I have a problem that I don't know how to fix.
I will be 62 in September and so I filed for Social Security. I received a letter from the case manager and I am told that I need my W2 from 1979. I no longer have copies of tax returns from 34 years ago and the company no longer exists. This delay means that I wil not be eligible for benefits in October. I really want to cut down on my work hours and now it is not possible.
Does anyone have any idea what I can do? I have tried calling this case manager for 3 days and have alternately been placed on hold for 30 minutes or I wind up with her voicemail. I am going to make a personal visit but I could wind up sitting there for hrs since I can't reach her to make an appt.
Call the main Social Security #.
Believe it or not, they are nicer and more knowledgeable than your local office ever is.
just my opinion
Cassi,
Seems unusal that SS would need that W2 from so long ago, but guess we never know what they may request.
I'm sure there's an answer to this; I looked at the irs.gov website and it shows how to get a free transcript of a W2 from the last 6 years, but nothing longer.
As SjoAmy suggests, maybe a call to the main SS number would help. You may also want to contact the IRS.
Good luck with this-let us know how it goes.
Melinda
Thanks Meid and SjoAmy
I had to re read the letter a few times because i thought I had misread the date. They have got to be kidding!
This situation has to be fixed by next week. I am not sure I can keep up my current schedule. I don't know if I am just really tired or if something else is going on but I am having difficulty lifting things and getting up the stairs. Sometimes when I push myself too hard I feel off balance and stagger a little. Sometimes I wonder if people think I am drunk. I think I need a break and hope that working fewer hours is what I need.
I will let you know how I made out.
I agree. They have got to be kidding. I reviewed my work history and it is clear what my earnings are but they are saying there was a duplicate entry. It seems to me that it was a data entry problem on their end.
I only save my tax records for the recommended time. Who could have predicted this???
Just for fun, we have kept all of our 1040's since our first jobs. Sometimes it is fun to see how much more you earn as you get smarter.
Sharon
Just a suggestion: Have you tried to call the IRS? They would have a copy of it. 800-829-1040 Believe it or not, they are quite helpful and there shouldn't be a long wait since it's not tax time.
Anita
They have copies of tax returns, not the W2 that was requested. I am going to make yet another attempt to call Social Security today and then will leave work early and plant myself in their waiting room.
Not going to be fun. It's only 8 am and I am already not feeling well.
Hang in there, Cassie! Their request is totally unreasonable!
Hugs, Sharon
That's ridiculous! I keep everything for 10 years, so I will be in trouble if they ever ask me for anything past that.
I was able to resolve the situation. I tried calling again and got voicemail. I left work early and went down to Social Security. I was blown away at how many people were in the waiting room but the security guard told me how things work there and suggested I get a number anyway. After 30 minutes of waiting I was called to one window to find out what I needed and then told to go back to the waiting room until my name was called. So, I sat patiently for another 30 minutes and was treated to excellent customer service by the case manager. She resolved my issue by asking me about the job from 1979 and when I told her it was a temp agency she said ok and approved my application! She completed my paperwork and I am set for benefits in October. No w2 necessary!!!!
She also gave me an appointment for 8/29 to file an application for my now 15 yr old son and said he was eligible for benefits. I thought he was only eligible if something happened to me. This is going to relieve a great financial stress for me.
Now all I have to do is resolve the medical issues...
That is wonderful news, Cassie! Whooo- Who!
Sharon
Yay!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful news, Cassi!! ;D
I'm so glad you were able to speak with someone and get this resolved. Sometimes talking with someone in person makes a confusing situation so simple.
Sounds like the rest of the process will go smoothly. Yeah!!
Melinda
I was happy that everything went well but when I go online to check the status it still reads that no decision has been made. I will give it another day or two and then I may have to do the personal contact again. Either that or I can call a Federal office rather than the local office.
Beuracracies- grrr
Great news Cassi...and finding out about your son as well.
What a huge relief.
Oh, I am so so happy for you. I was sitting here reading all this to my husband too. He had a case worker like you did over the phone. He could not reach her when he needed to. Finally he called for another, and they gave him a different one, and things went better.
On his they even had down by that first case worker that he had worked for some company up north that he had not even heard of, so they straightened that out.
I remember how I felt when working, and trying to go up stairs, and holding onto anything I could, but letting go and trying to look ok as the principal went by me.
It breaks my heart to hear of any of our new folks on here or our regulars too that are trying to get help in any way so they can either reduce hours to work or quit, and get the much needed rest and home.
You are all forever in my prayers.
susanep :)
Thank you so much Susan. Like you, I do try to keep up a normal looking face while at work but it has gotten harder. I had such a painful bout of costochondritis today that I wanted to crawl into a ball. I looked as bad as I felt and it was noticeable. I have only one more day to complete and submit a grant application for my program and I am struggling to pull myself together.
I spoke to my bosses again about trimming down my jobs. They found someone to come on call to cover one of my job duties starting in September. I will lose income for the month but I can't keep this up. Now we have to find someone to cover my church secretary duties and that is harder because I do more than filing and answering the phone. I want to keep my job running the food pantry as long as I can.
Now all I have to do is wait for October so life gets easier financially. Maybe the rest will fall into place.
Thanks to all who responded with your kind words and support.
Cassi it will all fall in place. I just know it.
susanep :) :)
Cassi, ;)
Like Susan, I feel all will fall into place for you. It is tough not to worry when we are sort of "up in the air" about what's happening. At least, I know when I could no longer work and was waiting for my SS it could be hard.
My gosh, you are one busy lady!! How in the world do you juggle all the hats you wear?
I feel soon you'll have things sorted out, and be able to get some rest and peace.
Keep us posted, dear.
Melinda