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Earlier this year the Social Security Administration released a completely revamped version of its website, www.ssa.gov. This new version makes things more intuitive, easier to find, and there’s a wealth of things you can do on this new version of the social security website.
One of the first things you can do, and probably should do if you haven’t already, is to create your own social security account on the social security website. Once you create an account, it opens the door to a number of additional options through this portal. One of these options is checking your annual social security statement. Historically these annual statements were mailed, however recently these annual mailings have largely been stopped in favor of electronic delivery through the website. Reviewing these statements can be valuable to see your projected future benefits and also checking to be sure your earnings have been properly reported in each year that you’ve worked.
Another thing you can do on the new website is apply for most types of social security benefits. Of course, some things you will still need to go to your local social security office, but much of what you previously needed to go in to do, now can be done through your social security portal.
For those of you who are already receiving benefits, those benefits need to be reported on your tax return and may be taxable. So, if you want to know how much you received in benefits last year so you can properly report them on your tax return or provide to your tax preparer, you can log in to your social security portal and print these documents.
In short, the social security website today is a better version than we have ever seen. You can now do more on the website, either on your own or with the help of a financial professional, than any time in the past. Whether you are already receiving benefits, getting ready to apply for benefits, or planning for your future retirement, this new website can be a great resource for you.
Transcript based on Buckingham Weekly Perspectives from March 7, 2023 by Jeffrey Levine, CFP®, CPA, PFS, CWS, AIF, Chief Planning Officer for Buckingham Strategic Partners.
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