Questions & Answers About Social Security

Many people think of Social Security as just a retirement program. While it is true that most of the people receiving Social Security collect retirement benefits, Social Security touches families in many other ways – including those struggling to meet the basic needs of children with disabilities.

Children who have physical or mental disabilities may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to people with disabilities who have not worked enough and paid enough Social Security tax to receive Social Security payments – including children. When determining whether a child is eligible for SSI benefits, Social Security considers the income and resources of not only the child, but also the parents or other family members living in the household.

The child must have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits his or her daily activities, and the condition must be expected to last 12 months or more, or end in death. To help us determine whether a child is disabled, we will ask for any information available pertaining to the condition.

We also will ask the applicant – the parent, grandparent or guardian – to sign releases that allow us to obtain information from doctors, hospitals, clinics, teachers, therapists and other professionals who have information about the child’s condition.

You can learn more about SSI by reading “You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)” at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11069.html. You also may want to visit Social Security’s Kids and Families page at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/kids/index.htm. There, you’ll find information for kids, parents and teachers about Social Security numbers, benefits for children, and the importance of saving and low-cost health insurance for children. You also may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.

Question:
I am a 60-year-old office worker and have been thinking a lot about retirement. But even with all of the financial advice available today, I still need help. Is it better financially to retire at age 62 and get reduced Social Security benefits for a longer time, or to try and hang on at my job until I reach full retirement age?

Answer:

Figuring the best time to retire and collect Social Security benefits is very much a personal decision. You should take into account your financial resources, health, retirement plans and other variables. The answer may be different for each individual, depending on his or her circumstances.

However, everyone should understand just how the decision to retire at a specific age will affect their Social Security retirement benefits. A good place to start is Social Security’s Retirement Planner for those near retirement at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/near.htm.

12/19/06

Question:
I just had a little girl and I haven't received her SS card in the mail. What do I need to do in order to get one for her?

Answer:

Congratulations on your new addition to the family. If you applied for the SS card while in the hospital, it takes about four to six weeks to receive the card in the mail. This is called the enumeration at birth process.

In some states it is completed in a shorter time span than in others. I recommend that you call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to ask if the number has already been assigned to your daughter. It could be that the card is in the mail. If we don't have any record of the number being assigned to your daughter, and if it has been a reasonable amount of time since you applied for it, then we would need to have you complete the application once again.

When you call the toll-free number, you should call early or late. It is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.

Question:
I’m 63 years old and receive Social Security. With the holidays here, I was thinking of taking on a seasonal job to bring in a little extra spending money. What should I know about the earnings I make?

Answer:

The most frequent question is whether new earnings will stop current Social Security payments, and the answer is no. If you have reached your full retirement age (currently between 65 and 66, depending on when you were born), you can make all the money you want, and it will have no effect on your Social Security benefits.

If you are younger than your full retirement age all year, there will still be no effect to your monthly Social Security payment – unless you earn more than $12,480 for the year in 2006. (That amount goes up to $12,960 for 2007.) If, in fact, you do have such a generous seasonal job, your Social Security payment is only reduced $1 for every $2 you earn above the threshold amount. Another question we get often is whether or not you have to pay Social Security taxes on earnings if you are already getting Social Security. Yes, you do. Whether you’re 16 or 96, your employer is required by law to withhold payroll taxes.

Finally, will those extra Social Security taxes equate to higher benefits? The answer is maybe. Your Social Security benefit is figured based on your average monthly wage during the highest earnings years on your record. If your average monthly wage for an entire year is more than what it was before you retired, we’ll refigure your benefit and give you an increase.

Most seasonal workers don’t get such an increase, because holiday earnings usually are not enough to raise your monthly average for the whole year. If a raise is due, your increase will come automatically. To learn more about holiday work and Social Security, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You may ask for a copy of our publication, “How Work Affects Your Benefits” (SSA Publication No. 05-10069), or visit the online version at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html.

12/12/06

Question:
I will be 62 years of age in March 2007 and would like to get information about applying for the Social Security benefit.

Answer:

You can call the toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule your appointment. You must call Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. It is best to call early or late during those times. The appointment will automatically be scheduled with the office that handles your zip code. When you call to make the appointment, you can decide if you want Social Security to call you at home or you can come into the office and complete the paperwork in person.

You can schedule the appointment any time within three months of the month that you will turn 62. However, in your case, you can actually wait until the end of January. This might be best since you are working this year, and you will not have your W-2 until the end of January. That way we can include your 2006 earnings in your benefit amount when your claim is processed.

Question:
I have taken an early retirement from my employer. If I go back to work at a lesser rate of pay and do not earn the maximum as I have, will that affect my rate of benefit when I take my Social Security benefit in a few years?

Answer:

Since you are not earning as much now as when you were working full time, your monthly Social Security benefit will be a little less. For each year before retirement in which you reduce your earnings, your monthly benefit estimate will be lowered by about $10-$20.

So if you are three years away from starting your Social Security benefit, then your monthly estimate will be about $30-$60 less than it was when you worked full time. You can figure your estimate by using the Online Calculator located at our website. There are three calculators, but you will need to use the second one (Online Calculator). Plus, you will need your recent benefit estimate to complete the calculation. It is pretty easy to do this. Here is the link for the calculator: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/calculators.htm

11/27/06

Question:

My wife and I are nearly 62. She worked very little during our long marriage and does not have enough credits to qualify on her own. If I elect to collect Social Security at age 62, will my wife receive any benefits, or will we just get my benefit?

Answer:

It is not a requirement for her to have earned her own credits in order for her to receive Social Security benefits. While you wife would not qualify on her own record without the 40 credits, she can still receive benefits on your record.

She is eligible for spouses benefits on your record. She would be entitled to a percentage of your full benefit amount as early as age 62. Her benefit as a wife would be equal to nearly ne-third of your full benefit at age 62, and it would increase depending on her age at the time she applies for the benefit.

The most she can receive as your wife is one half of your full benefit amount, but she would have to wait until she reaches her full retirement age to apply. If she was born between 1943 and 1954, then her full retirement age is 66. Any benefit that she receives as a wife on your record would not reduce your own benefit amount at all. There is one other stipulation.

She cannot receive a wife's benefit on your record until you decide to start receiving your own benefit. In addition, she would also be eligible for a widow's benefit on your record as early as age 60. The benefit amount would be equal to 71.5% of your full benefit amount. It would increase based on her age at the time she applies for the widow's benefit.

Question:

I am over the age of 62, but I need a couple more credits to be able to receive Social Security. I understand it will take $1,000.00 to earn a credit in 2007, and that you can only earn four credits in a year. What if I make enough money in a couple of months to earn the four credits? Can I retire as soon as I've earned the necessary credits?

Answer:

Hypothetically, you can earn enough for all four credits in one day. However, if you need those credits for the purpose of paying you benefits at that time, then we cannot assign you the credits until their respective calendar quarter begins.

For instance, let's suppose you are past the age of 62 and you need two credits in 2007 to entitle you to benefits. As you stated, in 2007 you need $1,000 in gross Social Security covered wages or net profit from self-employment to earn one credit. Suppose you earn $3,000 in January. That is enough for the two credits you need. However, since benefits will be awarded based on those credits, SSA will not assign you the second and final credit that you need until April 1, 2007.

That is the first day of the second calendar quarter for 2007. So you would have to wait until April for your benefits to actually begin next year. You can read more about credits at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/credits.htm

11/22/06

Question:

My wife works for the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and she does not pay into Social Security. She does however pay for Medicare. I really don't know if this only Part A or includes Part B. I can carry her on my health insurance but she must have Part A and part B. If she is not now paying for part B, will I be able to pay for Part B out of my pocket thereby making her eligible for Part B so that she can be covered by my health insurance? Do you know if the TRS teachers are paying for part B also?

Answer:

The Medicare tax that your wife is paying through the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) is for Part A eligibility. There is no tax for Part B. No one pays a Part B tax whether they are paying into Social Security or not. Anyone can get Part B, even those who have never paid into Social Security.

However by paying the Part A Medicare tax through TRS she will be able to enroll in Part A without having to pay a monthly premium. So while she may not be earning credits for Social Security monthly benefits, she is earning credits for Medicare Part A. That is great news because other wise she would have to pay the monthly premium for Part A, which will be $410 in 2007.

The basic Part B monthly premium will be $93.50 in 2007.

Question:

My Social Security card was stolen. What can I do about the stolen Social Security card?

Answer:

You will have to get it replaced by contacting the local Social Security office. In addition, you will have to monitor your credit report to determine if someone is using your number to open credit accounts. Unfortunately, in those cases, there is nothing that Social Security can do to straighten out your credit.

That is something that you would have to do by working with the credit bureaus. If someone uses your SSN to illegally obtain work, then Social Security would have to talk with you about disclaiming any work that you did not perform. Unfortunately you probably will not know if someone is using your number to work until you file your tax return next year.

That is the time when the Internal Revenue Service would notify you that you have earnings reported under your SSN, but you did not claim them on your tax return. Here is a link to our web site for getting your Social Security card replaced: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ The following link will give you more information about identity theft:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html

11/15/06

Question:

I have a friend who says that she received a suspicious email from Social Security. The email is asking her to verify her information in order to receive the 3.3 cost of living adjustment in January 2007. What can you tell us about this email?

Answer:

Tell your friend not to respond to the email. Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, and Patrick O’Carroll, Jr., Inspector General of Social Security, recently issued a warning about a new email scam that has surfaced.

The Agency has received several reports of an email message being circulated with the subject “Cost-of-Living for 2007 update” and purporting to be from the Social Security Administration. The message provides information about the 3.3 percent benefit increase for 2007 and contains the following “NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely.”

The reader is then directed to a website designed to look like Social Security’s Internet website. Commissioner Barnhart has asked the Inspector General to use all the resources at his command to find and prosecute whoever is perpetrating this fraud. Once directed to the phony website, the individual is asked to register for a password and to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as the individual’s Social Security number, bank account information and credit card information.

Inspector General O’Carroll recommends people always take precautions when giving out personal information. He stated that people should never provide their Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information. To report receipt of this email message or other suspicious activity to Social Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), please call the OIG Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the OIG TTY number at 1-866-501-2101. A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available online at OIG’s website www.socialsecurity.gov/oig.

Question:

I hear that Social Security has a big financial problem? Why?

Answer:

Social Security's financing problems are long term and will not affect today's retirees and near-retirees, but they are very large and serious. People are living longer, the first baby boomers are nearing retirement, and the birth rate is low.

The result is that the worker-to-beneficiary ratio has fallen from 16.5-to-1 in 1950 to 3.3-to-1 today. Within 40 years it will be 2-to-1. At this ratio there will not be enough workers to pay scheduled benefits at current tax rates.

11/07/06

Question:

I worked for the last 10 years and I should now have my 40 credits, but my Statement says I only have 37 credits. I think I have more than that. What should I do? Once I have my 40 credits, does this mean that I get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?

Answer:

Probably not. The 40 credits are the minimum number you need to qualify for a benefit. The amount of the benefit, however, is not based on those credits; it's based on your earnings. We determine your average earnings over your working years and use a special calculation formula that is set by law. For most people like you who need 40 credits, we must average their best 35 years of earnings to figure the benefit amount. If you believe that all of your earnings are accurately reported on your record but you think you have more credits than we have shown on your Statement, please call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. Our representatives will help verify the correct number of credits.

Question:

What happens to the spouse's benefits after the child turns 16 and the spouse is under 62?

Answer:

Benefits are paid only to a wife or husband under age 62, if she or he is taking care of the worker's entitled child who is under age 16 or disabled. When the youngest child turns 16, benefits to the spouse are stopped unless the spouse is taking care of an entitled disabled child of the worker.

Question:

Do I need to obtain a representative (attorney) to help with my appeal?

Answer:

Many people handle their own appeals, but they can choose an attorney or non-attorney to help them. The decision whether or not to seek the services of a representative (attorney or other qualified person) is yours to make. A representative who is familiar with the Social Security system may provide valuable service to you, but you can process your appeal without representation. For additional information, see our publication Your Right to Representation (Publication No. 05-10075), either by contacting your local Social Security office, calling our toll-free number (1-800-772-1213.

10/31/06

Question:

My name or date of birth on the automatic Statement you sent me is wrong. How can I correct it?

Answer:

We took your name and date of birth from the latest information on your Social Security number record. The information came from your original application for your Social Security number or the latest application you made for a replacement card or name change. If this information is wrong, we need your help in correcting it.

Perhaps you changed your name but haven't reported it to us yet. Maybe you need to correct the date of birth you originally gave us. Some people made themselves older or younger when they first got their cards. In either of these cases, you can download a copy of the form SS-5.

That is the form you use either to request a Social Security number card or to correct your record. The instructions on that page will tell you what to do and what information you need to send us. Before a Social Security number is issued, Social Security must contact the office that issued your birth record to make sure the record you provide is valid.

This change affects people born in the U.S. who are one year or older and are either applying for a Social Security number for the first time or requesting a change in the date of birth shown in Social Security's records. You can download the SS-5 form from our web site at www.socialsecurity.gov

Question:

When I start receiving benefits, will my benefit amount be the same for the rest of my life?

Answer:
Your benefit amount will not stay the same--generally, the benefit amount increases each year and protects beneficiaries against inflation. Social Security provides an annual cost-of-living increase that is based on the consumer price index.

The 2007 increase for beneficiaries is 3.3 percent and the 2006 increase was 4.1 percent. There is another way that your benefit might increase. When you work, you pay Social Security taxes. And because you pay these taxes, Social Security refigures your benefits to take into account your extra earnings.

If the worker's earnings for the year are higher than the earnings that were used in the original benefit computation, Social Security substitutes the new year of earnings. The higher your earnings, the more your refigured benefit might be.

We can't tell you here how much your benefit will increase as each case is different and we recompute your benefit using your lifetime earnings. You need not take any special action. A recomputation of your benefits will be done automatically in the year following the close of the year in which you worked. We usually complete all recomputations by September of the following year (remember, employers do not report your income to us until February 28 of the year following the year of earnings). If you are entitled to a higher benefit, it is retroactive to January of the year after the year when you had the additional earnings.

10/25/06

Question:

My wife worked for a number of years but became a full-time homemaker after our children were born. We noticed in her most recent Social Security Statement that she is only three work credits shy of qualifying for Social Security retirement benefits. Can we voluntarily contribute the $970 per quarter in earnings that are required for Social Security so that she will have retirement benefits coverage?

Answer:

Unfortunately, that is not permissible. People cannot get additional Social Security credits by voluntarily contributing money to Social Security. They can earn credits only by working in a job or business covered under Social Security. However, even if your wife does not have her own Social Security coverage she will probably be eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on your work record. For more information, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or call Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Retirement Benefits.” The toll-free number is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. You must call Monday through Friday during those hours to speak to a representative. Otherwise, you will be greeted with an automated system. It is best to call early or late when you need to speak to a representative.

Question:

My neighbor and I have similar work histories. Why does he receive more in retirement benefits than I receive?

Answer:

Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over most of a worker's lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or "indexed" to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received.

We calculate your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. We apply a formula to these earnings and arrive at your basic benefit, or "primary insurance amount" (PIA). However, even if two people have a similar earnings pattern, there are factors that can make one individual's benefit amount differ from some one else's.

Here are some of the factors that can make your neighbor's retirement benefits greater than your benefit. If his lifetime earnings are higher than yours, these higher earnings can result in higher benefits. Your benefit amount is based on how much you earned during your working career. If there were some years when you did not work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily.

If you begin getting benefits at age 62, the earliest possible age for receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your benefit will be permanently reduced. You will not receive as much as you would if you had waited until your full retirement age. If your neighbor worked after he began receiving Social security benefits, his benefits may be higher.

Each additional year you work adds another year of earnings to your Social Security record. If your neighbor did not begin receiving benefits until after his full retirement age, his benefit will increase automatically by a certain percentage from the time he reaches full retirement age until he starts receiving benefits or until he reaches age 70.

10/19/06

Question:

Has Social Security announced the cost of living increase for 2007?

Answer:

That information was just released. Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 53 million Americans will increase 3.3 percent in 2007, the Social Security Administration announced today.

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 3.3 percent. The 3.3 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 49 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2007. Increased payments to more than 7 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will begin on December 29. 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 $97,500 from $94,200. Of the estimated 163 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2007, about 11 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum in 2007. Information about Medicare changes for 2007 can be found at www.cms.hhs.gov.

Question:

Is there a way to figure out an estimate of my Social Security retirement benefit even if I have worked for the school district and not paid into Social Security?

Answer:

There is an Online calculator which allows you to estimate your Social Security benefit if you have a pension from work not covered by Social Security. It is located at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/anyPiaWepjs04.htm.

You need to enter all your past earnings taxed by Social Security, which are shown on your Social Security Statement. We automatically send Social Security Statements to workers or former workers age 25 or older about 3 months before their birthdays. If you have not received one, you can submit a request online and receive your Statement by mail in 2 to 4 weeks.

However, if you request a Statement this year, we will not automatically send you another one until next year. You also need to enter the monthly amount of your pension that was based on work not covered by Social Security. If you do not have a non-covered pension, you do not need to use this calculator.

You should use the basic version of the Online Calculator because a WEP calculation produces lower retirement and disability benefits than a non-WEP calculation. The WEP does not affect benefits for your survivors. You can learn more about non-covered pensions and WEP at our web site at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep/

10/12/06

Question:

I have heard about something called the “Ticket to Work.” I was told it is a program that can help me go back to work if I receive disability benefits. Can you explain how this works?

Answer:

This is a voluntary work-incentive program to help them go back to work. Social Security’s Ticket to Work program is one of the best ways that Americans with disabilities can realize the common ambition of returning to the workplace.

When a beneficiary receives a ticket in the mail, it arrives with instructions on how to redeem the ticket for free vocational rehabilitation services, employment and other support services.

Social Security has teamed with hundreds of groups and organizations that have been set up as Employment Networks. These networks work directly with beneficiaries to help them return to work. While the service is free to the people who receive Social Security and SSI disability benefits, Social Security pays the Employment Networks for their results.

Even after a ticket is redeemed and someone returns to work, the assistance continues. Beneficiaries can continue to receive medical coverage under Medicare for at least eight years and six months after returning to work, eliminating one of the most feared hurdles.

Another feature of the Ticket to Work law helps people restart benefits if they try to work but then have to stop work because of their disability. Their benefits can be started again without filing a new application. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries who receive a ticket are not required to work, but may choose to use their ticket for the needed support to attempt to go to work.

To learn more about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program or other work incentives for people with disabilities who want to work, visit our Work Site online at www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Disability Benefits.”

Question:

What is the "Part B" Medicare monthly premium for 2007?

Answer:

The Medicare Part B premium amounts for 2007 are determined by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The premiums paid by beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B cover physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items.

The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $93.50 in 2007, an increase of $5.00 from the 2006 $88.50 premium. Most beneficiaries will continue to pay the standard premium.

Beginning in 2007, a small number of beneficiaries with higher incomes (individuals with income exceeding $80,000 and married couples with income exceeding $160,000) will pay a higher Part B premium based on their income. It has been estimated that 4% of current Medicare beneficiaries will pay a higher Part B premium. The income-related premiums of $105.80, $124.40, $142.90, or $161.40 will be determined on a person’s or couples’ modified adjusted gross income which includes their adjusted gross income and tax exempt interest.

For more information about the higher Part B premium, please refer to Medicare’s web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1958

October 4, 2006

Question:
How early do I have to apply for my retirement benefit if I want to start them in January?

Answer:
We generally encourage people to notify us about three months before the month in which they plan to retire. If you are planning to retire in 2007 and you want your monthly payments to start in January, you can do it now – in October – and get the process completed before the start of the busy holiday season. Your monthly payments will then begin on time in 2007.

If you are Internet savvy, Social Security makes the process even easier and more convenient through options available at our website — www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire.

Here you are able to apply online for your retirement benefits from the comfort of your own home or office. If you do not have access to the Internet and are ready to apply for retirement benefits, you can visit your local office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

So remember: if you are planning an early 2007 retirement, now is the time to contact Social Security. Don’t let yourself be concerned by the prospects of traffic, poor weather or waiting rooms. Simply apply now through Social Security’s Internet website. Also, if you are not quite ready to retire but are thinking about doing so in the near future, you may want to visit Social Security’s website to use our convenient and informative retirement planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/ .

Here you can find out just how close you are to meeting your financial goals and then “bookmark” the website to actually file for retirement whenever you are ready.

Question:
What day of the month are retirement benefits paid? My birth date is October 16.

Answer:
At one time, it was simple to explain because all Social Security payments went out on the third of each month. Since 1997, new beneficiaries get their payments on different dates. If you are someone who does not get your payment on the third of the month and if you are not familiar with the Social Security “payday” schedule, here’s what I mean.

Generally, the day that you receive your benefit depends on the birth date of the person on whose work record you receive benefits. For example, if you receive benefits as a retired or disabled worker, your benefit will be determined by your birth date.

If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by his or her birth date. If your birth date were from the 1st through the tenth of the month then your benefits would be paid on the second Wednesday of the month. Since your date of birth is October 16, your monthly retirement check will be paid on the third Wednesday of every month.

This would be true for anyone with a birth date between the 11th and the 20th of the month. Lastly, if your birth date were from the 21st though the end of the month, then the benefit would be paid on the fourth Wednesday. You may want to take advantage of a really handy and convenient calendar showing Social Security payment dates at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/2006calendar.htm .

September 25, 2006

Question:
I live here in Texas. I was just approved for SSI disability benefits. I understood from talking to the people at Social Security that I would not have to apply for Medicaid benefits, but would get them automatically. My cousin, who lives in North Dakota and gets SSI, says I need to file a separate application for Medicaid. Is he right?

Answer:
No. Thirty-two states, including Texas, and the District of Columbia automatically provide Medicaid to people who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In these States, the SSI application is also the Medicaid application.

Your Medicaid eligibility usually starts the same month as your SSI eligibility, but in certain circumstances can also be retroactive for up to three months. Seven other states use the same rules to decide eligibility for Medicaid and SSI, but require filing a separate application. Those States are Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon and Utah.

The following states use their own eligibility rules for Medicaid, which are different from Social Security’s SSI rules, and require a separate application -- Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma and Virginia. For more information, visit Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Supplemental Security Income.”

Question:
Do I automatically get Medicare benefits if I'm eligible for disability benefits?

Answer:
We will automatically enroll you in Medicare after you get disability benefits for two years. We start counting the 24 months from the month you were entitled to receive Disability, not the month when you received your first check. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) get Medicare beginning with the month they become entitled to disability benefits.

Medicare has two parts - hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital insurance helps pay hospital bills and some follow-up care. The taxes you paid while you were working financed this coverage, so it's premium free. The other part of Medicare, medical insurance, helps pay doctors' bills and other services. You will pay a monthly premium for this coverage if you want it.

Question:
What is the average monthly Social Security survivors benefit payment for a widow and two children?

Answer:
In 2006, the average monthly Social Security survivors insurance benefit payment for a widowed mother or father and two children is $2,074. For more information about survivor's benefits, visit Social Security’s web site or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A review of a worker’s annual Social Security Statement will provide a monthly retirement, disability, and survivor benefit estimate based on a worker’s reported earnings under Social Security covered employment.

September 18, 2006

Question:
I am an American citizen who is ready to retire and I’d like to return to my native Ireland to live. Can I get my Social Security check abroad?

Answer:
Generally speaking, if you are an American citizen you may receive your Social Security payments in most countries outside the U.S., including Ireland. Because delivery time varies from country to country, and your check may not arrive the same day each month, Social Security strongly encourages everyone to have their Social Security payment deposited directly into a bank account where available.

For more information, as well as to see the limited number of countries where we cannot send benefit payments, visit Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/international or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Your Payments While You are Outside the United States.”

Question:
My wife and I both receive Social Security benefit payments. Can our checks be deposited in different banks?

Answer:
Yes. You may use direct deposit at any federally insured bank, savings and loan institution, or credit union. Even if your wife is getting spouse benefits on your record, the two of you may have your checks deposited into separate accounts at different banks. If you transfer your account to another bank, call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and ask to change your direct deposit information. For a complete online guide to direct deposit of your Social Security benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit.

Question:
I receive Social Security disability benefits because of cancer. However, I am a master electrician and some neighbors would like me to do odd jobs for them whenever I feel good enough. Can I do this without jeopardizing my disability benefits?

Answer:
You should contact Social Security if you are getting disability benefits and decide to try working again. Basically, you can continue to receive disability benefits as long as you are unable to do “substantial” work. In 2006, monthly earnings of $860 or more ($1,450 if you are blind) are considered substantial.

There are other “work incentives” that you can learn more about by reading our publication—“Working While Disabled – How We Can Help”--at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for a copy of the publication.

September 13, 2006

Question:
I plan to start receiving my Social Security retirement benefits in about two years. I have a 13-year-old daughter from a previous marriage who lives with her mother, my ex-wife. Can my daughter get any kind of benefits based on my earnings record? And, if so, would the checks go to her directly, or would I get them on her behalf?

Answer:
Once you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your daughter can get benefits as your dependent until she’s 18, or 19 if still in secondary school. A child’s monthly benefit rate is generally one-half the parent’s benefit amount.

When you file for Social Security, you may file for benefits on your daughter’s behalf and also file to be her representative payee. Generally, we appoint a representative payee for a beneficiary younger than age 18. The Social Security claims representative is required to attempt to contact the custodial parent, who has the option of filing to be payee.

Whoever is named representative payee will be required to do an annual accounting of how your daughter's benefits are spent. For more information about retirement benefits for family members, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Retirement Benefits.”

Question:
How does an employer verify a Social Security number of an employee? What is the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS)?

Answer:
SSNVS allows employers to use the Internet to match their record of employee names and Social Security numbers with Social Security records before preparing and submitting Forms W-2. Making sure names and Social Security numbers on the W-2 match our records is important because unmatched records can result in additional processing costs for you and un-credited earnings for your employees.

You can access SSNVS through Social Security's Business Services Online (BSO). BSO offers Internet services for businesses and employers who exchange information with us including Registration Services, Electronic Wage Reporting Services, and the Social Security Number Verification Service. You must be a registered BSO user. It takes about two weeks from the time you register until you receive your activation code and can begin using SSNVS. Each person who uses SSNVS must register to obtain a personal identification number (PIN) and password.

September 8, 2006

Question:
I work for an agency that assists immigrants in acquiring services that are available in our community. Many of them do not speak, read, or write English. Does Social Security produce their booklets and information in other languages?

Answer:
Yes, we do. Social Security recently announced an expansion of our “Multilanguage Gateway” on the Internet. Visitors to www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage will now find an additional 30 Social Security program publications.

These online publications provide detailed and useful information about Social Security retirement, disability and survivor benefits, the Supplemental Security Income program and the Social Security card and number -- in 15 languages.

The Multilanguage Gateway languages are: Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The Spanish language page, “Seguro Social en Español” at www.segurosocial.gov/espanol, is even more extensive, offering over 65 publications in Spanish, as well as benefit calculators, press releases and frequently asked questions. Social Security understands the ongoing need to provide information and services to the public in languages other than English.

Part of this effort involves providing free interpreter services in more than 100 languages to help conduct Social Security business, whether you talk to us by phone or visit us in the Social Security office. Here’s how the phone service option works. When you call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, press 2 if you speak Spanish. For all other languages, press 1 and stay on the line until a representative answers. An interpreter will be contacted to help with your call.

If your business cannot be completed by phone, we will make an appointment for you at a local Social Security office and arrange for an interpreter to provide assistance at the time of your visit. Whether it is via the Internet, through face-to-face office visits or through our national 800 number, Social Security remains committed to providing quality service to an increasingly more diverse American public.

Question:
I have had several unexpected and severe financial setbacks since I retired two years ago. Is it true that if my income has dropped dramatically I can get help paying for my Medicare premiums?

Answer:
Yes. If your monthly income is limited, the state in which you live may help with your Medicare premiums and may also help pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance amounts. Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services or welfare office, or call the Medicare hotline, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs.

Also, if your income and assets are low enough, you may want to explore the possibility of getting extra help with your Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles and co-payments. You can learn more about the extra help available for Medicare Part D by visiting Social Security’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp, or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

September 5, 2006

Question:
I had such a difficult time trying to get my name changed on my Social Security card. Why is it necessary for me to provide a document with my new name already on it just to get a Social Security card?

Answer:
In a time when identity fraud is a major concern, Social Security is working hard to protect your Social Security number. Our efforts are focused on preventing anyone with criminal intent from using false or stolen birth records to get a Social Security number.

A new law, which went into effect last December, requires specific proofs of the age, identity and citizenship of anyone applying for either a new or replacement Social Security card. Also, all documents used as proofs of age, identity or citizenship must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. This new law is what you encountered in your recent experience with Social Security.

Even before the most recent law, additional steps had been taken to protect Social Security numbers.

For example, Social Security numbers have been removed from all benefit checks, and now only the last digits of Social Security numbers are used on such mailings as the annual Social Security Statement.

This ensures that if someone should steal your mail, he or she would not also be able to steal your number. Protecting your Social Security number is still a joint effort.

Here are just a few things you can do.

> You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers.

> Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

> You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly.

> If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, and how your number will be used.

For more information about protecting your Social Security number, you can visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Or you can call Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication “Your Social Security Number and Card.”

Also, if you would like more information on preventing identity theft, you can visit www.consumer.gov.

Question:
If my disability benefits end because of my work, will I have to file a new application if I can't work anymore?

Answer:
If your benefits have ended because of work, you can request that we start your benefits again without having to file a new application. There are some important conditions that you must satisfy. First of all, you have to be unable to work because of your medical condition. Second, the medical condition must be the same as or related to the condition you had when we first decided that you should receive disability benefits. Lastly, you have to file your request to start your benefits again within 60 months of the date you were last entitled to benefits.

August 28, 2006

Question:
I have had several people tell me that I should apply for Social Security disability. I am very hesitant because I have heard it is very intimidating. Is there some information that I can request to help prepare me for the process?

Answer:
Yes, there is something designed with you in mind. In order to make the application process easier to understand and navigate, Social Security has created a “Disability Starter Kit” that will help people get ready for a disability interview or online application. The starter kit provides information about the specific documents and the information that we will ask for.

The kit also provides general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits. Each Disability Starter Kit contains the following items. There is a fact sheet that answers common questions about applying for disability benefits. There is also a checklist of documents and information we will ask you for, and there is a worksheet to help you gather and organize the information you will need. The fact sheet provides the legal definition of “disability” and explains how Social Security decides if a person’s condition is severe enough to meet the eligibility criteria.

It also gives tips on steps an individual can take to speed up the decision-making process. The checklist provides a list of the information we need for most disability claims.

That includes documents such as a birth certificate, latest W-2 form and military discharge papers, and information such as the names and addresses of all the doctors and other health professionals who have treated the applicant. The worksheet gives examples of important questions we ask during the disability application interview, such as a description of impairment(s) and the date that the individual became disabled.

It also asks for a list of the medications taken and the medical tests conducted, and requests information about jobs the applicant has held. Whenever someone requests an appointment to file for Social Security disability benefits, we will send him or her a copy of the “Disability Starter Kit.”

Or website visitors can find the kit online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/ , or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) and ask that a kit be mailed to them.

Question:
I was married to my ex-husband for 14 years and I have been told that he now has serious health problems from which he is not expected to recover.

What Social Security benefits would our two children, now ages 11 and 8, be eligible for if he dies?

Answer:
Assuming that your ex-husband worked and paid Social Security taxes, survivors benefits would be paid to his unmarried children who are younger than 18 -- or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time.

For more information about survivors benefits, visit Social Security’s web site or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the publication, “Survivors Benefits.” You can call Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.

It is best to do so early or late during the hours that representatives are available.

August 17, 2006

Question:
My daughter has been receiving a monthly benefit from Social Security since my husband’s death. We recently received a letter from Social Security saying that her benefits could stop at age 18. I thought benefits were automatically paid all the way through high school. What do I need to know here?

Answer:
To ensure that Social Security benefits continue beyond age 18, eligible students must submit the necessary form to school officials to certify they are still in school. Otherwise, monthly Social Security checks automatically stop when a student turns 18.

About 200,000 students receive Social Security benefits in the United States. Some students receive Social Security survivors benefits because a parent is deceased. Others may get dependent benefits because their parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

Benefits for minor children generally continue until age 18 or 19 if they are still in high school, unless they are disabled and eligible for childhood disability benefits. In that case, a separate application for benefits is required. For more information about Social Security student benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials/ .

The website outlines how the process works with instructions on what the student and school official must do to ensure benefits continue past the student’s 18th birthday. With the appropriate certification, Social Security generally does not stop benefits until the month before the month the student turns 19, or the first month in which he or she is not a full-time student, whichever is earlier.

The website also includes a downloadable version of the required form. There are also answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” for school officials and students. If you do not have access to the Internet, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Question:
I was born in 1944 and my full retirement age is 66. Do I have to wait until 66 to get Medicare?

Answer:
No. Medicare benefits begin when a person reaches age 65. If you wait to collect your retirement benefits until age 66, you should still contact Social Security about enrolling in Medicare at age 65. If you delay, you may pay a premium penalty later on.

Even if you are still working at age 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits, your employer health plan may require you to file for Medicare at age 65. For more information visit Medicare’s website at www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and ask for the publication, “Enrolling in Medicare.”

Question:
What do the letters after a Social Security Number mean?

Answer:
The codes following a Social Security number indicate the type of benefits you are entitled to. The Social Security number followed by one of these codes is often referred to as a claim number and they are only assigned once you apply for benefits.

For example, if your Social Security number is 123-45-6789, then once you apply for retirement benefits, your claim number is 123-45-6789A. This number will also be used as your Medicare claim number, once you are eligible for Medicare.

August 10, 2006

Answer:
Yes, there is something designed with you in mind. In order to make the application process easier to understand and navigate, Social Security has created a “Disability Starter Kit” that will help people get ready for a disability interview or online application.

The starter kit provides information about the specific documents and the information that we will ask for. The kit also provides general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.

Each Disability Starter Kit contains the following items. There is a fact sheet that answers common questions about applying for disability benefits. There is also a checklist of documents and information we will ask you for, and there is a worksheet to help you gather and organize the information you will need.

The fact sheet provides the legal definition of “disability” and explains how Social Security decides if a person’s condition is severe enough to meet the eligibility criteria. It also gives tips on steps an individual can take to speed up the decision-making process.

The checklist provides a list of the information we need for most disability claims. That includes documents such as a birth certificate, latest W-2 form and military discharge papers, and information such as the names and addresses of all the doctors and other health professionals who have treated the applicant.

The worksheet gives examples of important questions we ask during the disability application interview, such as a description of impairment(s) and the date that the individual became disabled. It also asks for a list of the medications taken and the medical tests conducted, and requests information about jobs the applicant has held. Whenever someone requests an appointment to file for Social Security disability benefits, we will send him or her a copy of the “Disability Starter Kit.”

Our website visitors can find the kit online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/ , or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) and ask that a kit be mailed to them.

Question:
I was married to my ex-husband for 14 years and I have been told that he now has serious health problems from which he is not expected to recover. What Social Security benefits would our two children, now ages 11 and 8, be eligible for if he dies?

Answer:
Assuming that your ex-husband worked and paid Social Security taxes, survivors benefits would be paid to his unmarried children who are younger than 18 -- or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time. For more information about survivors benefits, visit Social Security’s web site or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the publication, “Survivors Benefits.”

You can call Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. It is best to do so early or late during the hours that representatives are available.

August 5, 2006

Question:
I am helping my mother put her finances in order after the recent death of my step-father, who was age 64. My mother is 54 years old and I need to know what Social Security benefits she could expect to receive as a widow?

Answer:
At the present time, your mother may be entitled to a $255 lump-sum death benefit, which is a special one-time death payment paid to the surviving spouse or minor child of a deceased worker insured for benefits.

As early as age 60 (or sooner if should she become disabled) she could file for widow’s benefits.

The amount of the benefit payment would be based on her husband’s earnings, and the amount a survivor receives is a percentage of the deceased person’s full Social Security benefit. A widow(er) at full retirement age or older is entitled to 100 percent.

A widow(er) at age 60-64 receives approximately 71 - 94 percent. A widow(er) at any age who is caring for a child younger than 16 or a disabled child of any age would receive 75 percent.

For more information about survivors benefits, visit Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Survivors Benefits.”

Question:
I was born in 1944 and my full retirement age is 66. Do I have to wait until 66 to get Medicare?

Answer:
No.

Medicare benefits begin when a person reaches age 65.

If you wait to collect your retirement benefits until age 66, you should still contact Social Security about enrolling in Medicare at age 65.

If you delay, you may pay a premium penalty later on.

Even if you are still working at age 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits, your employer health plan may require you to file for Medicare at age 65.

For more information visit Social Security’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov/mediinfo.htm or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Medicare.”

July 28, 2006

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:
Can Social Security give me the address of someone whom I am trying to contact?

Answer:
No. Social Security's records are confidential and the Privacy Act precludes our releasing such information without the written authorization of the individual in question. For your information, we only have current address information on individuals who have applied for or are receiving benefits. We also have address information from employer reports of earnings but that information is protected by the Internal Revenue Code and we cannot disclose it under these circumstances.

Question:
I receive Social Security disability benefits. Will my Social Security benefits change when I turn full retirement age?

Answer:
When you reach full retirement age, nothing will change. The amount will stay the same, except for Social Security purposes, your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you will get your benefits with no limit on your earnings.

July 18, 2006

Question:
What are the requirements for a survivor to receive Social Security benefits?

Answer:
When a worker dies, certain family members may be eligible for survivors benefits based on his/her record if the worker had enough Social Security credits. For many survivor cases, the number of required credits is based on the worker's age at the time of death.

In general, younger workers need fewer credits than older workers. However, no worker needs more than 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for a Social Security benefit. Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to a widow/widower as early as age 60. A disabled widow/widower may receive benefits as early as age 50. They can also be paid to a widow/widower at any age if he or she is caring for any children of the deceased who are under age 16.

Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school (high school) full time also qualify for survivors benefits.

In addition, a child can receive benefits at any age if he or she was disabled before age 22 and remains disabled. The amount of the survivors benefit is based on the earnings of the person who died. The more he or she paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits will be. If a person is receiving widow/widower's benefits, they can switch to their own retirement benefits (assuming they are eligible and their retirement rate is higher than the widow/widower's rate) as early as age 62.

n many cases, a widow/widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate at full retirement age. However, they will not be paid both benefits. They will be paid the higher of the two benefits. For more information, you may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 and ask for our publication "Social Security - Survivors Benefits" Publication No. 05-10084 or you can access it at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html

Question:
I am receiving benefits. Can I change my address online?

Answer:
You can change your address online by answering a series of questions that have to match our records. You can also change your address on the Internet if you have established a permanent password. If you would like to get a password, you can apply online or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213.

If you do not want to answer the questions that are asked online and you do not have a permanent password, you cannot submit a change of address online. Instead, you can either speak to a Social Security representative by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. To speak to a representative, you can call Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. The best times to call are early or late.

July 10, 2006

Question:
I am 58 years old and would like to do some retirement planning by including my Social Security. I would like to avoid going down to the office to get some of the information that I need. What areas on the Social Security web site would be most helpful to me?

Answer:
According to a recent report by the PEW Research Center, only about a third of those people over age 65 use the Internet, compared with more than twice that number of those age 50 to 64.

Baby boomers comprise this latter group, and they will be retiring and planning their retirements in large numbers over the next few years. Since you are one of these Internet savvy baby boomers, Social Security wants you to know that we are open for business at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Whether you are just planning your retirement, or are actually ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, there are a few Social Security online services you should consider. When you decide to retire, you can apply for your retirement (or spouse’s) benefits online.

You can also estimate your future benefits and even use links to outside websites that discuss other sources of retirement income and post-retirement concerns such as housing and medical care.

There is also a section on “Frequently Asked Questions” that can save you a lot of time. If you do not find your specific question, you can always use the link to send your questions directly to us. Even if you are not yet ready to use these Social Security online services, I urge you to visit our website and check them out, so that when you are ready you will know just what help is available to you.

Question:
I retired from city employment where I did not pay into Social Security. I understand there is a Social Security rule that will reduce my Social Security retirement due to my city employment. How can I determine the reduction in my Social Security retirement? I have received a couple of explanations, but they have been in general tems.

Answer:
The Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP, does affect the Social Security benefits of many American workers, and it is one of the least understood aspects of the Social Security program. If you work in a job that is not covered under Social Security (such as some federal, state or local government jobs), any pension you get based on that work may reduce your Social Security benefits. Many people do not know about WEP and could experience the unpleasant surprise of learning that their retirement income will be reduced at a time when it is too late to adjust for it.

In the future that is unlikely to happen because, as of last year, public employers are required to notify each new employee about WEP, and get each new hire's signature on a document attesting to having been notified.

In the meantime, employees can quickly find out if and how their future Social Security benefit could be affected by WEP.

Social Security has an easy-to-use online calculator at www.socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep that allows you to estimate your Social Security benefit if you have a pension from work not covered by Social Security.

You’ll also see an online fact sheet and other information about WEP at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov. Anyone who doesn’t have access to the Internet can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the “Windfall Elimination Provision” fact sheet.

July 5, 2006

Question:
How is Social Security disability different from private disability benefits? I need to know because I may be able to receive a public disability benefit.

Answer:
First, Social Security provides disability insurance to insured workers for total disability -- no benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. To be considered disabled
(1) you must be unable to do any work and
(2) your disability must be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Other private and public disability insurance programs may provide disability benefits for injuries or illnesses that last for only a short time, or for partial disability.

If someone should meet the criteria for both Social Security and other disability benefit programs they should be aware of a few facts. First of all, the law states that disability payments from private insurance plans do not affect your Social Security disability benefits. Also, if you receive Social Security disability benefits and Veterans Administration benefits, your Social Security benefit will not be reduced. However, workers’ compensation and other public disability benefits may reduce your Social Security benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to a worker because of a job-related injury or illness. They may be paid by federal or state workers’ compensation agencies, employers or by insurance companies on behalf of employers. Other public disability payments that may affect your Social Security benefits are those paid by a federal, state or local government and are for disabling medical conditions that are not job-related.

If you receive workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits, generally the total amount of these benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings before you became disabled. You may want to contact your private or state disability insurance program for more information about how Social Security could affect those benefits.

Question:
My niece recently gave birth to a baby born a few months prematurely. Is it true that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can provide financial help in caring for the baby?

Answer:
Social Security provides SSI disability benefits to certain low birth weight infants, whether or not they are premature.

A newborn who weighs less than 1200 grams (about 2 pounds, 10 ounces) can qualify for SSI on the basis of low birth weight, if otherwise eligible. A child who weighs between 1200 and 2000 grams at birth (about 4 pounds 6 ounces) and who is considered small for his or her gestational age may also qualify.

Even if a child who was born prematurely does not fall into one of the "low birth weight" categories, he or she may still qualify for SSI if he or she meets the definition of disability for children for another reason. For more information, you can visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Supplemental Security Income.”

June 28, 2006

Question:
What is the average monthly Social Security disability benefit payment, and does it rise every year with the cost-of-living?

Answer:
The average monthly Social Security disability payment for a worker is now $943. The monthly benefit payment for a disabled worker and a spouse and one or more children is about $1,575.

The payment amounts do increase each year, based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index. All Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries received a 4.1 percent increase in 2006. For more information, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

You can also call Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Social Security fact sheet, Update 2006. Disability benefits are one way that Social Security provides income protection for today’s workers. People normally think of Social Security in terms of retirement benefits. The fact is that nearly 8 million workers and their dependents are receiving a monthly Social Security disability benefit.

Question:
I worked as a teacher for 27 years in a school system that had its own pension plan and that did not require staff to pay Social Security taxes. I also worked during the summer months for all those years at a job covered by Social Security. Can the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) eliminate all of the monthly Social Security retirement benefit I should be entitled to?

Answer:
No. While Social Security retirement benefits are usually lowered because of the WEP, they are never totally eliminated.

For example, this year the maximum reduction under the WEP is $328 per month, and the reduction is often less (the average reduction is $198). You can estimate the WEP reduction by visiting the Social Security website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep/.

There is another reduction called the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which applies to spousal benefits. It is possible for the GPO to eliminate any spousal benefits that you can receive when you also receive a pension from an employer that did not pay into Social Security.

In cases where the GPO reduction is applied, the spousal benefit must be reduced by an amount that is equal to 2/3 of the gross monthly annuity. Therefore, if 2/3 of the annuity is greater than the spousal benefit amount, then the spousal benefit is not payable. You can visit Social Security’s web site at the link provided above and learn more about the WEP and GPO. Keep in mind that if your pension is based on work where you have always paid into Social Security, then the WEP and GPO do not apply.

June 22, 2006

Question:
I am 50 years old and have always planned on retiring at age 65. My brother-in-law says that retiring at age 65 is no longer possible, and that I will have to work another year or more in order to get Social Security benefits. Is this true?

Answer:
No. You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you retire before your “full retirement age,” your benefits will be permanently reduced, based on your age.

The full retirement age for people born in 1956, for example, is 66 years and 4 months. You can find out how retirement between age 62 and your full retirement age would affect your monthly benefit payments by visiting the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. Or you can call Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Retirement Benefits.”

Question:
I have heard that in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits I must be unable to work and have a disability that will last at least one year. Does this mean that I have to be disabled for the whole year before I can apply for benefits?

Answer:
No. You should apply as soon as you are unable to work due to your disability. In addition to determining whether you have a disabling condition, Social Security will consider whether your disability is expected to last a full year, but the year does not need to have already passed.

There are two main factors that go into determining whether or not a person can receive disability benefits. First of all, you have to have enough recent work under Social Security covered employment. Secondly, you have to meet the medical requirements. Our web site, www.socialsecurity.gov, is an excellent placed to get more information. There are links on our home page to help you determine if you qualify and it also explains how to go about applying for disability benefits.

Question:
I plan to take early retirement at age 62. Can I also have my Medicare coverage begin then?

Answer:
Medicare benefits based on retirement do not begin until you are 65. If you retire at an earlier age, you might be able to continue to have medical insurance coverage through your employer. You may also decide to purchase it from a private insurance company until you reach age 65. If you need more information about Medicare, you should visit www.medicare.gov. The booklet “Medicare and You 2006” is an excellent resource to have.

June 12, 2006

Question:
Can my spouse collect benefits at age 62 from her work and earnings and then receive a combined total up to 50 per cent from my account when I start receiving benefits?

Answer:
Your wife can begin receiving reduced retirement benefits at age 62 on her own earnings record. If she is entitled to a spouse's benefit higher than her retirement benefits, she would normally get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. This is usually 50 per cent of the amount that you would receive at age 65. However, if she chooses to receive a reduced benefit before full retirement age, she is not entitled to the full 50 per cent spouse's benefit rate when you begin receiving retirement benefits. A reduced benefit rate is payable for as long as she remains entitled to spouse's benefits.

Question:
My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits for himself, his wife, and daughter. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter by a woman to whom he has never been married. Is the second child entitled to some benefits as well?

Answer:
Even though your brother was not married to the second child's mother, the child may qualify for Social Security benefits. An application should be filed on her behalf and if eligible, both children would receive equal benefits.

June 5, 2006

Question:
I'm receiving Social Security benefits. Do I still have to pay Social Security and Medicare tax on my earnings if I continue to work?

Answer:
Yes, you do. Whenever you work in a job that is covered by Social Security, your employer must deduct your Social Security and Medicare taxes from your salary and must pay the equal employer's share of the taxes. This is true, regardless of your age. Your earnings will be reported to SSA every year just like any other worker's earnings. If you are self-employed while getting be