if my application was progressing.

I was told by the agent who answered that they have 60 days to approve or deny your application, but that it looked like mine had been unofficially approved. I wanted to confirm the amount I would be receiving so I was given the last name and number of the agent in Chicago who was handling my claim.

I called that number and left a vm asking to be called back. The assigned agent called me back the next day (day 60, June 30th) and told me my application was approved and provided me with my benefit amount at my request. I asked for the amount of my PIA, and the gross amount of the benefit. I knew part B would still be deducted after which they would take out 10% in federal taxes, which I continued from the previous claim on my wife's benefit. My estimate was within a dollar of what I will be receiving on August 10th.

I made sure to mention in the application that I wanted no retroactive payment, and specified that I wanted the maximum age 70 benefit, as well as the date of the first benefit direct deposit. The agent said the wording on my application made it easier to approve. I have other members here to thank for that. It's understandable to be nervous about getting this process right, but that concern can be easily dispelled with a call.
RetiredDBA
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by RetiredDBA »

First post.

I am turning 70 in July and switching from Survivors to my own social security application.

As seen below I applied on March 27 and got approval as of July 5th. Wow emailed one day before approval!

Actually, I was notified 3 weeks ago it was completed. This email must confirm the change to the amount is scheduled for August.

Here's the info from the Social Security website:
Your Benefit Applications
We have processed 3 of 3 steps of your application.
We made a decision to approve your application on July 5, 2022.

1. We received your online application on March 27, 2022.
2. We conducted a review of your application on July 5, 2022.
3. We have made a decision to approve your application on July 5, 2022.

We have sent a detailed notice to you with your benefit information.
You should receive your notice within 10 to 15 days.
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Topic Author
Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

It looks like they went down to the wire and it's great that they approved your application on July 5th even though it's July 4th. Were you getting anxious?
Northern Flicker
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Northern Flicker »

JayB wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:44 pm I'd like to clarify something before I apply for SS in 2 years: My annual SS benefits statement was accompanied by a piece of paper that said that I had some earnings in my record for which social security taxes were not paid and warning that I may be subject to windfall provisions if I receive a pension based on those earnings.

I have no idea what this is referring to and when I called up SS, they didn't know either. Their best guess is that the paper was sent because I currently collect income on a lifetime annuity (based on retirement plan contributions from my last job). At any rate, those annuity payments are based on a job for which I always paid SS taxes; the only pension in my future is SS benefits in 2 years.

Can I safely assume that when I apply for SS (probably online), I can simply tell them that I am not receiving -- and do not plan to receive -- any pension based on earnings not covered by SS taxes and be done with my concern over the piece of paper from SS? Or should I anticipate complications?
Perhaps you had a part-time or summer student job when with an employer that did not deduct SS because it has an alternative pension?

SSA has a record of such employment (i.e. that paid into an alternative pension in lieu of SS). If you will not receive pension benefits from such employment, I think it is just a matter of filing a form documenting that.

It also of course could be an error on the part of SSA.
Last edited by Northern Flicker on Mon Jul 04, 2022 10:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
RetiredDBA
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by RetiredDBA »

Not anxious since I am receiving a survivors check but wondering why it was dated July 5th when I had seen it approved at step 3 abut 3 weeks earlier. Unfortunately, the amount is still not known so I'm hoping it matches one of the 2 calculators I used to check what i might expect to receive. I used ssa.tools and opensocialsecurity.com.
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JCH10400
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by JCH10400 »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:32 pm Several of you have mentioned being called by social Security on the phone. Everything I've read has said that a lot of scammers do that. How do you know it is really social security?
The person who called me knew my employment record and had information that was on my SS application. I figured it was a very long shot that a scammer would have both and would also know that I had applied for benefits online.
dbr
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by dbr »

Good Listener wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:32 pm Several of you have mentioned being called by social Security on the phone. Everything I've read has said that a lot of scammers do that. How do you know it is really social security?
The person who called me only wanted to verify that elections I had added in the notes section were indeed what I wanted. I said yes and he said he agreed that was a good idea. There was no scamming. No scammer could possibly be reading that section back to me. I was really impressed they put someone on expediting the application.
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

November birthday here. I got a letter today (July 5th) telling me I should apply for monthly SS retirement payments.

I thought the questions re: when to start were straight forward.
The defaults for me were July 2022 - Answered NO,
Benefit should start: Answered November 2022.

Then it asked why you picked this date but they only gave 35 characters to answer.

Hopefully everything goes smoothly.
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Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

BarbK wrote: Tue Jul 05, 2022 9:54 pm November birthday here. I got a letter today (July 5th) telling me I should apply for monthly SS retirement payments.

I thought the questions re: when to start were straight forward.
The defaults for me were July 2022 - Answered NO,
Benefit should start: Answered November 2022.

Then it asked why you picked this date but they only gave 35 characters to answer.

Hopefully everything goes smoothly.
OP here. That is so interesting because I also with the November birthday turning 70 got the same letter yesterday. It could have been a little clearer that the maximum would be the month you turn 70 but we know what it means. Anyway I had applied a few days before getting the letter. I too found it very annoying that when they asked why you wanted to start the benefits at age 70 they only gave you 35 characters. So I just checked d no longer working but then at the very end where you could add explanations I indicated that I wanted to receive maximum possible benefits. I learned that from the folks here. It probably doesn't matter but maybe there will be some new reviewer who doesn't understand.
Wilderness Librarian
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Wilderness Librarian »

I turn 70 in Sept. I too got the form letter a couple of months back advising me to apply for SS soon - assume they must send to everybody approaching 70.

As stated above I am applying by phone interview with closest field office. Just got a second letter reconfirming the appointment time with a reference number and request to have this notice available at time of call. So I assume they will ask me to read back the number.

The 35 character limit is a new one to me. Never thought they would care why someone would delay. Maybe say "Max 70 benefit no retroactive" That is 29. Anyway how do you know they bother to read this and follow it if they do read it? Another reason I prefer to do by phone (and actually prefer in-person but local office does not permit). I will need to mail in W-4-V IRS form and WEP paperwork so I will probably add a summary of the phone call and repeat.
dbr
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by dbr »

Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:13 am I turn 70 in Sept. I too got the form letter a couple of months back advising me to apply for SS soon - assume they must send to everybody approaching 70.

As stated above I am applying by phone interview with closest field office. Just got a second letter reconfirming the appointment time with a reference number and request to have this notice available at time of call. So I assume they will ask me to read back the number.

The 35 character limit is a new one to me. Never thought they would care why someone would delay. Maybe say "Max 70 benefit no retroactive" That is 29. Anyway how do you know they bother to read this and follow it if they do read it? Another reason I prefer to do by phone (and actually prefer in-person but local office does not permit). I will need to mail in W-4-V IRS form and WEP paperwork so I will probably add a summary of the phone call and repeat.
When I applied way back when I know they read it because when the guy called it was to verify what was written and I know they follow it because after I verified what was written he told me that was what they would do and they did.
FactualFran
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by FactualFran »

BarbK wrote: Tue Jul 05, 2022 9:54 pm Then it asked why you picked this date but they only gave 35 characters to answer.
"Maximize delayed retirement credits" is an appropriate sequence of 35 characters for those who start benefits for the month they attain age 70.
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theac
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by theac »

Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:13 am I turn 70 in Sept. I too got the form letter a couple of months back advising me to apply for SS soon - assume they must send to everybody approaching 70.

As stated above I am applying by phone interview with closest field office. Just got a second letter reconfirming the appointment time with a reference number and request to have this notice available at time of call. So I assume they will ask me to read back the number.

The 35 character limit is a new one to me. Never thought they would care why someone would delay. Maybe say "Max 70 benefit no retroactive" That is 29. Anyway how do you know they bother to read this and follow it if they do read it? Another reason I prefer to do by phone (and actually prefer in-person but local office does not permit). I will need to mail in W-4-V IRS form and WEP paperwork so I will probably add a summary of the phone call and repeat.
I'm surprised there would be nowhere on the SS online application where you can specify how much you want withheld for the IRS.

So do you have to use regular mail to send in Form W-4?
Are you given any options such as maybe uploading thru your online SS account, or by fax, or a phone call?
"We keep you alive to serve this ship. Row well...and live." Ben Hur...and The Taxman! hahaha (a George Harrison song)
Wilderness Librarian
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Wilderness Librarian »

theac wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:26 pm
Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:13 am I turn 70 in Sept. I too got the form letter a couple of months back advising me to apply for SS soon - assume they must send to everybody approaching 70.

As stated above I am applying by phone interview with closest field office. Just got a second letter reconfirming the appointment time with a reference number and request to have this notice available at time of call. So I assume they will ask me to read back the number.

The 35 character limit is a new one to me. Never thought they would care why someone would delay. Maybe say "Max 70 benefit no retroactive" That is 29. Anyway how do you know they bother to read this and follow it if they do read it? Another reason I prefer to do by phone (and actually prefer in-person but local office does not permit). I will need to mail in W-4-V IRS form and WEP paperwork so I will probably add a summary of the phone call and repeat.
I'm surprised there would be nowhere on the SS online application where you can specify how much you want withheld for the IRS.

So do you have to use regular mail to send in Form W-4?
Are you given any options such as maybe uploading thru your online SS account, or by fax, or a phone call?
That is what I thought too but note this statement from upthread

One thing I did note was that the online application did not seem to offer the option to specify tax withholding, we had to download a Form W-4V and mail it to our local Social Security office. Other than that, it went very smoothly.

Remember I haven't applied yet and I will be doing so by phone interview
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theac
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by theac »

Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 9:52 pm
theac wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:26 pm
Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:13 am I turn 70 in Sept. I too got the form letter a couple of months back advising me to apply for SS soon - assume they must send to everybody approaching 70.

As stated above I am applying by phone interview with closest field office. Just got a second letter reconfirming the appointment time with a reference number and request to have this notice available at time of call. So I assume they will ask me to read back the number.

The 35 character limit is a new one to me. Never thought they would care why someone would delay. Maybe say "Max 70 benefit no retroactive" That is 29. Anyway how do you know they bother to read this and follow it if they do read it? Another reason I prefer to do by phone (and actually prefer in-person but local office does not permit). I will need to mail in W-4-V IRS form and WEP paperwork so I will probably add a summary of the phone call and repeat.
I'm surprised there would be nowhere on the SS online application where you can specify how much you want withheld for the IRS.

So do you have to use regular mail to send in Form W-4?
Are you given any options such as maybe uploading thru your online SS account, or by fax, or a phone call?
That is what I thought too but note this statement from upthread

One thing I did note was that the online application did not seem to offer the option to specify tax withholding, we had to download a Form W-4V and mail it to our local Social Security office. Other than that, it went very smoothly.

Remember I haven't applied yet and I will be doing so by phone interview
Thanks, yes I also saw that it was said earlier.

So I wonder, what happens if someone didn't know that they needed to mail in a separate form to address withholding taxes? Would SS not withhold anything at all?

Then at tax time the uninformed person will be penalized by the IRS for not withholding enough?

Or does it at least say somewhere in the online application that we need to file that W-4 separately on our own? Just seems kind of odd not to put the option on the form, which it seems would be so easy to do. :confused
"We keep you alive to serve this ship. Row well...and live." Ben Hur...and The Taxman! hahaha (a George Harrison song)
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Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

I just looked at the PDF I saved of my application. There are two places where you can write in commentary. The first is as we've discussed in the when to start benefits section where you have 35 characters to describe your reason for starting benefits when you are. I wrote: To get maximum possible benefits.

The second is near the end of the application in a section called Remarks. Here I wrote: I am applying to begin benefits in the month I turn 70 because I would like to receive maximum possible benefits.

If this is not clear enough for reviewer then I don't know what is. Hopefully this will help others.
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Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

theac wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:28 pm
Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 9:52 pm
theac wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:26 pm
Wilderness Librarian wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:13 am I turn 70 in Sept. I too got the form letter a couple of months back advising me to apply for SS soon - assume they must send to everybody approaching 70.

As stated above I am applying by phone interview with closest field office. Just got a second letter reconfirming the appointment time with a reference number and request to have this notice available at time of call. So I assume they will ask me to read back the number.

The 35 character limit is a new one to me. Never thought they would care why someone would delay. Maybe say "Max 70 benefit no retroactive" That is 29. Anyway how do you know they bother to read this and follow it if they do read it? Another reason I prefer to do by phone (and actually prefer in-person but local office does not permit). I will need to mail in W-4-V IRS form and WEP paperwork so I will probably add a summary of the phone call and repeat.
I'm surprised there would be nowhere on the SS online application where you can specify how much you want withheld for the IRS.

So do you have to use regular mail to send in Form W-4?
Are you given any options such as maybe uploading thru your online SS account, or by fax, or a phone call?
That is what I thought too but note this statement from upthread

One thing I did note was that the online application did not seem to offer the option to specify tax withholding, we had to download a Form W-4V and mail it to our local Social Security office. Other than that, it went very smoothly.

Remember I haven't applied yet and I will be doing so by phone interview
Thanks, yes I also saw that it was said earlier.

So I wonder, what happens if someone didn't know that they needed to mail in a separate form to address withholding taxes? Would SS not withhold anything at all?

Then at tax time the uninformed person will be penalized by the IRS for not withholding enough?

Or does it at least say somewhere in the online application that we need to file that W-4 separately on our own? Just seems kind of odd not to put the option on the form, which it seems would be so easy to do. :confused
Related to withholding, I too was surprised that that was not asked in the initial application online, but maybe they figure several months later your bank could change. However, can anybody tell us if the default is no withholding so that no form is needed if you plan on having no withholding? I have withholding done by other mechanisms and estimated taxes.
dbr
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by dbr »

Good Listener wrote: Thu Jul 07, 2022 8:18 am
Related to withholding, I too was surprised that that was not asked in the initial application online, but maybe they figure several months later your bank could change. However, can anybody tell us if the default is no withholding so that no form is needed if you plan on having no withholding? I have withholding done by other mechanisms and estimated taxes.
It never occurred to me to withhold from SS. An alternative for some people is to do the withholding at year end from one's RMD. You can usually just specify the amount in dollars to fit what you know you will owe. Different situations are different, of course. Otherwise estimated tax payments are not the end of the world.
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theac
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by theac »

Sometimes I forget how easy it is to just check in with Google! :oops:

I guess when I apply online I will just write in the Comments box my request for the percentage I want withheld and see what happens when my first checks arrive. If nothing has been withheld, will just mail in the W-4V.

This is from the SS site:
You can ask us to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefit payment when you first apply.

If you are already receiving benefits or if you want to change or stop your withholding, you'll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the IRS TTY number, 1-800-829-4059.)

When you complete the form, you will need to select the percentage of your monthly benefit amount you want withheld. You can have 7, 10, 12 or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes.

Only these percentages can be withheld. Flat dollar amounts are not accepted.

Sign the form and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.
"We keep you alive to serve this ship. Row well...and live." Ben Hur...and The Taxman! hahaha (a George Harrison song)
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

I just completed the application the other day (Nov birthday) and don't recall seeing anything regarding withholding.
I downloaded the W-4V form.

On the first year of benefits, does the December benefit which will be paid in January 2023, taxed in 2022 or 2023?
ehh
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by ehh »

BarbK wrote: Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:31 am I just completed the application the other day (Nov birthday) and don't recall seeing anything regarding withholding.
I downloaded the W-4V form.

On the first year of benefits, does the December benefit which will be paid in January 2023, taxed in 2022 or 2023?
2023. And the benefit paid in January will reflect the increase for 2022 inflation and your 2023 monthly Medicare Part B premium amount.
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

ehh wrote: Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:40 am
BarbK wrote: Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:31 am I just completed the application the other day (Nov birthday) and don't recall seeing anything regarding withholding.
I downloaded the W-4V form.

On the first year of benefits, does the December benefit which will be paid in January 2023, taxed in 2022 or 2023?
2023. And the benefit paid in January will reflect the increase for 2022 inflation and your 2023 monthly Medicare Part B premium amount.
Thank you.
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Good Listener
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by Good Listener »

ehh wrote: Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:40 am
BarbK wrote: Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:31 am I just completed the application the other day (Nov birthday) and don't recall seeing anything regarding withholding.
I downloaded the W-4V form.

On the first year of benefits, does the December benefit which will be paid in January 2023, taxed in 2022 or 2023?
2023. And the benefit paid in January will reflect the increase for 2022 inflation and your 2023 monthly Medicare Part B premium amount.
So then all payments in a given calendar year for tax purposes are the same amount? That is even though one payment is for the month before in the last calendar year but is adjusted upward right?
FactualFran
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by FactualFran »

theac wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:26 pm I'm surprised there would be nowhere on the SS online application where you can specify how much you want withheld for the IRS.

So do you have to use regular mail to send in Form W-4?
Are you given any options such as maybe uploading thru your online SS account, or by fax, or a phone call?
I did not find any online options to withhold income tax. I completed a paper Form W-4V and mailed it to the SS office that serves my address. The withholding started a few months later. I don't know if the delay was because of slow mail delivery or because a processing backlog at SS.
BarbK
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by BarbK »

Recap - November birthday, turning 70, applied for SS early July to receive the max amount.

Logged onto SS this month, and said I was approved but will show pending until the month I elected to start benefits.

My husband, born late 1956 plans to start his SS at age 70 also. He has the higher benefit.

This week he got this letter in the mail from SSA:

"We are writing to tell you that before we can make a decision about your potential SS benefits, you must file an application. Your wife recently filed for benefits and listed you as her spouse. Based on the date of birth and SS number she gave for you, there may be some SS benefits payable to you.

What to do next
You should get in touch with us right away because the date you file an application can make a difference in the amount of benefits we pay.
If you file the application within 6 months of the date of this letter , we will use July 5, 2022 the date your wife filed her application as the filing date.

Call or visit ......."

Can we just ignore this?
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susa
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Re: Online social Security application process

Post by susa »

BarbK wrote: ..If you file the application within 6 months of the date of this letter , we will use July 5, 2022 the date your wife filed her application as the filing date.
That is the key you quoted and since he does NOT plan to file within 6 months (not until 2026) you can ignore.
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