Question: How do I show proof of my Social Security benefit amount?
Answer: Here are four ways:
o You can use your SSA-1099 form as proof of your income if you receive Social Security benefits;
o You can use your annual notice that tells you your benefit amount for the year as verification of your current benefits;
o The fastest, easiest, and most convenient way is to go online and request a Proof of Income Letter at www.socialsecurity.gov/bene; and
o You may call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Question: I understand that by 2013 I will not be able to continue receiving my Social Security payments by paper check. What are the benefits of using direct deposit?
Answer: The benefits of using direct deposit are:
o It’s safe;
o It’s secure;
o It’s convenient;
o There are no checks to be lost;
o You are in control of your money; and
o You will get your benefits on time, even if you’re out of town, sick, or unable to get to the bank.
You choose the account where your Social Security payment is deposited. If you don’t have a bank account, you can use the Direct Express prepaid debit card to receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other Federal benefit payments. With this card, you can make purchases, pay bills, and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide. Learn more about direct deposit and Direct Express at www.godirect.gov.
Question: What’s the easiest way to apply for retirement benefits?
Answer: You can apply for retirement benefits using our online Retirement Application at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire. It’s fast, easy, and secure. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed.
Question: How can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits?
Answer: Our online Retirement Estimator uses your Social Security earnings record to estimate your future benefits. To use the Retirement Estimator, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. There, you can enter certain identifying information about yourself. As long as the personal information you provide matches our records, you can use the Retirement Estimator to enter other information, such as your expected retirement age and estimated future wages. This information will be combined with the information that Social Security has on record about your past earnings to provide a quick and reliable online benefit estimate. A Spanish-language Retirement Estimator also is available at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador. Get an instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits now at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Question: How do I report a change of address if I’m on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: You must report any change of address by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local office within 10 days after the month the change occurs. You cannot complete a change of address online because we must obtain more specific information about the change in your living arrangement. Failure to report or filing false reports could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. Even if you receive your benefits by direct deposit, you need to report your new address to Social Security so that you can continue to receive mail from Social Security when necessary. To learn more about SSI reporting responsibilities, read the publication What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html.
Question: Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) taxable?
Answer: No. SSI payments are not subject to Federal taxes so you will not receive an annual form SSA-1099. However, if you also receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, those payments may be subject to income taxes. Learn more about SSI by reading the publication What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html.
Question: How does a blind or visually impaired person choose how Social Security communicates with them about changes or important information?
Answer: If you are blind or visually impaired, you have choices for receiving information from Social Security. To sign up or change these notice options, contact us through one of the following ways:
o Go to our page, If You Are Blind Or Visually Impaired-Your Choices For Receiving Information from Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/notices;
o Call us toll-free at 1-877-708-1776 (TTY 1-800-325-0778);
o Contact your local Social Security office; or
o Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you live outside the United States.
o The fastest and easiest way to learn about and sign up for these options is at www.socialsecurity.gov/notices.
Question: What is a disability trial work period?
Answer: The “trial work period” allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months without losing benefits. During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you remain disabled and you report your work activity. The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period. You can find more information about available work incentives in our publication Working While Disabled-How We Can Help at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html.
Question: What are the four parts of Medicare?
Answer: The four parts of Medicare include:
o Hospital insurance (Part A), which helps pay hospital bills and some follow-up care. The taxes you (or your spouse in some cases) paid while working financed this coverage, so it’s premium free. For those who are not “insured,” coverage may be purchased.
o Medical insurance (Part B), which helps pay doctors’ bills and other services. There is a monthly premium you must pay for Medicare Part B and you may refuse this coverage.
o Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which generally cover many of the same benefits a Medigap policy would cover, such as extra days in the hospital after you have used the number of days Medicare covers. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care services through one of these provider organizations under Part C. There might be additional premiums required for some plans; and
o Prescription drug coverage (Part D), which helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.
Anyone who has Medicare hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is eligible for prescription drug coverage (Part D). Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. To learn more about Medicare benefits, read our publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html.
Question: I can’t get health insurance because of my pre-existing condition. Is there anything I can do?
Answer: You may be eligible for the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan – a program for people who have a pre-existing condition and have been without health insurance coverage for at least six months. For more information, call the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan toll-free: 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Time or visit www.pcip.gov and select “Find Your State” to learn about eligibility and how to apply.
This was printed in the July 17, 2011 – July 30, 2011 Edition
