Social Security Report

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1. In 2012, I wanted to get an estimate of how much my benefits would be if I retired at 62 years old, so I went on line and filled out the form to find out. I received a letter from Social Security saying the amount would be $804.00. I knew that I couldn’t live on that as I’m a widow, so I said to myself that I would work a few more years and then try to retire. I know I was wrong and I know I made a mistake, but I didn’t know I was applying for Social Security at that time. I thought I was just getting an estimate. During this time, I had to move two times. So, this past fall, in October, I decided to go ahead and apply for retirement, as my health has gotten bad. So I called Social Security in Baton Rouge, La. I spoke with a very nice lady, Valerie, and she took my information over the phone and told me my benefits would be a little over $1126.00. Then she saw on the computer where I had filed for Social Security in 2012. I explained to her what I had done and she was very nice and told me to just call and make an appointment with my local Social Security office and just go in and explain what had happened and they should be able to help me and fix this for me. She said I had not received any checks from Social Security, so it shouldn’t be a problem. So I called, made an appointment and a few days later a Ms. Williams called me and was so mean and rude to me. She told me the appointment had been canceled and not to come in because there was nothing she could do to help me, because I had filed for Social Security in 2012 and had not withdrew the application. I told her I had had to move 2 times during that time and I tried to explain to her everything, but she kept over talking me and interrupting me and talking very loudly to me. I was so upset. I ask her would this affect my benefits and she said she would do the paperwork and send it in. She made me believe there was nothing that could be done. That was the end of October 2014. I kept looking for the mail, but nothing ever came. After about a month I called her and she called me back, that time. She said I would be getting mail from Social Security to tell me how much I would be getting. It’s been approximately 2 1/2 months and I called Ms. Williams two more times during that time and left 2 voice mails just telling her I was just trying to get an update of what was going on. She never returned my calls and I never received anything in the mail. Yesterday, I called the Baton Rouge, La. office again and spoke to another very nice lady, Ms. Juneau. She looked everything up and said I would be getting $883.00 in February. I was so upset and told her everything that had happened. I have been working for 48 years, ever since I was 17 years old. I knew when she said $883.00, that Ms. Williams in the Kenner, La. Social Security office, had done nothing to help me. I am so hurt and upset that I guess I made a mistake, but to be treated this way. After 48 years of working, $883.00, when it should be $1126.00. Ms. Juneau emailed a supervisor in the Kenner office and said they should call me to help this problem to be fixed, but I haven’t heard from anyone yet. She told me that I should not have been treated this way and I should not have been made to feel like it was over, it was too late, because she said that anything can be fixed. And she said that I had not received any money from Social Security, so this should not have been a problem. I am still trying to get this fixed and taken care of. I am still waiting on a call and help in this matter. Is there anything else i can do? I hope no one else has to go through this.

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   • Noweeda,
     This is terrible to hear. At minimum, if they insist you should be paid $886/month, then they need to send you back payments that go back until what they say is your application date. So make sure you at least get that chunk of money.
     Also, you mentioned that you are a widow. Have you tried applying for survivor’s benefits? If your spouse was entitled to Social Security benefits, then you are entitled to surviving spouse benefits which could be higher than your own. Next time you speak to a Social Security representative, give him/her your spouse’s information to find out if this is a possibility for you.

     For others who want to avoid this issue: Social Security will provide you with a benefits statement, which you can access online (it is only mailed to you every five years). The top of the document says “Your Estimated Benefits”. On this statement it will tell you your estimated benefits at the ages of 62, full retirement age (based on your birthday), and age 70. Look out for the word “estimate” on this document. Your actual benefit amount may vary and will not be determined until you file for your benefits. This document will also list estimated spousal, family, disability, and other benefit amounts. Therefore, this is different than actually filing for benefits. You can file for your benefits over the phone, in person, or online. Make sure you keep your confirmation number when you apply.

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2. I want to withdraw my application, but it’s been more than one year. What are my options?

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   • Russell,
     The withdrawal of application option is only available if you filed for your benefits within the past year. There is another option called “voluntary suspension”; however, this is only available to you if you are of Full Retirement Age (FRA). The process is a little different, though, because you will not pay back previous benefits and start over like you would with an application withdrawal. However, you will start earning delayed retirement credits (equal to 8% per year) until you either reinstate your benefits or reach age 70, whichever comes first.

     Good luck,
     C.J. Miles
     Research Analyst, AMAC Foundation

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