Q & A
Where else can I find answers to Medicare questions?
Answer: Medicare has online resources for you. Register at MyMedicare.gov to: Create and print an “On the Go” report that lists information you can share with your providers. Add or update your health information, like medical conditions or allergies. View or…
If you opt out of Medicare, because you are working can you sign up later?
Answer: Yes, you can. If you have insurance through your own or your spouse’s current employer, you can delay Medicare enrollment until you/ your spouse who insures you retires. This Special Enrollment Period to enroll into Medicare lasts the entire time…
Social Security: To Draw or Not to Draw? That Is the Question
General Discussion: I have just turned 66. All my friends, family, colloquies, and people in line at Walmart tell me I should apply for benefits since now I can draw “Full” benefits and keep working, which is the boomer generations equivalent…
Social Security: Can You Claim Benefits If You’re Divorced?
Answer: It can be a little complicated, but you can claim retirement benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings — called the “spousal benefit” — if you meet a few guidelines. First of all, you can’t claim at any time, and the…
My Medicare claim number is based on my Social Security number and through my own Social Security retirement. If I eventually receive benefits through my husband’s Social Security record, will my Medicare claim number change to show his SSN?
Answer: No. Even if you begin to receive Social Security through his record, your Medicare claim number will remain based on your own SSN. If your Medicare coverage was through only his record, then your Medicare claim number would be…
Is there a way to speed up the disability application and approval process?
Complete Question: I’m only 25, but I’m writing on behalf of my mom. She’s only 50. She’s been having difficulty at work and lost her job. After frequent visits to the doctor and watching her mental capacity decline, it was…
I spent two hours at the Social Security office just to find out that I cannot use a copy of my marriage certificate to get another Social Security card. Can you please tell readers what documents they should provide to Social Security so they do not go through what I experienced? Now I have to go back with the correct items.
Answer: Getting a replacement Social Security card is free, but you will have to provide the proper documents to get a new one. Being prepared will save you time at the Social Security office or card center. If you are replacing…
Will my income affect my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments?
Answer: We consider your income when deciding whether you can get SSI. WHY IS INCOME IMPORTANT IN THE SSI PROGRAM? Generally, the more countable income you have, the less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the…
Does Social Security provide benefits for short-term disabilities?
Complete Question: I got a new job last month and it takes three months to get any PTO. Unfortunately, I got into a car accident and have been severely injured. I have broken ribs and a broken leg. My doctor…
Can I withdraw my Social Security retirement claim and reapply later to increase my benefit amount?
Answer: Unexpected changes may occur after you apply to start your Social Security retirement benefits. If you change your mind, you may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim and re-apply at a future date. However, you must do this…