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September questions and answers from Social Security
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[December 19, 2011]
GENERAL
Question:
I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name
and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records.
What should I do?
Answer:
It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on
your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and
your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do:
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* Give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on
your Social Security card or your corrected card; or
* Contact your local Social Security office
(www.socialsecurity.gov/locator) or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
1-800-325-0778) if your Social Security card does not show your
correct name or Social Security number.
For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question:
Are Social Security numbers reassigned after a person dies?
Answer:
No. We do not reassign Social Security numbers. In all, we have
assigned more than 460 million Social Security numbers, and each
year we assign about 5.5 million new numbers. The current system has
enough new numbers for several more generations. For more
information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us
toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
RETIREMENT
Question:
Can I apply online for retirement benefits?
Answer:
Yes. It’s quick and easy. Apply online and save yourself a trip to
the office. Once you submit your online application electronically,
in most cases, you’re done. There are no forms to sign or documents
to send in. If we do need more information to process your
application, a representative will contact you. For more information
about applying online, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov
or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
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Question:
If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits, is
there any reduction in our payments because we are married?
Answer:
No. We independently calculate each spouse’s Social Security benefit
amount. Each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his
or her own earnings. Couples are not penalized simply because they
are married. If one member of the couple earned low wages or did not
earn enough Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement
benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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