It is time for another version of People Who Don’t Know Speak. Every now and then we like to checkout Social Security’s blog that deals with different topics and programs Social Security offers. One feature these blogs offer is a place to comment about the content of the blog. Typically, if you read most stories on the internet that offer a place to comment you will get some nasty comments about politics, but also some really misinformed comments. The Social Security blog is no different.
When To Collect Retirement Benefits
An important question people face as they approach their golden years is when to start receiving their Social Security benefits. Americans have the option of collecting benefits as early as age 62 and can hold off until age 70. The longer someone waits to collect benefits typically correlates to a higher monthly amount. A recent blog on the subject received several comments by misinformed people. One poster named Patti indicated that Social Security “will not tell you anything that is to your benefit. They should not encourage people to take benefits at 62.”
I have never seen one instance where Social Security has encouraged a person to take early retirement at age 62. People do this on their own because they either do not realize they are paying a penalty for collecting early or they just need the money now. Social Security has a lot of different publications that indicate the earlier someone begins collecting Social Security the less their payments will be as opposed to waiting until an older age.
Contact Social Security
A recent comment from someone named Brenda indicated that she believes it takes Social Security two years to begin starting her benefits when she applied for early retirement at age 62. Brenda said “I applied for benefits at age 62 and have yet to receive any response. I’m 64 now still working, by the time I know if SS will pay out I could be homeless.” This is a clear instance that something got missed either by Brenda or Social Security. It is possible Brenda thinks she applied for benefits, but actually never did. She should contact her local Social Security office immediately. There is no decision that needs to be made by Social Security as long as someone has the needed work credits benefits can and will be paid as early as age 62.
A Very Uninformed Response
A question from Jim focused on Social Security money going to “illegal aliens.” Jim said, “why are we giving our Social Security money away to illegal aliens, which never worked to earn collecting Social Security benefits?” This comment is riddled with inaccurate information. Non U.S. Citizens generally can’t even get a Social Security number so it would be impossible to get Social Security payments without a Social Security number. The only exception would be non citizens who have permission to work in the United States and this permission comes from the Department of Homeland Security. If someone is working and paying into Social Security they should be allowed to collect benefits.
