Boomers warned: Brace yourself for Social Security delays

Every day this year, about 10,000 baby boomers will turn 62. Many will have questions about their Social Security benefits, but few, probably, will get answers — at least not quickly.

The Social Security Administration has reduced its staffing more than 5 percent since 2003, to about 60,000. That means seniors such as Early L. Graham of Raleigh, N.C., have dealt with long hold times and promises of callbacks that never come.

Brian Simpson, a spokesman at the Social Security office in Raleigh, said he hears similar complaints all the time.

Trying to handle customer demand with fewer employees, the agency has shifted some workers away from phone lines to front desks to assist walk-in clients.

If you are a baby boomer or the child of one, it's just a matter of time before you will have to contact the Social Security Administration. Brace yourself.

Here are some tips:

-- Go online. Over the last few years, the administration has built up its Web site (www.ssa.gov), Simpson said. You can apply for benefits, calculate benefits, report a death and process a name change after a marriage or divorce.

-- Do business in person. The chances of being helped are much better in person than by phone.

-- Follow up. If your case requires a follow-up visit or call, always get the name of the person who is helping you. And make sure you note your claim number or application number. Also, get the name of the person who will be assigned to your case.

-- Get help. It's possible to have a family member or caregiver speak on your behalf. However, the administration has to verify that you have agreed to let that person represent you, Simpson said. You can do that by phone or you can download a form on the Web site.

-- Get legal help. If the problem is complicated, you are entitled to have legal help in dealing with the Social Security Administration.

-- Get congressional help. Your elected officials in Washington have people on staff to assist constituents with such problems.

Reach Vicki Lee Parker at vparker@newsobserver.com.