QUESTION:

A real example of when one may NEED this Benefits Verification letter: "I HAVE A 90 YR. MOTHER-IN-LAW, WITH A 'HRA ACCT.' SHE LOST THE PAPER RECEIVED IN THE MAIL THAT PROVES HER MEDICARE FEE IS TAKEN FROM HER BENEFITS EVERY MONTH. HOW DO WE GET SOMETHING SO SHE WILL BE REIMBURSED FROM HER HRA ACCOUNT. THE LOCAL OFFICE SAYS THEY CAN'T HELP AND OFFER NO SUGGESTIONS."

ANSWER:

You can have her go (with your help) to http://ssa.gov/myaccount

From there she will create a passworded account for herself with the SSA. You/she then login (remember your login details) and order which ever of the several documents you wish to download or order. In your case, you are going to look for the 2016 Benefits verification letter. This will show what she gets and what is taken out for Medicare.

There are other helpful documents,including annual SS earnings statement, 1099s, etc. You/she can change her banking info, her address, etc., should the need arise.

I would add that the SSA office lied to you, because, as I understand it, they can and are supposed to provide a printed copy upon request, for those people who don't have computers and/or can't seem to access online. Moreover, they should also be providing you the same suggestion I made above. It is appalling how often I hear of a SSA clerk acting otherwise, and still having the opportunity to work there for yet another day.