General

Question: Are Social Security recipients eligible for the stimulus payments sent out this year by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

Answer: Yes, most Social Security beneficiaries are eligible, but you have to file a tax return. It is not too late. For general information about the stimulus payments, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov. To find information specific to Social Security beneficiaries, either search "Social Security Beneficiaries" or go directly to www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179201,00.html. For information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Retirement

Question: When should I start planning my retirement?

Answer: It's never too early to start planning your retirement. Social Security has a new Retirement Estimator online at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. This important tool will help you estimate your future Social Security retirement benefits.

In addition, the Social Security Statement is an important document that can help you plan for your retirement. The Statement, which includes a record of your earnings each year, provides estimates of the retirement, disability and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for. If you're like most workers who pay Social Security taxes, are at least 25 years of age and not yet receiving benefits, you automatically receive a Statement in the mail each year, about three months before your birthday.

You can learn more about financial planning at www.mymoney.gov.

When you are ready, you can apply for retirement benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits.

Generally, people should apply for retirement benefits no more than 4 months before they want their benefits to begin. Even if you have no plans to receive benefits, you should still sign up for Medicare 3 months before age 65. 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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Disability

Question: My husband gets Social Security Disability benefits for his diabetes. Last month, his leg was amputated due to his diabetes. Can we apply for an increase in his benefits since his condition has gotten worse?

Answer: The benefit amount a person gets is not based on the severity of a person's disabling condition. It is based on whether or not a person is disabled. Once that determination is made, other factors go into figuring the benefit amount, such as the person's age and the amount of Social Security taxes paid. For more information visit the website, www.socialsecurity.gov, or call 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Question: How many years do I need to work before I can qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

Answer: The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you become disabled. Younger workers, generally those under 31, who have not had the opportunity to work that long, may qualify with fewer credits, so if you become disabled and cannot work, you should still apply for benefits. To learn more, read a copy of our publication, Disability Benefits. You can get a copy online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html, or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) to have a free copy mailed to you.

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Supplemental Security Income

Question: What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability?

Answer: The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disabilities. They are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on need. SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers and self-employed persons. SSI payments are paid from general revenues. For more information about Social Security and SSI, 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: How much will I receive in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?

Answer: The amount of your SSI benefit depends, in part, on where you live. The basic SSI check is the same nationwide. However, many states add money to the basic check and some offer other supplements. For 2008, the maximum federal SSI payment is $637 per month for an individual and $956 for a couple. Because SSI is a needs-based program, this amount may be reduced due to other income. If you get SSI, you also may be able to get other help from your state or county. For example, you may be able to get Medicaid, food stamps or some other social services. For information about all the services available in your community, call your local social services department or public welfare office. For more information about SSI, read Supplemental Security Income at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html or call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Medicare

Question: Where can I find information on the Medicare prescription drug plans?

Answer: The best place to go for information about Medicare prescription drug plans is Medicare's web site. You can find it at www.medicare.gov. Or call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227; TTY 1.877.486.2048).

For information on extra help in paying for prescription drug costs for people have limited income and resources, see Help With Prescription Drug Costs at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. You also can call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Question: I lost my Medicare card. Do I need to come into the Social Security office for a new one?

Answer: No, it's easy to get your Medicare card replaced by visiting Social Security's website. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov and select the "Medicare" bar in the upper right side of the page. Then select the first item on the page: "Replace your lost, stolen or damaged Medicare card." Your replacement Medicare card will arrive in the mail within 30 days. If you need proof of Medicare coverage sooner, a letter can also be sent to you within 10 days that will confirm your coverage. If you prefer, you also may call us toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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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!