General

Question: When am I legally required to give my Social Security number?

Answer: Most places that ask for your Social Security number may not really require it, but some may refuse you a service if you don't give it. If asked for your number, you should ask why it's needed and how it will be used. You also can ask what law requires you to give it and what the consequences are if you refuse. State agencies, for example, may be required by law to collect your number. For more detailed information, we recommend the publication Your Social Security Number And Card at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html. You also can visit Social Security's website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778). Also, be sure to keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home with your important papers—not in your purse or wallet.

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Question: I know that some years ago the age of retirement began to increase. How do I find out exactly when I will be of "full retirement" age?

Answer: Full retirement age gradually increases based on the year of your birth. Those born in 1937 and before reached full retirement age at 65 years old. Those born in 1938 or later will see a gradual increase in the full retirement age with those born between 1943-1954 reaching full retirement age at age 66 and those born in 1960 or later becoming eligible for full retirement benefits at 67 years old. No matter what your full retirement age is, you may start receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62 or a larger benefit by delaying retirement as late as age 70. 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: What type of information will I need to complete my online application for retirement benefits?

Answer: You can prepare to file your online application by accessing the Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. Some of the information you should have on hand to answer the questions on the online application include:

• Your Social Security number;
• Your date and place of birth;
• Your bank or other financial institution's Routing Transit Number and your bank account number, for direct deposit;
• The amount you earned last year and the amount you expect to earn this year (between September and December, we may also ask how much you expect to earn next year);
• The name and address of each employer for this year and last year; and
• The beginning and ending dates for any U.S. military service.

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)./p>

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Question: If I start my retirement benefits at age 63, is the amount I would get the same as at age 62?

Answer: No. If you retire at any time between age 62 and your full retirement age, your benefits are reduced for each month before your full retirement age. Likewise if you retire after your full retirement age, your benefit goes up incrementally for each month you delay retirement until you reach age 70. For more about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Disability

Question: Can I apply for disability benefits online?

Answer: Yes, you can apply for disability benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov. On the website, you'll also find our Disability Starter Kit, which will help you get ready for your disability interview and help you complete the online application. Kits are available in English and Spanish for adults and for children under age 18. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and visit the "Applying for Disability Benefits" link. Or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Question: I receive Social Security disability benefits. Will my Social Security benefits change when I turn full retirement age?

Answer: When you reach full retirement age, the amount of your benefit will not change. For Social Security purposes, your benefits ill be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits. You do not need to take any action. 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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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. For more information, read our booklet, Supplemental Security Income at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. Or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) and ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

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Question: I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). My brother recently died and left me the money he had in a savings account. Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits? Will my SSI payments stop?

Answer: The money inherited from your brother is considered income for the month you receive it and could make you ineligible for that month, depending on the amount of the inheritance. If you keep the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources and could affect your continuing eligibility for SSI benefits. An individual cannot have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for a married couple) to remain eligible for SSI. Call Social Security at 1-800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) to report the inheritance. They will tell you how your payments and eligibility may be affected. For more information, go to 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 low income you can get help paying 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, so 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 eligible for help paying for Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

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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!