topic Re: Social Security Signup in Community Chat

Social Security Signup

Squirt60 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:13:15 GMT

My Sister in law called today to make an appointment to sign up for Social Security. She was given the option to do it over the phone one day next month. Has anyone here done that before? How does it work? They told her she will need proof of marriage. Would that be a copy of her marriage license or something else?

I appreciate any help. Thank you.

Re: Social Security Signup

Meowingkitty — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:25:10 GMT

I did it online. Didn't have to provide proof of marriage. It was easy as I recall.

Re: Social Security Signup

DSD2 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:31:28 GMT

I had to sign up over the phone as I applied during Covid and in person wasn't an option.

While they asked for my spouse's name, DOB and date and place of marriage, a copy of the marriage certificate wasn't required. That may vary from state to state.

I got through it but if I'd had a choice I would definitely have applied in person...

Re: Social Security Signup

Desertdi — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:35:11 GMT

The SS agent ALREADY KNOWS THE ANSWER. You just need to give the date and place to prove you are the correct person on the other end of the line. (At least that was when I applied)

Re: Social Security Signup

TheWanderingOne — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:51:42 GMT

I did it on-line. Took a whopping 10 minutes. That's it.

Re: Social Security Signup

D Kay — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:54:31 GMT

I applied online and then someone from Social Security contacted me by phone.

Re: Social Security Signup

Carmie — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:15:53 GMT

I signed up online. I also signed my husband up. I requested a form on line to have taxes taken out my SS "check"....I had to sign and send that in.

I had no reason to see anyone in person or call in.. I needed no proof of marriage.

Re: Social Security Signup

Linmo — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:30:34 GMT

@Squirt60 As others wrote, I also set my account up online. From what I recall, if she did not notify the Social Security agency when she married and her card is in her maiden name, she will need to submit a copy of her marriage license. If she opens her account online, I think it can be uploaded.

Re: Social Security Signup

wilma — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:17:07 GMT

@Squirt60

I made an appointment and did it over the phone earlier this Summer. Your sister will need the latest statement the Social Security Administration sent her in the mail.

When SSA calls you, they ask questions to prove your identity first. Then, you answer more questions about your work history and other things. I did not need any proof of marriage other than answering the questions I was asked regarding my spouse. The whole thing took about 15-20 minutes over the phone. Very easy.

After the interview ends, your application is sent for approval. The interviewer just takes the info; they can't officially approve your request. I received USPS mail confirmation that I was approved within 2 weeks.

Hope this helps.

Re: Social Security Signup

Desertdi — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:46:54 GMT

@Squirt60 wrote:
My Sister in law called today to make an appointment to sign up for Social Security. She was given the option to do it over the phone one day next month. Has anyone here done that before? How does it work? They told her she will need proof of marriage. Would that be a copy of her marriage license or something else?

I appreciate any help. Thank you.

@Squirt60 When you apply for a marriage license in California, they give you a check list of who to notify that you are married. (Like the IRS, etc.)

Re: Social Security Signup

gidgetgh — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:49:28 GMT

I also applied online and then someone called me, at a scheduled time, asked me maybe 2 questions and that was it. So easy.

Re: Social Security Signup

50Mickey — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:00:21 GMT

If she is applying for SS benefits as a spouse of a SS recipient or if she is applying for widow's benefits then she would need a marriage license. At least I had to send in my parent's marriage license for my Mom for her to receive this benefit after my father passed.

If she is applying for her own benefits then there is no need to verify her marriage.

Re: Social Security Signup

catter70 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:58:29 GMT

I retired 9 + years ago,so I went in person to the local office.Not even sure you can do that anymore.

Re: Social Security Signup

CalminHeart — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:05:26 GMT

I know a couple people who did it over the phone without a problem.

I filed mine online. I just answered all the questions and submitted the app online. I was able to monitor it and was notified by letter that it was approved, the date it would start, etc.

Re: Social Security Signup

Magicrat — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:39:42 GMT

I did mine online. Then they called me and they still screwed it up. Finally had to go in person to straighten it out.

Re: Social Security Signup

PinkyPetunia — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:11:35 GMT

When my husband passed away in 2020 I was already getting SS but I qualified for a larger amount when he died and also got a trifling amount as a death benefit.

All was done on the phone. I made an appointment and they called back on the specified day and time. I didn't need to provide any documents.

Re: Social Security Signup

yamma024 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:54:18 GMT

@Squirt60 Yes, I had to send a copy of marriage license since I was applying for benefits as a spouse.

Re: Social Security Signup

meem120 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:29:36 GMT

I did mine on line. Very very easy. After a couple weeks a rep called to confirm my start date and give me the monthly amount and what Wednesday in the month I would receive my direct deposit. Very simple.

Re: Social Security Signup

FranandZoe — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:04:14 GMT

I applied online. I had to provide a few documents for verification - I dropped those off at the local office.

When my husband passed away I had a phone interview.

Re: Social Security Signup

Shelbelle — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:47:08 GMT

I signed up online, and then a few hours later a nice young man called me to set it all up and give me some very good advice, this was in 2018 and I have been very pleased ever since, in fact, my money was depostied today !!