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Why Open a “my Social Security” Account Online?

Each year, for many years, workers would receive a paper statement of their Social Security Benefit estimate in the mail. Looking for ways to reduce costs around the time of the 2008 financial crisis, the Administration decided to send the paper statements out to workers every five years for anyone under the age of 60, but continue annual mailings to workers age 60 or older. Since that time, without much fanfare, the Administration has quietly stopped sending those paper statements to anyone under the age of 60. Considering Social Security benefits make up about 40% of the average retiree’s income, knowing what your annual benefit in advance of retirement is very important.

The best way for workers to regularly obtain and review their benefit information now is to sign up online through the Social Security Administration directly. Annual updates to your benefit estimates are available for your review approximately three months prior to your birth date. Employers normally report your earnings to the Social Security Administration by March of each year; and although it does not happen frequently, your employer could mistakenly report incorrect earnings information, potentially reducing your future retirement benefit. Therefore, reviewing your benefit information regularly is paramount. It’s much easier to correct a clerical error in the year or two after it occurred rather than fixing it 30 years later. If you have worked as long as I have, you probably can’t imagine your employer from back then providing documentation to correct the error.  

Another incentive to create an online account is the added layer of defense it provides against fraudsters looking to access your benefits. When trying to open an account, one individual was told that an account had already been opened under her Social Security number. However, since the security questions used to establish her identity and the answers provided were erroneous, she was able to prove the fraud.   

Social Security planning expert, Elaine Floyd, shared a story of an individual who had planned to file for benefits at age 70, but received a letter one month after turning 67 congratulating him on initiating his retirement benefits. It turns out a thief had applied for benefits using his Social Security number and stole $19,000 in benefits before it was discovered. Although the thief had applied for benefits online using his Social Security number, the email address, phone number, and bank were provided were all incorrect. Because the online application would not allow the mailing address to be changed, the letter went to the owner of the Social Security number, thereby uncovering the fraud. Apparently this is a trend, as fraudsters will wait until people are six months beyond their full retirement age in order to obtain six months of retroactive benefits paid out in a lump sum. 

Opening an account and checking it regularly are two steps that will increase your ability to stay on top of your retirement plan. Additionally, monitoring your benefits will help you spot potential identity thieves before they have a chance to harm your future retirement benefits. If you have any questions, need help setting up your account, or if you want to review the best Social Security claiming strategy, please give us a call at (509) 735-7507. As Your Financial Partner For Life, we are always happy to help.

Bob Lagonegro, CFP®

LEGAL INFORMATION & DISCLOSURES

This memorandum expresses the views of the author as of the date indicated and such views are subject to change without notice. Community First Bank, HFG Trust, and HFG Advisors have no duty or obligation to update the information contained herein. Further, Community First Bank, HFG Trust, and HFG Advisors make no representation, and it should not be assumed that past investment performance is an indication of future results. Moreover, wherever there is potential profit there is possibility of loss. This memorandum is being made available for educational purposes only and should not be used for any other purpose. The information contained herein does not constitute and should not be construed as an offering of advisory services, banking services, or an offer to sell or solicit and securities or related financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Certain information contained herein concerning economic trends and performance is based on or derived from information provided by independent third-party sources. Community First Bank, HFG Trust, and HFG Advisors believes that the sources from which such information has been obtained are reliable; however, it cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information or the assumptions on which such information is based. This memorandum, included the information contained herein, may not be copied, reproduced, republished, or posted in any form without the prior written consent of Community First Bank and/or HFG Trust and/or HFG Advisors. HFG Advisors, Inc, is a wholly owned subsidiary of HFG Trust, LLC. HFG Trust, LLC is a Washington state-registered Trust company and wholly owned subsidiary of Community First Bank.