It’s a fact of life that mistakes happen. While we often make them, we might forget that it’s possible for the government to make mistakes too. The difference between a small and a big mistake is how long it takes us to catch it. The earlier we realize an error has been made, the quicker we can fix it. This is especially true when it comes to Social Security. Alessandra Malito, reporting for MarketWatch, details the types of Social Security mistakes we see and how to fix wrong benefits.
Wrong Information, Wrong Benefits
One of the most common causes of Social Security mistakes is wrong information. The SSA works well with the information that it has on file but is slow to update that information should it change. You can correct any wrong benefits by fully understanding what should be expected from your Social Security.
For example, by keeping a record of your earnings history and by using a benefits calculator, you should have a precise estimate of your benefit. If your sum is vastly different from your check, than you might have a problem.
To correct that mistake, provide as much documentation about your earnings history as possible. The SSA has a lengthy window to fix any Social Security slip-up, however, the sooner your fix it, the sooner you get your correct benefit.
Other common mistakes are using wrong Social Security numbers or forgetting to record a name change or new address. Most importantly, all these mistakes must be avoided for when you apply for Social Security. Luckily, the SSA makes it easy to submit the right information the first time, and if mistakes do happen, they also make it easy to fix.
Correct Benefits
The Council for Retirement Security works diligently to protect the Social Security Trust. If the Trust becomes insolvent, then our benefits will decrease. It’ll be the wrong benefits even with the right information. Help the Council protect the Trust today, so seniors will only have to worry about their own mistakes and not the governments too.
