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] |
