Working Your Way Round Shorter SSA Office Hours

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in dire straits, given the many problems that it is facing now. The agency is currently doing a lot of measures to keep the costs down to stretch the little budget that they are getting from the federal government.

One of these measures is the earlier closing hours of its field offices. This move, according to the SSA, will help slash costs by ensuring that employees do not have to work overtime just to get their interviews and work done.

Beginning in the last week of November 2011, the SSA’s field offices are closing 3 p.m. instead of the usual 3:30 p.m. Then later on, in January 2013, the offices are now being closed after lunchtime every Wednesday. However this shortened time means one thing. You’ll end up battling for time, making it more difficult to have your claims approved.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it, though. Here are some of the tips that you can do to ensure that your application will still soon be processed in time:

• Be prepared. Make sure that you have everything with you, such as requirements, medical records, and everything that might be needed for the SSA officers to accept your application. Make sure you also have photocopies of the same documents; have them receive copies of it so you have proof that you have submitted everything that they need. This can greatly help speed up the process.
• Be early. The early bird catches the worm indeed. Being early puts you on top of the queue of lines for the processing of your papers. This lets you zip through the different processes faster. No more all-day waiting for your name or number to be called.
• Be attentive. Make sure to pay good attention to everything that is being discussed in the application process. This will help you do the right thing in the application. By intently listening to the directions or questions given you, you will be able to follow or reply immediately, helping you steer clear from mistakes that can further slow down the processes. Ask for the help of Los Angeles Social Security claim lawyers to get a better understanding of things that you find hard to decipher.

These latest changes in the SSA office hours can bring a lot of inconvenience to its thousands of applicants. Are you going to whine about it or find a workaround to this? As it is, the choice is yours to make.

FAQs about Social Security Spouse Benefits Answered

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In the United States, in accordance with the Social Security Act, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not only tasked to provide benefits to American workers but also to their spouses.

In order to learn more about the social security spouse benefits, one should know the answers to frequently asked questions concerning such benefit program.

1. What benefits can I get from the social security spouse benefits program?

Spouses of workers who have contributed an adequate amount of social security tax may receive equal to one-half of the worker’s full retirement amount if he or she started obtaining benefits at his or her full retirement age (62-years-old). Additionally, spouses who reach the age of 65 may be eligible to receive Medicare benefits.

2. What if both of us worked and contributed to the social security funds?

In cases when both are eligible for spouse benefits, the SSA will provide the spouse benefits first, and subsequently, the retirement benefits.

3. What if my spouse still continues to work while getting benefits?

If your spouse is entitled to benefits this year but he or she is still working, you may use SSA’s earnings test calculator to learn how those income would affect your spouse’s benefit payments.

4. How can I apply for the spouse benefits program of the SSA?

Applying for spouse benefits program is relatively easy. Interested benefits claimants may visit SSA’s website (www.SSA.gov) where they can submit their application.

5. Do I need an attorney when filing for spouse benefits?

You are not required to do so, but it is suggested that you hire an attorney to walk you through the entire process. Many spouse benefits applicants are confused about the instructions concerning the application process. Applicants are advised to consult with a social security attorney, who specializes in guiding spouse benefits claimants, to avoid filing a claim wrongfully.