Social Security
 

I have several issues regarding Social Security that I would like to discuss with an expert. Who would I contact? A lawyer? Is there a Social Security office around here somewhere? Thanks!

In Leesburg

I have found that if you go to a SS office, the lines are very long. I would call first and see if you can resolve the issue over the phone. If not, then go to an office.

1 (800) 772-1213

It might depend upon the nature of your question.

If you are looking to strategize about when is the best time to start taking your SS, e.g. "take it now and not dip into your savings". vs. "dip into savings and let the SS benefit grow", I think a CPA would be a better bet than an attorney.

In fact, off the top of my head, I can't think of a reason you'd want an attorney first. If you are in fact in some legal peril regarding SS, a CPA would recognize that and not only suggest you consult an attorney, but a CPA would also be a good source for a referral to a good attorney.

I don't know any CPAs around here who are still working, but I am sure there are plenty. I would recommend against getting any of this advice from anyone with an investment product to sell.

Try the SS office first. Good advice re the phone, but your call doesn't route to the local office, but instead to a regional center. wait times can be long and the customer "service" people can be rude. I'd make an appointment at your local office and try your luck there.

Be aware though...the first answer you get may not be the correct one. I had an experience once on behalf of a client, where I met with the agent regarding the issue. The answer I got didn't seem right so I made another appointment to speak with another agent. Sure enough, HER answer contradicted the first one. Well, I figured that I'd go with the majority so I popped the question to yet a THIRD agent, figuring that one or the other answer would be verified and I'd go with that. Nope. I got a THIRD answer that pretty much negated the other two. Pretty frustrating.

Fortunately Minnesota (where I hail from) has a service called Senior LinkAge Line. It is staffed with knowledgeable people who can pretty much answer any question relating to retirees and benefits. It is supposed to be for Seniors only but people who have Vulnerable Adults on their caseload learn to access it pretty quick. Most of the agents know this and are pretty accommodating as long as it isn't abused. I don't know if Florida has such a thing, but a few clicks led me to something that looks similar: Florida Retiree Services (1-866-446-9377) may be a possibility. Another one is that you can contact the Florida Division of Retirement directly through either 844-377-1888, or local 850-907-6500. The numbers come from a .gov website so it is a pretty safe bet that it is an actual service and not someone trying to sell you something.

We use a fee only financial advisor for any social security questions. They do not sell anything but financial advice.

But we will do our own research as well. I would consult more than one source. Things can change over time.

Have you checked for the information you need on their website ssa.gov?

Since I have no idea of your concern or problem, you can try calling your local federal government official office, they typically have staff dedicated to specific areas and may be able to help you. Otherwise I agree with the previous comments to contact SS directly.

Social security
 

Google......
..........................toby mathis
and also ...................................devin carroll

......................because they have superior knowledge.

Don’t pay a fee for advice. Only need to if doing tax and distribution planning. There are hundreds of useful youtube videos covering the topic. Check Holy Schmidt channel

Social Security Archives - Holy Schmidt!

I DID go to the SS web site with my question, and my question was diverted to something called "Just Answer," which put me in direct contact with a CPA who I assumed worked for Social Security. I posed my question, which had to do with collecting a benefit from my former husband should he pass away before I do. I currently get a portion of his retirement pay, which will cease at his death. The supposed CPA asked a couple of questions, which I had already answered in my query (our ages, how long we were married, etc.). I then was informed by "Just Answer" that the service is $5, and I was asked for a credit card. Sensing a scam, I hesitated but since it was only $5, I agreed. He then responded again with the same useless canned answer. I am going to ask for my money back. How can the SS web site respond to a question by sending the inquirer to a pay-for-answer web site? Where can I report this rip off?

T.t. What's love got to do with it
 

if you are getting less ss than the deceased then you would apply for the higher benefit

That sounds suspicious…if I were you, I’d consider calling your credit card company and cancelling the card you used.

The Daily Sun has a Social Security question and answer article every Monday. It is written by a guy named Rusty, who works for the AMAC foundation. He is extremely knowledgeable. They will answer your Social Security questions by phone free of charge, but will ask for a voluntary donation since it is a nonprofit. AMAC’s number is 888-750-2632

In Leesburg there is a SS office just off 441

Plenty of 'experts' here who could answer your questions.

SS Office in Leesburg. Been there several times and always had my issues resolved

I used this gentleman when the Leesburg ss office was quoting me a rate smaller than my husband was receiving at death. Rusty told me exactly what to say and was willing to be on call if that didn't clear things up. The difference per month was substantial and 2 different SS workers told me the same thing. They were wrong, Rusty was right. He does this free of charge. He has a regular article in the Daily Sun once a week. This made a huge difference to me. Call him or email him. He's great and God bless him for helping us all.

The last time I went past the SS office near the split on 27 & 441 it was occupied again but it sure didn’t have the volume of people that a SS office would normally have. Check out the address before you go.

Google is my friend, yours?

Looking for help?
 

Have you tried AMAC? They offer advice to members.
https://amac.us/social-security/?utm...RoC2GEQAvD_BwE

If you cannot resoIve your questions over the phone you can set up an appointment with the Social Security office in Leesburg. That should save you line time.

They have walk-in appointments first come first serve. Agree don’t need a lawyer. They take your concerns and send them on up the chain and you have a right to dispute. Website is minimal. I had issues for five years now and finally had the issue resolved. Leesberg office is fantastic.

SSA.gov did not refer you to just answer.com. You were phished.
Report scam to < https://secure.ssa.gov/ipff/home>
You can collect Surviving Divorced Wife’s benefits if you survive your ex and you currently collect divorced wife’s benefits.
Like most SSA offices, the Leesburg office is woefully under-staffed. Expect a two hour wait. Best to call the teleservice number and make an appointment. Teleservice from SSA is hit-and-miss. Best to call mid-afternoon and middle of the month, but never on Wednesdays (check day) or Thursdays.
Most attorneys have little or no knowledge of Social Security, beyond how to collect 25% of your past due disability benefits for themselves.

All great answers. When I used to work for Social Security I made sure clients got an answer in writing that they could rely on. That also meant having their question being written down. I can't tell you how many times questions got worded differently each time a person tried to repeat it in a conversation. Try looking for an answer on the Social Security website.

Everyone’s advice while well-meaning overlooks
the possibility that the answer may very well depend on benefit amounts that only a SS employee would have access to, and an outside technical expert would not have. For example, a divorced widow married several times at least 10 years to each, may claim the highest widows benefit amount from her prior marriages.

Go to SS.gov and read up. They answer all your questions about death of spouse and benefits.

SS after Former Spouse's Death
 

My former husband actually did die and was drawing full SS while I was still working last year. I had no idea I would be eligible for his SS. I did apply and started receiving his benefit monthly until I retired in January 2023. Then I had to ask SS to turn his off and begin mine since it was higher.
So the answer to your question is as long as you were married at least 10 years and you were born before 1955 (I think) you would qualify but you must apply for the benefit! I had to take a original copy of my marriage license and divorce decree with the judge's signature to the SS Office-no copies.

welcome aboard

IMO, talking to the SS office is the worst thing to do. The old saying, if you don't like what you hear from the 1st SS agent, call back and you will get another opinion. I wouldn't pay for this type of advice either. What is a lawyer going to know about SS? There are many ways to find out the ins and outs on what to do with your SS, take it early, at FRA, or at 70. My brokerage house (Schwab) put me in contact with their resident expert to go over SS ideas a year or 2 before I retired and we spent over an hour discussing strategies, all for free. A lot of his advice correlated with all the books and articles I read before hand and it worked out.

I would try your questions here or a retirement board to educate yourself. Then try the SS office or an expert.
When I started SS I went to the local office to discuss an sign up. Told I was wrong on some of my understandings so I went along with the SS employee's recommendations. He was wrong and it took about 6 months to get the corrections processed. I was correct. Moved and went to new SS office. Expert advice and help. Point is SS may not give you correct answer so educate yourself.

oh you mean the black widow?

I am looking for approximate income per month in dollars, so guess a visit to the SS office in Leesburg is in order. Will call Rusty at AMAC before I go as several people have suggested. Thanks everyone for your great suggestions.

*IMPORTANT*
Justanswer.com is a commercial business and NOT associated with SS. The better business bureau has logged many complaints regarding this company. Here is the link:
https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-franci...wer-1116-82403

Also, by giving your credit card info you gave them permission to deduct monthly from your CC account. The $5 is a join fee, and legal advice is $79/month. You will need to contact your CC company for help resolving and cancelling recurring monthly charges.
Here is the link to the pricing on their website:
JustAnswer Pricing: Ongoing access to thousands of Experts, 24/7. Cancel anytime.

The real Social Security website (ssa.gov) can provide an estimate of your benefit at various ages as well as let you verify the earnings reported under your social security number.

Good luck wuth that!!!

Social Security
 

It really depends on what your issues might be. Retirement age? Accountant, estate planning attorney and so on. This depends on your finances. Disability? Been denied? See an attorney. Overpayment? Depending on the amount may need an attorney. This depends on your financial situation as well, at least in part.

Ssa
 

Recommend making an appointment at you local SSA OFFICE and clarify stuff with them. Don't even think about calling them. I could never get thru to them via the phone

Hi, There is a Social Security office in Leesburg.

900 N 14th St #100 (Rt. 27)
Leesburg, FL
· (800) 772-1213
Closes 4:00pm

Of course it is my friend but not my only friend. If it was me going to the SS office I would appreciate the tip. Being Googles friend doesn’t mean I do the legwork for you or anyone if I choose not to. So Google that!

Social Security answers
 

I have written the CPAs Guide to Social Security and speak extensively on the topic. I can give you some advice (free) to your questions. I don't want a back and forth on this site, just contact me directly.