Independent
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 4,629
About three years ago I filed and suspended so my wife could start spousal benefits. At the time, the SS staffer said "When you want to start benefits, just give us a call. Since you've already filed and provided your birth certificate, we can handle everything over the phone."
I'm turning 70 this year and called the SS national help line so I can start my benefits. The person on the phone says I have to do that in person, sets up an appt at my local office, and tells me I'll need my birth certificate and marriage certificate. I say "But I already filed and suspended ...". Nope, need to go in person.
Today, about 90 minutes before my appt, I get a call from the local office. The staffer says "I've been reviewing your file for our appointment later today. It seems to me that you don't need to come in at all. I can mail you a one page form, you sign it and send it back, and we're good to go." I say, "But the national service center said ....". He says, "Well, somebody was wrong".
I'm believing the local guy and not the person on the national number.
(And, barring a sudden change in health, I'll be one of those rare people who actually waits to 70.)
I'm turning 70 this year and called the SS national help line so I can start my benefits. The person on the phone says I have to do that in person, sets up an appt at my local office, and tells me I'll need my birth certificate and marriage certificate. I say "But I already filed and suspended ...". Nope, need to go in person.
Today, about 90 minutes before my appt, I get a call from the local office. The staffer says "I've been reviewing your file for our appointment later today. It seems to me that you don't need to come in at all. I can mail you a one page form, you sign it and send it back, and we're good to go." I say, "But the national service center said ....". He says, "Well, somebody was wrong".
I'm believing the local guy and not the person on the national number.
(And, barring a sudden change in health, I'll be one of those rare people who actually waits to 70.)