US Social Security offices
About The Social Security Office
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. The SSA provides a range of services to the public, including applications for Social Security cards, retirement, disability, widows and dependent benefits, benefit entitlement issues, benefit fraud investigations, and the processing of benefit entitlement changes (i.e., address, death, direct deposit, etc.).
Social Security Office Online Services
You can use the SSA’s online services to apply for benefits, check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in many areas), get an instant benefit verification letter, and much more.
If you need to visit an office in person, you can use the SSA’s field office locator to find the nearest office to you. The locator also provides information on how to apply for Medicare benefits, check application status, manage your account, change your address, set up or change direct deposit, print proof of benefits, find help and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and request a replacement Social Security card.
Social Security Office Programs
The US Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a variety of programs and services to the public, including:
- Retirement benefits: The SSA provides retirement benefits to workers who have paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. Retirement benefits can be claimed at age 62, but full benefits are not available until age 67.
- Disability benefits: The SSA provides disability benefits to workers who are unable to work due to a disability that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
- Survivors benefits: The SSA provides survivors benefits to the dependents of deceased workers. Survivors benefits can include benefits for spouses, children, and parents.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): The SSA provides SSI to low-income individuals and couples who are blind, disabled, or age 65 or older.
In addition to these benefits, the SSA also offers a number of other services, such as:
- Replacing Social Security cards: The SSA can replace Social Security cards that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Requesting a proof of earnings statement: The SSA can provide a proof of earnings statement, which shows your lifetime earnings covered by Social Security.
- Estimating your future benefits: The SSA can estimate your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.
- Managing your benefits: The SSA can help you manage your Social Security benefits, such as changing your address, updating your direct deposit information, and reporting changes in your income.
Accessing the Social Security Office
You can access most SSA services online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. To find a Social Security office near you, visit the SSA website: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/.
Please note that the SSA is currently experiencing high call volumes and long wait times. If you are able to access SSA services online, you may be able to get help more quickly.
ASK YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY QUESTION
This non-government website provides information on your local social security office services and location. This site was created to help US Citizens find their local social security office and provide general Social Security information that is also accessible on the SSA Website.
ASK YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY QUESTION
- For me and my wife, we both currently have 15% taxes being withheld from our SS benefits. If we decided to have zero taxes withheld, can we just mail the completed forms W-4V to our local SS office?A) That’s correct! Here’s how you and your wife can stop withholding taxes from your Social Security benefits: Important Notes: By following these steps, you and your wife can stop the withholding of taxes from your Social Security benefits. Remember to carefully consider the tax implications before making this decision.
Here’s how to address the different parts of your situation:
Social Security Benefits for Your Children:
The information you heard is partially true. Your children may be eligible for benefits based on your disability income, but it’s not an automatic 50% increase for the first child and 25% for each additional one. Here’s what applies:
Child’s Benefits: Children of a Social Security disability recipient may qualify for benefits on their parent’s record. The benefit amount is a percentage of the parent’s benefit, typically up to 50% for the first child and 30% for each additional child, with a maximum family benefit.
To find out: Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website https://www.ssa.gov/ssi to check eligibility and apply.
Your Mother Claiming Your Children as Dependents:
You have the right to claim your children: Since you are the primary caregiver and provide more than half their financial support, you have the legal right to claim them as dependents on your tax return, not your mother.
Resolving the situation: Explain this to your mother calmly and rationally. Show her resources from the IRS that confirm your right to claim them (reference IRS Publication 929).
Mediation as an option: If discussions go poorly, consider mediation to reach a solution with your mother. Many communities offer free or low-cost mediation services.
Your Housing Situation:
Eviction threats: It’s illegal for your mother to evict you without proper notice (typically 30-60 days depending on your location). Even with rent payments, you likely have some tenant rights.
Domestic violence laws: If you feel threatened or unsafe due to her eviction threats, consider contacting a local domestic violence hotline or shelter for support and legal resources.
Alternative housing: Explore options like low-income housing or finding a new roommate situation if staying with your mother becomes untenable.
Here are some resources that may be helpful:
Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 or https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
IRS Publication 929: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p929.pdf (for tax dependency information)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233