Your Social Security

By DAVID BROWN

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Question:

Do I need a Social Security card? I want to get a summer job and I think my mom lost my card.

Answer:

The important thing is to know your Social Security number. If you don't have your card, knowing your number should be fine. If you don't know your number or aren't quite sure whether you have it right, contact Social Security. For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question:

How do I know that I'm ready for the transition to digital television?

Answer:

Currently, many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital TV formats. By June 12, 2009, all fullpower TV stations will broadcast only in digital. The DTV transition will affect those who watch free, over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears". If you watch over-the-air programs on an analog TV, you must take action now. There are three ways to get ready:

• Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner);

• Subscribe to a paid TV service, such as cable or satellite television; or

• Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40 to $70. To help you pay for the boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. For more information on the coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388- 2009 (TTY 1-877-530-2634).

RETIREMENT

Question:

I just got back from a military deployment and I want to plan ahead. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?

Answer:

Your military retirement won't affect your Social Security benefits. You can get both. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full benefits based on your earnings. You can find more information in the publication Military Service and Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html. Or call us at 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question:

I'm about to retire, and I get rental income from a property I own. Does investment income count as earnings and affect my ability to collect Social Security benefits?

Answer:

No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you're self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can apply for retirement benefits on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov.

DISABILITY

Question:

I was turned down for disability. Do I need a lawyer to appeal?

Answer:

Whether or not to have a representative is up to you. In fact, you can file a Social Security appeal on-line, with or without a lawyer. Our on-line appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal. If you prefer, call us at 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to appeal.

Question:

It's hard for me to get around because of my disability. Do I have to go to a Social Security office to apply for benefits?

Answer:

In most cases no—you can apply on-line from the convenience of your home. Our on-line disability application is convenient and secure. You can apply for benefits over the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. When you decide to apply, begin by taking a look at our Disability Starter Kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm or calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a copy. It will help you prepare for your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

My sister has been completely disabled since birth. She gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Our grandfather died recently and left her a little money. Will this extra money stop her SSI benefits?

Answer:

It depends on the amount of the inheritance. The inheritance money is considered income for the month she received it. She will need to report the income and we will adjust her benefit for the month if we need to. If she keeps the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of her resources. To get SSI benefits, a person is limited to $2,000 in total resources, although there are exceptions. Have your sister call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report the inheritance. We will tell your sister how her eligibility could be affected. For more information, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question:

My mom receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She soon will be going to live with my brother. Does she have to report the move to Social Security?

Answer:

Yes. She should report to us within 10 days any change in living arrangements. The change could affect her benefit. Failure to report the change could result in a penalty being deducted from her SSI benefits. Also, we need her correct address so we can send correspondence. Please have her call Social Security at 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Or, she can report the change by mail or in person at a Social Security office. Visit our Web site for more information at www.socialsecurity.gov.

MEDICARE

Question:

How do I know if I am eligible for the $3,900 in savings with the Medicare prescription drug program?

There are annual income and resource limits. For example, if your annual income is below $16,245 (or $21,855 if you are married and living with your spouse), you may qualify for the extra help. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help if you meet certain conditions. Some examples of when your income may be higher include if you or your spouse:

• Support other family members who live with you;

• Have earnings from work; or

• Live in Alaska or Hawaii.

Further, to get the extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, your total resources generally must be limited to $12,510 (or $25,010 if you are married and living with your spouse). Resources include the value of some things you own, though not the house you live in. For more information see our publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10043.html, or call us at 1-800- 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). To learn more, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and visit the "Medicare" link. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325- 0778).

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