Q & A
Does Social Security provide special services or information for people who are blind or visually impaired?
Answer: Yes. Social Security offers a number of services and products specifically designed for people who are blind or visually impaired. Special Notice Option: If you are blind or visually impaired, you can choose to receive notices and other information from…
Do disabled children qualify for benefits?
Answer: Yes. There are two disability programs run by Social Security that include benefits for disabled children. Under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, a child from birth to age 18 may receive monthly payments based on disability or blindness if:…
I run a small business and I am hiring a few employees. How can I recognize a valid Social Security card?
Answer: There are more than 50 different versions of the Social Security card, all of which are valid. Although there are several current versions of the card in circulation, all prior versions of the card are valid. The number is what…
I got an email that says it’s from Social Security, but I’m not so sure. They want me to reply with my Social Security number, date of birth, and mother’s maiden name for “verification.” Did it really come from Social Security?
Answer: No. Social Security will not send you an email asking you to share your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other private information. Beware of such scams — they’re after your information so they…
My wife wants to retire next year, and she will be 57 in July. Plans on retiring end of March. According to Social Security, her SS benefit at age 62 would be $1,857 a month, but it says it is based on her working until 62 and that she earns $110,000 a year during that time. I can’t find anything about what happens under her scenario of retiring at 56.75 years old. Will her benefit be reduced because she does not work until 62? Her first year with full-time SS contributions was 1983, and her SS earnings were $12,750. Prior to that, she had some on-and-off part-time earnings starting in 1974; not more than $1,200 in any year, and some years were $0.
Answer: To find out what her Social Security benefit would be using different scenarios, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm and select a calculator that best fits her needs. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com – November 18, 2013
I am looking at the Trust Fund Data of Social Security & Medicare Tax rates from the Social Security Administration website. For the year 1971-72, I see a 4.6 withholding rate under OASDI and .600 under HI. Would a federal employee covered under CSRS in 1972 have paid the 0.6 percent into Medicare? I know they would not pay the 4.6 under OASDI.
Answer: No. Federal employees weren’t covered by Social Security until Jan. 1, 1984. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com – November 16, 2013
Understanding FEHB vs. Medicare Part A
Full Question: I will turn 65 next year and am very confused about Medicare Part A and my current Federal Employees Health Benefits (Blue Cross/Blue Shield Basic) coverage. I just read that applying for Medicare Part A is optional, and if…
WHO DECIDES WHETHER YOU RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?
Answer: The Social Security Disability application process can feel mysterious and deeply impersonal. But it is about your life and shapes your future. Understanding the process can help you feel more empowered. Read more… Notice: The “Read more…” link provided…
I’m a federal employee. If I receive a medical disability, do I pay the full Federal Employees Health Benefits premiums plus 2 percent?
Answer: Assuming that you are currently enrolled in the FEHB program, you would pay the same premiums in retirement that you are now paying as an employee. Note: If you are a Postal Service retiree, you’d lose the subsidy gained through…
Retirement as CSRS Offset
Full Question: I will be 63 this month. I worked at the Postal Service from 1969 to 1981 as a letter carrier. I took the CSRS money out when I left in 1981. I worked in the private sector from 1981…