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More Sept. questions and answers from Social Security

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[November 12, 2011]  DISABILITY  Question: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

Answer:
If you are an adult, you must be unable to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of medical impairments. Overall, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing. It also considers your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled:

* You must be unable to do work you did before you became disabled and we must decide you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and
* Your disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. For more information, read our publication Disability Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

Question:

If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security disability benefits?



Answer:

Social Security has several work incentive programs to help people who want to work. You may be able to receive benefits and continue your health care coverage during a trial work period. For information about Social Security's work incentives and how they can help you return to work, you should:

* Visit our special work site at www.socialsecurity.gov/work;
* See the Red Book on work incentives at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook;
* Call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); or
* Contact your local Social Security office (www.socialsecurity.gov/locator).

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).


SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, what is the effect on my benefits if I work?

Answer:

In most cases, your return to work would reduce your benefit amount, and in some cases, discontinue your payments. Unlike Social Security disability, there is no “trial work period” for people who get SSI disability benefits. In most cases, if your only income besides SSI is from your work, you can earn up to $1,433 in a month (in 2011) before we stop your payments. We have several publications about SSI, including Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10503.html. Note that there are other work incentives that can help you return to work when you receive SSI. You can read about them in What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html#part6. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov

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Question:

I am receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can my children receive dependent's benefits based on my benefits?

Answer:

No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of one individual and are paid only to the qualifying person. Disabled children are potentially eligible for SSI, but there are no spouse's, dependent children's, or survivors benefits payable as there are with Social Security benefits. For more information, see our publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You also may want to read Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm. For even more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.


MEDICARE

Question:

Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying your 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 on the income and resources that apply. 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 able to get help paying for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) or visit any Social Security office.

Also, see our publication, Medicare (Publication 10043), at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html. For even more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

By Judith Bartels

Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL  

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