12/26/06

Question:
Can you tell me more about disability benefits for children?

Answer:

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

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.” 

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 benefits and your net profit from your business is more than $400, that, too, is covered by Social Security and Medicare. You must report those earnings and pay the Social Security and Medicare taxes when you file your personal income tax return for the year. These extra earnings may help increase the amount of your benefits. We check these additional earnings each year and if they raise your benefits, we will notify you of the new amount.

Question:
I am a Texas Teacher and work for a school district that is not covered by Social Security.  I have heard in the press about Texas teachers being affected by the Government Pension Offset (GPO), but I have also heard there are certain exceptions.  Can you clarify this for me?

Answer:
Generally, if you receive a government pension for work not covered by Social Security, your spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefits will be reduced by the GPO.  If you receive such a pension, you would be exempt from the offset only in the following situations. One, your last 60 months of employment were in a position covered under both Social Security and the government pension system. Under certain conditions, fewer than 60 months may be required for people whose last day of employment falls between June 30, 2004, and March 2, 2009. Two, your last day of employment was before July 1, 2004, and on the last day of employment you worked in a job covered under both Social Security and the government pension system. Three, you were entitled to and applied for the spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefit before April 1, 2004, even if you did not retire until later. Please refer to the following link for more information about the GPO exceptions: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/gpo-wep/ .

May 29, 2006

Question:
My mother has lost her Medicare card. I work so it would be difficult for me to take her to the office. Is there another way to get a new Medicare card?

Answer:

You can help her request a Medicare card online. Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- has a variety of online services that allow people to access information and conduct business with Social Security from the convenience of their computers at any time. Plus, the online services are available seven days a week at expanded hours to fit your busy schedule.

Here are some of the online services that are available.  Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and limited resources who need assistance paying for their Medicare prescription drug costs can apply online for extra help.  

Those who qualify after the May 15th enrollment deadline can continue to enroll in a plan for the remainder of 2006 without being penalized. People also can 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.  Individuals who are receiving benefits may use the website to change their. 

As more and more people conduct business via the Internet, these online services save significant time and effort. In addition, Social Security offers online benefits planner.  Each planner--retirement, disability and survivors--contains valuable information about the benefits available and factors that can affect people.  The planner’s three online calculators also allow individuals to compute estimates of their future retirement benefits and current disability and survivors benefits.

The website also offers a wealth of information about all Social Security programs through online publications and a “Frequently Asked Questions” section.

Question:
I received Social Security disability benefits for several years, until my condition improved enough to let me try to go back to work last summer.  Unfortunately, I have had a relapse and, once again, I’m unable to work.  After I was initially approved for Social Security disability benefits, there was a waiting period before benefit payments began.  Will I have to wait again?

Answer:
No.  Once you are determined to be eligible for benefits, there is no waiting period for benefits to resume if your previous disability benefit payments stopped fewer than five years ago.  For more information about the Social Security disability program, visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.  Or you can call for more information at 1-800-772-1213. (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication “Disability Benefits.”

May 24, 2006

Question:
I received a telephone call from someone who said they were with Medicare. They were asking me questions about the prescription drug program. Should I have answered their questions?

Answer:
This is part of a telephone and mail campaign in which the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a grant to the National Council on Aging. The purpose of the grant is to identify and enroll qualified Medicare beneficiaries in the Prescription Drug Program.

A representative may call you to ask if you are interested in learning more about applying for extra help with your Medicare drug costs.  The person who calls you will say that they are calling from the Center For Extra Help With Medicare Drug Costs.  They will encourage you to apply for the extra help if you have not done so already and offer to help you fill out the application. 

The Center For Extra Help With Medicare Drug Costs is making these calls to provide help and support to people with Medicare.  Medicare is working with them and other trusted sources on this program and we encourage you to take advantage of this free, confidential service.

The Center For Extra Help With Medicare Drug Costs will ask you to provide the information needed to fill out the application for extra help and will submit it electronically on your behalf.  The Center will then send you a letter to confirm that the application has been submitted.  Their number is 1-800-528-9594. If you feel uncomfortable answering their questions over the phone, you may request them to send you a call-back card. Once you complete the card and mail it, you will receive a follow-up telephone call. This will be your way of being certain that you are talking to an authorized CMS caller.

Question:
Why doesn’t my Social Security Statement show any earnings from my job as an elementary school teacher for the past five years?   

Answer:
If you work for a state or local agency -- including a school system, college or university -- your earnings may not be covered by Social Security.  If you are covered only by your state or local pension plan and you don't pay Social Security taxes, your earnings won't be on your Social Security record.   Your record will show your Medicare wages if you pay into that program. If your school system is covered by both your state/local pension plan and Social Security, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes just as you would for any other Social Security- covered job.  In this instance, you should see your earnings on your Social Security Statement.  If you believe that your Social Security-covered earnings are not reflected correctly on your Statement, you should contact your local Social Security office.  It is important that your earnings record be accurate because your future Social Security benefits are based on those earnings. For information on how your pension from non-covered state or local employment may affect the amount of your Social Security benefit, you can visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov and click on the link for “Federal, State & Local Government Employees.” 

May 17, 2006

Question:
I am a 45 year old, middle income wage earner. I have decided to get more proactive in planning for my retirement. I received my annual Social Security Statement and was wondering how my benefit compares to other workers. What is the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit?

Answer:
The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit payment is just over $1,000 today. Clearly there is a need for other retirement income if a retiree is to enjoy financial independence and have choices about his or her lifestyle. 

Today more than nine of 10 retirees receive a dependable monthly payment from Social Security. 

The importance of planning and saving for retirement cannot be overemphasized.  Just last month the 2006 Employee Benefit Research Institute’s conducted a “Retirement Confidence Survey.”  It found that “more than half of workers saving for retirement report total savings and investments (not including the value of their primary residence or any defined benefit plans) of less than $50,000.” 

The survey also indicated that “… the large majority of workers who have not put money aside for retirement have little in savings at all:  three-quarters of these workers say their assets total less than $10,000.”   While these numbers are not encouraging, they are a sure sign that more of us need to begin working harder at giving ourselves “choices for independence” in retirement. 

A great place to start is with a visit to Social Security’s retirement planners at www.socialsecurity.gov.  The planners provide detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law and point out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. 

Question:
I visited the Social Security web site to find out how to get a Social Security card for my baby. In doing so I learned that I could have saved myself a lot of time if I had just asked the hospital to do this for me at the time my baby was born. I also learned that my daughter has one of the top ten girl’s names—Abigail. Please let your readers know about applying for their baby’s Social Security card right after they are born.

Answer:
That is an excellent suggestion. When you have a baby, one of the things that should be on your “to do” list is getting a Social Security number for your baby. The easiest time to do this is when you give information for your child’s birth certificate.

If you wait to apply for a number at a Social Security office, there may be delays while we verify your child’s birth certificate. If you or someone you know needs help in selecting a name for their baby, Social Security can help, too.

Based on all Social Security card applications for children born last year, Emily and Jacob are the most popular baby names for the seventh year in a row. The top ten girls names for 2005 are Emily, Emma, Madison, Abigail, Olivia, Isabella, Hannah, Samantha, Ava, and Ashley.

The top ten boys names are Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Matthew, Ethan, Andrew, Daniel, Anthony, Christopher, and Joseph. Emily has been the most popular female name each year since 1996.  Jacob has been the top male name since 1999. 

New to the top ten this year are Ava and Anthony. In addition to a list of the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2005, there is a list of the most popular baby names for each state.  Also, there is a list of the top 100 names for twins born in 2005.  Jacob and Joshua are the most popular twin’s names. It is now easier to find information for babies, children and parents on the Social Security website. 

There are links to other government websites that offer valuable information about pregnancy, caring for newborns and programs and services for families. Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997. Social Security’s website-- www.socialsecurity.gov --has a variety of online services that allow people to access information and conduct business with Social Security from the convenience of their computers at any time. 

May 10, 2006

Question:
Why is May 15 such an important deadline for people who have Medicare?

Answer:
Medicare beneficiaries who have not yet enrolled in the new Medicare Prescription Drug program only have until May 15, 2006 to do so. The deadline for initial enrollment in the Medicare Prescription Drug program ends at that time and the next opportunity to enroll won’t roll around again until November 15 - December 31, 2006, and your premium cost will go up at least one percent for each month that you wait to join.

Those Medicare beneficiaries who have limited income and resources can maximize their cost-savings by applying for the extra help that is available to pay for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. 

That extra help could be worth an average of $3,700 per year for those who qualify.  You may qualify for the extra help if your annual income is below $14,700 for an individual or $19,800 for a married couple living together. Your resources cannot be greater than $10,000 for an individual or $20,000 for a married couple living together. 

It is important that everyone who may be eligible acts now and does not later regret an opportunity missed, or ends up paying a penalty for delaying a decision.  If you think that you might qualify for the extra help, you can complete an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). 

Beneficiaries who newly qualify for extra help have a one-time opportunity to enroll in a prescription drug plan at that time.  For more information about the prescription drug program itself, you can go to www.medicare.gov or call them at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), they are maximizing their telephone customer service capacity through midnight on May 15.

The Medicare web site has also been enhanced to facilitate a smoother enrollment. For example, new features have been added to help users select a plan. Plus, server capacity for the web site has been significantly increased to better accommodate the anticipated increase in users. 

Question:
Recently I have been getting some of my neighbors’ mail, and vice versa.  I worry that if my Social Security check accidentally goes to a neighbor it might be thrown away.  How would I go about getting a replacement Social Security check?

Answer:
First and most importantly, you should know that you can ease any worries about lost or stolen checks by arranging for direct deposit of your monthly Social Security benefit payments.  Direct deposit is the safest, quickest and most convenient way to receive your benefits.  To find out how to sign up for direct deposit, visit Social Security’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, “Social Security—Receive Your Benefits By Direct Deposit.” If the check you receive each month in the mail does not arrive as scheduled, you should wait three days after the date you normally receive your check.  At that time, if you have still not received your check in the mail, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.

May 8, 2006

Question:
I am going to be moving in a few weeks. Do I need to notify Social Security of my new address? I receive my benefits through direct deposit.

Answer:
For anyone who is moving and is also receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it is important to let Social Security know about your new address and phone number as soon as possible. Even if you receive your benefits by direct deposit, Social Security needs to have your correct address so we can send letters and other important information to you. 

Your benefits could be stopped if we are unable to contact you.

If you are getting Social Security benefits you can probably change your address at our website, www.socialsecurity.gov/changeaddress.html, by answering a series of questions that match our records.

To protect everyone's privacy, each person who wants to change his or her address must request it.  For example, your spouse and other members of your household will each need to log on to do this. 

Each person decides when the change of address will take effect. You will receive a confirmation screen at the end of your report notifying you of the effective date of the change. 

In addition, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. You cannot change your address online if you are getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.  You also cannot change your address online if you are a representative payee (someone who handles Social Security money for another person). 

To change your address in these cases, you can call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.  Our representatives will be glad to take the information and make any necessary changes in our records. So remember, if you are getting Social Security or SSI benefits and are planning a move, be sure to let Social Security know so that your benefits are not stopped because we are unable to contact you.

Question:
I have just taken over the financial responsibilities for my disabled father, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  I have never had to deal with government benefit programs before, and one of the questions I have not been able to answer is whether Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments are taxable?

Answer:
No, SSI benefit payments are not taxable.  You can learn more about the SSI program and an individual’s rights and responsibilities under the program by visiting Social Security’s website at www.socialsecuirty.gov.  Just click on the link “Already receiving benefits” under Disability and SSI. 

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 “Supplemental Security Income.”

May 1, 2006

Question:
The other day one of my neighbors stopped said that she had lost her Social Security card.  What does she need to do to replace it?

Answer:
Replacing a lost or misplaced Social Security card is a free service. We try to make the process as simple as possible.  The law requires anyone applying for a replacement card must offer specific proofs of identity and citizenship. Here is important information to keep in mind.  It can make the process go more quickly and efficiently.

First of all, you will have to fill out an “Application For A Social Security Card”  (Form SS-5) and show us certain documents. To prove identity, an acceptable document must be current and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. 

For example, we would accept a U.S. driver’s license or passport, or a state-issued nondriver identification card.  If you do not have one of these documents or cannot get one within 10 days, we will ask to see other personal identity documents, such as an employee ID card, a school ID card, a health insurance card, a U.S. military ID card or an adoption decree. 

To prove citizenship, acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.  Non-citizens must provide documentation to prove legal immigration status and work authorization. 

We will mail your replacement Social Security card and number to you as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents. It is also important to keep in mind that you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.  Legal name changes and other exceptions, such as changes in non-citizen status that require card updates, do not count toward these limits.

Finally, there have also been changes involving anyone who is changing their name on their Social Security card so be sure to check into these changes. If you would like more information about how to get a Social Security replacement card or how to change your name on your card, just visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.  If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213.

Question:
How much can a divorced spouse receive in Social Security retirement benefits?

Answer:
A man or woman who is divorced after at least 10 years of marriage keeps certain benefit rights on their former spouse's Social Security record.  In order for him or her to get benefits, a divorced husband or wife must be at least age 62 and the former spouse must be eligible for benefits, but not necessarily receiving them. 

The maximum benefit is 50 percent of the benefit the worker would receive at full retirement age.  However, benefits paid prior to full retirement age of the spouse are reduced based upon the age of the spouse at the time benefits are received.  For more information, visit Social Security’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication “Retirement Benefits.”

4/22/06

Question:
Why doesn’t my Social Security Statement show any earnings from my job as an elementary school teacher for the past five years? 

Answer:
If you work for a state or local agency -- including a school system, college or university -- your earnings may not be covered by Social Security.  If you are covered only by your state or local pension plan and you do not pay Social Security taxes, your earnings would not be on your Social Security record.   

Your record would show your Medicare wages if you pay into that program. If your school system is covered by both your state/local pension plan and Social Security, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes just as you would for any other Social Security covered job. 

In this instance, you should see your earnings on your Social Security Statement.  If you believe that your Social Security covered earnings are not reflected correctly on your Statement, you should contact your local Social Security office. 

It is important that your earnings record be accurate because your future Social Security benefits are based on those earnings. For information on how your pension from noncovered state or local employment may affect the amount of your Social Security benefit, you can visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov and click on the link for “Federal, State & Local Government Employees.”

Question:
With the deadline for the Medicare Prescription Drug program coming up soon, I need to know where I can go to quickly find information about the program and sign up for it?

Answer:
For more information or to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, you can visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov, or call them at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). 

You may also want to find out if you might be eligible for extra help in paying monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments that is available to some beneficiaries with limited income and resources.

To learn more or to apply now, visit Social Security online at  www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

You could qualify for the extra help if you have limited income (below $14,700 for an individual or $19,800 for a married couple) and resources (below $11,500 for an individual or $23,000 for a married couple). After you apply, Social Security will review your application and let you know if you qualify for the extra help.  If you qualify, you will need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to get help with your prescription costs. 

If you have been putting off making a decision about applying for the prescription drug program, I would encourage you to act as soon as possible because the deadline for initial enrollment in the Medicare Prescription Drug program ends on May 15, 2006. To take advantage of these opportunities to enroll in the Medicare Prescription Drug program and, if you qualify, the extra help that may save you additional money, you should act now. 

4/17/06

Question:
I am interested in using some of Social Security’s online services to do some retirement planning. However, I am concerned about the security measures that are in place to protect my information. How secure is the Social Security web site?

Answer:
If you do business with Social Security online you can rest assured that the privacy of your information is one of our greatest concerns.. 

In a recent report on government computer security, The U. S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee ranked Social Security at the top of the list among federal government agencies, with a grade of A+. The committee’s scores were based on many criteria, among them how well an agency limited access to private information. 

The letter grades depended on how well agencies met the requirements set out in the Federal Information Security Management Act. Social Security’s high marks reflect the fact that our Agency uses a variety of proactive security measures to protect the information that the American public entrusts to us. 

Social Security has always recognized the importance of protecting the privacy of the information we maintain about the people we serve, and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the records we keep and the payments we make. 

In fact, the Social Security Board’s first regulation, published in 1937, dealt with the confidentiality of SSA records. For more than 70 years, Social Security has honored its commitment to the American people to maintain the confidentiality of our records. Anyone who would like to see for themselves the wide variety of safe and secure Social Security services that are available online can visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. 

Popular services include applying for benefits, estimating future benefits, changing your address or phone number and requesting a proof of income letter.  To find out more, just click on the headline in the upper left hand corner of the webpage entitled “What you can do Online.”

Question:
My sister has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and her prognosis is not good.  She will need to quit work immediately and begin treatment.  Does Social Security have any special procedures to process disability claims for a person with a terminal illness?

Answer:
Yes.  While the requirements for receiving disability benefits are the same for everyone, Social Security makes every effort to identify a case involving a person with a potentially terminal illness as early in the claims process as possible. 

The agency then follows special procedures to process the claim as quickly as possible.  If your sister has not already done so, she should contact her local Social Security office as soon as possible to apply for benefits.  Or she can begin the disability application process by going online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

4/10/06

Question:
I found several mistakes on my earnings record. Why can't SSA keep my record straight?

Answer:
Making sure that your record is complete and accurate is really a three-way responsibility shared by you, your employer and Social Security. You are responsible for getting a Social Security number card from us and making sure your employer copies your name and number down just as they are shown on your card.

If you change your name as you use it for work, you need to update your Social Security record with us and get a corrected card. Make sure your employer corrects your record at work as well.

Your employer is responsible for keeping a record of the wages paid to you throughout the year, withholding your share of the Social Security taxes, and submitting those taxes, plus a matching share, to the Internal Revenue Service. After the end of the year, your employer sends Social Security a copy of your form W-2, showing your name, Social Security number, and earnings. We at Social Security receive the report of your earnings every year from your employer.

It is our job to identify your record from the information given on the W-2 and record your earnings correctly. Despite the best efforts of all of us, it is always possible for errors to be made.

A name change that is not updated with both Social Security and your employer, an error by your employer in copying down your name or number, a typing error we make in transcribing your information--any of these can keep us from identifying your record and posting your earnings.

Your help in keeping your record correct is essential. That is why we ask that you take the time to check your Statement carefully and report any errors you find. The sooner errors are identified, the quicker and easier they can be corrected. Your future entitlement to Social Security benefits and the amount of those payments depend on the accuracy of your record.

Question:
If my disability benefits end because of my work, will I have to file a new application if I cannot 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.

First of all, the reason you are no longer able to work must be due to your medical condition.

Secondly, 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. Thirdly, you have to file your request to start your benefits again within 60 months of the date you were last entitled to benefits.

4/03/06

Question:
My employer received a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating that my name and/or Social Security number (SSN) do not match SSA’s records. What should I do?

Answer:
Each year your employer(s) sends Copy A of Form W-2 to SSA.   SSA matches your name and SSN against its database of all SSNs issued.   When a match is found, the earnings information from the W-2 is recorded in your lifelong earnings history.  

Your lifelong earnings history is the basis for determining future eligibility and benefit amount to SSA’s retirement disability, and survivors programs. 

It is critical that your name and SSN, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and year-end Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement).   If you find out that these items do not match, this is what you need to do.

First, if your Social Security card does not show your correct name or SSN, or if you have lost your Social Security card, contact your local Social Security Office.

Second, provide your employer with the correct information as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card. However, if your name and SSN, as shown on your Social Security card does match the information shown on your Form W-2, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to find out why our records do not match what was reported for you by your employer.

Question:
How can I claim my child as a dependent on my federal income tax return without a Social Security number for the child?

Answer:
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a Social Security number for your child. But depending on the timing, you may not get a number for your child by April 15. That’s because we verify a birth record for all U.S.-born applicants who apply for an original Social Security number card before we can assign a number. 

For more information about applying for a number, see http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc/ 

If you are worried about getting the number before the April 15 tax filing deadline, you have two options. You can file your income tax return without claiming the child and then file an amended income tax return when the child has a Social Security number. You can also file to extend the deadline for filing the tax return. For more information and forms, please visit www.irs.gov .

3/26/06

Question:
I am doing some “number crunching” for retirement purposes. I received my estimate from Social Security late last year, but it did not include my earnings for 2004 or 2005. Can I request a new estimate by using my reported earnings for those two years?

Answer:
Yes, you can get request a statement using updated earnings or your own projected earnings. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement/. The best place to begin any retirement calculation is by knowing what you may expect to receive from Social Security and how much more you will need in order to enjoy a long and comfortable retirement. Each year, every worker age 25 and older is mailed a Social Security Statement.

Read it carefully because it is a roadmap to your personal financial future.

It shows how much you and your family can expect to receive from Social Security when you retire, or if you become disabled or die. In addition, you should also visit Social Security’s financial planning website at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners.

You can use the calculators there to test different retirement ages or different scenarios for future earnings amounts.

You can also link to a non-Social Security worksheet that will help you decide how much you need to save and invest for a comfortable retirement. Most financial advisors say you will need about 70 percent of your pre-retirement earnings to maintain your pre-retirement standard of living comfortably.

Under current law, if you have average earnings, your Social Security retirement benefits will replace only about 40 percent, so you will need to supplement your benefits with a pension, savings or investments. So remember: when planning for your financial future, make use of the financial planning tools that are now available at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question:
How do I get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?

Answer:
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) are assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), not the Social Security Administration. They are assigned to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents. The ITIN is only available to individuals who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN).

It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN. It may be used for Federal tax purposes only. It cannot be used to work. If you are a non-citizen and have applied for a SSN, but are not eligible, you will receive a letter from SSA that explains why you are not eligible for a number. If you have a need for a Tax Identification Number, you will need to file form W-7 with the IRS to obtain an ITIN.

3/19/06

Question:
I did not apply for Medicare when I turned 65. Can I apply now?

Answer:
Yes. An open enrollment period from January 1 through March 31 of each year permits people age 65 or over who did not enroll or dropped their Part B Medicare coverage to sign up.

Your coverage would begin July 1. Generally, a 10 percent premium penalty will be added to the monthly premium for each year you could have enrolled but did not.

However, 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. The special enrollment period allows you to delay enrollment in Part B without paying a premium penalty or waiting for a general enrollment period.

You have an eight-month special enrollment period if you have group health plan coverage from current employment at the time you first became eligible for Medicare.

This special enrollment period begins with the month employment ends or the month your group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first. For more information, 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 “Medicare.”

Comment:
I visited the Social Security web site recently to request a current Social Security Statement. I came across your “Frequently Asked Questions” section and thought it was a great resource. You should let the readers know about it. It could save them an unnecessary trip or phone call to Social Security.

Reply:
Thank you for the compliment, and here is more on that valuable feature of our web site. Many Americans have questions about the Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, such as how to apply for benefits or what are their rights and responsibilities under these programs.

That is why one of the most popular services on our website is the Social Security directory of frequently asked questions and answers.

Need to know how to replace a lost Social Security card?

Should you be paying taxes on your Social Security benefits?

What about hiring a household worker, such as a housekeeper?

Do you need to pay taxes on their wages?

Whatever your Social Security question, you can find clear, easy-to-understand answers on Social Security’s website.

In fact, 630 questions and answers are listed in the directory – all categorized and easy to find. Of course, you could have a question that has not been asked before.

That, too, is no problem.

If you cannot find your question, go to the “Ask a Question” option at the top of the page and tell us what you want to know.

You will receive an electronic response from Social Security. You can check out Social Security’s online questions and answers, and see other online services that are available to you just by visiting us online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

3/12/06

Question:
What is the best way to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft?

Answer:
Protecting your Social Security number is the first step in preventing identity theft. You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important personal papers.

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

The fewer people with access to your number, the safer you are. Do not just throw away paperwork that includes your name, Social Security number or other personal information on it – shred it.

When you get junk mail, shred it before you toss it.

If you don’t have a shredder, try ripping your paperwork several times and placing half of each document in different trash bags.

If you fail to shred it, it could become free credit for someone else. Each of the major credit reporting services are now required by law to provide you with a free credit report each year upon request.

This is a convenient way to see if anyone other than yourself or other authorized persons are using your credit.

You can contact Equifax, Experian, and Transunion to ask for your free reports.

Just go to the website set up by the three credit agencies--www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp-- to request a free credit report. Social Security also wants you to know that we work hard to protect your number from misuse.

For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or who request corrected cards.

One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities.

We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless a law requires us to disclose information to another government agency or if your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business. If you think that you have been a victim of identity theft, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at: www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT. The Federal Trade Commission is the federal clearinghouse for identity theft complaints.

Question:
My Social Security check was delivered in a brown envelope, but in February, it was in a white envelope. Why was the color of the envelope changed?

Answer:
Effective with the payments scheduled for delivery in February 2006, the U.S. Treasury changed from the traditional brown/tan-colored envelopes that they have been using for many years for Social Security checks, to white-colored envelopes. The reason for the change is that the USPS (United States Postal Service) was having difficulties with scanning equipment reading the bar codes printed on kraft-colored envelopes.

The change will not have any effect on the amount or delivery date of your monthly payment.

3/05/06

Question:
I have a sister who lives in Michigan. She is on Medicare, and she was telling me about a Medicare scam in her area involving the new prescription drug plans. They are trying to get people to pay for a drug plan over the phone. Is this true?

Answer:
Unfortunately, this is true. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning seniors and people with disabilities to be aware of a scheme that asks Medicare beneficiaries for money and checking account information to help them enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

This scheme is called the “$299 Ring” for the amount of money Medicare beneficiaries are talked into withdrawing from their checking accounts to pay for a non-existent prescription drug plan. Consumers can report these cases to their local law enforcement agencies or 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379). As soon as CMS receives these complaints, they are investigated and referred to federal law enforcement authorities.

No Medicare drug plan can ask a person with Medicare for bank account or other personal information over the telephone. No beneficiary should ever provide that kind of information to a caller. They should contact their local police department if they believe someone is trying to take money or information from them illegally. People with Medicare should also remember that they should be on the lookout for anyone trying to take advantage of them and take steps to protect themselves by remembering a few facts.

No one can come into your home uninvited. No one can ask you for personal information during their marketing activities. Always keep all personal information, such as your Medicare number, safe, just as you would a credit card or a bank account number. If you have a question or concern about activity regarding Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE. In addition, legitimate Medicare drug plans will not ask for payment over the telephone or the Internet. They must bill the beneficiary for the monthly premium.

Question:
I will be eligible for full retirement next year, but will probably hold off retiring for at least another year or two. Will my benefits increase if I wait and apply for retirement benefits later on?

Answer:
Yes. If you continue to work, each additional year you work adds another year of earnings to your Social Security record.

If you earn more now than you did in the past, there is a possibility that these additional earnings could increase the amount of your monthly Social Security payments.

Also, from the time you reach your full retirement age to age 70 you will earn delayed retirement credits.

These credits can increase your benefit by a certain percentage (depending on date of birth) if you delay your retirement beyond full retirement age.

For example, if you were born in 1943 or later, we will add 8 percent per year to your benefit for each year that you delay signing up for Social Security beyond your full retirement age.

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

2/22/06

Question:
When is the deadline for signing up in one of the Medicare Prescription Drug plans?

Answer:
The deadline is May 15, 2006.

There will be an open enrollment period every year from November 15 through December 31.  So there is still time to apply for extra financial help through the new Medicare prescription drug program that went into effect on January 1, 2006.

These days, many Medicare beneficiaries have already decided which of the Medicare plans to sign up for while others may still be making a decision.  Remember, if you have limited income and resources, you can qualify for extra help to pay for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. 

You can apply even if you have already decided upon a prescription drug plan. That extra help could be worth an average of $2,100 per year for those who qualify. Social Security continues to take applications from Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for the extra help. 

To qualify, an individual must have total annual income below $14,700 and resources limited to $10,000.  The limits for a married couple living together are higher:  $19,800 in combined annual income and $20,000 in resources.  These resources can be slightly higher – an additional $1,500 per person – if some of the money will be used for burial expenses. 

Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help if you support other family members who live with you or if you have earnings from work Also, it is important that all beneficiaries understand that even if they qualify for the extra help, they still need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to obtain both coverage and the extra help. 

More than four million people have already applied, if you are not one of them and you think that you might qualify for the extra help, you can complete an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov.  You can also contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for an application.

Question:
How can I request a Form SSA-1099 to complete my federal income tax return?

Answer:
The tax season is at hand, and millions of taxpayers are busy gathering together all of the forms and documents needed to file federal, state and local tax returns. 

Since some Social Security beneficiaries have to pay taxes on their benefits, a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099) is one of those important tax documents.  The SSA-1099s for tax year 2005 were all automatically mailed to beneficiaries by January 31, 2006.  

If you or a Social Security beneficiary whom you know has not yet received your Form SSA-1099, you can request a replacement on the Social Security web site at www.socialsecurity.gov .

The Form SSA-1099 shows the total amount of benefits received in the previous year and is used to complete a federal income tax return and to find out if any benefits are subject to tax.  Only about 28 percent of current Social Security beneficiaries have incomes that exceed the thresholds, requiring them to pay taxes on a portion of their Social Security benefits. 

For more information on taxation of Social Security benefits, call the IRS' toll-free telephone number, 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Publication 554, Older Americans’ Tax Guide.  The publication is also available from the IRS website at www.irs.ustreas.gov.

2/11/06

Question:
I tried to file my tax return with an income tax preparer, and they told me that I had to get my name updated on my Social Security record. Apparently I have to have my name on my tax return match the name on my Social Security record. Is this right?

Answer:
Yes, that is correct. Once you update your name on your Social Security record you still need to give it a couple of weeks before the name actually registers and shows up on our record.

In other words, once you furnish the necessary information to Social Security, you should not expect to be able to process your income tax return immediately. The key is to be prepared when you visit Social Security.

There are strict requirements on what documents Social Security can accept to prove your citizenship and identity when you apply for a Social Security number (SSN).  For example, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship.  These include your U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship. 

In addition, if you were born in the United States and have never had an SSN, Social Security will need to verify your birth record before you can be issued a card. If you are a U.S. citizen who is applying for a replacement Social Security card, Social Security will ask you to prove your identity by providing an acceptable document that shows your name, identifying information about you and preferably a recent photograph. 

Examples of acceptable identity documents include your U.S. driver’s license, State-issued non-driver identification card or U.S. passport. The rules for issuing SSNs and cards to non-citizens are also strict.  Acceptable documents for proof of identity for non-citizens include current U.S. immigration documents such as Form I-551, I-94 with an unexpired foreign passport or a work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).

If you do not have the necessary documents when you visit the Social Security office, you will need to get them, and that could further delay your tax return. The best advice is to be prepared and know the requirements.

Question:
I have always been told I will get half of my husband’s Social Security.  He gets about $1,000 per month, and I’m only getting about $375 per month.  According to my calculator, that is not half.  How can that be?

Answer:
You did not say how old you were when you started getting your spousal benefits.  A wife gets up to one-half of her husband’s Social Security if she’s “full retirement age” when she starts getting those benefits. 

That used to be 65, but is going up to age 67 in gradual steps starting this year. 

For example, the full retirement age in 2006 is age 66.  A wife can start her benefits as early as age 62, when she would get about 37 percent.  You can check your records, but that is probably what you did.

2/04/06

Question:
How are my retirement benefits calculated?

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.

● Then 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).

This is the amount you would receive at your full retirement age.

As you can tell from this explanation, the benefit computation is complex and there are no simple tables that we can present that will tell you how much you will receive. However, there are several ways you can determine an estimate of your retirement benefits.

One, you can request a Social Security Statement. Make your request over the Internet and we will mail you a detailed report of your lifetime earnings and an estimate of retirement, disability and dependent benefits: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.

Two, compute your own benefit estimate using a program that you can download for your PC: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/ANYPIA/anypia.html.

Three, use our online calculator at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/AnypiaApplet.html.

Question:
What are the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C and D?

Answer:
There are four parts to Medicare: Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance; Medicare Part B, Medical Insurance; Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), which was formerly known as "Medicare + Choice" and the new Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage.

Generally, people who are over age 65 and getting Social Security automatically qualify for Medicare Parts A and B. So do people who have been getting disability benefits for two years, people who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and receive disability benefits, and people who have permanent kidney failure and receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Part A is paid for by a portion of Social Security tax. It helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care and other services.

Part B is paid for by the monthly premiums of people enrolled and by general funds from the U.S. Treasury. It helps pay for doctor's fees, outpatient hospital visits, and other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans allow you to choose to receive all of your health care services through a provider organization. These plans may help lower your costs of receiving medical services, or you may get extra benefits for an additional monthly fee. You must have both Parts A and B to enroll in Part C.

Part D (prescription drug coverage) is voluntary and the costs are paid for by the monthly premiums of enrollees and Medicare. Unlike Part B in which you are automatically enrolled and must opt-out if you do not want it, with Part D you have to opt-in by filling out a form and enrolling in an approved plan.

More information about all four parts of Medicare can be found at www.medicare.gov.

1/17/06

Question:
I was married in December so I visited the SSA office to change my name on my Social Security card. I was told I had to change my name on my driver’s license before I could change it on my Social Security record?

Answer:
A new law, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, includes several provisions that change rules for assigning a Social Security number and issuing a Social Security card. This Social Security changes became effective December 17, 2005.

It is important to know the rules for getting a replacement Social Security card before you apply. If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show proof of your legal name change.

Social Security can accept the following documents as proof of the legal name change: marriage document, divorce decree stating you may change your name, Certificate of Naturalization showing your new name, or a court order for a name change.

In the past, you could change the name by showing your driver's license with the old name and the document giving the reason for the name change.

The change now requires an extra step. You must change your name on your driver's license first so that we can see a document with the new name already on it. You can then use your old license, the new license (not the temporary license), and the document authorizing the name change.

If the document authorizing a name change has enough information on it to identify you, then you can get the name changed on your Social Security card without having to change it on your driver's license first. Proof of identification must include the applicant’s name and date of birth, Social Security number, age, parents’ names, or a photograph. Some name change documents do not contain this information, so people will have to change the name on their driver's license before changing it on their Social Security card. 

We must see original or certified copies of your documents. Photocopies are not accepted. These new rules help ensure that only those who should receive a Social Security number do so.  They make Social Security numbers less accessible to those with criminal intent and prevent individuals from using false or stolen birth records or immigration documents to obtain a Social Security number.

Question:
I need to enroll in a Medicare drug plan because I do not have private health insurance to pay for my prescriptions. Where can I find out which plan is best for me?

Answer:
If you have access to the Internet, you can use the Medicare Plan Finder located at www.medicare.gov . From the Medicare homepage you will select “Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.”  On the next page, select “Find A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.” It will also give you the option of viewing the information in Spanish.

The web site states that “submitting your personal information allows the plan finder to display information on existing coverage, personalized drug plans, and more accurate plan costs.” Your information is secure and it is not saved. It is strictly used for the purpose of finding the plans that are available to you in your area.

You will be able to input the prescriptions that you are currently using in order to find out which plans in your area cover those particular drugs. If you need additional questions answered, you can speak to a Medicare representative or call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-252-9240.

1/13/06

Question:
Can you explain the law regarding those who have to pay income tax on their Social Security benefits?

Answer:
The law states that individuals must pay federal taxes if they have total income of more than $25,000, and married couples must pay federal taxes on total income of more than $32,000. 

People whose only source of income is Social Security generally don’t pay taxes. 

However, if you have other income, such as a pension, wages, interest, dividends or other taxable income, this added to your benefits could render a portion of your benefits taxable.

For individual tax filers, if your income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits; if your income is more than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.

For couples filing jointly, if your combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits; if your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.

Although you are not required to have federal taxes withheld from your monthly benefits, you may find it easier than paying quarterly estimated tax payments. 

If you are interested in taking the easy automatic withholding route to paying taxes, here is what you need to know. Simply complete IRS form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request, which is also available on Social Security’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov.  Select the percentage of your monthly benefit amount you want withheld: 7, 10, 15 or 25 percent.  Then sign and return the form to Social Security. 

Question:
I am getting Social Security disability benefits, but now have the chance to try and work several hours a week.  Will my benefits be affected if I work and earn money? 

Answer:
Social Security has special rules called "work incentives" that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work.  

For example, there is a trial work period during which you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment.

After the trial work period ends, your benefits will stop during the months your earnings are at a level we consider "substantial," which is $860 per month in 2006.

For more information about work incentives, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, Working While Disabled – How We Can Help.

1/05/2006

Question:
I hear that Social Security has changed its requirements for obtaining a Social Security card. My friend had a bit of difficulty with this when she recently visited one of your offices. Can you explain what the changes are?

Answer:
A new law, Public Law 108-458, includes several provisions that change rules for assigning a Social Security number and issuing a Social Security card.

To get a Social Security number or a replacement card, you must prove your citizenship or immigration status and your identity. Under the new law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, different rules apply for proving your immigration status, and those rules have not changed.

Also under the new law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of identity. An acceptable document must show your name, identifying information about you and preferably a recent photograph. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your U.S. driver’s license, state-issued non-driver identification card or U.S. passport as proof of your identity. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents.

Acceptable documents include your From I-551, I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport, or your work permit card I-766 or I-688B. 

If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change are your marriage document, divorce decree stating you may change your name, Certificate of Naturalization, or a court order for a name change.

If the documents do not give enough information to identify you, then you must also show two identity documents. One document must show your new name, and the other must show your old name.

Under the new changes, you are now limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits.

For example, changes in non-citizen status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship. These rules, prescribed by law, help ensure that only those who should receive an SSN do so. They make SSNs less accessible to those with criminal intent and prevent individuals from using false or stolen birth records or immigration documents to obtain an SSN.

Question:
I need 40 credits for retirement benefits, but I only have 32. Can I just pay in to buy the other 8 credits I need?

Answer:
No, you cannot buy credits. The only way that you earn credits is through working for wages in a job that is covered by Social Security or having net income from self-employment.

You do not get credits for unearned income such as your pensions or interest or dividends from your savings and investments. You do not pay Social Security taxes on that kind of income even though you may have to pay income tax.

If you work for a federal, State or local government agency that is not covered by Social Security, you don't pay Social Security tax and you don't earn credits for monthly benefits based on those earnings. If you pay Medicare tax on those earnings, you do earn credits toward qualifying for Medicare protection at age 65.

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