An Essential Guide for Texans Facing Longer SSA Wait Times
Have you suffered an injury that’s preventing you from working? Do you have a serious illness that makes it difficult or impossible to be gainfully employed? Are you simply trying to determine whether you should take your Social Security retirement benefits at an early age?
If you’ve made a trip to the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, or tried to reach the SSA by phone, you’ve probably experienced long Social Security application wait times, a consequence of recent SSA staffing cuts. What if you could access SSA services online in Texas? With your own My Social Security account, you can do just that, potentially expediting the process and getting you the benefits you need sooner. Let’s look at how to create an account and how you can use it to facilitate the process of dealing with the SSA.
How Do You Create a My Social Security Account?
To set up your own personal My Social Security account, you must start at the Social Security Administration’s website. Once you’ve selected Create an Account, you’ll need to verify your identity. That can be done with either Login.gov or ID.me. Depending on which credential services provider you choose, you’ll be redirected to another site to provide the necessary documentation to confirm your identity. Once your identity is confirmed, you’ll be sent back to the SSA website, where you must agree to terms of service. Once you do so, you’ll then have access to your information.
How Can a My Social Security Account Expedite Your Claim?
With a My Social Security account, you won’t have to stand in a line or wait in a phone queue—you can file an online disability application instead. You can then check the status of your application on a regular basis and provide updated information immediately, if necessary. Most medical records and other supporting documentation can be submitted electronically, meaning your records are instantly delivered to the SSA. With a My Social Security account, you can also request reinstatement of benefits online and check the status of any appeal.
What Other Benefits Does a My Social Security Account Offer?
Your own My Social Security account can also help in many other ways:
- If you want to set up direct deposit or change where your direct deposit goes, that can all be done through your account.
- If you need a benefit verification letter for proof of income for a loan, mortgage, or other purpose, you can print one from your account.
- When you’re filing your personal income tax forms, you can always download a copy of your SSA-1099 from your account.
- Your account will let you explore different retirement dates, both for you and your spouse.
- If you’ve lost your Social Security card, you can request a new one through your account
Let Bailey & Galyen Help You With a Social Security Claim
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have aggressively represented people with potential Social Security claims for decades, including clients seeking SSDI or SSI benefits. We have a thorough knowledge of the laws and process related to Social Security benefits, and we know how to successfully argue your case. For a free initial consultation with a proven Social Security disability lawyer in the DFW area, contact us by email or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.