MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ONLINE SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT

Bypassing the agency’s phone lines and offices will save you time.

- BY SANDRA BLOCK

If you're planning to file for Social Security benefits or want to make changes in the benefits you're receiving, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your IT skills. As part of efforts to cut costs in the federal government, the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency have slashed the Social Security Administration’s staff and may close more than two dozen branch offices. In March, those who called the agency’s customer-service line waited an average of 1 hour and 39 minutes to speak to a representative in English. This is all occurring at the same time millions of baby boomers are reaching retirement age, putting additional pressure on the agency.

For that reason, beneficiaries should get familiar with how they can use Social Security's website to manage benefits.

Taking care of tasks online.