General

Question: I need proof of my Social Security income. Can I get verification online?

Answer: Some people who get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits need to get a statement of their benefit amount or other information to show proof of their income or benefits. Social Security can provide the information you need in a "proof of income letter." When you request a proof of income letter, it will be mailed to your address in our records. You can request one online by visiting https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/BEVE/main.html. Or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Question: Are Social Security numbers re-assigned after a person dies?

Answer: No. We do not re-assign Social Security numbers. To date, we have assigned more than 442 million Social Security numbers. And each year we assign about 5.5 million new numbers. 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).

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Retirement

Question: Can I apply for retirement benefits online?

Answer: Yes, you can and it is quick, convenient and secure. You'll find the application information at www.socialsecurity.gov/r&m2.htm. You also can calculate your estimated benefits by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/calculators.htm. File online and save a trip to the office. 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).

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Question: Will Social Security beneficiaries receive a payment from the economic stimulus package approved by Congress?

Answer: Yes, but only if you filed a 2007 tax return. If you don't usually file a tax return, you need to do so in order to get your stimulus payment. There's still time to file, but you need to do so by October 15, 2008. In May, the Treasury began sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To find out if you are eligible or if you have other questions about the stimulus bill, please go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov. If you prefer, you may call IRS toll-free at 1.800.829.1040. For more information about Social Security, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Disability

Question: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

Answer: If you are an adult, essentially you must be unable to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of impairments. The evaluation process considers any current work activity you are doing, and your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be considered disabled:

• You must be unable to do work you did before becoming disabled and we must decide that 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 don't pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. To learn more about disability benefits from Social Security, read the publication Disability Benefits (SSA Publication No. 05-10029) available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. 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).

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

Answer: No, Social Security has several work incentives to help you ease back into the workforce. You may be able to continue receiving benefits during a trial work period, and in most cases your medical coverage will continue for up to two years after you begin working. We may be able to help you return to work without losing your benefits at all. For information about Social Security's work incentives, visit our online website, the Work Site, at www.socialsecurity.gov/work or read the online Red Book on Work Incentives at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook. For additional information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Supplemental Security Income

Question: I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Can my children receive dependent's benefits based on my record?

Answer: No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. Unlike Social Security, there are no SSI benefits payable to spouses, children or survivors. For more information, see Supplemental Security Income (Publication No. 05-11000) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You also may want to read the introductory material in our booklet, Understanding SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm. For even more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Medicare

Question: Is it true that if you have limited income you can get help paying for prescription drugs? And that you can get help paying Medicare premiums?

Answer: Yes. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help paying for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) or visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Also, 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.

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Ginny Jordan is a Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration. Her weekly column on all things Social Security appears in the Sunday Edition of the Sun-Sentinel.

Ginny has agreed to let us reprint her articles here for your convenience.

Thank you Ginny!