2005 Questions & Answers About Social Security

Answer:
Deciding what age to retire and start collecting Social Security retirement benefits is a personal decision that depends on a person’s financial resources, health, retirement plans and many other variables. There are some basic Social Security facts about the retirement age and the benefits a worker would receive that can help people make the decision that is right for them.

Sometimes the question is not at what age I want to retire, it's at what income. That is why you need to know what your “full retirement” age is as it relates to Social Security. You need to know what retiring earlier than your full retirement age might mean in actual dollars and cents.

If you were born in 1941 and are planning to retire in 2006, your full retirement age will be 65 years and 8 months. What does this mean in terms of benefit payments? Thankfully, Social Security has a convenient online chart at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/retirechart.htm that you can use to get the information at a quick glance.

For example, if you were born in 1941, your full retirement age is 65 years and 8 months. If you were to retire at age 62, you would receive about 77 percent of your full retirement benefit – or a 23 percent reduction for retiring early.

The question a worker who is contemplating retirement would need to ask is, “Can I meet my financial needs or expectations with that level of income?” Of course, any private pensions and savings or investments that you may have would need to be figured into the decision, as would any income from a spouse if you are married.

Since Social Security is the financial foundation that most retirees build on, most workers would be well-advised to evaluate the financial pros and cons of retiring early or waiting until they reach full retirement age or later. Find out what your full retirement age is and how deciding at what age to retire could affect your Social Security benefit.

Question:
I am ready to file for Social Security retirement benefits, and I understand that filing online will let me do so at my own convenience and avoid waiting in line. However, I do not have a computer of my own. Whenever I need to do research or want to buy something using the Internet, I just visit my daughter and use her computer. Can I file for Social Security benefits from someone else’s computer?

Answer:
Yes. You may use any computer to access Social Security’s electronic application to apply for Social Security retirement, disability or spouse's benefits for yourself.

You must complete and sign the application electronically. For more information about applying for benefits over the Internet, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

12/20/05

Question:
I understand that Social Security may call Medicare beneficiaries to obtain additional information needed to process the Application for Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs. How can beneficiaries know if a call is legitimately from SSA and not part of a scam?

Answer:
Social Security may call if some questions on the application were not answered or if we cannot read the answer. We may also call to resolve discrepancies between answers on the application and information we receive from other Federal agencies about the applicant's income or resources.

When a Social Security employee calls for more information, he or she should never ask you for bank account numbers, credit card numbers or life insurance policy numbers. In most cases, a Social Security employee will not ask for a Social Security Number. The only time we will do so is if the number on the application is invalid and we need to know the correct number.

If a person who receives a call from someone claiming to be a Social Security employee is at all suspicious, he or she should hang up and call Social Security back at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that the call is legitimate.

Question:
I retired last June from teaching and I have been receiving an annuity from the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). I used the “last day” rule to be exempt from the Government Pension Offset (GPO). What evidence is needed to document that I will qualify for the exemption from the GPO based on the fact that I paid into TRS and Social Security on my last day with TRS?

Answer:
When you file for Social Security benefits, you should provide documentation that includes the date(s) of your covered employment, a statement that these covered earnings were considered in computing your pension and signed by your employer or pension-payer.

Texas Teachers Retirement System (TRS), for example, generally uses form 562 to provide this information. In addition, since the last day of employment occurred last year, you will need to provide a Form W-2 as evidence that the employment was covered under Social Security. Social Security may contact your employer to confirm that there was a valid employment relationship with the employer for whom you worked your last day of employment.

12/13/05

Question:
I applied for and was approved for the extra help to pay for the new Prescription Drug Benefit that begins in January. Do I also have to select a plan to access my prescriptions, or is that automatically done for me?

Answer:
Applying for extra help with Social Security is separate from selecting a Prescription Drug Plan.

Even if you are approved for extra help, you still need to select the plan that best meets your needs. Some beneficiaries will automatically qualify for the extra financial help.

Anyone who has both Medicare and Medicaid, or Medicare and Supplemental Security Income or anyone whose state pays his or her Medicare premiums, will automatically qualify and will not have to complete an eligibility application.

You can apply for the extra help online at www.socialsecurity.gov or you can call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

You also do not have to be eligible for the extra help to join a Prescription Drug Plan. The extra help is in addition to the potential savings you may receive if you join a plan.

Medicare drug plans will cover brand-name and generic drugs. Most plans will have a list of drugs, or formulary, that they cover as well as a list of which providers participate with the plan.

Selecting the plan that is right for you requires comparing the providers to find which one best meets your needs. You need to sign up directly with the company or organization offering the prescription drug plan. To get more information about the plans, what drugs are covered and the costs involved, you can contact Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The Internet site—www.medicare.gov—also has information such as a “Plan Locator” and an online enrollment center to assist you. You can also contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-252-9240.

Question:
I am 63 and I receive Social Security retirement benefits. I have not worked for the past two years, but I just went back to work part-time for the Christmas season. How will that work impact my benefit, if at all?

Answer:
Here is a quick run-down of what you need to know.

The good news about the payroll tax withholding is the possibility that those extra taxes could translate into a higher Social Security benefit. If the money you made during your holiday employment raises your lifetime average monthly wage, Social Security will refigure your benefit and give you an increase.

But most people will not see an increase because holiday earnings are usually not enough to increase your average wage during your career earning years. So if you are a retired worker with a holiday wish for doing some work, the chances are that you should be able to do so without worrying about a negative affect on your Social Security benefits.

If you are working and receiving early retirement benefits, there are limits to what you can make before your Social Security retirement benefit is reduced. For 2005, that earnings limit is $12,000. After you earn $12,000 for the year, Social Security will withhold $1 in benefit payments for every $2 you earn.

In 2006, the annual earnings limit will rise to $12,480. The earnings limit exemption is just a little more complicated if you reached your full retirement age this year or next year. In that case, you should visit our web site for more information, www.socialsecurity.gov . In case anyone is wondering, regardless of the amount you earn, your employer is required to withhold payroll taxes -- even if you are already getting Social Security benefits.

12/06/05

Question:
I am still working. I received benefits under my own record until I started receiving spousal benefits. This year I received a letter from the Social Security Administration stating: “We increased the benefit amount on your own record, because you had additional earnings. However, the benefit we pay you on the other Social Security record decreased when we increased the benefit on your record. The new monthly benefit on your Social Security number will be $872.00 and your new monthly benefit on the other number will be $282.00. Since there is no change in the total of the two benefits, you will continue to receive the same amount each month.” I am confused. Does this make sense to you?

Answer:
Since you continue to work, each year of earnings is a year of earnings that can be used to increase your own Social Security retirement benefit. This occurs if the latest year of earnings can replace a year of earnings that was previously used in computing your benefit.

This is a procedure that Social Security does for everyone that works and is already receiving monthly retirement benefits. In your case, these additional earnings do not have the same impact on your spousal benefit as they do on your retirement benefit. That is because the spousal benefit is based on your husband's earnings. The net benefit remains the same.

The portion that is paid as a retirement benefit is adjusted upwards due to your earnings of the previous year. The portion that is paid to you as a spouse is lowered to account for the increase on the other benefit.

The letter that you received is a notice to let you know that SSA has considered your earnings as they relate to your own retirement benefit. If your own retirement benefit was much closer to the amount of your spousal benefit, then your continued employment could eventually increase your own retirement amount to the point that it surpasses your spousal benefit. However, given the large difference in the two amounts, that is not likely to occur.

Question:
What income counts toward the earnings test limit?

Answer:
For purposes of determining whether Social Security benefits are payable, a person's earnings for a taxable year are the sum of pay for services as an employee plus all net earnings from self-employment (minus any net loss from self-employment) for that year.

Wages for Social Security purposes are gross wages - wages before any payroll deductions for income tax, Social Security tax, dues, insurance, or other deductions by the employer. We use gross wages as the basis for Social Security credit and for determining whether benefits must be withheld because of earnings.

Non-work sources of income, such as: inheritance payments, pensions, income from investments, IRA distributions, interest, or other sources; do not count as wages for the earnings test. The Social Security retirement program insures against loss of earnings from work and not against the failure to have investment income. More information may be found in our publication called "How Work Affects Your Benefits," publication number 05-10069, which is available on the Internet at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html

11/23/05

Question:
I will be 66 years old next February and am planning to retire on my birthday. Can you tell me what the maximum Social Security retirement benefit will be in 2006?

Answer:
The maximum amount for 2006 for a person retiring at full retirement age (65 years and 8 months for those born in 1941) is $2,053. This is based on earnings at the maximum taxable amount for every year after age 21. However, the average retirement benefit amount in 2006 for all workers is estimated to be $1,002. To get an accurate estimate of your retirement benefit amount, you can visit Social Security’s Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/.

Question:
What is the absolute earliest age that I can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits?

Answer:
The earliest age at which a worker can begin getting Social Security retirement benefits is 62. The 1983 Social Security Amendments included a provision for raising the retirement age beginning with persons born in 1938 or later, but do not affect the minimum age for retirement, still age 62. However, you would receive a reduced benefit if you elect benefits prior to your full retirement age. For more information on the amount of this reduction, visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/retirechart.htm

Question:
My husband died four years ago and my three young children and I have been receiving Social Security survivors benefits. I am thinking of getting married again. Will my children continue to get Social Security benefit payments if I remarry?

Answer:
Yes. If you remarry, your minor children will continue to get survivors benefits based on their father’s work record until they are 18 (or 19 if still in high school). But if you are receiving survivors benefits because you are caring for children, you will not receive survivors benefits if you remarry. For more information about survivors benefits, see Social Security Survivors Benefits publication online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html. You can also request a copy of Survivors Benefits by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

11/16/05

Question:
How do I obtain a copy of the form, Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, SSA-1020?

Answer:
The form, Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, SSA-1020 has been designed to be computer scanned after completion and most home printers are not capable of producing the special features of the form. If you wish to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs, we recommend that you use our online application at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020/ If you prefer not to fill out this application on the Internet, you can call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 for a paper application or to make an appointment. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tell the representative that you want to apply for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs.

Question:
I had a serious back injury four years ago and received disability benefits for about 18 months until I could return to work. Unfortunately, my back problems have returned and I may not be able to continue working much longer. When I first applied for benefits, I waited several months before I received my first check. If I reapply for benefits, will my wait be as long as it was the first time?

Answer:
If you become disabled a second time within five years after your previous disability benefits stopped, there is no waiting period before benefits start. If your claim is approved, you can receive benefits for the first full month of disability.

It can take from three to five months to get a decision on a disability claim, depending on how long it takes to obtain your medical records and any other information we need to decide whether you are disabled. You can help shorten this time by providing as much information as possible when you apply for benefits.

For more information about applying for benefits, we suggest that you review our booklet, Disability (SSA Publication No.05-10029) or you can go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability to learn how you can file a claim online.

Question:
How will my military retirement affect my Social security benefits?

Answer:
You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get your full Social Security benefits based on your earnings. More information may be found in our fact sheet called "Military Service and Social Security", publication number 05-10017, which is available on the Internet at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html

11/09/05

Q - I am 59 years old and I do not have enough credits at this time to receive my own retirement when I am 62. I should have enough credits by the time I am 62. What will be the amount necessary to earn a credit in 2006?

A - The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit changes each year. In 2006, you will earn one credit for each $970 of your earnings. So if you earn at least $3880 during 2006, you will get the maximum 4 credits. Credits are the "building blocks" we use to find out whether you have the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefits.

If you stop working before you have enough credits to qualify for benefits, your credits will stay on your record. If you return to work later, you can add more credits so that you can qualify.

No benefits can be paid if you do not have enough credits. You earn up to a maximum of 4 credits for each year by working in jobs covered by Social Security or by operating your own business as a self-employed person.

Before 1978, when employers reported your wages every 3 months, we called credits "quarters of coverage", or QCs. Back then, you got a QC or credit if you earned at least $50 in a 3-month calendar quarter. Starting with 1978, employers report earnings just once a year. Credits are now based on your total wages and self-employment income during the year, no matter when you do the actual work. You might work all year to earn your 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in a much shorter length of time.

Q - Can a person with a terminal illness qualify for Disability benefits?

A - Yes. The requirements for disability benefits are the same for a person with a potentially terminal illness as for a person with a non-terminal illness. We make every effort to identify a case involving a person with a potentially terminal illness as early in the claims process as possible and we have special procedures we follow to process the claim as quickly as possible. We may become aware of the potentially terminal illness through statements from the person claiming disability, or from the person’s friend, family member, doctor or other medical source. There may also be an allegation or diagnosis of AIDS, or indications that the person is registered in a Medicare-designated hospice, is receiving hospice care. Regardless of the potentially terminal illness or how we learn about it, we tightly control the case throughout the claims process and make special efforts to assist the person in providing necessary evidence.

10/26/05

Q - What are the earnings limits for 2006 if someone wants to work and receive benefits at the same time?

A - If you are under full retirement age when you start getting your Social Security payments, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2006, that limit is $12,480. It was increased from the 2005 limit of $12,000. Remember the earliest age that you can receive Social Security retirement benefits remains 62 even though the full retirement age is rising.

In the year you reach full retirement age, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $3 you earn above a different limit, but only counting earnings before the month you reach full retirement age.

For 2006, this limit is $33,240. It was increased from the 2005 limit of $31,800.

The annual limits can prove advantageous to those people who are able to reduce their earnings and work less hours when they become entitled to Social Security benefits.

A person who continues working full time may not be able to receive any Social Security until the year they reach full retirement age.

It is a good idea to visit with Social Security during January of the year in which they will reach full retirement age. That is when the higher earnings limit applies.

Some people can actually start their retirement benefit in January of that year if they will be earning less than the higher work limit for the months before they reach full retirement age.

Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you will get your benefits because there is no longer an earnings limit.

Q - My daughter is a 21-year-old college student who was in a terrible auto accident that doctors now say may leave her permanently brain-damaged. She has worked every summer since high school. Has she worked enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

A - The number of work credits your daughter would need to qualify for disability benefits depends on her age when she became disabled and whether her credits were earned within a certain time period. Generally, a person needs to have earned 20 credits in the last 10 years, ending with the year he or she became disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. For example, a worker who becomes disabled before age 24 needs to have earned six credits in the three years before the disability starts. You should contact Social Security to discuss the specifics of your daughter’s situation.

10-20-05

Q - I never realized the complete importance of Social Security benefits until recently. My wife is from New Orleans and much of her family still lives there. She recently lost a relative in the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Until this happened, we thought Social Security survivors benefits were only for the elderly. Do many people make the same assumption?

A - The tendency is for most people to think of Social Security as a retirement program. Yet Social Security survivors benefits are among the cornerstones of support that can help families that have suffered the worst consequences of an accident, disease, or even a disaster.

Each month, Social Security provides benefits to American families across the country in which a working mother or father has died as the result of an accident or illness. The average monthly payment in 2005 for a family consisting of a widow or widower with two dependent children is more than $1,900 per month.

Social Security now makes payments to more than 6½ million dependents of deceased workers, including almost two million children. About 97 percent of men and women aged 20-49 have Social Security survivors insurance through their payroll tax contributions, and the chances are that you do, too.

The next time you receive your Social Security Statement look for the line on page 2 that refers to potential survivors benefits. That will tell you just what your family could expect in survivors insurance benefit payments, based on your work history. If you would like to learn more about these benefits, read our pamphlet, Social Security Survivors Benefits. You can get a copy online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html. You can also request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Q - I will be 62 in January and plan to retire from my employer. When is the best time to apply for my Social Security benefits?

A - Now is the time to start applying for Social Security retirement benefits if you plan to retire in January. We usually encourage people to let us know about three months before the month they plan to retire. So if you expect to retire in January, now is the time to get started.

To complete your application for retirement benefits, you can do what more than half a million people have done already –visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire and apply for benefits by using our online application.

The online application is more convenient than ever. By using an “electronic signature,” you can safely send us your completed application over the Internet with no need to print it and mail it in.

We will let you know if we need you to mail or bring in other items, such as proof of age, earnings and marriage. So get an early start by applying for your Social Security retirement benefits now. You can also apply by calling us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. And rest assured that your retirement payments will be waiting for you in 2006.

10/14/05

Q - Has the cost-of-living increase for 2006 been announced?

A - Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 52 million Americans will increase 4.1 percent in 2006.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), from the third quarter of the prior year to the corresponding period of the current year.

This year's increase in the CPI-W was 4.1 percent.The 4.1 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 48 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2006. Increased payments to 7 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will begin on December 30.

Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $94,200 from $90,000.

It is important to note that no one’s Social Security benefit will decrease as a result of the 2006 Medicare Part B premium increase, announced last month. By law, the Part B premium increase cannot be larger than a beneficiary’s COLA increase. Information about Medicare changes for 2006 can be found at www.cms.hhs.gov.

Q - I am 57 years old and get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments, which I desperately need to live on. I recently inherited about $2,000 cash from my uncle. As soon as I cashed the check, I put half of it in a burial fund. Will this small inheritance affect my SSI eligibility?

A - In order to get SSI, you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources. However, you can set aside up to $1,500 for burial expenses, and it will not count toward your resources. That means your new “countable resources” amount to $500, which alone won’t affect your SSI eligibility. However, in the month when you received the inheritance, the entire amount is considered income, so you would not be due your SSI payment for that month. Because there are a lot of variables; you should contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to understand all the issues that are involved.

10/4/05

Q - Do we know what the Medicare Part B premium will be in 2006?

A - The Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $88.50 in 2006, an increase of $10.30 from the current $78.20 premium.

Though the premium is rising, most Medicare beneficiaries will see significantly lower out-of-pocket health care costs in 2006. About one-fourth of Medicare beneficiaries can receive assistance that pays for their entire Part B premium, and about one-third of beneficiaries can receive assistance for their Part D premium. Beneficiaries with incomes below 135 percent of poverty and limited resources are eligible for assistance that pays for some or all of their Medicare premiums. This would enable them to pay little or no premium for Part B, Part D, or both, next year.

This would include most beneficiaries living on incomes that come only from a monthly Social Security check. Also, many beneficiaries with incomes between 135 percent and 150 percent of poverty can get partial assistance with their Part D premiums.

In 2006, out-of-pocket costs for many Medicare beneficiaries will also be reduced significantly by the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. The average Part D monthly premium will be $32, about 14 percent lower than had been projected, with plans in virtually all areas of the country available for a premium of under $20 or even less.

The drug benefit will provide help with prescription drug costs that for many beneficiaries will exceed the premium cost. On average, the prescription drug benefit will reduce prescription drug costs for the beneficiaries who now have no drug coverage by many hundreds of dollars.

Information on these and other programs that can help beneficiaries lower their out-of-pocket costs is available at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and for hearing and speech impaired at TTY/TTD: 1-877-486-2048.

Q - My dad, who has limited income, gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of serious physical ailments, and is now beginning to develop Alzheimer’s disease. My sister and I do not want him to live alone any longer and are looking to place him in a nursing home so that he can get the care he needs. We wondered if and how this might affect his SSI benefits?

A - Generally, if you enter a nursing home or hospital, or other medical facility where Medicaid pays for more than half of the cost of your care, your SSI benefit is limited to $30 a month.

If an SSI beneficiary enters or leaves a residential institution, skilled nursing facility, nursing home or any other kind of institution, Social Security needs to be notified. There are special rules if you enter a medical institution for a stay of less than 90 days. Often, you can keep getting your SSI if we learn about it right away.

Your doctor must sign a statement about how long you will stay. Plus, you must sign a statement that you still need to pay expenses for your home while you are in the institution. We need these statements as soon as possible— but no later than the 90th day you are in the institution, or the day you leave if that is earlier. We often work with admissions offices so that the information we need is available quickly.

09/30/05

Q - I have Medicare Part A and Part B. I do not qualify for the extra help that is available to pay for the upcoming Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Is there a way for me to find out if the new plan under Part D will save me money on my prescriptions?

A - Yes there is a way. Medicare has a cost estimator so that you can see your out-of-pocket expense and the savings you would realize under Part D.

According to the explanation provided by Medicare on their web site, “The cost estimator assumes that you have no current drug coverage or receive any type of discounts, such as from a drug discount card, on your prescription drug cost.”

The cost estimator is very easy to use. All you need to enter is what you spend monthly on prescription drugs. Once you enter that amount and the state you live in, the estimator will give you a breakdown of what your potential savings will be if you join a Medicare prescription drug plan.

As Medicare states, “the cost estimator is a quick tool to give you a sense of the savings you can anticipate with Medicare Prescription Drug coverage. This tool is not able to take into account any insurance you may have now for drugs. Therefore, if you currently have insurance for drugs, the tool will not be able to compare current costs to those you may have in the future if you switch to Medicare drug coverage.”

The cost estimator is great for those Medicare beneficiaries and family members who want to get a picture of what they are currently spending on prescriptions, what the Part D plan will pay, and what the person can save with the plan. To access the cost estimator, go to http://www.medicare.gov/medicarereform/minitool.asp

Q - Do disabled children qualify for Supplemental Security Income Benefits?

A - There are two Social Security disability programs that include disabled children. Under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, a child from birth to age 18 may receive monthly payments based on disability or blindness if they have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets the definition of disability for children. In addition, the income and resources of the parents and the child are within the allowed limits.

Under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, an adult child (a person age 18 or older) may receive monthly benefits based on disability or blindness if they have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets the definition of disability for adults. They must also have a disability that began before age 22.

Plus, the adult child must have a parent who is receiving retirement or disability benefits or is deceased but earned enough credits to entitle their survivor family members to benefits. Under both of these programs, the child must not be doing any "substantial" work, and must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected either to last for at least 12 months or to result in death.

You will find helpful links to the online forms and the steps you need to take to apply for childhood disability benefits at

www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to apply for benefits.

9/21/05

Q - My husband and I have owned and operated a business together for many years, but my Social Security Statement doesn't show any earnings for me. We file joint income tax returns every year. What happened to my share of our earnings?

A - If you and your husband own and operate a business together and you share in the profits and losses, you may be entitled to receive Social Security credits as a partner. This may be true even if you and your husband have no formal partnership agreement. To receive credit for your share of the business income, you must file a separate self-employment return (Schedule SE) even though you and your husband file a joint income tax return. If you don't file a separate Schedule SE, all the earnings from the business will be reported under your husband's Social Security number. In that case, your Social Security record will not show your earnings and you may not get credit for them. If you have not filed Schedule SE for yourself for past years, you may be able to file corrected tax returns for past years. You should contact the Internal Revenue Service for more information because there is a statute of limitations for correcting tax returns.

Q - Is there an increase in premiums if I enroll in Medicare after age 65 and what is a special enrollment period (SEP)?

A - Your premium will be increased if you do not apply at age 65. Enrollment rules are very strict. Initially, you have seven months to sign up for medical insurance (Medicare Part B). This seven-month period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65 and ends three months after that birthday.

If you enroll during the first three months of your enrollment period, your medical insurance protection will start with the month you are eligible. If you enroll during the last four months, your protection will start one to three months after you enroll. If you do not enroll during this initial enrollment period, each year you are given another chance to sign up during a general enrollment period from January 1 through March 31. Your coverage begins the following July. Your monthly premium increases 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll.

If you are covered by an employer or union group health plan through your or your spouse's current or active employment, you may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). The special enrollment period is a period of time, during which you may enroll if you did not enroll during your initial enrollment period because you are covered under a group health plan based on your own current employment or the current employment of any family member. The special enrollment period may occur during any month you are covered under a group health plan based on current employment, or during the 8-month period that begins the first full month after employment or group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first.

9/15/05

Q - I work in a job that is not covered by Social Security, and will be eligible for a pension when I retire. My financial advisor said that I can withdraw my contributions from the non-covered pension system, with interest, and get out of the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Is this correct?

A - It is true that if you withdraw your contributions from the non-covered pension system and give up all rights to the pension, you can avoid GPO. However, losing a lifetime pension (reflecting both your contributions and your employer's contributions), is an important decision and needs careful consideration. The GPO affects any benefits you can receive on your spouse’s record. If you choose to withdraw your contributions from the non-covered pension system in order to avoid the GPO, you may do so at any point before you begin receiving the pension. You can also be exempt from the windfall elimination provision (WEP) if you withdraw your contributions to the non-covered pension system, but the rules for the WEP are different. The WEP can reduce your own Social Security retirement benefit. To be exempt from the WEP, you need to withdraw your contributions before you become eligible for the pension from non-covered employment.

Q - I received a phone call from someone who said they were with the West Corporation, calling on behalf of the Social Security Administration about the “Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs”. Was this call legitimate?

A - Yes. The Social Security Administration has contracted with the NCS Pearson, Inc. and its partner, West Corporation to conduct follow-up calls reminding individuals to complete and mail in the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020). This is part of Social Security's effort to reach all people who qualify for the extra help.

Q - My mother is unable to fill out the application for the extra help with prescription drug costs. Can I help her complete it? Does she have to sign it?

A - You can help your mother and complete the application on her behalf. Relatives, friends, attorneys, advocates, social workers and employees of government agencies are authorized to act on someone's behalf if they are chosen by that person to do so. If she is unable to sign, you can sign the application for her since you are acting as her personal representative. We will send her a receipt after we get the application. If she applies over the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov, you can print the receipt. We also will send a decision notice after all the processing is complete.

9/7/05

Q - I am applying for Veteran’s Administration benefits. I need proof of how much Social Security I receive so that I can present that to my caseworker at the VA?

A - You can visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices/ and request a “Proof of Income” letter.

This letter is sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter” or a “proof of award letter.” At the website you will be asked a series of simple questions designed to verify your identity and to protect your personal information. You can select the information you would like on your proof of income letter. This means that you can also use it as proof of a disability, of your current Medicare health insurance coverage, of your retirement status or of your age.

Your Proof of Income letter will arrive in the mail in about 10 days after you request it. It is important to remember, however, that you can request a letter only for yourself. For example, if your spouse also receives benefits then he or she must request a separate letter. If you need proof sooner, you can contact your local Social Security office.

Q - What is Social Security doing to help those people who did not receive their benefits because of Hurricane Katrina?

A - The Social Security Administration is doing everything it can to ensure that monthly payments get to beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Katrina. For paper checks, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in some areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. USPS is establishing temporary mail delivery stations so you can pick up your Social Security check.

To help prevent identity fraud, USPS will ask you for a photo ID. If you are not able to go to a temporary mail delivery station, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. If you receive your Social Security payment by direct deposit, your Social Security payment is scheduled to be deposited to your account as usual.

However, if you experience any difficulty getting your payment, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. In San Antonio, the Social Security Administration has set up a temporary Social Security office at KellyUSA in Building 171 to assist those who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

9/6/05

Q - I have relatives who had to relocate from the New Orleans area to San Antonio because of Hurricane Katrina. Some of them receive Social Security benefits, but they did not get their checks because of obvious reasons. Can the local Social Security offices help them?

A - Yes, the local offices can help. Anyone receiving Social Security payments that have been interrupted by Hurricane Katrina can go to any Social Security office to get an emergency payment. All Social Security checks that were scheduled for delivery to residents in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina were printed and shipped from the U.S. Treasury to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delivery as usual. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients were scheduled to receive paper checks on Thursday, September 1.

The Social Security beneficiaries were scheduled to receive paper checks on the early check delivery date of Friday, September 2. Those who receive checks through direct deposit should have received payment on schedule.

The Postal Service implements emergency procedures for delivery of checks when a natural disaster occurs. Social Security is working with the Louisiana Governor’s office to identify locations for temporary mail delivery. Any Social Security field office can make payments in critical cases. For information about changing mailing addresses, direct deposit, or locating the nearest Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or go online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q - My parents and I were discussing their retirement plans. They seem to feel more secure about Social Security and their future finances than I do about my own situation. I believe it is because they are close to retirement age and their situation is more stable than that of younger workers like myself. Why should I feel confident about Social Security in my future?

A - The answer is based on Social Security’s history. Social Security marked its 70th anniversary in August. Social Security originally was envisioned as a program for retired workers. Since 1935, the program has evolved to one that now covers the families of both retired and deceased workers as well as those who can no longer work due to a disability.

Social Security is the foundation of financial security for almost every American family through its valuable package of retirement, disability and survivors insurance. Today, our parents and grandparents can feel confident their benefits are secure. However, the Social Security system is facing serious future financing problems. The main reason for Social Security’s long-range financing challenge is demographics. The news is good - we are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.

When the Social Security program was created in 1935, a 65-year-old American had an average life expectancy of 12 1/2 more years; today, it is 17 1/2 years and rising. This good news also means a strain on Social Security’s finances. In just a few years, 78 million “baby boomers” will begin retiring, and in about 30 years, there will be twice as many older Americans as there are today.

At the same time, the number of workers paying into Social Security per beneficiary will drop from 3.3 today to about 2 in 2031. Social Security has evolved through the decades to meet the challenges before it. It is important that we address these issues to ensure Social Security continues to provide a foundation of protection for future generations.

8/25/05

Q - Will a child age 19 and attending college/trade school still be eligible to receive survivors benefits?

A - No. To receive benefits, the child must be under age 18, or they must be 18-19 years old and a full-time student in a grade no higher than grade 12. They can continue to receive benefits if they are 18 or older and disabled from a disability that started before age 22.

Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled. Benefits can also stop if the child marries. However, if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, benefits generally can continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first.

Q - Is there a reason why I might not get a Statement automatically?

A - Yes. You there are several reasons that you might not get a Social Security Statement automatically. For example, Statements are not sent to individuals if they are under age 25.

You will also not receive a Statement if you are already receiving Social Security benefits on your record. You will also not receive one if we cannot get a current mailing address for you.

In addition, you will not receive an automatic Statement if you are age 62 or older and receiving Social Security benefits on someone else's record. Lastly, a Statement will not be mailed to you if you requested one within the past 11 months. If you do not get a Statement automatically, you can request one online at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a request form SSA-7004 to mail in. You will receive a Statement in the mail about 2 to 4 weeks after you request it electronically or about 4 to 6 weeks after you mail us your request.

8/16/05

Q - I need to apply for retirement benefits. Can I do this online?

A - Yes, you can. It is one of the services available at our web site. More and more Americans are discovering the convenience and speed of Social Security’s online services.

Instead of traveling to the local Social Security office and waiting in line, many people are going online to our website and conducting business from the comfort of their own homes. Here are just a few of the many online transactions you can take care of by logging on when it best suits your schedule.

First of all, Social Security’s Benefits Planner is a great way to help you plan your financial future, whether you’re looking ahead to retirement or determining what benefits you or your family may qualify for in the unfortunate event of disability or death. Just key in your estimated income and see what your benefit payments could be.

Secondly, you can apply for Social Security benefits. People take advantage of our online benefit applications because they are a convenient, easy way to apply for Social Security benefits.

Thirdly, if your Medicare card has been lost, stolen or damaged, just visit our website to order a replacement. You’ll get it in the mail about 30 days after requesting it.

Fourthly, find out if you can get extra help to pay for the new Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Beginning in January 2006, a new Medicare prescription drug program will go into effect that can help beneficiaries with prescription drug costs. Social Security is now taking applications from Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for extra help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. You can go online to find out if you are eligible for the extra help and complete an application.

All of these online services can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices/ . Visit the link and join many others now conducting their Social Security business online.

Q - My child has received a Social Security card. Who should sign it?

A - Generally, the Social Security card should be signed immediately by the person whose name is on the card, unless health or age prevents a signature. A child may delay signing the card until old enough to sign his or her name. A signature on the card is not required for the card to be valid. Remember that Social Security cards should be kept in a safe place. Avoid carrying them in your wallet or purse if at all possible.

8/12/05

Q - Three years ago I was in a car accident that left me partially-paralyzed. I get Social Security disability benefits and Medicare. Will I also qualify for benefits under the new Medicare prescription drug program?

A - Medicare’s new prescription drug program, which goes into effect in January 2006, is not just for older Americans. Anyone who is a Social Security disability beneficiary and is also entitled to Medicare can enroll in the new prescription drug coverage program.

Open enrollment for the new plan runs from November 15, 2005, to May 15, 2006.

Social Security is now taking applications from Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for extra help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. To qualify for the extra help, a person or married couple living together must have limited income and resources. For an individual, your total annual income must be below $14,355 and your resources valued below $10,000. The limits for a married couple living together are $19,245 in combined annual income and $20,000 in resources.

If you receive disability benefits from Social Security and are working, some of your earnings might not count towards those income and resource limits. In fact, less than half of your wages would be counted. If you have expenses for things that you need in order to keep working, they could be deducted from your earnings, too.

Social Security is now mailing letters to nearly 19 million Medicare beneficiaries who we have identified as potentially eligible for this extra financial help. The letter includes an application and a return-addressed, postage-paid envelope.

If you get this application, please read it, complete it and return it to Social Security. If you did not get a letter and application in the mail, but think you might qualify for the extra help, go to our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Q - I’m 67 years old and I have no other income but my monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. My sister passed away and left me a little money in her bank account. Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits? Will my SSI payments stop?

A - The money inherited from your sister is considered income in the month you received it and could make you ineligible for benefits for that month, depending on the amount. If you still have the money in the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources, or the things that you own. You cannot have more than $2,000 in resources and still continue to receive SSI. If your resources are less than $2,000 then your benefits will continue. Also, you should remember that there are some resources we don’t count, such as a car, the home you live in and funds set aside for burial expenses. You should call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or you can also visit your local Social Security office to report the inheritance. A Social Security representative can give you more information and will let you know what effect, if any, the inheritance will have on your benefits.

8/9/05

Q - My older sister told me that she received an application from Social Security in the mail a few weeks ago about getting some extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs. I did not get this letter and application, but would also like to apply for any extra help that might be available. My sister tells me that it might be more convenient and quicker if I just applied online. Is that true?

A - Yes, you can apply online for the extra help to meet the costs of the new Medicare prescription drug program. To qualify for the extra help, a person or married couple living together must have limited income and resources. The new benefit will be especially helpful to those people who have Medicare, but do not have a private health insurance or who do not have adequate prescription drug coverage to meet their needs. To apply online, or to get more information about the extra help available under the Medicare prescription drug program, just visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q - My mother-in-law will be moving in with us for awhile. She gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Since her SSI payments are deposited directly to her bank account, does she need to report the move to Social Security?

A - Yes. People who get SSI need to report any change in living arrangements within 10 days. If your mother-in-law does not report the change in time, she could end up receiving an incorrect payment and have to pay that money back. Also, she needs to report her new address to Social Security so that she can continue to receive mail from Social Security when necessary. To report the change, she can visit her local Social Security office or call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Q - My sister’s 34-year-old husband died suddenly of a heart attack. She was pregnant with their only child when he died. Will she and her child be eligible for any Social Security benefits, and if they are, when should she apply?

A - Both your sister and her child would be eligible for survivors benefits based on her husband’s work record if he had earned enough credits. Social Security survivors benefits are paid to a widow or widower at any age, if he or she is taking care of the deceased spouse's child, who is under age 16 and receiving Social Security benefits. She should contact Social Security as soon as possible after the child is born.

7/29/05

Q - It is fairly common to hear people say how important it is to plan for retirement. What are some of the specific areas that need to be addressed as we plan for retirement?

A - There are three rules that you may wish to remember. Rule number one is know what Social Security will provide. How much could you receive from Social Security when you retire?

If you are age 25 or older and you work, you should be receiving a Social Security Statement in the mail each year about three months before your birthday. The Statement shows how much you paid in Social Security taxes through the years and what you might receive in benefits at various retirement ages. We recommend that you keep a copy of the Statement with your financial records.

Rule number two is to know what you must save. Social Security never was intended to be your only source of retirement income. Along with private pensions and savings, it was meant to be part of a “three-legged stool” that supports your financial future. Only a little less than half of workers have private pensions, and about a third have not yet set aside any money specifically for retirement. If you do not intend to work after “retiring” it is best to start saving as much as possible as soon as possible.

Rule number three is not to forget about your health insurance. An unfortunate fact of life is that as we grow older we tend to have more health problems. If you plan to retire early, you should make sure that you will have either employer-provided or private health insurance, since you will not be eligible for Medicare until age 65. If you intend to retire at age 65 or older, you need to understand how Medicare Part A and Part B coverage work. You should also know that you would be responsible for Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.

For example, the monthly premium paid by beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B, which covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items, is $78.20, and can rise each year. By keeping these three rules in mind, you will be better prepared as you enter your retirement years.

Q - I am going to school and working part-time. Does part-time work count for Social Security benefits?

A - Yes, part-time work does count for Social Security benefits. As you work and pay taxes, you earn Social Security credits. In 2005, you earn one credit for each $920 in earnings -- up to a maximum of four credits per year. The amount of money needed to earn one credit goes up every year. The most you would need to qualify for any type of Social Security benefit is 40 credits. This translates to about 10 years of work. Also, younger people need fewer credits to be eligible for disability benefits or for their family members to be eligible for survivors benefits if they die.

Q - I plan to visit some relatives in Mexico for a few months. Can I continue getting my monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check?

A - Your SSI benefit payments usually stop if you leave the United States for 30 days or more. Since you are going to be away for more than a month, your payments will be affected. It is important to tell Social Security the date you plan to leave and the date you plan to come back. Then we can let you know if your SSI will be affected and for which months.

7/22/05

Q - My parents are retired, on Medicare, and rely almost totally on their Social Security checks to get by. They have been using their savings to help pay for their prescription drug costs. I have read about the new Medicare prescription drug plan, and about extra help that will be available to help pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Can my parents qualify?

A - In order to qualify for the extra help that is available under the Medicare prescription drug coverage, individuals and couples have to meet certain income and resource limits. Generally speaking, married couples living together can have $19,245 in combined annual income.

In addition, their bank accounts, investments, cash and other countable resources must be less than $20,000. This limit can be slightly higher (an additional $1,500 per person) if they will be using some of their money for burial expenses. If you have questions about what is and is not counted as income or a resource, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). After applying for extra help, beneficiaries also will need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006.

Q - I’ve been receiving Social Security disability benefits since I was a young adult and I’m now getting close to 50. Is there a time limit on disability benefits?

A - No. You will continue to receive disability benefits as long as you continue to have a severe disability that makes you unable to work. Your condition will be reviewed from time to time, but your benefits will not end because of how much you have received or how long you have been getting benefits. If you still receive disability benefits when you reach retirement age, nothing will change, including your monthly benefit amount. But for Social Security purposes, your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.

Q - I have two children at home and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security checks after I retire?

A - Monthly Social Security payments may be made to a worker's unmarried children under age 18, or age 19 if still in high school, or children age 18 or over who were severely disabled before age 22 and who continue to be disabled. The types of children who may qualify include the worker's biological child; legally adopted child; and dependent stepchild.

7/11/05

Q - I am 66 years old and planning to retire. Once I retire, how long will I have to wait before I actually get a check and be able to pay my monthly bills?

A - First, it is important that you know that Social Security benefits are not automatic. To receive benefits, a person must apply for them. Social Security generally recommends that people apply for retirement benefits about 3 months before they want benefit payments to start. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. For example, if your first month of entitlement is August, you would receive your first Social Security benefit payment in September.

Q - My husband was convicted has been sentenced to six months in jail. Will his Social Security retirement benefits be stopped?

A - If a Social Security beneficiary is convicted of a crime and confined in a correctional institution for more than 30 continuous days, we will suspend his or her Social Security benefits. It is important that a beneficiary tell Social Security about such a confinement as soon as possible to avoid getting money that is not due. To help comply with the law, Social Security has agreements with each State and many local jurisdictions.

Under these agreements, States and local jurisdictions provide the names and Social Security numbers of people in their correctional facilities. Once released, a person whose Social Security benefits have been suspended because of being in a correctional institution should contact the local Social Security office. Social Security will decide if benefits should start again.

Q - What are the benefit amounts that a husband or wife can receive?

A - A spouse receives one-half of the retired worker's full benefit unless the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age. In that case, the amount of the spouse's benefit is permanently reduced by a percentage based on the number of months before he/she reaches full retirement age.

For example, based on the full retirement age of 65, If a spouse begins collecting benefits at 64, the benefit amount would be about 46 percent of the retired worker's full benefit. At age 63, it would be about 42 percent, and at age 62, 37.5 percent.

However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits, a spouse gets full (one-half) benefits, regardless of age. If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefit first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you'll receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse's benefit.

7/04/05

Q - I received a letter telling me about Medicare’s prescription drug plans and that I might qualify for help in paying for it. Should I complete the application, and is it legitimate?

A - Yes, the letter is legitimate, and you should complete the application.

Beginning in January 2006, Medicare will offer prescription drug plans to beneficiaries. Now is the time to see if you qualify for some extra financial help in paying for your monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new program.

From late May through mid-August, Social Security is mailing letters to nearly 19 million people who are potentially eligible for this extra help. The letter includes an application and a return-addressed, postage-paid envelope. If you receive a letter in the mail, please read the information carefully. The letter will explain the prescription drug program, and tell you how to apply for the extra help.

Those who qualify for the extra help could save an average of $2,100 per year. To qualify for the extra help, a person or married couple living together must have limited income and resources. You can qualify for this help as an individual if your total annual income is below $14,355 and your resources are valued below $10,000. The limits for a married couple living together are higher: $19,245 in combined annual income and $20,000 in resources.

These resources can be slightly higher -- an additional $1,500 per person -- if you will be using some of your money for burial expenses.

Even if your income is higher, you still may be able to get some help if, for example, you or your spouse supports other family members who live with you. There are also certain exclusions from both income and resources. For example, your home and cars are not counted as resources.

So if you think you might be eligible, you should apply. Even if you do not get an application in the mail, you still might be eligible for help with prescription drug costs. See if you might qualify and apply online at Social Security’s website, www.socialsecurity.gov. You also can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for more information or to apply over the telephone.

Q - I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and I also have Medicare. Do I need to complete the application to see if I qualify for extra help in paying for my prescription drug plan?

A - Anyone who has both Medicare and Medicaid, or Medicare and SSI, or anyone whose state pays his or her Medicare premiums, will not have to complete an eligibility application. Even if you automatically qualify for extra help, you still need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to obtain both coverage and the extra help. For more information about getting extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit www.socialsecurity.gov. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.

6/27/05

Q - In her senior year of high school, my daughter had a sporting accident that partially paralyzed her. It doesn’t look as if she will be able to work in the near future, but she hasn’t had a job where she paid Social Security taxes. Do disabled children qualify for benefits?

A - There are two Social Security disability programs that include disabled children. Under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, an individual may receive monthly payments based on disability or blindness. He or she must have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets the definition of disability for children. In addition, the income and resources of the parents and the child must be within the allowed limits.

After a child reaches age 18, the parents’ income no longer affects eligibility or payment amounts. Under the Social Security Disability Insurance program, an adult child, a person age 18 or older, may receive monthly benefits based on disability or blindness if he or she has an impairment or combination of impairments that meets the definition of disability for adults. The disability must have begun before age 22, and the adult child's parent needs to have worked long enough to be insured under Social Security and is receiving retirement or disability benefits or is deceased. Under both of these programs, the child must not be doing any "substantial" work, and must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected either to last for at least 12 months or to result in death.

Q - I need to talk to someone who can explain the upcoming changes in Medicare. Can you tell me who can answer my question?

A - Sometimes the hardest part about getting a question answered is knowing whom to ask. That can certainly be true if you, a relative, or a friend has a question about a large government program such as Medicare.

The answer actually depends on the type of Medicare question that you have. You should contact Social Security if you want to sign up for Medicare Part A or Part B; you need a replacement Medicare card; or you have questions about Medicare premiums. You can also contact Social Security if you have questions about getting extra help to pay for the prescription drug program that will begin on January 1, 2006.

For more information about these subjects or services, you can visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also call the Social Security toll free number at 1-800-772-1213.

If you have questions on the following areas, you should contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Contact CMS if you want general Medicare information; you have questions about Medicare Part A or Part B coverage; you want information about Medicare patients’ rights and appeal rights; you need information about nursing homes or Medicare health plan choices in your area. You should also contact CMS if you have questions about the new prescription drug program. If you want more information about Medicare you should visit the website at www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-633-4227.

Another convenient reference source for Medicare information is the Medicare & You handbook. If you need a copy, you can call the Medicare toll-free number.

6/20/05

Q - Can you please provide the Internet link so that I can subscribe to the Social Security electronic newsletter?

A - Here is the link: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/enews/ .

It might surprise you to know that nearly 300,500 subscribers received the last issue of eNews, Social Security’s monthly electronic newsletter. This free service is a great way to stay on top of important information related to your Social Security benefits. All we need is your email address. This service is part of Social Security’s continuing commitment to provide more responsive service to claimants and beneficiaries. It reflects our ongoing efforts to improve service through technology.

As eNews readers know, people can now apply online for Social Security retirement, spouse’s and disability benefits. Other online services allow people to find out if they may be eligible for benefits, or locate their local Social Security office. Plus, individuals who are receiving benefits may use the website to change their address or request a Medicare card. As more and more people conduct business via the Internet, these online services save significant time and effort.

Q - Why do some people get both Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? I’m severely disabled and only get SSI.

A - In order to get both you must qualify for both.

To get Social Security disability benefits, you need to have worked long enough and recently enough and you need to have paid enough Social Security taxes. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, that means you did not meet these qualifications.

SSI, on the other hand, makes payments to people with low income and few resources who are disabled or blind, or who are age 65 or older. Since Social Security is considered income, many people who get Social Security have too much “income” to be eligible for SSI. But for some, when the Social Security payment is a small amount, both Social Security and SSI can be paid.

Q - The Internal Revenue Service has sent me a letter saying money for overdue taxes may be taken from my Social Security payments. Does Social Security allow that?

A - If you owe overdue taxes to the IRS, money can be taken from your Social Security payments, reducing your payments by as much as 15 percent a month. However, before this would happen, you would get a letter from Social Security explaining how and why your benefits are being reduced.

6/14/05

Q - I received my Ticket to Work information last year, but I decided not to use it at the time. Can I still use it, or has it expired on me?

A - You can still use your Ticket to Work. It does not become void if you decide not to use it.

Many people decide to take advantage of the Ticket to Work when they are in a better position to return to work. The Ticket to Work is a voluntary program that has important provisions to ensure that people with disabilities no longer have to choose between keeping their health care coverage and trying to go back to work.

Nearly all individuals receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits have now received a "ticket" that they can use to get free vocational rehabilitation, employment or other support services from an approved provider of their choice. Social Security pays providers for successfully helping a beneficiary go to work.

The Ticket to Work addresses some key areas for people who are receiving disability benefits and wish to return to work. For example, Medicare hospital insurance coverage now extends for eight years and six months after most Social Security disability beneficiaries go to work. Medicare coverage continues even if an individual no longer receives a monthly benefit from Social Security.

The Ticket to Work has been a success. Within the last few weeks, the number of individuals using a Ticket to Work passed the 90,000 mark. If you or someone you know is a person with disabilities who would like to become one of the thousands of success stories that the Ticket to Work program is creating, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for more information.

Q - I retired from the U.S. Army several years ago, after 23 years of service, and receive a military pension. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?

A - You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get your full Social Security benefits based on your earnings. More information may be found in our fact sheet called Military Service and Social Security, which is available on the Internet at: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html

Q - My three children receive monthly survivors benefits from Social Security. My oldest son will turn 18 on July 5, 2005. Will his last payment be in June or July?

A - Your son’s benefits stop the month he becomes age 18 or the month he becomes 19 if he is still attending elementary or secondary school full time. His last payment will be for the month of June but he will receive his last payment in July. You will be notified by mail before the last payment.

6/09/05

Q - I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). I was told that my payment amount could change if I move in with a relative. Why is that?

A - Your monthly benefit may vary depending on where you live and whether someone else pays for your living expenses.

Generally, you can get up to the maximum SSI payment if you live in your own place or if you live in someone else's home, but you pay the full cost of your food and shelter. However, your SSI benefit may be reduced if you live somewhere else and you pay only a part of your share of food or housing costs.

The same is true if you live in a house, apartment, or trailer but someone else pays for your food, rent, mortgage, and other things like electricity. You also do not get the full SSI amount if you are in a nursing home or hospital for the whole month and Medicaid pays for over one-half of your bills.

The cost of living expenses such as food, clothing or shelter that someone else provides may be considered income to you and could reduce your SSI payment. Items you receive that cannot be used for food, clothing or shelter are not considered income and will not affect your SSI payment. So if you decide to move in with your relative, be sure to notify Social Security immediately so we can determine the correct amount of your SSI.

Q - My wife and I have just received an application in the mail for extra help in paying for Medicare prescription drugs. I am unsure if we would be eligible for this program. Is there an easy way to determine if we might qualify before we complete and mail the application?

A - Yes, there is. Social Security has created a “Qualifier Tool” on its website at www.socialsecurity.gov .

Simply by entering information about your income and things that you own, the qualifier tool tells you whether you probably qualify or not for extra help with prescription drug costs.

Or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and request a copy of the work sheet, “What You Need To Complete The Application For Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.”

The qualifier tool will ask you about your income and the things that you own. We also will ask about your spouse's income and the things that your spouse and both of you own, if you are married and living together. You will need your and your spouse's financial documents such as tax returns, award letters or statements for pensions or other income. Generally, you would be eligible for the extra help if your resources such as your savings, investments, and real estate (other than your home) are not worth more than $11,500, if you are single, or $23,000 if you are married and living with your spouse.

6-02-05

Q - I have been hearing about the Medicare prescription drug coverage benefit that will begin next January. What choices will I have if I already have prescription drug coverage through my employer?

A - If you have prescription drug coverage from an employer, you will get a notice from your employer sometime this fall that tells you if your plan covers as much or more than a Medicare prescription drug plan. You will have a couple of options if your employer or union plan covers as much as or more than a Medicare prescription drug plan.

First of all, you can keep your current drug plan. If you join a Medicare prescription drug plan later your monthly premium will not be higher. Secondly, you can drop your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan, but you may not be able to get your employer drug plan back.

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