8 Things You Can Do Online Via the Social Security Website
Applying for Social Security Benefits in Ohio for Social Security benefits online. Apply for retirement, spouses, disability, or Medicare. The SSA website offers various online tools to help you access benefits information conveniently. To make the most of these tools, create a free My Social Security online. Currently, more than 65 million people are collecting Social Security benefits. Whether you are already receiving them or not, there are numerous services you can take advantage of on the SSA website. Review your Social Security statements (View a sample statement).
Please log in to check the status of your application. If you need to make changes to your name, phone number, email address, or mailing address, please update them in your profile. In case you have misplaced, damaged, or had your Social Security card stolen, you can request a replacement. Additionally, take some time to review your Social Security statements to ensure everything is accurate.
These include checking your eligibility for Social Security in under 10 minutes, applying for benefits and checking the status of your application, updating personal information such as your name, phone number, email address, or mailing address, replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card, reviewing your Social Security statements for retirement benefit estimates, obtaining a verification letter for proof of benefits, setting up direct deposit for monthly benefit checks, completing the application process for disability benefits, and viewing schedules for past and upcoming benefit payments.
- Set up a direct deposit for your monthly benefit check (or update your banking information).
- Determine whether you are for Social Security – in less than 10 minutes.
- Secure proof of your benefits with a verification letter (also known as a proof of income letter or benefits letter).
- Apply for Social Security benefits (Gather all the details that you’ll need to complete the application process, including your bank account information, recent employment history, your Social Security number, your spouse’s Social Security number, and the names of your eligible children).
- Check on the status of your application.
- Update changes to your name, phone number, email address, or mailing address.
- Get a personalized estimate of how much your monthly retirement benefit will be, based on your age.
- Replace your Social Security card if you’ve misplaced it, damaged it, or have had it stolen.
How Much Can I Expect to Get in Social Security Benefits?
Determining the amount of your Social Security benefits can be complex as various factors influence it. These factors include the length of your work history, your age, your earnings during employment, whether you are currently working, and sometimes even the state you reside in.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year in the fall, determining the increase in Social Security benefits for the following year. This adjustment is mainly affected by the rate of inflation. In 2023, the COLA saw its most significant increase over four decades, resulting in an almost 9 percent boost in Social Security benefits. While the maximum monthly benefit amount at full retirement age is $3,627 as of 2023, the average retired worker receives considerably less, approximately $1,827 monthly.
Elder Law & Estate Planning
When organizing your estate, it is typical to factor in the projected income from retirement accounts, Social Security Benefits, Medicaid planning, and other sources. At Joseph L. Motta Co., we assist you in considering the cost of living, long-term care expenses, and different forms of income in order to take a comprehensive approach to your estate planning. Contact us to set up a consultation.