From the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College:
The first place most people say they would go for information about Social Security’s various benefits is family and friends.
That’s true whether they are Black, White, Asian, or Hispanic. But after family and friends, there are few similarities in whom each group consults. And their preferences, revealed in a new survey, reflect differences in their socioeconomic circumstances and social networks.
White workers, who are wealthier overall than Blacks and Hispanics, stand out for being more likely to say they would ask financial advisers and accountants about Social Security. Black and Hispanic workers more often would rely on social services agencies, and Blacks also ask for help at church. ...
From what I've seen, Hispanics and Blacks may not be suffering because they can't ask their stock broker or accountant about Social Security. I've not found financial advisers or accountants to be knowledgeable about Social Security matters. They may be worse than useless. If you ask the average financial adviser or accountant what the requirements are to get widows benefits from Social Security what do you think the chances are that you'll get accurate and complete information? Do they know the age requirements? Anything about the actuarial reduction? Anything about widows disability benefits?
6 comments:
Most financial advisors don’t know. Hell? Financial advisors have claimants call the FO to get estimates on retirement benefits, instead of just helping their client make a MySSA account and they would both just have that information at their fingertips to help the client make decisions.
Thats why they have the SHIP program, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Not all SHIPs are created equal, but they can direct you to knowledge if you seek it, and many have a relationship with the AAoA who can always provide assistance.
The good news is they are available in most communities and easily located. Illinois has 300 offices throughout the state with more than 900 counselors.
I wasnt entirely clear in my earlier post. SHIP is primarily about Medicare, but they have some basic training in Social Security issues, Option Counciling is also available at many SHIP sites but not all, but the SHIP should be able to point people in the direction of assistance if the questions are beyond the knowledge of the counselor.
Again, like in any service or business, not all are created equal, and your mileage may vary.
Maybe I'm crazy but 8d try to contact online or by phone the actual agency I have questions about.
You would be crazy to trust the SSA 800 number folks!
Perhaps one would be crazy to trust teleservice information, but the alternatives listed are for the most part even worse.
Post a Comment