Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., L.P.A., has received the following information from the Social Security Administration. It affects all Social Security number holders. Please note:
Beginning in February, the Social Security Administration will no longer offer Social Security number (SSN) printouts and benefit verification notices in our field offices (local Social Security office). To ensure a smooth transition, we will continue to provide these items, when requested, until April 2014. We are making these changes to meet the increasing demands for our services at the same time that our agency budget has been cut by more than $1 billion in each of the last three years. Fortunately, during this same period, we have invested in technology that offers more convenient, cost-effective, and secure options for our customers to obtain certain services – including an instant online benefit verification – without visiting a Social Security office. Our motto is: Why wait in line when you can go online?
Because the SSN printout is a) not an official document with security features and b) is easily duplicated, misused, shared illegally, or counterfeited, eliminating it will help to prevent fraud. Employers, departments of motor vehicles, and other entities requiring SSN verification may obtain this information in real time or overnight using online government services such as E-Verify and Social Security’s Business Services Online.
Beneficiaries and recipients who need a benefit verification letter, also referred to as proof of income or earnings statement, may obtain one:
- Immediately by registering for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount; or
- Through the mail within 5-7 days by calling our national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. Automated services are available 24/7.
For more information about the online benefit verification, see the fact sheet titled The Fastest Way to Verify Social Security And SSI Benefits at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10552.pdf.