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 we have 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, give us a call at 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 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) to make your request by phone.

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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. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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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, we do not base the amount of the benefit 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. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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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, we suggest you refer to your most recent Social Security Statement, which we mail to you every year about two to three months before your birthday. In addition, use our 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. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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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. We calculate lifetime earnings 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. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778).

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Disability

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

Answer: We have 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, we recommend 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.

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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. We will review your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled and you still qualify for benefits. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us 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. To be eligible for SSI a person must have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (or $3,000 for a married couple). But we usually don't count things like:

• 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 our publication, Supplemental Security Income online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You can request that we mail you a copy by calling 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778), or stop by your local Social Security office to pick one up.

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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. We must have 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 us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778) to discuss this with a representative. For more information, take a look at our publication, What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html, or call us and ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

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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's 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. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1.800.325.0778). 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).

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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!