Here's my frustrating story, I'm wondeing if this is the norm in dealing with ss departments and personnel.
Earlier this month (May) I called SS as I plan to retire (at 65), I told them I wasn't sure of the effective date, it would be either June 1 or July 1 but I wanted to get the ball rolling in case it was June 1. What should I do, I asked. No problem they said, use the June 1 date to be safe, make a note in the notes section that it may change and when I'm sure of my date give them a call. I used the June date, entered the note and submitted my application electronically.
Three days later I called to tell them my effective date would be July 1, not June. The man I talked with said there is no way at all I can change and whoever I talked with before gave me wrong info and I'm stuck with that date, and they will adjust my later checks to take into consideration money earned in June. As a last resort, he said I could call my local office and if they haven't processed the appliciation they may possibly be able to amend.
Called the local office the next day. She said she can't amend but I will get a hard copy in the mail which I'll need to sign and return, when I do that change the effective date and enclose a note to let them know. She assured me benefits will definitely not start until I sign and return the form.
Form never came in the mail as she said it would. Yesteday I decided to go to the ss website to see if there might be any kind of notification there and found my application was accepted effecive June 1. Called the main SS office (it was after 4:00, couldn't call local) and was told they never send a hard copy if I sign electronically and there is no way anything can be changed at this point. Her manner/attitude wasn't the best. Finally told me I can fill out a form to appeal the acceptance (form SSA-561-U2).
Today I called the local office and was told I can change the date and in order to do so I need to fill out not the above form I was told to fill out but a request for withdrawl form. So now I'm going to the local office on Tuesday to do this in person. It's so close to the end of the month, I sure hope I can get it straightened it out.
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So far everyone has told me something different starting with the first one who told me to use the June date, no problem I can change it later if I want. And now I'm going to be penalized for his error. How the heck does one know what info is right and what is wrong? Is it always like this?