J. Randall Marchant, Social Security manager in the Provo District office of the Social Security Administration, suggests personal resolutions and some helpful tips on dealing with Social Security now or in the future.
If you're still working:- Check your name and Social Security number on your pay stub to make sure it matches the information on your Social Security card. This will ensure the worker is getting proper credit for work and earnings in Social Security's records.
- Get an earnings and benefit statement from Social Security to make sure your earnings are properly recorded in Social Security records.
- Get a Social Security number for any newborn children. Once they're a year old that number is used to claim them as a dependent on tax returns.
- Read the booklet "Understanding Social Security," available from a Social Security office.
If you're nearing retirement:
- Check with Social Security ahead of time to make sure you choose the best date to start your Social Security benefits. You may be able to get checks even though you're still working.
- Make sure you have the records you'll need to file for Social Security benefits - original or certified copy of birth certificate and proof of earnings (W-2s or tax returns) for the past two years.
- Read the booklet "Retirement" available at the Social Security office.
If you're already receiving Social Security benefits:
- Report your 1993 earnings to Social Security by April 15, 1994, if you worked last year and earned more than $10,560 (if you were 65-69 in 1993) or $7,680 (if you were under 65 in 1993).
- Tell Social Security if you think you'll earn more than $11,160 in 1994 (if you're 65-69) or $8,040 (if you're under 65).
- Report any changes that might affect your Social Security benefits, such as a change of address, a marriage, a divorce, etc.
- Read "When You Get Social Security Retirement or Survivors Benefits . . . What You Need To Know."