Q & A
Will my eligibility for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs be reviewed and, if so, how often?
Answer: If you get the Extra Help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This reassessment will ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and you are receiving all the benefits you deserve. Annually, usually at the end of…
What is the Special Retirement Supplement and Why Is it Important?
Answer: A full career FERS employee with 30 or more years of Service can retire at their minimum retirement age (MRA) which is between the ages of 55 and 57, depending on the year in which the employee was born. FERS…
Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: Social Security provides only long-term disability, so we can only pay benefits after you have been disabled continuously for a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your…
Is there a time limit on how long you can get Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved, and you cannot work. We will periodically review your case to determine if you continue to be eligible. If you are still receiving disability benefits…
Social Security: Can You Claim Spousal Benefits After a Divorce?
Answer: Even if you’re divorced, you may still be entitled to a spousal benefits from the Social Security Administration. To qualify, however, four things must be true.First, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years. Second,…
Disability and SSDI payments
Full Question: I retired with FERS disability and was also approved for SSDI. I am receiving checks from both places, and I do not know if this is the way it normally is because in my FERS retirement benefits book, it…
Deferred vs. postponed retirement?
Full Question: I have been reading several answers regarding deferred or postponed retirement. In my situation I think I understand that I can postpone my retirement until age 60 then request a postponed retirement. I am 57 years and 3 months…
How do I report the death of someone getting Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments?
Answer: You can report the death yourself by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, the funeral director usually will report the death. In this case, give the funeral director the deceased’s Social Security…
How do I check the status of my retirement application?
Answer: If you applied for benefits, you can check the status of your application online. Your application status shows the date we received your application and any requests for additional documents. It also shows the address of the office processing your…
What is the earliest age that I can receive Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: There is no minimum age as long as you meet the Social Security definition of disabled and you have sufficient work to qualify for benefits. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked under Social Security long enough to earn…