Ask Larry

Why Can't I Get Information About My Benefits Online?

Hello, I voluntarily suspended my SS at age 66. I was on SSDI until 66. I want to start my benefits late in 2019, but on SSA.gov there is no info. It just says that I receive no benefits. So I can't check my PIA with the increase from 2017 and the new one that is effective for 2018 and can't apply for benefits. I don't know why. Thanks

Hi,

Social Security's website has a lot of limitations, and you can't look up your benefit rate or request reinstatement of your benefits online. To find out your current benefit rate you'll probably need to call or visit a Social Security office, although they should mail you a notice telling you what your new benefit rate is after the cost of living increase is added.

You won't need to reapply for benefits if your payments are in voluntary suspense. You simply need to contact Social Security and request to have your benefits reinstated sometime during the 3 calendar month period preceding the month that you want to start up your benefits (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202409130). The request is not required to be in writing, but it's probably a good idea to do so in order to create a paper trail. You can optionally use a form SSA-795 (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-795.pdf) to make your request. And, keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid a month behind, so you'll want to plan ahead.

For example, say you contact Social Security in October of 2019 and ask to have your benefits reinstated effective with November 2019. Your first payment would then be due in December 2019, which is when Social Security normally pays people for November.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Nov 8 2018 - 5:39pm
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