April
questions and answers from Social Security
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[June 23, 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.
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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).
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2011/Feb/15/images/ads/current/castlemanor_sda021111.png)
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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2010/Nov/04/images/ads/current/hearing_aid_center_sda102210.png) |
![](../images/ads/current/friendshipmanor_lda101210.png) 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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2011/Apr/13/images/ads/current/vonderleith_bch120310.png)
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