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Social Security Program Experts Can Answer Your Important Questions

October 8, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

There are many online resources about Social Security, so it is important that you come to us as the first place for answers. You can find many of the answers about our programs and services on our Frequently Asked Questions page. We feature our most-asked questions at the top of the page to help you find answers to the most common questions quickly, like:

You can also browse by topics like:

  • Disability.
  • Social Security Payments.
  • Retirement.
  • Medicare.

You can visit our publications library for detailed information on nearly all of our topics. We make each publication available in text, audio, and downloadable formats.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. julia p.

    I am 64 and drawing my own ss (for 2 years now) it isn’t much but it helps. When my spouse retires can I change and draw 1/2 of their benefit…It would be more than mine is.

  2. Ellen M.

    I am 67 and have been collecting 1/2 husband’s benefit for a couple of years, and my COLA letter reflected this amount. I am still working, however, want to apply for my own benefit but would like to speak with someone first. I have tried calling the number and am on hold for a long time and then get rapid busy signal. I see the recommendation to contact local security office, but there is no local number, just the main number that wont let me get through and eventually gives me the rapid busy signal. How to I make an appt w/ local office directy? Can I go in person and make the appt?

  3. Michael J.

    Hello, I am 67 years old, and I am working. I do have Medicare Part A. I would like to get Medicare Part B, and I need an application for Part B. How I can get an application for Part B.
    Thank you, Michael.

  4. GARY M.

    My wife, Susan, passed away on 12-11-2020. She received a check on 12-16-2020. Do I need to return this or are benefits paid for previous month. Very confusing.

    • S.D.

      We are so sorry for your loss, Gary. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due, so you do not have to return the check your wife received on Dec. 16, 2020.
      To be eligible for the December check, she had to live throughout the entire month of November. For more information, see our How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies fact sheet. If you haven’t already filed for the $255 lump-sum death payment, you can schedule an appointment by calling your local Social Security office. You’ll find the number using our Office Locator. Thank you for using our blog.

  5. Mary

    I’m trying to find out when my Social Security will be deposited for January 2021. I usually get a deposit on the 3rd or about of each month. Since 3 January, 2021 is on a Sunday I would normally receive a deposit on 1 January; however, 1 January, 2021 is a federal holiday.
    The only charts or graphs on this website are for 2019 or 2020.
    Please advise as soon as possible.

  6. Maria L.

    What is the best time to call social security regarding concerns about filling retirement benefits when you are outside USA?
    Thank you.

    • S.D.

      Hi, Maria. We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit in the area for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information for our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  7. George p.

    I am drawing Social Security payments, since after drawing payments, I finally got my 100% VA disability classification. Will this qualify for SS disability?

    • S.D.

      Hi, George. You don’t mention what type of Social Security benefit you draw. If you already receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your new 100% VA classification will not change your benefit amount. If you are receiving reduced retirement benefits, your monthly amount may increase if we can pay you disability benefits instead of retirement. This change would require you to file an application for disability benefits. With a VA Compensation Rating of 100% P&T, we may be able to expedite your application. Please discuss your case with a Social Security representative by calling your local office or 1-800-772-1213. Thank you for your service!

  8. Jerald C.

    I currently have Humana. Do I still have the original medicare?

    • V.V.

      Hi Jerald, thanks for using our blog. If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug plans, or the covered services, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. We hope this helps.

  9. Dania C.

    I became american citizen last August and I changed my name. I sent my original documents and the aplication for a new SS card inmediately.They sent them back a few days later
    4 month later I have not received my new card. Last month I talked with the person who called me about my ssi annual interview and he found my documents in the system, but until today I have not received the card.
    I could not vote in the elections and now I am thinking I do not exist, because with my old name I woukd not be american and with my new name which appears in my citizenship certificate I have not other ID, only the certificate.
    I dont understand why it is happening if the website says that in 4 weeks the person receives the new card
    I have called many times to the Syracuse office and federal office, but nothing
    Please help me

    Thank you so much

    • V.V.

      Hi Dania, thanks for using our blog. We are very sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing. Please continue to work with your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  10. Phoebus L.

    My wife is currently receiving SS retirement benefits and I will claim retirement benefits when I reach FRA in six months. We are raising our 3 year-old grandson who lives with us, and have been thinking about legally adopting him. My question is if we legally adopt our grandson, will he be able to receive SS dependent benefits? If yes, is there a way to estimate our grandson’s potential monthly benefit?

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

    Phoebus L.

    • S.D.

      Thank you for reading our blog, Phoebus, and thank you for your question. Under current law, Social Security can only pay benefits to a grandchild if certain conditions are met. In addition to providing more than 50% of your grandson’s support, his biological parents must be deceased or disabled, or you must have legally adopted him. For details, see “Benefits For Grandchildren”. Your grandson may be able to receive a monthly payment of up to 50% of your wife’s benefit amount or yours, whichever is higher. Social Security payments to family members will not decrease the amount of your retirement benefits. You’ll find more information at “Benefits For Your Children”.

      • Phoebus L.

        Aloha Sue,

        Thank you for the information!

Comments are closed.