Q & A
I am 50 years old, and I just learned that Social Security stopped mailing the annual benefit estimate to people. My neighbor told me that I have to set up an account online if I want to get the information. I suppose I could visit the office to get the estimate. Other than saving me the time to wait in line for the estimate, what are reasons should I set up a Social Security account?
Answer: Even if you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you can access your personal account information online. This includes viewing your actual earnings record. The earnings posted to your record are used to compute your future benefits, so you want to ensure that they are being reported and posted accurately and in a timely manner. You also can view your retirement, disability and survivors benefits any time you need to. Create a “my Social Security” account now and you’ll save valuable time later.
You can revisit your account to get benefit estimates as often as you need. In addition, as your work plans and retirement plans change, you can modify your benefit estimate by going to “my Social Security.” Once you do retire, “my Social Security” is the best place to go to get an instant benefit verification letter. You also can change your address and phone number on your Social Security record. Plus, you can start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment. Visit “my Social Security” by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
Source: San Antonio Express-News – August 17, 2013
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