Be sure to get in and see t hem and get everything set up BEFORE YOU TURN 65 - otherwise they can hit you with "expenses" and "fees" you don't want to be paying (ask me how I know)
because I had to leave work a few years before I wanted to, my whole SS thing was a mess. when I finally went to the local office, I'd just gotten my second cancer diagnosis. I discovered that if you say "cancer," doors open very quickly. I suppose the assumption is something like: "give it to him quickly...he won't be collecting it for very long." I don't remember any fees, either. please understand...this is NOT a tactic I recommend.
...and while I'm on this...I just got a card I'm supposed to return telling me that at 74 (three weeks away), I get a really nice discount on my Medicare. does anybody know anything about this?
without Medicare, I'd either die quickly or end up living in a cardboard box. just saying.
As I recall, I received a letter 3 months in advance notifying me that I would become eligible after a given date. The letter included instructions on how to go in person (required) to sign up. That was more than 13 years ago so I remember little more than sitting in the local SS office for my appointment. Hope they're still as organized. That, of course, is when everyone became eligible at age 65.
Thanks TC for this excellent summary. I'm concerned about SS as I will start collecting this year.
Be sure to get in and see t hem and get everything set up BEFORE YOU TURN 65 - otherwise they can hit you with "expenses" and "fees" you don't want to be paying (ask me how I know)
because I had to leave work a few years before I wanted to, my whole SS thing was a mess. when I finally went to the local office, I'd just gotten my second cancer diagnosis. I discovered that if you say "cancer," doors open very quickly. I suppose the assumption is something like: "give it to him quickly...he won't be collecting it for very long." I don't remember any fees, either. please understand...this is NOT a tactic I recommend.
...and while I'm on this...I just got a card I'm supposed to return telling me that at 74 (three weeks away), I get a really nice discount on my Medicare. does anybody know anything about this?
without Medicare, I'd either die quickly or end up living in a cardboard box. just saying.
I know too, my husband warned me
I seem to recall having to set things up about 3 months before I was 65. As TC says, dont wait!!
yes, that's right
As I recall, I received a letter 3 months in advance notifying me that I would become eligible after a given date. The letter included instructions on how to go in person (required) to sign up. That was more than 13 years ago so I remember little more than sitting in the local SS office for my appointment. Hope they're still as organized. That, of course, is when everyone became eligible at age 65.
It was almost 20 years ago for me but I did it all online or thru the mail - dont remember having to show up at SS office at that time.
My family counts on it to live!
Right to worry