Filing For Social Security

2026 · FILING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
Keep copies of your application, benefit estimates, tax withholding elections, and any correspondence from the Social Security Administration.KEEP RECORDSMonitor your mail and online account for updates or requests for additional information.Review your first benefit payment and direct deposit to confirm they are correct. Your first payment may arrive approximately one month after your chosen start date.Be cautious of common scams involving unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from the Social Security Administration.WATCH FOR IMPORTANT NOTICESCreate or log into your account at SSA.gov to file for benefits.Review your earnings history in your “my Social Security” account to confirm it appears accurate over the years.Begin your application online through SSA.gov or schedule a phone or in-person appointment, if needed.Review your application before submitting it to ensure it is accurate.Notify your financial advisor or tax professional once your benefits begin so they can help coordinate your overall financial plan.COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATIONConfirm the benefit start date and type of benefit youdiscussed with your advisor (e.g., your own, spousal, or survivor benefits). Confirm your tax withholding elections as discussed with your advisor or tax professional.REVIEW YOUR BENEFIT DETAILSGather important documents, including your Social Security number and identification, before beginning your application.Gather the routing and account numbers for the bank account where you would like benefits deposited.Locate marriage, divorce, or military service records, if applicable.PREPARE YOUR INFORMATIONFiling for Social Security benefits can feel overwhelming,but gathering a few key details ahead of time can help make the process smoother and more manageable.
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Chris Balcerowiak, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner
14460 Lakeside Circle, Suite 140 Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Chris@CRSGfamily.com | (877)907-8625 | www.PlanSaveRetire.net, www.CreativeRetirementSolutionsGroup.com