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.