Social Security

[Cassi307]

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.

[SjoAmy]

Call the main Social Security #.

Believe it or not, they are nicer and more knowledgeable than your local office ever is.

just my opinion

[Meld256]

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

[Cassi307]

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.

[Cassi307]

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???

[slccom]

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

[anita]

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.

[Cassi307]

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.

[slccom]

Hang in there, Cassie! Their request is totally unreasonable!
Hugs, Sharon

[Velcro]

That's ridiculous!  I keep everything for 10 years, so I will be in trouble if they ever ask me for anything past that.

[Cassi307]

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...

[slccom]

That is wonderful news, Cassie!  Whooo- Who!

Sharon

[Velcro]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!

[Meld256]

Wonderful news, Cassi!! 

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

[Cassi307]

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