I frequently hear from readers who tell me about Social Security-related advice they got from a friend or relative, or from a Social Security Administration representative. They are writing to ask me if the information they received is correct. Sometimes it is. But many times, it’s not. Actually, let me clarify that. Social Security information they get from a friend or neighbor or relative is frequently wrong. The advice they get from an SSA rep is usually right. But sadly, more than a few times, it’s also been wrong. (I’ve written past columns about this issue, primarily blaming the lack of training that current SSA representatives get.)
Anyway, when the information is wrong, I of course try to set them straight. But then I sometimes place myself in the shoes of the questioner, and I wonder if they think this: “Why should I believe this guy?” After all, the advice or answer I give them becomes just one more piece of their Social Security puzzle. What makes my answer more reliable than the answer they got from the other person, or other people?
