Unexpected Social Security approval call - legit or scam? (Medicare premium already deducted)
I'm freaking out a bit after receiving an unexpected phone call AND email supposedly from SSA today about my retirement benefits. I applied online about 6 weeks ago but hadn't heard anything until now. I nervously called back the 877 number with the extension from the email. The rep asked me 3 verification questions (not my SSN, but other personal info). Then she told me my first benefit payment in February would be $2,450 since I'd already paid my Medicare premium, and after that I'd get $2,265 monthly once Medicare premiums are deducted. She also asked if I wanted the 6-month retroactive payment option with the reduced monthly benefit that would result. I declined and kept my January 2025 start date since my finances are stable right now. We also discussed tax withholding options, and I chose 12%. Everything SEEMED legit, but I'm paranoid about scams these days! Do Social Security reps typically call like this with benefit approvals? Would scammers know all these details about Medicare premiums and retroactive payment options? I'm still worried they got all my info somehow. UPDATE: Just checked my mySocialSecurity account and it shows "approved" status now. Guessing it wasn't a scam after all, but still wondering if this is normal procedure for SSA?
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Carmen Vega
This definitely sounds like a legitimate call from SSA. When they approve your application, they often call to confirm details and discuss options like retroactive benefits and tax withholding. The fact that they asked verification questions (but didn't ask for your full SSN), discussed specific Medicare premium amounts, and gave you tax withholding options are all good signs. Scammers typically don't know the detailed ins and outs of how retroactive payments affect your monthly benefit amount or have access to your actual Medicare premium information. And your update about your mySocialSecurity account showing 'approved' confirms it - you're good! Congratulations on your retirement benefit approval!
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QuantumQuester
•thx for explaining this! my mom got a similar call last month and she was super worried but your explanation makes sense. btw did u have to wait long for your application to get approved?? my aunt applied 3 months ago and still nothing
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Andre Moreau
It's definitely legitimate and I'd say you're very lucky to have gotten a call! Most people just get a letter or see their account updated online. The SSA is severely understaffed and most applicants never get a personal call like that. The details about Medicare premiums already being calculated and the retroactive payment discussion are textbook SSA procedures. For anyone trying to reach SSA to check on their application status: I struggled for weeks trying to get through on their regular number. After 20+ attempts and hours on hold, I discovered Claimyr.com which got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Thanks for the reassurance! You're right - I should consider myself lucky to get a personal call. It just caught me completely off guard. I was expecting to wait months and just get a letter. The Medicare premium details and retroactive benefit discussion did seem very official, but you hear so many scam horror stories these days.
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Zoe Stavros
SCAM ALERT!!! Social Security NEVER calls people!! They only send official letters. I got a similar call last year and it turned out to be identity thieves. They stole $15,000 from my bank account and it took 8 months to get it back. REPORT THIS TO THE FTC IMMEDIATELY!!!
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Jamal Harris
•This is not entirely correct. While you should always be cautious, the SSA does sometimes make outbound calls to applicants, especially for retirement benefit applications that need clarification or to discuss options. The fact that the OP called the official number back (not a number provided by the caller) and that their my Social Security account now shows approval confirms this was legitimate. The SSA will never call and demand immediate payment, threaten you, or ask for full SSN, credit card, or bank information over the phone - those are the red flags to watch for. The retroactive payment option discussion is a standard part of the retirement application process.
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Mei Chen
The call was legitimate. When I filed for my retirement benefits in 2024, I also received a call to discuss my options, particularly about retroactive benefits and taxation. Their system automatically calculates Medicare premiums if you're eligible. The approval update in your mySocialSecurity account confirms everything. One thing to note though - triple check that the 12% tax withholding is enough based on your other income sources. Many retirees find themselves underwithholding and facing a surprise tax bill. The withholding choices are typically 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% if I remember correctly. You can always change it later through your online account or by submitting form W-4V.
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Thank you for that tax withholding tip! I honestly wasn't sure which percentage to choose. I do have some rental income and a small pension, so maybe I should reconsider the 12% and bump it up to be safe. I'll look into form W-4V and see if I should make changes before payments start.
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Liam Sullivan
omg this exact same thing happened to me!! got a call about my ss benefits and freaked out thinking it was a scam lol. but mine was real too. they actually ended up calling because there was a discrepancy in my birth date on one of my documents and they needed to verify. the ssa does call people sometimes!!!! not everything is a scam people!!!!
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QuantumQuester
•did they tell u how much ur benefits would be right away? my aunt has been waiting FOREVER and cant get any info
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Yuki Kobayashi
Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I feel so much better now. I was worried I'd given my information to scammers. I checked my mySocialSecurity account again and all the benefit amounts match exactly what the representative told me over the phone. I'm going to take the advice about reconsidering my tax withholding percentage. I didn't realize Social Security benefits could be taxed at such high rates depending on other income. Might need to bump it up from 12% to 22% since I have other income sources.
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Mei Chen
•That's a wise decision regarding the tax withholding. Many new beneficiaries don't realize that up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your combined income. The formula is complicated - it's based on your "combined income" (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of your Social Security benefits). If you're married filing jointly with combined income over $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. The 22% withholding rate might save you from quarterly estimated tax payments. Good luck with your retirement!
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Andre Moreau
Just to add another detail that confirms this was legitimate - the fact that they discussed retroactive benefits and explained how taking them would permanently reduce your monthly amount is very specific to Social Security retirement procedures. Scammers rarely understand these nuances. The January 2025 start date you chose (instead of taking retroactive benefits) might actually be the optimal strategy depending on your life expectancy and other income. Each year you delay taking benefits past your FRA (up to age 70) increases your monthly amount by 8%, which is hard to beat as a guaranteed return.
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Zoe Stavros
•but if u take the backpay u get a big chunk of money right away!! my cousin did this and got like $14000 in one payment! why would anyone turn that down??? the monthly difference is tiny compared to getting all that cash upfront!
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Jamal Harris
One thing I noticed - you mentioned they already calculated your Medicare premium. Are you already 65+? If so, that's another sign this was legitimate because they would have your Medicare enrollment information in their system. The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185.50 per month, which matches the difference between your pre-Medicare and post-Medicare benefit amounts. Also, regarding the update to your mySocialSecurity account - scammers can't update the official SSA system, so seeing your approved status online is the ultimate confirmation that everything is legitimate. Congratulations on your retirement!
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Yes, I turned 66 last month and applied for Medicare during my Initial Enrollment Period, so I already have the Medicare Part B premium set up. The $185.50 is exactly the difference between the two amounts the representative quoted! That's another good point confirming this was legitimate. Thank you!
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Liam Sullivan
wait so if you apply for social security do you HAVE to take medicare too?? I'm turning 65 later this year but still have good insurance through my wifes job. dont want to pay for something i dont need yet
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Carmen Vega
•No, you don't have to take Medicare when you apply for Social Security. They're separate programs, though they're administered by the same agency. However, if you're still working and covered by employer insurance, you should look into whether you need to enroll in Medicare Part A (which is premium-free for most people) even if you delay Part B. There can be penalties for delaying Medicare enrollment if you don't have qualifying coverage. You should contact Social Security directly to discuss your specific situation.
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