Q & A
Where do Social Security Payments Made by Undocumented Workers Go?
Answer: Many employers are familiar with the following scenario: You hire someone, put them on payroll and deduct taxes from their checks automatically – just like you do with all employees. You then find out through an audit by U.S. Immigration…
When can the government garnish your Social Security?
Answer: It’s a rude awakening for a growing number of seniors: They file for Social Security, then discover that the federal government plans to take part of their benefit to pay off delinquent student loans, tax bills, child support or alimony. The…
I completed my retirement application online and it was easy. Are these applications reviewed by anyone at Social Security?
Answer: Yes. Just over half of all national Social Security retirement applications are completed online. More than retirement applications can be completed online. For example, people applying only for Medicare or for disability benefits can file online too. Social Security representatives…
My grandmother receives Supplemental Security Income benefits. She may have to enter a nursing home to get the long-term care she needs. How does this affect her SSI benefits?
Answer: Moving to a nursing home could affect your grandmother’s SSI benefits, depending on the type of facility. In many cases, we have to reduce or stop SSI payments to nursing home residents, including when Medicaid covers the cost of the…
I am getting Supplemental Security Income. Can I get other kinds of help?
Answer: You may be able to get other assistance. For example, in most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. You should contact your medical assistance office. Also, SSI recipients are sometimes eligible for social services provided by the state, city, or…
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. This date, called the onset,…
My husband and I are not divorced but have lived apart for many years. Can I still receive Social Security through his record?
Answer: Living together is not required for Social Security spousal benefits as a wife or husband. Your individual SSA retirement amounts might prevent spousal benefits but living apart while married will not. In addition, having lived apart will not prevent either of…
How do I report disability fraud?
Answer: You can report disability fraud to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General Hotline at: 1-800-269-0271 or http://oig.ssa.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/fraud-waste-and-abuse. Source: HHS.gov – 9/19/2014 Notice: The “Read more…” link provided above connects readers to the full content of the posted article and/or…
What are the rules on Tri Care for Life vs. Medicare?
Full question: My fiancé, an Army retiree, recently turned 65 and went to the Social Security office to sign up for Medicare. He was told he did not need Part B because he was eligible for Tricare for Life. I have a…
How can I protect myself in a security breach involving Social Security numbers?
Answer: In the past few weeks, computer-savvy thieves have been out in force, picking through personal information left behind at doctors offices, stores, and government offices, stealing everything from Social Security numbers to credit and debit card numbers. What can you do…