Frequently Asked Questions

You can complete the "Contact Me" form at the bottom of the home page, email me at info@myssaguy.com or call me at 206-465-8187

Rates start at $129 for basic informational consultations, $149 for Medicare application assistance and $249 for Retirement application assistance. Rates vary by the complexity of your questions, application and services being provided, but are still a fraction of the cost of most financial planners.  I will provide a free estimate prior to any consultation.  I also offer group discounts for Retirement Community residents and reduced rates for clients in lower income brackets. 

There is a PAYMENTS tab at the top of my website.  I accept credit cards, Venmo, Zelle and checks in some cases. Please note there is a 2.5% transaction fee for credit card transactions.  

I offer both options.  Residents local to Seattle are welcome to schedule in person appointments at my office in West Seattle.  I can also travel to local Retirement Communities for in person meetings.  Sessions with applicants not local to the area can be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams video conference or phone. 

A copy your Social Security statement is important. The more recent the statement, the better.  If you have not registered for a My Social Security account, I would highly recommend doing so. This is the easiest way to obtain your most recent Social Security Statement. Also have your checking/savings account information available for direct deposit. We will need your account and routing numbers.  Your most recent W2 or pay stub is also helpful.  If you are eligible for a government or foreign pension from an employer that did not contribute to Social Security, a pension statement or estimate would also be helpful. Information about current and prior spouses will also be needed.  If you are scheduling a face-to-face interview, it is a good idea to bring your own laptop if you prefer to use it to file the application.  

I am expanding my assistance with disability applications.  I am not always able to help with every case, but please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your disability claim. 

I offer Advocacy services to clients having issues with their existing benefits or pending claims.  As a former claims specialist, I am well versed in the internal language used by the agency.  I can therefor communicate with them more efficiently. Depending on your situation I can assist in communication with the Social Security customer service line via conference calls. In some situations, I can also accompany Washington State residents on visits to their local Social Security offices depending on their location.   

I offer assistance with Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor's visit) enrollment utilizing the SocialSecurity.gov website.  I can provide some guidance for Supplemental plans, Advantage Plans and Prescription plans but do not assist in these enrollments.  Enrollments in these plans are done outside the Social Security Administration, either through the plan directly, by contacting 1-800 Medicare or through a health Insurance benefit coordinator. 

I primarily offer assistance with Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor's visit) enrollment utilizing the SocialSecurity.gov website.  However, many people don't realize that Medicaid eligibility through your state's Department of Human Services can also cover your Medicare premiums, even if you did not pay into Medicare.  I can offer guidance on applying for this assistance through your state Medicaid office while assisting with your Medicare application.  

A typical session averages 60 - 90 minutes depending on its complexity.  Disability applications can take two to four hours, depending on their complexity. 

Yes. A certain amount of follow up questions are to be expected for the time period following your application submission and prior to claim processing. For the majority of consult sessions, the application is completed and submitted during the initial session with few follow up questions needed. Follow up questions are available at no additional cost for 30 days following your application submission. Additional consult sessions for up to one year are also available for an additional fee.  (see Rates link at top and bottom of this page)

Yes. I am available for one-time informational consults, benefit planning and 1 year informational consults. Please see my Rates page. 

Changes to a submitted application are possible but must be done through the Claims Specialist assigned to your application and prior to its processing.  Changes after an application is processed are also possible but frequently more complicated and time consuming.  These changes are generally done through the Social Security customer service line or through your local Social Security office.