After years of telling people they can apply online for Social Security in their pajamas, Patty Duke has taken her own advice. Duke, who turns 65 today, applied online for retirement and Medicare benefits from home at www.socialsecurity.gov. “I had no idea this would be such a momentous occasion,” said Duke, who for three years […]
GENERAL Question: I live in a hurricane zone and there’s always a good chance I’ll have to evacuate. What should I do if I’m expecting my check and a hurricane disrupts the mail? Answer: To avoid this situation altogether, get your payments sent electronically. Direct Deposit and Direct Express are the fast, easy and secure ways […]
GENERAL Question: I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records. What should I do? Answer: It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. they don’t, here […]
GENERAL I thought I saw Patty Duke with George Takei in a new video for Social Security. Was that really them? Answer: Yes. Patty Duke joined George Takei to tell Americans to Boldly Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for retirement, disability, Medicare, and so much more. The two celebrities have donated their time for a […]
Question: Can my children receive dependent’s benefits because I am on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Answer: No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of the individual and are paid only to the qualifying person. There are no spouse’s, children’s or survivors benefits. However, if your children are disabled themselves, they might be eligible to […]
DISABILITY Question: I’m applying for disability benefits. Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I’m approved for disability benefits? Answer: You will receive Medicare after you receive disability benefits for 24 months. When you become eligible for disability benefits, we will automatically enroll you in Medicare. We start counting the 24 months from the month you […]
RETIREMENT Question: How do I know when it’s the right time for me to begin getting retirement benefits? Answer: If you use our online Retirement Estimator, you can get estimates of your benefit at various ages from age 62, the earliest eligibility age, to age 70, the age when you can take full advantage of […]
GENERAL Question: I can’t seem to find my Social Security card. Do I need to get a replacement? Answer: In most cases, knowing your Social Security number is enough. But if you do apply for and receive a replacement card, do not carry that card with you. Keep it with your important papers. For more […]