HERE IS WHAT THEY SAID:
Content text:
PERSONAL Business Mail
2013 FORM AN99C
Social Security Taxes 2013 Update
Social Security legislation has been passed by Congress which changes your benefits. There are now provisions to hlpe seniors from having to pay more.
Qualified seniors may potentially pay less on thier Social Secutiry Benefits. Reutrn the attached postage paid card to learn:
- When should you apply for Social Security?
- What claiming strategies can you use?
- How are your benefits calculated?
- How can you apply for a tax credit?
For a FREE personalized Social Security Timing report, return the atatched card within 5 days or to go to www.freessreport.com to receive your report sooner.
Reply card addressed to:
Consumer Inquiry
PO Box 55o
Fall River, MA 02722-9910
Reply card requirements:
Signature
Spouse's
Date of Birth (for both)
Phone Number (NEEDED FOR DELIVERY
E-Mail (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
I am currently receiving Social Security. Please check YES or NO.
OUT OF HABIT, HOW DO I REACT:
Someone wants to know my date of birth or SS number or other personal data.
WHY?
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? The address is pretty vague.
There is a web site to visit. I DON'T GO TO JUST ANY WEB SITE.
If I already receive my Social Security benefits, why do I need to know when I should apply for them?
I DON'T PAY ANYTHING FOR MY BENEFITS, DO I?
ACTION:
I AM SUSPICIOUS.
I NEVER GIVE MY PHONE NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH TO ANYONE I DON'T KNOW.
I NEVER GIVE MY PHONE NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH TO ANYONE I DON'T KNOW.
I THINK I'LL ASK SOMEONE BEFORE I DO ANYTHING.
AFTER LOOKING A LITTLE FURTHER:
As search of the Social Security web site (the real one) reveals no Form AN99C.
A general WWW search for Form AN99C reveals that this is the part number for an electronic component for a DC10 aircraft.
The web site contains a picture of a cute couple, an official looking seal with the words "SOCIAL SECURITY SPECIALIST", and a disclaimer "c 2012 all rights reserved. This site is not connected with, affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the Social Security Administration." It is one page that requests the following information:
Name
Phone
Email
Zipcode
It also asks for a mailer code from the postcard. The site will do nothing without all this data.
I DON'T THINK SO!
However, I do need to know something about social security. For example, spousal benefits - how do they work? There are alternate strategies for deciding when one spouse starts collecting benefits. It's complicated. After doing a little analysis, I will post here some guidance. If you understand this subject, please post a comment. Did I mention that it's complicated?
It also asks for a mailer code from the postcard. The site will do nothing without all this data.
I DON'T THINK SO!
However, I do need to know something about social security. For example, spousal benefits - how do they work? There are alternate strategies for deciding when one spouse starts collecting benefits. It's complicated. After doing a little analysis, I will post here some guidance. If you understand this subject, please post a comment. Did I mention that it's complicated?
Michael
As a widow, I was able to get a reduced (but not much) of my late husband's SS benefits when I turned 60. As I also had his pension benefit, I chose to get the SS at 60. You have to be an unmarried widow. Not sure about male widowers. Might want to research that.
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, the sign up was easy -- I went to the local SS office, had to show my marriage certificate but not his SS card or death certificate; they already had both on electronic record. The entire process took about 45 minutes and I had an appointment in advance, so very short wait.
I'm childfree by choice, and have been preparing for my elder years since I realized I didn't want children (age 28). Like your blog!
Thank you, I was just about to click on the web site but I saw your thingy so I clicked on your site first. Now I'll throw the card away. I know better but once in a while ya do somethin' dumb. So I'm glad you pulled me back before I stepped off. A
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