Q & A
What is the disability waiting period?
Answer: Social Security disability requirements include a waiting period of five full calendar months before entitlement to benefits can begin. Benefits are paid starting for the sixth full month after the date a disability is determined to begin. Called the…
Can I conduct my Social Security business online in the event of a hurricane or other disaster that keeps me from visiting an office?
Answer: Yes, you can conduct most of your business with Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov. For example, you can create or access your own My Social Security Account, apply online for Social Security benefits or Medicare, and check the status of your…
What is the definition of disability for children filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children under the SSI program. A child who is under age 18 is considered disabled if he or she: ∎ Has a physical or mental condition (or a combination of conditions)…
How Many Social Security Credits Do I Need For Disability Benefits?
Answer: You may be asking yourself, “What are Social Security disability credits?” These credits are one of the areas that Social Security goes by to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability. If you are not familiar with what these credits are,…
How do I tell Social Security that I have changed my mind?
Answer: Fill out Social Security Form SSA-521 and include the reason why you want to withdraw the application on the form. Note: If you already have Medicare, your request must also clearly state whether your Medicare coverage should or should not be included in…
Can I change my mind about taking early retirement?
Answer: Yes, but only within one year and there are serious consequences to consider: 1. You must repay all the benefits you and your family received based on your retirement application.2. The repayment obligation includes any benefits your spouse or…
What happens if I don’t take early retirement but then I am found disabled?
Answer: The advantage of this approach is that you will begin receiving benefits at a level likely to be higher than early retirement benefits would have been AND there will be no penalty on your retirement benefits when you do retire.…
What happens if I take early retirement and after that I’m approved for disability?
Answer: It depends on the date that you are found to have become disabled, so it is a gamble. If you take early retirement and later on you are found to have become disabled before your early retirement benefits started, then…
How much will my benefits be reduced if I take early retirement?
Answer: That depends on the year you were born. Social Security has a chart of birthdates and reductions at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/agereduction.htm. As an example, if you were born between 1943-1954, your full retirement age is 66. If those in that age group…
I will soon sign up for Medicare at age 65, but I am not getting Social Security yet. How do I pay Medicare premiums if not receiving monthly SSA benefits?
Answer: A quarterly payment schedule is arranged that is payable by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account, by check or money order, or by credit card. Details are on the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov. Note that you might not have a…