What to Do When the SSA Steers You Wrong

What to Do When the SSA Steers You Wrong
Always insist on filing a claim for benefits so you'll get a formal and legal decision about your eligibility and not just some SSA rep's opinion on the matter. Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock
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These are the columns I hate to write. Columns that are critical of some of my former colleagues at the Social Security Administration. But doggone it. Almost every day, I hear from readers who have been misled by an SSA representative.

I know we’re all human and we all can make mistakes. And giving out bum advice is one thing. But giving out misinformation that leads to someone losing out on benefits that they’re due is an entirely different matter.

Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]
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