Social Security

Regardless of your income or net worth, the combined impact of your Social Security "pension" (the retired worker component Social Security) and Medicare, Disability, and Survivor benefits which are integrated with your Social Security "pension", will play an important role in the development and implementation of your financial plan.  Everyone should have a basic understanding of what social security benefits they are entitled to and how to apply for their benefits.     

Below are some resources I collected from the federal government’s Social Security Administration (SSA) website , a very comprehensive and user - friendly online resource.  It is a good choice for your primary, most authoritative, online resource for social security information.  Be advised there are countless other web resources, both public and private, which purport to offer information and services regarding your federal social security benefits.  Be careful when using them and be wary of websites, other than the official SSA website, that solicit your personal information up front in order to provide services or deliverables.  

 my Social Security:  This is the portal for getting online access to your account information from the Social Security Administration.  Once you set up your account you can get benefit information anytime including:



  • Estimates of the retirement and disability benefits you may receive;
  • Estimates of benefits your family may get when you receive Social Security or die;
  • A list of your lifetime earnings according to Social Security’s records;
  • The estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid;
  • Information about qualifying and signing up for Medicare;
  • Things to consider for those age 55 and older who are thinking of retiring;
  • General information about Social Security for everyone;
  • ***The opportunity to apply online for retirement and disability benefits
  • ***A printable version of your Social Security Statement .


Decide when to apply for retirement benefits:  Do I apply for early benefits, at my full benefit age, or defer it until later than my full benefit age to get a higher monthly payout?  This is not a simple decision.  It requires a careful analysis of your total financial situation today, an educated estimate of what your situation will be in the future, and some very important assumptions about things beyond your control such as inflation, tax rates, and life expectancy.  A comprehensive written financial plan can help you make a well informed decision about when to apply for and begin your social security benefits.  Engaging the services of professional legal and tax advisors before making critical long term financial decisions such as this one is also a very good idea. 

Apply for retirement benefits:  You can do this online.  Again, I strongly recommend that people consult with tax, legal, and financial advisors before taking this very important step. 

Frequently Asked Questions :  Many common service actions are addressed here. 

Get or Replace Your Social Security Card:   Easy three step process for getting a new card.

Changing your name?  Make sure you update the SSA!   

Research Baby Names:  Having a baby and looking for a name?   See what everyone else is doing here.

SSA Call Center:  By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can access automated telephone services to get recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day.  If you cannot handle your business through the automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. You will have to work through the automated menus before you get an opportunity to select an option to speak with a live representative.  Calling a local office will route you to the same number as the call center.  If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number,1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SSA Office Locator:  When all else fails and you need to go to a physical office to speak with a SSA representative in person. 

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