By Jackie Dover
CAPE GIRARDEAU – There are things we do here at Aging Matters that people would like to do on their own, so today, we are going to learn how some of the magic is done.
Signing up for Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits is something we do in the Information and Assistance Department at Aging Matters daily. You can sign up at your local Social Security Office, with them on the phone, have Aging Matters help with it or it is something you can do on your own.
The process is not hard, but it can be time-consuming. You must first set up an online Social Security account. This is the easiest and quickest way to get access to your information. To set up an online account, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Social Security number
- Have an email address that you can access
- Have a phone in your name
- Valid Driver’s License or state ID
- Know your personal information: name, date of birth, address, etc.
SSA.gov will direct you to a credential service provider; there are 2: ID.me or Login.gov. You can choose either and follow the prompts to verify your identity. You will be asked to take a picture of your license or ID and take a “selfie”. Or you can choose the video chat option to verify your identity. You will still need to take a picture of your ID and upload the images. Once you are verified, you can access your Social Security information, sign up for Medicare or Social Security benefits, check your earning history, even print out your verification letter, and other things. Having access to this account gives you control over your own information.
Even though you can do all this on your own, please know that we will gladly help you do any of this to make your life less stressful. We are also happy to answer any questions you have. Keep in mind that we are not Social Security, and we do not have any special ways of getting your information or overriding the website.
If you have questions about aging or need assistance, please call Aging Matters at 1-800-392-8771 at our NEW location 69 Doctors Park in Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Because, Aging Matters.