While Social Security is a vital lifeline for millions of Americans, recipients may not be getting the right amount.
Former Social Security Administration manager Ed Weir has a YouTube channel devoted to understanding Social Security, and he recently posted a video dealing with incorrect Social Security checks.
An expert in this arena, Weir points out several reasons why a Social Security check may be inaccurate.
Incorrect earnings record
Your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings, specifically the average of your highest 35 years of earnings. Unfortunately, over the course of a lengthy career, mistakes can happen. If your records are wrong, your check likely will be too.
Applying for the wrong program
Social Security offers several programs, each serving different needs such as retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivors’ benefits. The diversity of available programs is a great benefit, but it can also make it easy for an applicant to apply for the wrong program. This can trigger a denial of benefits or result in a recipient getting less than they are entitled to.
Life changes
Life changes have a huge impact on Social Security benefits. Things like marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the birth of a child play a role in how much a recipient is entitled to. If you fail to document any of these changes, it can lead to incorrect benefit checks.
Ensuring that your Social Security checks are right
It is vitally important to make sure that Social Security is giving you what you are entitled to, no more and no less. You wouldn’t want to miss out on money you are entitled to, and you certainly don’t want the government coming after you for repayment of overpayments they made.
To avoid these pitfalls, double-check your records, familiarize yourself with Social Security programs, and make sure that any life changes are properly documented. Furthermore, take a moment to read more from former Social Security manager Ed Weir here.
We are working to ensure that older Americans get everything they earned over a lifetime of service. The Elder Relief Act would dramatically increase benefits for those who have suffered for far too long in retirement. Learn more here.