My Nearest City

How can a representative help me with my Social Security claim?

Published by ssoffice On July 14, 2017

You may appoint a qualified person to represent you when doing business with Social Security. Use Form SSA-1696-U4, Appointment of Representative to tell the Social Security Administration in writing about the person you appoint. Sign and date the document and send it to your local Social Security office.

A representative generally cannot charge or collect a fee for these services without written approval from the Social Security Administration.

Categories: Frequently Asked Questions

← Previous Next →

Q: What is Social Security and how does it work?

Social Security is a federal government program in the United States that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals. Workers pay Social Security taxes during their working years, and the taxes collected are used to pay benefits to current recipients.

Q: Who is eligible to receive Social Security benefits?

Generally, individuals who have paid into the Social Security system for at least 10 years are eligible to receive retirement benefits. In addition, individuals who are disabled or the survivors of a deceased worker may also be eligible for benefits.

Q: How do I apply for Social Security benefits in ?

You can apply for Social Security benefits online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. To apply, you will need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number and employment history.

Q: What types of benefits does Social Security offer?

Social Security offers retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits. Retirement benefits are paid to eligible individuals who have reached a certain age and have worked for a certain number of years. Disability benefits are paid to eligible individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Survivor benefits are paid to eligible family members of a deceased worker.

Q: How are Social Security benefits calculated?

Social Security benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings. The Social Security Administration calculates your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is used to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA), or the amount you would receive at full retirement age.

Q: Can I receive Social Security benefits and work at the same time?

Yes, you can receive Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you have not reached full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than a certain amount per year.

Q: What happens to my Social Security benefits if I continue to work past retirement age?

If you continue to work past full retirement age, your Social Security benefits will not be reduced, regardless of how much you earn.

Q: What is the full retirement age for Social Security?

The full retirement age for Social Security depends on the year you were born. For individuals born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. For individuals born before 1960, the full retirement age is lower.

Q: How do I qualify for disability benefits from Social Security ?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You must also have paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years.

Q: What is the maximum Social Security benefit amount?

The maximum Social Security benefit amount depends on the year you retire and your earnings history. In 2022, the maximum monthly benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age is $3,895.

Q: Will Social Security be there for me when I retire?

Social Security is projected to be able to pay out benefits at current levels until 2034. After that, if no changes are made, the program is projected to be able to pay out only about 78% of scheduled benefits.

Q: How is Social Security funded?

Social Security is funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. In 2022, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for employees and 6.2% for employers, for a total of 12.4%.

Q: Can I collect Social Security benefits from my ex-spouse?

Yes, you may be able to collect Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record if you were married for at least 10 years and you are currently unmarried.

Q: What is the Windfall Elimination Provision and how does it affect my Social Security benefits?

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) affects individuals who receive a pension from a job that did not pay Social Security taxes, such as certain government jobs. The WEP reduces the amount of Social Security benefits that these individuals are eligible to receive.

Q: How do Social Security benefits differ for widows and widowers?

Widows and widowers may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on their deceased spouse's earnings record. The amount of the benefit depends on various factors, including the deceased spouse's earnings history and the age at which the survivor begins receiving benefits.

Q: How does Social Security handle inflation?

Social Security benefits are adjusted for inflation each year based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

Q: How does the Social Security Administration prevent fraud?

The Social Security Administration uses various measures to prevent fraud, including verifying identity, monitoring for unusual activity, and investigating suspicious claims.

Q: What happens to my Social Security benefits if I move to another country?

If you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident and you move to another country, you may still be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements, and the amount of the benefit may be affected.

Q: Can my Social Security benefits be garnished?

Social Security benefits are protected from most types of garnishment, including creditor judgments and bankruptcy proceedings. However, certain types of debts, such as child support and federal taxes, may be able to be garnished from Social Security benefits.

Q: How can I check my Social Security earnings record and benefit estimates?

You can check your Social Security earnings record and benefit estimates by creating an online account on the Social Security Administration's website, or by requesting a statement by mail or phone. It is important to regularly review your earnings record to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.

In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This new federal legislature started the collecting of taxes in 1937. Since then, working citizens across the United States began paying into social security in order to have a form of guaranteed income once they reached retirement age.

The Social Security Act was initially meant to be a form of basic retirement for working individuals. However, in 1939, an amendment was made to the act that allowed spouses and/or children to begin receiving social security survivor benefits if a parent or spouse was deceased and qualified for social security income.