Blog: What is my social security and what can I do with it? (09/23/22)
The global pandemic and labor shortages have forced government agencies to deliver more services online than ever before. This article explains why people should use the Social Security Administration (SSA) “my social security” system instead of calling or visiting local SSA offices.
Why would you want an online social security account?
The SSA’s online system offers many services that you could obtain by visiting a local Social Security office.
Suppose you need proof of your Social Security income to apply for a senior living community or have lost the SSA-1099 form needed for income tax purposes. Either way, you can get these records from your online SSA account without having to call or visit a Social Security office. The website also has calculator tools to help you decide when to apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
What do you need to know to create an SSA account online?
We suggest you follow these steps to prepare for the registration process before creating an account:
• Recruit someone to help you take notes and complete the registration process.
• Prepare these items:
a. a driver’s license, state photo ID, or other similar government-issued ID ready as part of your ID verification.
b. a credit card (not a debit card) and your most recent tax return, Form W-2 (if still employed) or a Social Security benefit statement ready as a second piece of ID, and your social security, date of birth, cell phone number phone number (not someone else’s cell phone number), email address (not someone else’s email address) and the address listed on your federal tax returns.
• Make sure you can access your email and text messages to receive notifications during the registration process.
Create an SSA account online
Read each instruction and notification carefully, and click on buttons and links only after thinking about the likely results of your next action.
The system will ask you to choose one or two ways to verify your identity. We recommend choosing the text messaging and authenticator app alternatives so you can use either method to confirm your identity.
about the authors
Jeff R. Hawkins and Jennifer J. Hawkins are Certified Trust and Estate Specialty Board Indiana Trust and Estate
Lawyers and active members of the Indiana State Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Both attorneys are admitted to practice law in Indiana and Jeff Hawkins is admitted to practice law in Illinois. Jeff is also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; member of the Illinois State Bar Association; and he was the 2014-2015 president of the Indiana State Bar Association.
Find more information on this and other topics at www.HawkinsElderLaw.com. © Copyright 2022 Hawkins
Law of the Elders. All rights reserved.
