Q & A
What information do I need to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: Here are some of the things we will ask for when you apply for SSI. Even if you do not have all of the things listed below, apply anyway. But keep in mind that the more information you can provide,…
What can I do if I think someone has stolen my identity?
Answer: You should: File a report with the local police, and keep a copy of the police report as proof of the crime; Notify the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-ID-THEFT); File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; and Contact the fraud…
My grandmother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 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…
How do I earn Social Security credits?
Answer: “Social Security credit” (sometimes referred to as a “quarter of coverage”) is the measure of your work under the Social Security program. We use your total covered yearly earnings from both wages and/or net earnings from self-employment to compute Social…
How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate?
Answer: We suggest you use our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Our Retirement Estimator produces estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record, so it’s a personalized, instant picture of your future estimated benefit. Also, you can use it to test…
How can I verify employees’ Social Security numbers?
Answer: Employers can use our Social Security Number Verification Service to verify the names and Social Security numbers of current and former employees for wage reporting purposes. Source: Social Security Notice: The link provided above connects readers to the full content of the posted…
How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate?
What is the Experian verification process you use to set up a “my Social Security” online account?
Answer: From Social Security – You must give us your identifying information and answer security questions to pass verification. First, we match the personal information you give us with the data we have in our records. Then, we use Experian, an…
What is a Non-service connected disability pension?
Answer: If you are a veteran who is 65 years old or older, or “permanently and totally” disabled, you may be eligible for the VA Non-service Connected Disability Pension (NSC). The VA NSC pension is a program that provides financial support to…
Can my Social Security disability benefits be garnished for child support?
Answer: Yes, we can withhold Social Security benefits to enforce your legal obligation to pay child support, alimony or restitution. State laws determine a valid garnishment order. By law, we garnish current and continuing monthly benefits. We do not make retroactive…