Simple and Serene Living: really? Social Security?

really? Social Security?

Yes, GULP!!!! I have reached that age. The one that we either dread or anticipate. It's the age where we can sit back on our laurels (what the heck does that mean anyway) and reap the rewards of our life of work.

It is the age, where if we so choose, we can start to collect our social security. The ~~big~~ check that will allow us to.............

source

In December, I turned 62, and being the prepared person that I am, I applied for social security in November. Being the ultra smart techie person that I am ~~not~~, I submitted my application online. Then I sat back and waited.

source

Six weeks later, having not heard a thing, I called for info.

Well, we can see that you submitted your application and that it is still sitting in your local office. They should be sending you an award letter soon. HMMMMMM!!!!

Monday at 30 seconds before 3:00 I received a message on my phone telling me they had JUST received my application and there were a couple of problems that needed to be cleared up. Please call them back.

Of course when I called them back, I was told the hours for their office are 9 - 3 M,T,Th,F. 9 - 12 W. HMMMMM!!!!

What I actually have learned is this. My check will be enough to support me in a mud hut in a third world country. So instead, I am thinking about applying for a job at social security instead of collecting.

While sitting on hold, I filled out my application.

Qualifications:
I am really good at not returning phone calls.
Yes, I am bilingual. I speak pig latin really well.
I am all for working a few hours for full time pay.
I am excellent at fabricating facts rather than looking them up on the computer that is right in front of me.
And when it comes right down to it I can pass the buck with the best of them.

I'll let you know how the application process goes. In the meantime I'm still on hold. (they need better music) Helloooooo, anyone there? I'm still out here.

source

P.S. For all you hard working government employees, this was not meant to offend you. I love, love, love you.

P.P.S. Note for my gratitude jar today. I am grateful that I have a lot of rollover minutes on my cell phone.

suzyqJanuary 3, 2013 at 5:51 AM
LOL - great post!
Good luck to you!
XXX
Tanna at The Brick Street BungalowJanuary 3, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Good Luck, Laura!!
Ricki Jill TreleavenJanuary 3, 2013 at 8:27 AM
LOL Sounds like you'll be needing those rollover minutes!
DianeJanuary 3, 2013 at 9:35 AM
Sadly typical!
DebbyJanuary 3, 2013 at 10:02 AM
I turned 62 in October. In late August my husband and I went to the S.S. office. HUbby is a year older but won't be getting his SS til closer to the max. age. We found our person to be very helpful and knowledgeable. I was to receive my first check in December. And I did.......not much because I always worked part time. Just got my second check deposited in my account.
Linda @ A La CarteJanuary 3, 2013 at 10:37 AM
Oh my! My online application went smoothly and I indeed get a check that could support me if I lived in a mud hut...I just didn't make enough in my lifetime, being a full time MOM but it is the choice I made. Hope you get off hold and get your check. Meanwhile, one ringy-dingy, two ringy-dingy!

hugs, Linda
Cozy Little HouseJanuary 3, 2013 at 11:13 AM
I am wishing in many ways that I was to that point so that I would know the rent would be paid. Unless it isn't enough! Good luck.
Brenda
RenaeJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:05 PM
Great post my dear Laura, great post. I loved the Lily face...! I could hear her snorts. hahahaha.

Thank you for your nice encouragement toward me and my Buddy, my new camera. His name is Buddy.
HelenJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Entering your world next month, but I don't want to stop working if I can't make $$ and have them take it away... decisions, decisions... Hope yours works out in a good way. Keep us informed.
NanaDianaJanuary 3, 2013 at 12:40 PM
Oh- I hear you- I started collecting a year ago and it is not enough to begin to live on. It is not what I thought it would be though- xo Diana
Grandma Barb's This and ThatJanuary 3, 2013 at 3:40 PM
Great post today Laura! Love the switchboard operator. I hope you get your Social Security problems corrected soon.
When you find that mud hut in a third world country let me know and I'll join you.
Nancy CarrJanuary 3, 2013 at 4:41 PM
Twenty years ago I was disabled in my mid-40's so I have not even earned enough to get the social security I would have if I had waited and retired normally. It has been a challenge to live on social security all these years. Best wishes to you.
Ellie VanCasterJanuary 3, 2013 at 7:41 PM
What a great & funny post-gotta love the ss system (or not) ;)
Jen @ Muddy Boot DreamsJanuary 3, 2013 at 7:49 PM
I'd say you are hired. And the cheques in the mail.

Jen
pasqueflowerJanuary 3, 2013 at 7:50 PM
Good luck! Love the Ernestine photo!!
MichelleJanuary 3, 2013 at 8:57 PM
LOL! Best of luck!
LynnJanuary 3, 2013 at 9:31 PM
Oh, Laura, I’m loving your photos as I scroll down. Best of luck. Three people gave me three different answers. Unfortunately door number three was the one they went with. It is what it is.
Cheryl @ TFDJanuary 3, 2013 at 10:49 PM
I get my pitiful little check every month. I'd hate to have to live on it, it wouldn't pay for the utilities in this town. Good luck to you!
Kim@Snug HarborJanuary 3, 2013 at 10:50 PM
ROFL! You forgot to mention that you were probably talking to someone in a foreign country. I made 3 calls to customer service departments today and all 3 were centered in ANOTHER country. Hello???

BTW - you SO do NOT look 62. Hugs.
Denise @ secondtimearoundfindsJanuary 3, 2013 at 11:06 PM
I feel your frustration.
Love the phone theme going on with the photo's.
Denise
Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:07 AM
So funny! (kinda sorta, but not really) I hope it all works out! Happy New Year dear!
Lynn@ The Vintage NestJanuary 4, 2013 at 5:39 PM
yep.....I don't get enough to pay the light bill much less live on and I was just informed I got a $10.00 raise. :) I am so sorry you are having problems with collecting. Mine was pretty painless and the check came quickly. Hope your problem gets solved soon. Love your blog banner. xo