How Social Security Online Tools Can Help You

What online services are available at the Social Security Administration? The answer is “plenty.” Online tools make it easier than ever to do business with the SSA, from estimating your retirement benefits to applying for Medicare.

How to Access SSA Online Services

You can access Social Security’s online services by creating an SSA account. Your personal account is free, secure, and easy to set up. Get more details and set up your SSA account here.

To create a new SSA account, you’ll need a valid email address and a mailing address in the United States. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Also keep these SSA policies in mind:

You may only create an SSA account for yourself, using your own personal information and for your own personal use.

You may not create an account on behalf of someone else or use another person’s identity or information, even if you have that person’s written permission.

Online security is important and essential. Learn how the SSA protects your account to verify your identity when you conduct online business with them.

What You Can Do Online at the SSA

Once you create and activate your SSA account, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits, view statements, estimate retirement earnings, and more.

An elder law attorney can help you plan for retirement by helping to set up an estate plan, which is an important component of a retirement plan.

Here’s a brief list of what you can do with your online account at the SSA:

• apply for Social Security benefits
• review your earnings history
• print your 1099
• set up or change direct deposit
• print proof of benefits
• apply for help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs
• use online calculators to plan for retirement

About 10,000 Americans reach retirement age every day. More than half of all baby boomers don’t have an estate plan. An experience elder law attorney will tell you that everyone needs an estate plan that includes these elements:

• a power of attorney
• a will
• a living trust or an after-death trust
• a living will that includes medical directives and a health care proxy
• beneficiaries
• an executor

Make it a priority to work with an elder law attorney to create an estate plan. You can get started today by requesting a complimentary consultation with us.

Social Security by Nick YoungsonCC BY-SA 3.0Alpha Stock Images