Social Security Administration Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS AND NUMBERS Q: I don't have a Social Security number. What should I do? A: If you don't have a Social Security number, you must apply for one from Social Security. There is no charge for this service. You can call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and ask for an application for a Social Security card. You may also obtain this application at any Social Security office. If you are 18 or older, you must go to a Social Security office in person to apply. Q: I lost my Social Security card so I called Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and asked for an application for a replacement card. When I get the application, do I have to provide documents to prove my identity? A: Yes. Page two of the application lists examples of the identity documents we will accept. You must supply us with originals or certified copies of these documents. If you were not born in the U.S., you will need to submit evidence showing your U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. Q: I ve always carried my Social Security card in my wallet. Now, I m wondering if that s a good idea because my wallet could be lost or stolen and my Social Security number could be used by someone else. A: It is important to protect both your Social Security card and your number. You can prevent the loss or misuse of your card by keeping it with other valuable personal documents, such as your insurance papers and birth certificate. However, there are occasions when you will need to have your card with you--when you apply for a new job or when you open a bank account, for example. If your card should be lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement card. If you have evidence that someone is using your Social Security card or number, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. MISLEADING INFORMATION Q: I recently married and received a letter from a company offering to take care of changing my name on Social Security records for a fee. The letter and the envelope it came in certainly gave me the impression that they were connected with Social Security. I learned later they weren't and I also learned that Social Security provides this service for free so I would like to report this company to someone. What should I do? A: To report the company, refer the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Social Security Administration Office of Public Affairs Misleading Information Post Office Box 17740 Baltimore, Maryland 21235 If it's more convenient, you can take the entire package to your local postmaster, or send a complaint that includes the package to the: Chief Postal Inspector United States Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20260-2100 Also, advise your State's Attorney General or Consumer Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau in your area. Remember, ALL SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES ARE FREE. 800 NUMBER Q: I can't get to a phone during business hours. Can I call at night to get an application for a Social Security card? A: Yes. You can apply for an original or replacement Social Security card by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, on your touchtone phone after 7 PM on weekends. You'll be asked to give your name and address and the application form will be mailed to you within two weeks. DIRECT DEPOSIT Q: I've been told that direct deposit has many advantages. What are they? A: Among other advantages, direct deposit will mean: 1. you won't need to worry about your checks being lost,stolen, or misplaced; 2. you won't have to worry about cashing your check if you're hospitalized or in ill health; 3. you can be away from home without the worry of a check sitting unprotected in your mailbox; and 4. you won't have to make a special trip to your bank or stand in line to deposit your check. Q: I'm receiving Social Security. My friend tells me that I should have my retirement check sent to my bank. How does this work? A: Your first step is to call your bank or Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and say that you want to sign up for direct deposit. When you call, have your Social Security number and your checkbook, bank statement, or any papers that show your bank account number. Direct deposit should take effect with either your next check or the one that follows it. Your payment will then be deposited in your savings or checking account each month, automatically. Q: When is the best time to call Social Security's toll-free number to get information about direct deposit? A: You can get more information about how to begin direct deposit of your monthly Social Security check by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, any business day between 7 AM and 7 PM. Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so it's best to call at other times. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Q: I need to change my address on my Social Security records. How do I do it? A: Call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and tell them your new address including the ZIP code, your new telephone number, and your Social Security claim number. Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so it's best to call at other times. Q: My mother will be moving in January. What does she need to do to make sure she won't miss any of her Social Security checks? A: Your mother needs to inform Social Security of her new address and phone number as soon as she knows them. She can make a telephone report by calling Social Security's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213, or she can write or visit the office. Her report should include her Social Security number. Your mother also needs to file a change of address form with the post office. EARNINGS RECORD Q: How often should I check my Social Security earnings record? Is there much of a chance that an error may occur? A: You should check your Social Security earnings record at least once every three years. Errors in your earnings record are more likely to occur if you change jobs frequently or have more than one employer. To check your Social Security earnings record, contact your local Social Security office or call our toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the "Request For Personal Earnings And Benefit Estimate Statement (Form 7004). The form asks a few identifying questions (name, address, date of birth, etc.). About a month after you send in the form, you'll receive a statement that shows your earnings as reported to Social Security by your employer(s). Check our records against your own files. If you find an error, contact Social Security right away with proof of your actual earnings (such as a W-2 form). Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so it's best to call at other times. Q: I was talking to an employee benefit specialist at work and she told me that Social Security has a financial planning service. I don't understand the connection between financial planning and Social Security. A: Social Security is not in the financial planning business. However, Social Security can offer you a free Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement to help you in assessing your financial planning needs. The statement gives you a breakdown of all the wages reported under your social security number as well as estimates of what Social Security benefits you and your family would be eligible for. Once you know what to expect from Social Security, you can plan your other financial needs. To get your free Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement, call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or contact your nearest Social Security office. PROOF OF BENEFITS Q: I need proof of what I receive from Social Security. What can I use? A: Every year Social Security will send you an SSA-1099 form showing how much you received from Social Security in the past year. You can use this as proof of your benefit amount. We'll also send you a notice when your amount increases because of an annual cost of living raise. You can show this notice as proof of how much you get. BENEFIT COMPUTATIONS Q: Why is my neighbor's check more than mine? A: Benefit computations are based on a person's date of birth and complete work history, so differences are very likely. To protect each person's privacy, we cannot give you information about someone else's Social Security record. RETIREMENT Q: Are my benefits figured on my last five years of earnings? A: No. Retirement benefits are calculated on total earnings during a lifetime of work under the Social Security system. Years of high earnings will increase the amount of the benefit, but no group of years counts more than another group. Q: Will my retirement pension from my job reduce the amount of my Social Security benefit? A: If your pension is from work where you also paid Social Security taxes, it will not affect your Social Security benefit. Pensions from work that are not covered by Social Security for example, the federal civil service and some state or local government systems probably will reduce the amount of your Social Security benefit. Q: I will be 62 on August 2 of this year and that's when I plan on retiring. Will my first benefit check be for the month of August or September? A: Since you were born on the first or second day of the month, you will be eligible the month you were born-- August. But, in most cases, Social Security retirement benefits do not begin the month the person reaches 62; benefits usually begin the following month. To receive retirement benefits, you must be at least age 62 for the entire month. But, the law says that you "attain" your age the day before your birthday. Since you were born on August 2, you legally attain your age on August 1; therefore you're eligible for benefits for August because you're considered 62 for the entire month. Q: My neighbor, who is retired, told me that the income he receives from his part-time job at the local nursery has also given him an increase in his Social Security benefits. Can that be right? A: People who return to work after they start receiving benefits may be able to receive a higher benefit based on those earnings. This is because Social Security automatically recomputes the benefit amount after the additional earnings are credited to the individual s earnings record. The earnings can be an advantage as long as they do not exceed the annual exempt amount. Q: If I work after I start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, will I have to pay FICA taxes? A: Yes, and your extra earnings may increase your benefits. For additional information, call your local Social Security office or Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. Q: I am 70 years of age and still working. Do I have a responsibility to report my earnings to Social Security? A: In the year you reach age 70, you are responsible for reporting your earnings for the months before the month you reach 70. You do not have to report your earnings if you are 70 or older all year. You can report your earnings by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local Social Security office. Representatives at the toll-free number can give you the address and telephone number of your nearest Social Security office. Q: I am almost 62 years old and I understand I can retire at that age and collect Social Security benefits, but that they will be less than if I wait until 65 to retire. How does that work? A: Your benefits are reduced five-ninths of one percent for each month you are retired before age 65, up to a maximum of 20 percent for people who retire the month they reach 62. But remember, by taking benefits at 62, you'll receive Social Security checks for a longer period of time. Q: I think Social Security is a rip off compared to a private retirement plan I have. Can I drop out of Social Security? A: No. Social Security coverage is mandatory. But consider this: unlike your private plan, Social Security provides disability and survivors coverage in addition to retirement benefits. And Social Security generally offers greater protection for family members than private pensions. Q: I have two children at home and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security checks after I retire? A: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to unmarried children under age 18, or age 19 if still in high school or children age 18 or over who were severely disabled before age 22 and who continue to be disabled. Q: I've heard that some people get Social Security retirement benefits and continue working. I'd like to try doing this, but I'm afraid the rules and paper work will be too complicated. Is it hard to follow the rules? A: It's easier than you think. When you apply for your retirement benefits, the Social Security representative will explain how your earnings will affect your benefit checks. You will need to estimate your future earnings and, at the end of each year, file a report of your actual earnings. Your benefits will be paid based on your estimated earnings so your estimate needs to be as accurate as possible. After you report your actual earnings, we will send you an additional check for benefits you are due if your original estimate was too high. If your estimate was too low and you are overpaid, the money will be withheld from your checks in the next year. SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES Q: I'm a married woman who works and pays Social Security taxes. A friend of mine told me she'll be eligible for Social Security benefits on her husband's record, even though she's never worked or paid Social Security taxes. That doesn't seem fair. Does that mean that the Social Security taxes I'm paying are wasted, since I could get benefits on my husband's record without ever working? A: The Social Security taxes you are paying are not wasted. As a married woman who works and pays Social Security taxes, you have advantages by being eligible for your own benefit. You may get a higher benefit when you retire than if your benefit was based solely on your husband's earnings. You can retire before your husband, based on your own earnings, even though your husband continues to work. As a working woman, you earn disability protection for you and your dependent children. Also, in the event of your death, your survivors may be eligible for benefits based on your earnings. Q: I'm considering opening a small business. Will I pay more in Social Security taxes than I did when I worked for someone else? A: Yes and no. Self-employed people pay twice as much in Social Security taxes as employees pay. However, because employers pay a matching share, the combined rate is the same as the self-employment tax. But there are special tax credits you can take when you file your tax return that are intended to lower your overall rate. In 1994, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3 percent of your net profit up to $60,600. But if your net earnings exceed $60,600, you must continue to pay the Medicare portion of the Social Security tax (2.9 percent) on the remainder of your earnings. For more information about your tax responsibilities as the owner of a small business, call the IRS toll-free number 1-800-829-1040. Q: I think I could do better if you let me invest the Social Security I pay into an IRA or some other investment plan. What do you think? A: Maybe you could--but then again, maybe your investments wouldn't work out. Remember these facts:  your Social Security taxes pay for potential disability and survivors benefits as well as for retirement benefits;  Social Security incorporates social goals--such as giving more protection to families and to low income workers--that are not part of private pension plans; and  Social Security benefits are adjusted yearly for increases in the cost-of-living--a feature not present in many private plans. Q: Both my husband and I work and pay Social Security taxes. On which record will my benefits be based? A: You will receive benefits based on your work record if you work long enough under Social Security--usually 10 years-- to be entitled to benefits. If your wife's benefit is more that your own Social Security, you will receive an additional amount on your husband's record. SURVIVOR'S BENEFITS Q: My ex-wife died a month ago and I was wondering if our children, ages 11 and 14, would be eligible for Social Security benefits? A: Possibly. It depends on whether she had enough work credits to be insured. If she did, your children may be eligible for benefits. You should apply for survivors benefits promptly because benefits are generally retroactive only up to 6 months. You can apply by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1- 800-772-1213, or by calling your local Social Security office. Q: My two children and I have been receiving survivors benefits since my wife died. Will these benefits continue if I remarry? A: Your remarriage would have no effect on the benefits being paid to your children. If you get benefits only because you are caring for your children, your benefits would end at the time of your remarriage unless you marry someone who is receiving Social Security benefits. Q: My mother, a widow, died in late January. Social Security tells me that I must return her January benefit check even though she was alive through most of the month. Why is this? A: Social Security benefits are not pro-rated. To be entitled to a Social Security benefit check for a given month, the person must be alive the entire month. No benefit is payable for the month of death. Q: I'm a 63-year-old widow receiving reduced Social Security benefits. Can I switch to a higher benefit when I turn 65? A: Ordinarily, you can't change from a reduced benefit to a full benefit when you reach age 65. But if you are a widow or widower who already has earned enough credits to get Social Security on your own record, or you are continuing to work at higher earnings, you may be able to switch to a higher benefit. You should contact your Social Security office to ask for a benefit computation. Q: When a Social Security beneficiary dies, does the funeral home notify Social Security or is notification up to the family? A: Many funeral directors voluntarily provide death information directly to Social Security. But, family members of a deceased individual still have the legal responsibility to notify Social Security. Q: My wife, who had worked for about six years, died last month and now I am the sole support for our two young children. Am I eligible for Social Security survivors benefits? A: Possibly. Depending on your wife's age at death, she may have had enough work credit to be insured. If she was, you and your children may be eligible for benefits. However, if you're working, your earnings may reduce your Social Security benefits. Q: Our daughter, who had two young children, passed away two years ago. Her husband is planning to remarry and his fiance wants to adopt the children after the marriage. Will the children lose the Social Security survivor's benefits that they currently receive? A: No. The adoption of a child already entitled to survivor's benefits does not terminate the child's benefits. MAXIMUM FAMILY BENEFIT Q: I ve heard that there is a maximum family benefit under Social Security. Does this mean that once the maximum is reached, some family members won t get benefits? A: No. Under Social Security, each family member entitled to receive a monthly benefit will receive one. The total benefits received by the family, however, cannot exceed the family maximum amount. That amount is divided among all entitled dependents. The more dependents who receive benefits on the worker s Social Security record, the lower the benefit amount will be for each dependent. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME Q: Is the SSI payment for an eligible couple twice that of an eligible individual? And if it isn t, why not? A: The SSI program provides a basic Federal payment of for an eligible individual and a larger amount for an eligible couple. The payment for a couple is lower than that made to two individuals because married people living together generally share expenses and live more economically than two people living independently. Q: My father, who receives Supplemental Security Income, just received an insurance settlement as a result of fire damage to his home. Must he report this money to Social Security as income ? A: No. As long as the money is used to repair the damage to his home, it doesn't count as income for SSI purposes. Q: My aunt recently broke her hip and can't get around well enough to take care of herself any longer. I want her to come stay with me. She receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and thinks that her checks will be reduced if she moves in with me. Is this true? A: As long as your aunt plans to return to her permanent residence, a temporary stay with you of less than a month will not affect her SSI. There are also some other options your aunt may want to explore. She may be able to stay home and receive help from her State or county. Many States offer services like housekeeping help and meals to SSI recipients. For more information, your aunt should contact her local social services office. Q: I just got a notice from Social Security that said my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case is being reviewed. What does this mean? A: Social Security reviews every Supplemental Security Income case from time to time to make sure the individuals who are receiving checks should continue to get them. The review also determines if the individuals are receiving the correct amounts. TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF (TDD) SERVICES Q: Can I use my TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) to call Social Security on the national Social Security toll- free voice line? A: TDD use is limited to the special toll-free TDD service line. Voice calls should not be made to the TDD toll- free number and TDD calls should not be made to other Social Security numbers established for voice callers. The Social Security national TDD toll-free number is 1- 800-325-0778, the Social Security toll-free number established for voice callers is 800-772-1213. DISABILITY Q: I understand that to get Social Security disability benefits, your disability must be expected to last at least a year. Does this mean that you must wait a year after being disabled before you can get benefits? A: You do not have to wait a year after being disabled before you can get benefits. You should file as soon as you can after becoming disabled and benefits begin after a 5-month waiting period. The waiting period begins with the month Social Security decides your disability began. Q: I have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for the past four years and my condition has not improved. Is there a time limit on Social Security disability benefits? A: No. You will continue to receive a disability benefit as long as your condition keeps you from working. But, your case will be reviewed periodically to see if there has been any improvement in your condition and whether you are still eligible for benefits. And, if you are still eligible when you reach 65, your disability benefit will be automatically converted to retirement benefits. Q: I had a serious back injury four years ago and received disability benefits for about 18 months until I could return to work. Unfortunately, my back problems have recurred and I don't know how much longer I will be able to continue working. When I initially applied for benefits, I waited several months before I received my first check. If I reapply for benefits, will my wait be as long as it was the first time? A: Maybe not. It depends on what the new medical reports say and whether additional evidence is required. A worker who becomes disabled a second time within five years after benefits stop can have his or her checks start again, beginning with the first full month of disability if the new claim is approved. Q: My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits for himself, his wife, and daughter. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter by a woman to whom he has never been married. Is the second child entitled to some benefits as well? A: Yes, even though your brother wasn't married to the second child's mother, Social Security pays benefits to all of his children, even if they were born out of wedlock.. Each child is entitled equal benefits. PROPER DOCUMENTATION Q: I'm getting ready to sign up for Social Security. I heard I have to show you my birth certificate. I've got a copy of it in my safe deposit box. Is this good enough? A: It depends on what you mean by a "copy." If it's a copy of your birth record that's been certified by the agency that issued your birth certificate, then it's acceptable. "Certified" means it's been signed by the issuing agency and has a raised seal. If all you have is an uncertified photocopy, that's not legally acceptable. REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES Q: I have an elderly friend who receives Social Security benefits. I'm concerned that she's unable to manage her money to pay her bills on time. Can Social Security help her? A: Yes. When an individual who gets Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks is unable to manage benefits in his or her own best interest, the Social Security Administration appoints a representative payee to assume these responsibilities. In these cases, the Social Security or SSI benefits are sent directly to the representative payee. The payee takes care of using funds for the personal care and well-being of the beneficiary and agrees to report certain changes in the beneficiary's circumstances that could affect the continuing eligibility to receive benefits. To get more information, call your local Social Security office and ask about "representative payees." TAXABLE EARNINGS Q: My 17-year-old daughter has a summer job keeping house for a couple of neighborhood women. Are her earnings taxable for Social Security? A: Yes. If she earns more than $50 in a calendar quarter from one employer, her earnings are taxable. The employer needs to deduct Social Security taxes from her check. For more information, call Social Security's toll-free number,1-800-772-1213 and ask for the factsheet "Household Workers" (Publication No. 05- 10021).