How to Manage Your Social Security Benefits

“How can I manage my Social Security benefits?” is a question you may ask if you are a retiree. When you enroll in Social Security (SS), you begin receiving monthly funds to help support you. However, it is important that you understand how to keep track of your benefits. Regardless of how much of your retirement is funded by Social Security benefits, it is important that you know how to manage your income.

You do not need to go to your local Social Security office whenever you have questions about your benefits. With help from technology, there are many different ways you can stay up to date on your SS. To ensure you have enough funds to cover your cost of living expenses, it is important that you know how to check your Social Security benefits amount. Therefore, you must know how to manage your Social Security account.

Can I manage my Social Security account online?

You can easily manage your Social Security benefits online. In fact, this is one of the simplest ways to keep track of your benefits on a regular basis. If you do not meet the Social Security eligibility requirements because you are too young to retire, you can also view your future benefits online. This is especially helpful if you are not sure if you want to apply for early retirement. When you are online, you can view what benefits would be available to you if you apply early and what would be provided if you waited until full retirement.

How to Manage Your Benefits With a “My Social Security Account”

You can use the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) my Social Security account to manage your benefits online. In fact, there are many different requests you can complete on this site. These include:

• Checking your application status if you have recently decided to apply for Social Security.
• Requesting a new Social Security card if yours was lost or stolen.
• Obtaining a letter that verifies your income, if you need one.
• Accessing your SSA-1099 form for tax purposes.
• Updating your address if you are an SS beneficiary.

Are there any Social Security managing courses I can take?

Beyond managing Social Security benefits online, you can also use the internet to gain valuable information about the program. For example, you can visit the SSA’s website and take an Introduction to Social Security course. You can use this course to learn about the Social Security program and different benefits you could qualify to receive.