Your Social Security

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Question:

For years, I've enjoyed the convenience of having my Social Security benefit directly deposited into my bank account. I've recently changed banks. How do I change my direct deposit from one bank to another?

Answer:

You can sign up or change your direct deposit account by:

• Contacting your bank, credit union, or savings and loan association, or financial institution;

• Filling out a Direct Deposit Sign Up Form and taking it to your financial institution or Social Security office. The form is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit/1199a.pdf.

• Calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); or

• Obtaining a password at https://secure.ssa.gov/acu/IPS_ INTR/main.jsp. Then you can start or change direct deposit online by going to www.socialsecurity.gov (for Social Security benefits only).

When you contact us, be sure to have your Social Security number and a personal check or statement from your new account. We will need information from these documents to start your new direct deposit. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question:

What's this I hear about a one-time recovery payment for Social Security beneficiaries? Will I get a payment?

Answer:

If you get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you should receive a one-time recovery payment of $250. On Feb. 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Among its provisions are onetime payments to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. You should receive your payment by the end of May. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.

RETIREMENT

Question:

How much money can I earn and still get Social Security benefits?

Answer:

It depends on your age. Social Security uses the formulas below to determine how much your benefit must be reduced when you earn money:

• If you are under your full retirement age when you start getting your Social Security payments, we deduct $1 in benefits for each $2 you earn above an annual limit. For 2009, that limit is $14,160.

• In the year you reach your full retirement age, we will deduct $1 in benefits for each $3 you earn above a different limit. For 2009, this limit is $37,680.

• Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want and still receive all of your Social Security benefits.

To learn more, read our publication How Work Affects Your Benefits available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html.

Question:

I applied for retirement benefits online; how can I check the status of my application?

Answer:

If you applied for benefits on-line, the most convenient way to check is— on-line! Just use the confirmation number you received when you finished your application and go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyon-line. There, you can return as often as you'd like to check the status of your application.

DISABILITY

Question:

I just got turned down for disability benefits. Can I appeal the decision, or should I file a new application?

Answer:

You can appeal the decision, and the most convenient way to go about it is to appeal on-line. An Internet appeal is a starting point to request a review of our decision about your eligibility for disability benefits. If your application is denied for:

• Medical reasons: You can complete and submit the required appeal request on-line. The disability appeal report asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests or doctor visits since we made our decision. You'll find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

• Non-medical reasons: You should contact your local Social Security office to request the review. You can find your local office by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov and selecting "Find a Social Security Office." You also may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to request an appeal.

Question:

I am disabled but I'd like to try returning to work. Can Social Security help?

Answer:

We may be able to help you try to return to work without losing your benefits. Social Security has several work incentive programs to encourage those who can work to try doing so. For information about these incentives, visit our "work site" on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov/work. You can also read the Red Book on Work Incentives at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Do I qualify for other types of assistance?

Answer:

In most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. If you don't have Medicaid, you should contact your local medical assistance office to find out whether you qualify. SSI recipients also may qualify for food stamps. Additionally, SSI recipients are generally eligible for social services provided by the state, city or county where they live. These may include homemaker services and arrangements for meals or transportation. More information is available at your local public assistance office. You also may want to read our on-line publication, Food Stamps and Other Nutrition Programs, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10100.html.

Question:

Can I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on-line?

Answer:

At this time we do not have an online application for SSI benefits. However, if you are disabled, we do have an on-line tool that can prepare you to make the application interview go smoothly: our Disability Starter Kit. You can find it on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. You'll find the link in the left-hand corner. While there, you can also prepare for the interview by completing the adult disability report. It's a part of the starter kit. By completing this report before your application interview, you will save time when you apply. You can schedule your appointment to apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800- 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

MEDICARE

Question:

My mom has Medicare prescription drug coverage. Can she get extra help with the associated costs?

Answer:

She may be able to, depending on her income and resources. In 2009, she must have an annual income below $16,245 (or $21,855 if she is married and living with her husband). If her annual income is higher, she still may be able to get some help if she supports other family members who live with her, has earnings from work, or lives in Alaska or Hawaii.

To get the extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, her total resources also need to be limited to $12,510 (or $25,010 if she is married and living with her husband). To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.