December 2, 2014
Creating an on-line social security account
We wanted to make you aware that Social Security has re-started mailing out estimated benefit statements (they had discontinued mailing paper statements in mid-2011 as a cost saving measure, but the demand for paper statements caused them to re-start mailing out hard copies again). Workers age 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 who are not receiving benefits will receive an estimated benefits statement around 3 months before their birthday. After age 60, workers will receive a statement every year.
Social Security also allows workers to set up an on-line account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. With this on-line account, you can:
- Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year,
- Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still working,
- Get a letter with proof of benefits if you are currently receiving benefits, and
- Manage your benefits.
Please be aware that if you have a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit with Experian, you won't be able to set your account up on-line without lifting the freeze/fraud alert with Experian first. During the process of setting up your account on-line, Social Security asks you "out of wallet" questions (i.e., questions that a fraudster wouldn't know about you if they had gotten your wallet) that they're using Experian for. If the freeze/fraud alert is still in place with Experian, Social Security won't be able to set up your account via this on-line process.
You are able to leave the security freeze or fraud alert in place with Experian and get an on-line account established by visiting a Social Security branch in person.
If you have any questions about your Social Security planning, please let us know. Thank you!
