ArcaMax

Hi Toni:

I’m turning 65 in July and not receiving my Social Security check. Last week I tried to open a “My Social Security” account to enroll in Medicare online and discovered that my Social Security account is blocked. Two years ago, someone falsely filed for a tax refund with my Social Security number. Now anything that involves me or my spouse’s Social Security number, credit report or IRS information is locked.

Can you please explain how I can enroll in Medicare when I cannot open a “My Social Security” account?

--Jodie from Las Vegas, NV

Great question, Jodie:

Most Americans who are turning 65 and not receiving a Social Security check should apply for Medicare by visiting www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up at least 3 months prior to turning 65 for Medicare Parts A and B to begin the first day of the month turning 65.

But a fraud situation with your Social Security number can lock you out of opening a “My Social Security Account” prior to turning 65. Jodie, both you and your spouse’s Social Security numbers are locked by both the IRS and Social Security, and this is keeping you from applying for Medicare online.

For anyone who is locked out of their Social Security account due to a fraud situation, the only way to enroll is to visit a local Social Security office. You can find yours by searching online with your zip code. This office can unlock your Social Security number for both you and your spouse to open a “My Social Security” account and enroll you in Medicare online to begin the first day of the month you turn 65. Jodie, I would advise you and your spouse to not leave that local Social Security office until your “My Social Security” account has been either re-opened or a new account has been started and your Medicare enrollment is finalized.

For those turning 65 who need to enroll in Medicare and do not have their Social Security account locked like Jodie’s is, go online to www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up to enroll in Medicare.

If you do have a “My Social Security Account”:

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