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Why You Might Have To Visit Social Security Administration Offices
Whether by phone, mail, or Internet, there are quite a few things you can do through the Social Security Administration without ever having to visit one of their physical offices. However, some matters still require a personal visit. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Social Security has turned into a massive financial safety net for many Americans. It’s usually for retirees, but not always. Disabled adults that can’t work enough to support themselves or their families sometimes qualify for benefits, as do some wounded veterans and those spouses and children who survive someone that befell an untimely death.
First of all, if you did not get your newborn child a Social Security Number while still in the hospital, you might have to visit an office to have one generated. You can do this without the child present up until their 12th birthday. Even after they turn 12, you still have to handle all of the paperwork.
Second, residents of certain states can only get replacement cards at the Social Security Administration Offices. Residents of over 30 states can get Social Security card replacements online, and you’re entitled to three free replacements each year, with a lifetime maximum of 10. However, more than a dozen states have driver licenses that don’t comply with current federal identification standards, meaning you have to visit in-person yourself.
Third, if you aren’t fluent in English but want to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, then the Internet and toll-free phone number options can’t help you. Contact the offices closest to you and schedule an appointment. They can arrange for you to meet with a staff member that is able to converse with you in your language.
First of all, if you did not get your newborn child a Social Security Number while still in the hospital, you might have to visit an office to have one generated. You can do this without the child present up until their 12th birthday. Even after they turn 12, you still have to handle all of the paperwork.
Second, residents of certain states can only get replacement cards at the Social Security Administration Offices. Residents of over 30 states can get Social Security card replacements online, and you’re entitled to three free replacements each year, with a lifetime maximum of 10. However, more than a dozen states have driver licenses that don’t comply with current federal identification standards, meaning you have to visit in-person yourself.
Third, if you aren’t fluent in English but want to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, then the Internet and toll-free phone number options can’t help you. Contact the offices closest to you and schedule an appointment. They can arrange for you to meet with a staff member that is able to converse with you in your language.
Fourth, Medicare is too much for you to handle. This is a government-operated health insurance program that caters mostly to those 65 and older. The Medicare application process happens through the Social Security Administration, but Medicare is far from simple. There are actually four different versions labeled Parts A, B, C, and D. One is free for users, a second charges monthly premiums, a third one only covers prescription drugs, and fourth one is only for hospital stays. If you can handle all this, you can apply online, but if you need professional advice form an expert, then applying in person at your local Social Security Administration Office might not be a bad idea.
Fifth, if you’d like to apply for survivor benefits, then you might have to do it in person. There is no way for you to do this online at the time of writing. You also can’t report a death online. Funeral homes responsible for the physical remains of the deceased typically notify the Social Security Administration of deaths, but even then, you are still responsible for personally applying for any applicable survivor benefits.
Fourth, Medicare is too much for you to handle. This is a government-operated health insurance program that caters mostly to those 65 and older. The Medicare application process happens through the Social Security Administration, but Medicare is far from simple. There are actually four different versions labeled Parts A, B, C, and D. One is free for users, a second charges monthly premiums, a third one only covers prescription drugs, and fourth one is only for hospital stays. If you can handle all this, you can apply online, but if you need professional advice form an expert, then applying in person at your local Social Security Administration Office might not be a bad idea.
Fifth, if you’d like to apply for survivor benefits, then you might have to do it in person. There is no way for you to do this online at the time of writing. You also can’t report a death online. Funeral homes responsible for the physical remains of the deceased typically notify the Social Security Administration of deaths, but even then, you are still responsible for personally applying for any applicable survivor benefits.
There are more than 1,200 Social Security Administration Offices located across all 50 states. To find out the location nearest you, select your state on the list provided here to see the addresses of all offices close to you.