Questions & Answers

(November, 2009)

General

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

Answer: No. While eligibility for benefits is based on having 40 credits, the amount of your benefit is based on how much you earned over your lifetime. We determine your average earnings over your working years and use a special formula set by law to determine your benefit amount. For most people their benefit amount is an average of the highest 35 years of earnings. To learn more, read our online publication, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

Question: I run a small business and I plan to hire a few employees. How can I verify that the Social Security card is valid?

Answer: There are more than 50 different versions of the Social Security card, all of which are valid. And, until 1976, original cards and replacement cards were different. Although there are many versions of the card in circulation, all prior versions of the card are valid. In any case, it is the Social Security number that is important. The best way for employers to verify a name and Social Security number is to use the free Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS). Once an employer registers for Business Services Online (BSO) at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso the employer can start using SSNVS. SSNVS allows them to quickly verify whether a person's name and number match Social Security's records. You can also use BSO’s new Telephone Number Employment Verification System (TNEV) to verify numbers at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.

Retirement

Question: What percentage of a worker's benefit may a spouse be entitled to?

Answer: A spouse receives one-half of the retired worker's benefit if the spouse retires at full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, those benefits will be reduced by a percentage based on how much earlier the spouse retires. However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits, a spouse gets full spouse benefit (one-half of the worker’s benefit) regardless of age. If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefit first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you'll receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse's benefit. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: I am receiving Social Security benefits. Can I change my address online?

Answer: Yes, if you receive Social Security benefits you can change your address online at www.socialsecurity.gov/coa. Once there, you will be asked a series of questions and your answers must match our records to prove your identity. Then, you can change your address quickly and easily. If you have a password, you can change your address without answering the identifying questions. Get a password by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/password. If you have further questions, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Disability

Question: I'm thinking about getting disability protection from a private company. If I become disabled and have a private policy, would it reduce my Social Security disability benefit?

Answer: No. Your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is not affected by any private insurance you may have. But, you may be interested to know that worker's compensation and certain other public disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit. For more information go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question: Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

Answer: By law, Social Security disability benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Therefore, Social Security disability benefits will be paid beginning with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not entitled to benefits for any month in the waiting period. For more information go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Supplemental Security Income

Question: How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits?

Answer: The best first step is to start at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. There, you can take a look at the Disability Starter Kits. The kits answer common questions about applying for benefits and worksheets will help you gather the information you need. You also can check out the online Adult Disability Report at www.socialsecurity.gov/adultdisabilityreport. At the end of the report, we will ask you to sign a form that gives your doctor permission to send us information about your disability. We need this information so we can make a decision on your claim. Finally, complete your application for SSI disability benefits by calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may choose to apply for benefits either by phone or in person at a local Social Security office. One of our representatives will help you apply. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. You also may visit an office without making an appointment, but your wait to speak to a representative will be longer.

Question: Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments only paid to disabled people?

Answer: No. SSI payments also are made to people with limited income and financial resources who are age 65 or older. SSI benefits are available for both adults and children who are blind or disabled. You can learn more about SSI benefits and who can receive them by reading our online publications about SSI. To begin, refer to the online booklet, Supplemental Security Income, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.

Medicare

Question: When is the open season period for enrolling in Medicare’s prescription drug program?

Answer: Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan, should mark their calendars for November 15. The open season will run from November 15 to December 31. Keep in mind that the edicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. Some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for "extra help" to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on Medicare at the top right side of the page.

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!