Social Security Q&A

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Question:

When am I legally required to give my Social Security number?

Answer:

Most places that ask for your Social Security number may not really require it, but some may refuse you a service if you don’t give it.  If asked for your number, you should ask why it’s needed and how it will be used.  You also can ask what law requires you to give it and what the consequences are if you refuse.  State agencies, for example, may be required by law to collect your number.  For more detailed information, we recommend the publication Your Social Security Number And Card at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.  Also, be sure to keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home with your important papers—not in your purse or wallet.

Question:

I know that some years ago the age of retirement began to increase.  How do I find out exactly when I will be of “full retirement” age?

Answer:

Full retirement age gradually increases based on the year of your birth.  Those born in 1937 and before reached full retirement age at 65 years old.  Those born in 1938 or later will see a gradual increase in the full retirement age with those born between 1943-1954 reaching full retirement age at age 66 and those born in 1960 or later becoming eligible for full retirement benefits at 67 years old.  No matter what your full retirement age is, you may start receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62 or a larger benefit by delaying

RETIREMENT

Question:

What type of information will I need to complete my online application for retirement benefits?

Answer:

You can prepare to file your online application by accessing the Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2.  Some of the information you should have on hand to answer the questions on the online application include:

• Your Social Security number;
• Your date and place of birth;
• Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number and your bank account number, for direct deposit;
• The amount you earned last year and the amount you expect to earn this year (between September and December, we may also ask how much you expect to earn next year);
• The name and address of each employer for this year and last year; and
• The beginning and ending dates for any U.S. military service.

Question:

If I start my retirement benefits at age 63, is the amount I would get the same as at age 62?

Answer:

No.  If you retire at any time between age 62 and your full retirement age, your benefits are reduced for each month before your full retirement age.  Likewise if you retire after your full retirement age, your benefit goes up incrementally for each month you delay retirement until you reach age 70.

DISABILITY

Question:

Can I apply for disability benefits online?

Answer:

Yes, you can apply for disability benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov.  On the website, you’ll also find our Disability Starter Kit, which will help you get ready for your disability interview and help you complete the online application.  Kits are available in English and Spanish for adults and for children under age 18.

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, the amount of your benefit will not change.  For Social Security purposes, your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.  You do not need to take any action.  

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

Is it true that a person can own a home and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?

Answer:

Yes, a person who owns a home and lives in that home can be eligible for SSI benefits.

Question:

I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  My brother recently died and left me the money he had in a savings account.  Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits?  Will my SSI payments stop?

Answer:

The money inherited from your brother is considered income for the month you receive it and could make you ineligible for that month, depending on the amount of the inheritance.  If you keep the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources and could affect your continuing eligibility for SSI benefits.  An individual cannot have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for a married couple) to remain eligible for SSI.

MEDICARE

Question:

Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying Medicare premiums?

Answer:

Yes.  If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles and coinsurance amounts.  State rules vary, so 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.

If you have limited income and resources, you also may be eligible for help paying for Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare Part D.  Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Provided by the Social Security Administration.

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).