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Social Security Q&A

Question:

I heard that Social Security could help me save my mom up to $3,600 in prescription drug costs. How?

Answer:

Social Security offers extra help that could pay part of your mother’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is for people who are on the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. To qualify for the extra help, she must be receiving Medicare and also have limited income ($15,600 for an individual or $21,000 for a married couple living together) and limited resources to $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple living together).

There are some exceptions to these limits. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020).

Question:

Are Supplemental Security Income benefits taxable?

Answer:

No, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are not subject to federal taxes, so you will not receive an annual form SSA-1099. However, if you receive Social Security benefits they may be subject to income tax. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question:

I am receiving disability benefits. I would really like to try working again. I understand Social Security’s Ticket to Work might let me go to work without endangering my benefits. What can you tell me about it?

Answer:

Ticket to Work is a voluntary program that offers disabled Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries a variety of choices in obtaining the support and services they need to help them go to work and achieve their employment goals. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits based on disability or blindness and would like to work, this program can help you get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other ongoing support and services to do so. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question:

My wallet was stolen with my Social Security card in it. How do I report my card stolen?

Answer:

We urge you never to carry your card with you. In most cases, the only time you will need to produce your card is when you apply for employment. Always keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. You can apply for a replacement Social Security card if your card is stolen.

You may also want to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft or 1-800-877-IDTHEFT (TTY 1-866-653-4261).

And you may want to monitor your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.

For more information about identity theft, visit our online fact sheet at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).