Senior Life
News & information for the seniors in our community

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Questions and Answers from Social Security

 

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[June 10, 2011]  Question: My neighbor said my kids, 4 and 12, might be eligible for survivors’ benefits since their mother died. Are they?

Answer:

If their mother worked and earned the required number of Social Security credits, both you and your children may be eligible for benefits. Apply promptly for survivors benefits because benefits are generally retroactive only up to six months. You can apply by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.

 People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For more information, read our publication Survivors Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html.

Question:

I'm expecting a baby this June. What do I need to do to get a Social Security number for my baby?



Answer:

You can apply for a number at the hospital at the same time you apply for your baby's birth certificate. The State agency that issues birth certificates will share your child's information with us, and we will mail the Social Security card to you. You can learn more about Social Security cards and numbers by reading our online publication on the subject. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.

RETIREMENT

Question:

How long does it take to complete the online application for retirement benefits?

Answer:

It can take as little as 15 minutes to complete the online application. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation to mail in. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. There's no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. To retire online, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question:

My husband doesn't have enough work to qualify for Social Security or Medicare. Can he qualify on my record?

Answer:



This answer applies to wives as well as husbands — even if your spouse has never worked under Social Security, your spouse at full retirement age can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount. This assumes you were married at least 10 years and that he did not pay into a government pension plan that offsets Social Security. If he receives a pension from Federal, State or local government based on work where he did not pay Social Security taxes, any benefits he may be offset. Spouses cannot receive benefits on your record until you begin receiving retirement benefits, however. You can learn more by reading our online publication, Retirement Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.

DISABILITY

Question:

I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. I now have a second serious disability. Can my monthly benefit amount be increased?

Answer:

No. Your Social Security disability benefit amount is based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before your disability began and not the number, degree, or severity of your disability. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dapproval2.htm.

Question:

Is there a time limit on how long I can collect Social Security disability benefits?

Answer:

Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you remain unable to work. Your case will be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure you still are disabled. If you still are receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert them to retirement benefits. See www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10153.html#6 for more information on disability.
 

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SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

My mother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She may have to enter a nursing home later this year. How does this affect her SSI benefits?

Answer:

Moving to a nursing home can affect your mother's SSI benefits but it depends on the type of facility. In some cases, the SSI payment may be reduced or stopped. Whenever your mother enters or leaves a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, skilled nursing facility, or any other kind of institution, it is important that you tell Social Security. Call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). We can answer specific questions and provide free interpreter services from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We also provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day.

Question:

I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. How do I notify Social Security that I have changed my address?

Answer:

Social Security needs your correct mailing address to send you notices and other correspondence about your benefits even if you receive your benefits by direct deposit. An SSI recipient must report any change in living arrangements or change of address by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local office. If you do not notify us in a timely manner, you could end up receiving an incorrect payment and have to pay it back.


MEDICARE

Question:

My uncle is interested in getting help with his Medicare Part D prescription costs, but he has about $10,000 in the bank. Would he still be eligible?

Answer:

Based on his resources, yes. However, there are other factors to consider as well including your uncle’s income. This year a person’s total resources are, in most cases, limited to $11,010 (or $22,010 if married and living with spouse) to qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. But the resource limits shown on the application include a $1,500 per person exclusion for burial purposes. So, if you expect to use some of your resources to pay for burial or funeral expenses, your resource limit is $12,510 if you are single or $25,010 if you are married and living with your spouse. Resources include the value of the things you own, such as real estate (other than the place you live), cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts like IRAs or 401ks. There are exceptions. To learn more, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and visit the Medicare link. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

[Text supplied by Social Security Administation, Springfield Illinois]

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