Putting this out for everyone: Try to file online first. If you have trouble, call the 800# to try to file. If the wait is too long, call the local office. If you can't do it over the phone, the 800# or the FO will set up an appointment. More importantly, they'll have protected your filing date! - ThreadSky

alt-ssa.altgov.info • 46 days ago

Putting this out for everyone:

Try to file online first. If you have trouble, call the 800# to try to file. If the wait is too long, call the local office.

If you can't do it over the phone, the 800# or the FO will set up an appointment. More importantly, they'll have protected your filing date!

Reposted from Rogue SSA

If anyone is thinking about applying, STILL CALL!

Protective filing is extremely important and calling or starting and online application establishes that. I cannot stress this enough.

Comments

susanjeanrn.bsky.social•46 days ago

my husband was on hold for 4 hours yesterday trying to make an appointment. Last week he did the “call back” option and they never called.

grokmilk.bsky.social•46 days ago

There are services that might help. Google has one called "Hold For Me" and there's
https://www.holdforme.ai/

I haven't used either, but maybe someone else can chime in?

unsubtleasd.bsky.social•46 days ago

Can you share any ways to find out local office phone numbers? They're never listed in the phone books.

alt-ssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

Protective filing is what sets the first possible month you could be eligible to collect benefits, and its set by just asking SSA about filing a claim. It's extremely important to establish that as early as possible, especially if you're applying for disability.

alt-ssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

This falls more in @altssa.altgov.info's wheelhouse, but I'm worried that some misunderstandings over recent media coverage might cause people to disadvantage themselves.

altssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

Nope you’ve got it correct!!! If you’re thinking of filling, call us and ask questions! How much could you get, which program do you qualify for, etc. Then you can set up an appointment and set your protected filing date!!!!

fanofwalt.bsky.social•46 days ago

See, I was thinking filing now might result in getting stuck with completely messed-up and unfixable records.

But you suggest, better to file now anyway? Even w/admin’s new threat to simply end SocSec?

@altssa.altgov.info

https://bsky.app/profile/fanofwalt.bsky.social/post/3lktkzw3zgk2t

alt-ssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

There's nothing they're doing to benefits at the moment, and if they tried, they'd likely be slapped down. Anything having to do with benefit amounts, eligibility, etc, are part of the Social Security Act. Neither he nor DOGE can change that. Don't let that be part of your calculus.

altssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

Yes. This. I’ve seen nothing to indicate right now that any of this has been impacted at the individual level. Definitely still file!

karimala.bsky.social•46 days ago

I plan on retiring July 2026. Should I go ahead & do this now or wait until 4 months before my retirement date?

alt-ssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

It's way too early to do it now. I'll pass this to @altssa.altgov.info for better advice though

altssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

The earliest you can file is three months prior to the date you want your benefits to take effect. So I would call in early March for an April appointment. Based on how far out we usually book.

karimala.bsky.social•46 days ago

Thanks! That’s what I figured, but I wasn’t sure.

marvel-jesus.bsky.social•46 days ago

I’m very confused. My son has DS, just turned 18 this month. And we were previously told to apply at the start of next month. Is that still accurate?

Also, happy World Down Syndrome Day. 3/21

alt-ssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

If you have specific advice from a CS, then follow that. They know your son's case and protective filing isn't an issue.

marvel-jesus.bsky.social•46 days ago

Thank you

scooter511.bsky.social•46 days ago

What if you don’t turn 62 until April, do you suggest waiting until then?

vbgass.bsky.social•46 days ago

At what age? 14 months til 65. Is now too early?

karimala.bsky.social•46 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/karimala.bsky.social/post/3lkukner3gs2p

mitziwaltz.bsky.social•46 days ago

Any clue how American citizens overseas are going to navigate this? I already spent an afternoon at the SSA office near my mother's last time I was stateside, just to set up a MySocialSecurity account. That's almost impossible from overseas unless you still have American address & US bank account...

alt-ssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

Depends on where you are, but embassies are generally where you would handle SSA business. @altssa.altgov.info, is that still the case?

altssa.altgov.info•46 days ago

This is correct. There is usually SSA staff embedded inside the embassies and consulates.

miafarrago.bsky.social•46 days ago

This was helpful to me when I filed during the pandemic, when suddenly I couldn't visit the office to file. It took a while to sort things out but it worked out in the end with that protected date. You guys are dedicated and resilient under stress.

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