Q & A
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…
Will withdrawals from my individual retirement account affect my Social Security benefits?
Answer: Social Security does not count pension payments, annuities, or the interest or dividends from your savings and investments as earnings. They do not lower your Social Security retirement benefits. Source: Social Security Administration Notice: The link provided above connects readers…
How many Trust Funds comprise Social Security and Medicare?
Answer: Congress established trust funds managed by the Secretary of the Treasury to account for Social Security and Medicare income and disbursements. The Treasury credits Social Security and Medicare taxes, premiums, and other income to the funds. There are four separate…
What’s the Difference Between EPOs, PPOs, and HMOs?
Answer: When picking a health plan, comparing an EPO vs HMO, or an EPO vs PPO, can be confusing. Think of EPO health insurance as a cross-breed between an HMO and a PPO; an EPO has some of the characteristics of…
Should I apply for Disability or regular Social Security benefits?
Complete Question: I wanted to apply for Social Security at 62, but quickly realized that the reduced benefits were too low and I needed to work until age 66 for full benefits (I also do not have 35 years of…