Sharon Alford

Houston, Texas

Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Counsultant for the year of 2024.

Sharon is a native Texan. She enlisted in the United States Navy immediately following high school and proudly served her country for five years as an Air Traffic Controller. While serving in the Navy, Sharon began her college education in Whidbey Island, Washington and continued her studies on nights and weekends while working and raising her children for the next 26 years. Her studies spanned over three different states and five different colleges but she finally received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 2010.

Sharon Alford has been serving Federal Employees in the Houston area with their insurance needs since 2014. Once joining The Benefit Coordinators, she has expanded her areas of service to include the entire United States. As an independent contractor of Aflac®, she has also been instrumental in bringing these benefits under The Benefit Coordinators “Supplemental Programs.” With her life and health insurance license, she has been able to serve her clients with finding the “right fit” for them in their insurance needs. Her integrity, “customer-first” mentality, and superior customer service (at the sale and beyond) has gained her hundreds of loyal clients.

Sharon chose to enlarge her portfolio to include retirement financial needs after her father retired without any benefits outside of social security. Her father was under hospice care until he sadly passed in December 2019 and she served as his Power-of-Attorney, handling all his financial and medical affairs. She understands, firsthand, how NOT preparing for your retirement years can affect, not only you, but your loved ones, as well. Her experience over the years of caring for her father has deeply ingrained in her a passion for assisting, educating, and implementing retirement plans for her clients. Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Consultant℠ and is authorized by the Federation of Federal Employee Benefit Advocates to provide consultation to all federal employees.

Ms. Alford is licensed to serve the needs of federal employees throughout the United States and is available for formal classroom education and training for benefits, as well, as more private individual consultations.

Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York.

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Schedule a Meeting with Sharon

Social Security Account Might Be Draining Your Money

Are You a Federal or Postal Employee? Here’s Why Your Social Security Account Matters More Than Ever

If you’re a federal or postal worker, your Social Security account isn’t just another login—it’s your key to securing future benefits, avoiding delays, and staying informed about critical updates. With recent changes in 2025, understanding and managing your account has become essential.

What Is a Social Security Account?

A “my Social Security” account is a free, secure online tool provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It allows you to:

  • Check your earnings history

  • Estimate future benefits

  • Apply for benefits

  • Request a replacement Social Security card

  • Update your address and direct deposit information

Creating an account ensures you have control over your personal information and benefits.

Why Federal and Postal Employees Should Pay Attention

As a federal or postal employee, especially if you were hired before 1984 under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), your Social Security benefits may be affected by specific provisions like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These can reduce your Social Security benefits if you also receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security.

By regularly checking your “my Social Security” account, you can:

  • Verify your earnings record is accurate

  • Understand how WEP and GPO may affect you

  • Plan effectively for retirement

Recent Changes in 2025 You Need to Know

The SSA has implemented new identity verification processes to enhance security and reduce fraud. As of April 14, 2025, certain transactions, like updating direct deposit information or applying for benefits, require:

  • Online verification through your “my Social Security” account

  • Or, in-person verification at a local SSA office

These changes aim to expedite processing times and protect your personal information. For instance, direct deposit changes made online or in person are now processed within one business day, a significant improvement from the previous 30-day timeframe .

How to Create or Update Your Account

If you haven’t already, setting up your “my Social Security” account is straightforward:

  1. Visit the official SSA website at ssa.gov/myaccount.

  2. Choose to sign in with either Login.gov or ID.me, both secure authentication methods.

  3. Provide the necessary personal information to verify your identity.

  4. Create a username and password.

  5. Set up two-factor authentication for added security.

If you created your account before September 18, 2021, you’ll need to transition to using Login.gov or ID.me for enhanced security .

Tips for Managing Your Account Effectively

  • Regularly Review Your Earnings Record: Ensure all your earnings are accurately recorded to prevent issues when applying for benefits.

  • Keep Personal Information Updated: Maintain current contact and direct deposit information to avoid payment delays.

  • Monitor for Unauthorized Activity: Regularly check your account for any suspicious activity and report it immediately.

  • Understand How WEP and GPO Affect You: Use the tools available in your account to see how these provisions may impact your benefits.

Need Assistance?

If you encounter issues or have questions about your Social Security account, The Benefit Coordinators are here to help. Our team specializes in assisting federal and postal employees with understanding and managing their benefits.

Contact Us: www.thebenefitcoordinators.com/contact

Stay Informed and Prepared

Managing your Social Security account is more important than ever, especially with the recent changes in 2025. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure a smoother path to retirement and secure the benefits you’ve earned.