Your Social Security

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Question:

I got married and I need to change the name on my Social Security card. What do I do?

Answer:

If you change your name due to marriage, you'll need to report the change by getting a new Social Security card with your new name. Just fill out form SS-5, which you can get at our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc or by calling our toll-free number, 1-800- 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You'll also need to provide the original marriage certificate showing your new and old names, which you can do by mailing or bringing the documentation to your local Social Security office. In some cases, we may need other forms of documentation as well. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question:

Do I have to give my Social Security number out whenever I'm asked?

Answer:

No. Giving your number is voluntary, even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires you to give your number and what the consequences are if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours. However, keep in mind that requesters may not provide you their services if you refuse to provide the number. For more detailed information, we recommend you read the publication Your Social Security Number And Card, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.

RETIREMENT

Question:

Will my benefits increase if I wait and retire after my full retirement age?

Answer: Yes. You can increase your Social Security benefit in two ways:

• Your benefit will be increased by a certain percentage if you delay retirement. We will add these increases automatically from the time you reach full retirement age until you start taking benefits or reach age 70; and

• If you work, each additional year you work adds another year of earnings to your Social Security record. Higher lifetime earnings may result in higher benefits when you do retire.

For more information, read When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html. You also can use our Retirement Estimator to find out your estimated future benefits. To use the Retirement Estimator, go to our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Question:

I have children at home and I plan to retire soon. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security payments after I retire?

Answer:

They will get monthly Social Security payments if they are:

• Unmarried and under age 18 (age 19 if still in high school); or

• Age 18 or over, and became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled.

This applies to both biological and adopted children as well as dependent stepchildren or grandchildren. For more information, read our on-line publication, Benefits For Children, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html.

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 Workers' Compensation and certain other public disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit. You can learn more and even apply for disability benefits on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Question:

I understand that to get Social Security disability benefits, my disability must be expected to last at least a year. Will I have to wait a year to receive benefits?

Answer:

No. You do not have to wait a year after becoming disabled to receive disability benefits. In fact, you should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. It may take months before a final decision is made on your claim. If your application is approved, we will pay your first Social Security disability benefits for the sixth full month after the date your disability began. For example, if your disability began on Jan. 15, we would pay your first disability benefit for the month of July. However, we pay Social Security benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. So you will receive your July benefit in August. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Question:

I am getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can I get other kinds of help?

Answer:

You may be able to get other assistance. For example, in most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. You should contact your medical assistance office. SSI recipients also are generally eligible for social services provided by the state, city or county where they live. These may include arrangements for meals or transportation. SSI recipients also may qualify for "food stamps" in many states. More information is available at your local public assistance office.

Question:

My grandmother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She may have to enter a nursing home to get the long-term care she needs. How does this affect her SSI benefits?

Answer:

Moving to a nursing home could affect your grandmother's SSI benefits. It depends on the type of facility. In many cases, we have to reduce or stop SSI payments to nursing home residents. When your grandmother enters or leaves a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, skilled nursing facility or any other kind of institution, you must notify Social Security right away. Learn more about SSI reporting responsibilities at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. You can call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800- 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for more information or to report a change.

MEDICARE

Question:

On Father's Day I spoke to my dad about his medications. He is finding it hard to pay for the drugs he needs even though he has Medicare prescription coverage. Is there something else we can do?

Answer:

If your father has limited income and resources, he may be eligible for extra help paying the costs of his prescriptions. This extra help can pay an average of $3,900 toward his prescription costs. He can both learn whether he qualifies and apply on-line for the extra help at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. In fact, you can even help him complete the application online. Or, call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800- 325-0778). The extra help can increase his cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription copayments under the new prescription drug program.

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