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Social Security: Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to learning about Social Security, there is a lot to know — so you may find yourself full of questions.

If you have a question, visit the frequently asked questions page at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Just go to the section at the upper-right portion of the page where it reads, “Questions?” and use the drop-down menu directly below it to select the most appropriate subject matter, such as “benefits,” “earnings and employment,” or “service to the public.”

Or, just leave the subject blank, select go, and you’ll be directed to the entire list of frequently asked questions. There are close to 600 of them, so one of them is likely to answer any question you may have.

What kinds of questions? Just about any Social Security-related questions and answers you can think of. How can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits? Can I apply for retirement benefits on the Internet? How do I replace my lost Social Security card? What are the tax, benefit and earning amounts for 2009? How can I locate Social Security’s regulations?

Answers to these and hundreds of other questions await you at www.socialsecurity.gov. The frequently asked questions page is so popular more than 33 million questions and answers were viewed over the past year! While you’re online, you may want to check out some of the other popular features on the website, such as the new online Retirement Estimator, benefits planners, benefit eligibility screening tool, news, publications and more. You can even watch a brief video about the things you can do on www.socialsecurity.gov.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Question:

How can I check my Social Security earnings for accuracy?

Answer:

Check out page three of your Social Security Statement. You receive your Statement each year about three months before your birthday. It shows the earnings recorded for each year you worked. You can look at the earnings chart and know whether it is complete and correct. You may not receive all the benefits to which you are entitled if your record is not accurate, so it’s important to do this review.

If any earnings are incorrect, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If possible, have your W-2 or tax return for those years available. If you want to request a new Statement, the easiest way is to complete an online request for a Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/statement. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make your request by phone.

Question:

I lost my Social Security card, should I get a new one?

Answer:

Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. The only time you may need the actual card is when you start a new job. However, if you need to replace your Social Security card, you can do so for free. Remember, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Learn more about your Social Security card and number www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question:

I worked for the last 10 years and now have my 40 credits. Does this mean that I get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?

Answer:

The 40 credits are the minimum number you need to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. However, the benefit amount is not based on those credits. The benefit amount you receive depends on the amount of your earnings over your lifetime. Other factors include when you decide to retire and whether there are years during which you did not work. For more precise details on how your benefit amount is figured, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10070.html.

RETIREMENT

Question:

How can I see an estimate of my Social Security retirement benefit at several different ages?

Answer:

To see your estimated retirement benefit at age 62, full retirement age, and age 70, please refer to your most recent Social Security Statement, which is mailed to you every year about two to three months before your birthday. In addition, use the online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator to get a retirement benefit estimate based on current law and real time access to your earnings record. The Retirement Estimator lets you create additional "what if" retirement scenarios, so that’s the perfect place to plug in alternate retirement ages as you wish to do. You can test even more alternatives such as your “stop work” dates or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options that may be in your future.

Question:

If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits, is there any reduction in our payments because we are married?

Answer:

There is no reduction or penalty simply for marriage. Lifetime earnings are calculated independently to determine each spouse’s Social Security benefit amount. When each member of a married couple meets all other eligibility requirements to receive Social Security retirement benefits, each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. If one member of the couple earned low wages or failed to earn enough Social Security credits (40) to be insured for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse.

DISABILITY

Question:

I am receiving Social Security disability benefits. Will my benefits be affected if I work and earn money?

Answer:

There are special rules called "work incentives" that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work. For example, there is a trial work period during which you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment. For more information about work incentives, it is recommended that you read the leaflet, Working While Disabled-How We Can Help, which you can find online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html. You also can request to have a copy mailed to you by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or you can pick one up at your local Social Security office.

Question:

How long can a person be on Social Security disability benefits before they are cut off?

Answer:

Social Security disability benefits are not limited to a certain period of time. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. Your case will be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled and you still qualify for benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

Is it true that a person can own a home and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?

Answer:

Yes, a person who owns a home and lives in that home can be eligible for SSI benefits. To be eligible for SSI a person must have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (or $3,000 for a married couple). The following things usually don’t count:

· The home you live in;

· Your personal effects and household goods;

· Some life insurance policies, depending on their value; and

· Your car.

To learn more about what kinds of resources do and don’t count, see the publication, Supplemental Security Income online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You can request a copy by mail by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or stop by your local Social Security office to pick one up.

Question:

I’m in the hospital and my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was reduced. I’ve been here for a month and the doctor says I’ll be getting out in a few weeks. How can I pay my monthly bills without my SSI?

Answer:

In most cases, if you live in a medical institution where your needs are being met, you cannot receive your full SSI payment during those months. But in some cases, you can continue to receive your full SSI payment while you’re in a hospital — and it sounds like you may be in one of those situations. You may be able to keep getting your full SSI amount during a temporary stay in a medical institution if a doctor certifies that your stay is expected to be three months or less, and you maintain and pay expenses associated with permanent living expenses. You must present evidence of the above by the 90th day after you enter the institution or by the date of discharge, whichever is earlier. You should contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to discuss this with a representative. For more information, take a look at the publication, What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html, or call and ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

MEDICARE

Question:

If I call Social Security’s toll-free number can a Social Security representative take my application for extra help with the costs related to my Medicare prescription drug plan over the phone?

Answer:

For the fastest service, apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. However, if you call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and an interviewer is available, he or she may be able to take your application over the phone. If an interviewer is not immediately available, we can schedule a telephone appointment for you. For more information about the Medicare prescription drug program, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

This article was written by Zabrina Inge, Social Security District Manager, Richmond VA.

Source: Social Security Administration
Last Review: Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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