Many people make the mistake of thinking that once they begin receiving Social Security benefits, they never need to contact the Social Security Administration again. In reality, many people need to update the SSA as their circumstances change.
Many changes in life require you to update SSA, including changes to income, residence, marital status and so on. We've listed some of the common - and not so common - reasons for contacting the Social Security Administration.
Remember, a failure to report a change can in some cases result in an overpayment of benefits. If you are overpaid, the SSA will seek reimbursement, meaning you will have to pay the federal agency back. Your SSD or SSI benefits can even be stopped for failure to report changes in a timely manner.
Changes You Must Report
Here are some of the changes in circumstances that must be reported to the SSA either in writing or in person regarding Social Security disability (SSD) or Social Security Income (SSI) benefits:
- A change in estimated earnings: if you're working, you're typically asked to estimate your annual earnings. If you later realize your earnings will be higher or lower than your estimate, report that change to the SSA, which will then adjust your benefits accordingly.
- If you marry or divorce: a change in marital status can affect your benefits. Report a change in status to the SSA.
- If you begin receiving a pension: if you start getting pension benefits from a job in which you weren't required to pay Social Security taxes (example: some federal, state or local government jobs), your benefits may need to be adjusted.
- If you receive benefits because you care for a child: notify the Social Security Administration if the child leaves your care or changes address. A temporary separation from the child may not affect benefits if you continue to have parental control. But if you are not responsible for the child, your benefits will be stopped until the child is returned to your care.
- If you're convicted of a crime: you should notify SSA immediately. Benefits are typically not paid for the time of incarceration, but eligible family members can continue receiving benefits.
- If you leave the United States for more than 30 days: contact the SSA so that you can get instructions on how to continue to receive benefits while you're away. Also contact the agency when you return to the U.S.
The Social Security Administration's rules and regulations are long and often complex. If you find yourself unsure of how to proceed, contact an Ohio Social Security lawyer who knows and understands this complicated area of law. A Social Security attorney can advise you of your options and help you apply for and appeal Social Security Disability and Social Security Income decisions.
