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Social Security online account lockout - Medicare card middle initial causing verification problems

I'm tearing my hair out trying to access my Social Security account online! I created an account following all the instructions and entered everything exactly as it appears on my SS card. But when I try to log in, it keeps rejecting me and giving me only two options: wait an hour or request a callback (which hasn't happened after 2 days). I think the problem might be that my Medicare card shows a middle initial but my Social Security card doesn't have one. Could this discrepancy be causing the verification problems? Has anyone dealt with this before? Any suggestions for how to get past this without spending days trying to reach someone on the phone? I need to check my benefit calculation before my FRA next month.

I had a similar problem but mine was because my married name is on my Medicare card but my maiden name was still on my SS records! The online system is TERRIBLE at handling even minor discrepancies. You won't be able to fix this online - you absolutely need to talk to a real person at SSA. Good luck getting through though!!!

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Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Did you ever get through to someone? I've been trying their 800 number for days with no luck.

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Emma Thompson

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The name discrepancy between your cards is definitely the issue. The online verification system is extremely strict about exact matches. You'll need to either: 1. Visit your local SSA office in person (make an appointment first) 2. Call the national number (1-800-772-1213) between 8am-7pm 3. Mail in a request for name correction The middle initial discrepancy needs to be resolved in their master records before you'll be able to use the online system. This is a common issue, especially for people who have Medicare but haven't updated their SS card in many years.

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Thank you for the clear explanation! The closest office is 45 minutes away and I've been calling that 800 number repeatedly with no luck getting through. Is there any trick to reaching a real person there?

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Malik Davis

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try clearing your cache and cookies before you try again! sometimes it's just a browser issue not actually your information being wrong.

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I'll try that, but I've already attempted on both my laptop and phone with the same result. I think it's something deeper with my account verification.

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I was stuck in the exact same situation last month when trying to check my retirement benefit amount. After wasting nearly a week trying to get through on the SSA phone lines, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in less than 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Basically, they wait on hold for you and then call you when they get a real person. It worked perfectly and the agent was able to fix the verification issue in my account. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

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Thank you! I hadn't heard of this service before. At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might help me talk to an actual person.

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StarStrider

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is this legit? seems kinda sketchy to have some random service connecting you to SS...

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Emma Thompson

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To update everyone: I spoke with a colleague who works at our local SSA office. The middle initial discrepancy is actually quite common. The Medicare system and Social Security system sometimes have slightly different records. To fix this: 1. You need to speak with an agent who can access both systems 2. They'll need to verify your identity with additional questions 3. They can update one system to match the other (usually updating Medicare to match your SS card) 4. Once reconciled, your online access should work The process takes about 10-15 minutes once you actually reach someone.

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EXACTLY! This is what I had to do. But that 10-15 minute fix took me THREE WEEKS to get because I couldn't get through to anyone!!! The system is broken!!

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Ravi Gupta

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I had ID verification problems too but for different reasons. My suggestion: work around it completely. You don't actually NEED online access for most things. You can request a benefit verification letter by mail or check your benefit amount by calling the automated system at 1-800-772-1213 and using option 3. Just have your SS number ready. You mentioned checking your benefit calculation before FRA - did you know you can also request a paper statement that shows all your calculated benefits? Just use form SSA-7004.

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That's helpful for now, but I really wanted the online access to track some changes in my benefits after I start working part-time. But the form suggestion is a good backup plan - thanks!

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my grandmother had the same problem last year!!!! she never got it fixed and just gave up on using the website entirely..... now she just calls the local office direct whenever she needs anything

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StarStrider

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how did she get the local office direct number? they hide those numbers and force everyone to use the main 800 number in my experience

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Quick update on my situation - I was able to get through to SSA using that Claimyr service I mentioned. The agent confirmed it was indeed the middle initial causing the problem. Apparently my husband's middle initial was entered in my Medicare record when we both applied years ago (clerical error). The agent was able to correct it on the spot and now my online access works perfectly! Total time spent was about 35 minutes including the wait.

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That's great to hear! I'm going to try this approach tomorrow. I just can't keep sitting on hold for hours with no results.

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Malik Davis

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tbh i dont even bother with the online stuff anymore. its always broken or giving errors. i just go in person to my local office even if i have to wait. at least i KNOW ill talk to a person that way

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Same!!! I've completely given up on the online system. It's stuck in the dark ages and seems designed to fail. But not everyone can easily get to an office, especially with mobility issues.

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UPDATE: Problem solved! I finally got through to an agent using the Claimyr service that was suggested. Turns out my middle initial issue was only part of the problem. The agent found that my address had an extra space in it in one system but not the other. She fixed both issues and walked me through resetting my online access. I can now log in with no problems! Thank you everyone for your help - especially the Claimyr recommendation. Saved me so much time and frustration.

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