April questions and answers from Social Security

[June 10, 2011]  The following are the questions and answers for the month of April from the Social Security Administration.

Question:

Do I need a Social Security card? I want to get a summer job and my dad can’t find my card.

Answer:

If you know your number, you probably don’t need to get a card. If you find out that you do need a replacement card, you can download and complete the application for a replacement at our website. Then, take or mail the application to your local Social Security office with the required documentation. The web address is www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. If you do get a replacement card or find the original, you shouldn’t carry it with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.
 

Question:

Can I get a new Social Security number if someone has stolen my identity?

Answer:

We do not routinely assign a new number to someone whose identity has been stolen. Only as a last resort should you consider requesting a new Social Security number. Changing your number may adversely affect your ability to interact with Federal and State agencies, employers, and others. This is because your financial, medical, employment and other records will be under your former Social Security number. We cannot guarantee that a new number will solve your problem. To learn more about your Social Security card and number, read our online publication on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.

RETIREMENT

Question:

I just got back from an overseas military deployment and I want to plan ahead. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?

Answer:

Your military retirement won’t affect your Social Security benefits at all. You can get both. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full Social Security benefits based on your earnings. The only way your Social Security benefit might be reduced is if you also receive a government pension based on a job in which you did not pay Social Security taxes. You can find more information in the publication Military Service and Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question:

I'm retiring early, at age 62, and I receive investment income from a rental property I own. Does investment income count as earnings?

Answer:

No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you're self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov. For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

DISABILITY

Question:

I was turned down for disability. Do I need a lawyer to appeal?

Answer:

You are fully entitled to hire an attorney if you wish to, but it is not necessary. In fact, you can file a Social Security appeal online without a lawyer. Our online appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal. If you prefer, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to appeal.

Question:

It’s hard for me to get around because of my disability. Do I have to go to a Social Security office to apply for benefits?

Answer:

Not anymore. You can prepare and submit your Social Security disability application and all the needed forms right over the Internet. Our online disability application is convenient and secure. Get started by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. When you decide to apply, begin by taking a look at our Disability Starter Kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/

disabilitystarterkits.htm. It will help you prepare for your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

My brother has been completely disabled from birth. He gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Our grandfather died recently and left him a little money. Will this extra money stop his SSI benefits?

Answer:

It all depends on the amount of the inheritance. Inheritance money is considered income for the month he received it. You will have to report the income and we will adjust his benefit for the month accordingly. If he keeps the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of his resources. To get SSI benefits, he is limited to $2,000 in total resources although there are exceptions. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and report the inheritance. We will tell you how your brother’s eligibility will be affected. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
 

Question:

My dad receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. He soon will be coming to live with my brother. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?

Answer:

Yes. He should report to us within 10 days any change in living arrangements. The change could affect his benefit. Failure to report the change could result in a penalty being deducted from his SSI benefits. Also, we need his correct address so we can send correspondence. Please have him call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Or, he can report the change by mail or in person at a Social Security office. Visit our website for more information at www.socialsecurity.gov.

MEDICARE

Question:

Is it true I can save about $4,000 per year if I qualify for Social Security’s Extra Help with the Medicare prescription drug program?

Answer:

Yes, if your income and resources meet the requirements, you can save nearly $4,000 in prescription costs each year. Resource limits for 2011 are $12,640 (or $25,260 if you are married and living with your spouse), Income limits are $16,335 (or $22,065 if you are married and living with your spouse). If your income and/or resources are just a bit higher, you might be eligible for some help with prescription drug costs. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Archived columns