How to Apply For Social Security
July 9, 2009
You’re getting ready to retire and you’ve made the decision to start collecting your Social Security retirement benefits. What’s the next step? You need to actually apply for your benefits (they aren’t automatic).
Probably one of the most common Social Security questions is how to apply for Social Security benefits. There are three ways to apply for Social Security:
1. You can apply online at SocialSecurity.gov. However, at this time you can not apply for survivor benefits online.
2. You can call 800-772-1213 to apply for benefits.
3. Or you can visit an office in person if you want to talk to an employee face to face. To find the closest office, visit the website at SocialSecurity.gov.
You will need to provide several pieces of information in order for your application to be processed:
Don’t Underestimate Social Security When Planning For Retirement
July 6, 2009
Most people underestimate the impact that Social Security will have on their retirement. They either assume it won’t be there for them, or that it won’t be enough to make a difference.
The truth is that Social Security will be there for you (although I suspect it will be revised several times to help improve the financial outlook of the system), and it could play a big part in your retirement years, depending on how much other income and assets you have available.
Social Security has several unique features that you won’t see in most financial products available today: