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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. Daniel M.

    Hi, let say that I took an early retirement at 63. Next year 2021 the annual limit is $18,960. Now can I work while receiving my benefits? If I make $18,900 for first 3 months and then stop working for the rest of the year, will my benefits gets affected?
    Thanks

  2. M

    Hi, if I start SSI at 62, and I still work. how much can I gross in a year before i would pay back to SSI?

    • Vonda

      Hi M, thanks for using our blog. The amount you’re allowed to earn while receiving benefits depends on your age. If you attain full retirement age in 2021, the earnings limit is $50,520 but we only count earnings before the month you reach full retirement age. Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you’re under full retirement age for the entire year, then we deduct $1 from benefit payments for every $2 earned above the annual limit. For 2021, that limit is $18,960.

      Visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working for more details.

  3. Sherri G.

    I am not yet collecting SS. My husband is. Can he get more SS based on my earnings?

    • Vonda

      Hi Sherri, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. For your husband to be eligible for additional spouse’s benefits on your record, you have to be receiving benefits. If spouse’s benefits are higher than your husband’s own retirement benefits, he will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. However, the spouse’s benefit cannot exceed one-half of your full retirement amount. So, he can only receive additional spouse’s benefits if his own full retirement benefit (not his reduced benefit) is less than half of your full retirement benefit. Check out our Benefits for your Spouse web page for additional details. We hope this helps!

  4. lakeria

    I’m 17 and I’ve been living with my dad for the past three years, but he is not my biological father or my legal guardian. I was wondering if there was a way he could get the check signed over to him if we showed proof of me living with him for the past couple of years.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Lakeria, thanks for using our blog. If you’re asking about a representative payee change, the individual that wants to be your representative payee can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact their local Social Security office. Please 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.

  5. GRACIELA A.

    Mi nombre es Graciela A. Comas, mi correo electronico es- maximo3530@yahoo.com.ar, No he recibido la ayuda suplementaria, quede barada en Argentina por la Pandemia. En cvuanto pueda regreso. Mi s.s. es *** – ** – *** . Podran contestarme, gracias

  6. Robert W.

    I called my local SSA office asking if I could cancel my enrollment in Medicare Plan B and cancel the $144 deduction. I’m a Viet Nam Veteran, use VA as my Primary Care and have never used Medicare. I was told to fill out CMS 40 B, but when I found form online it was actually an application for Medicare Plan B. Can you answer my question whether I or not I can cancel, and direct me to the appropriate form?

    • Vonda V.

      Thank you for your service, Robert! Enrolling in Medicare or terminating your Medicare Part B is your choice. However, because you can only sign up for Medicare Part B during designated enrollment periods, if you choose to terminate Part B, and later change your mind, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage.

      Check out the Veterans Administration web page for additional details on VA health care and how it works with Medicare and other health insurance.

  7. Michael W.

    I’m not able to complete the sign up for an account. It all comes to a halt on the page that asks for credit card or tax information.
    I have a debit card, not the required credit card.
    It’s been perhaps 5 years since I received a W2 form. The copies are long gone.
    Not filing self employed.
    Never received social security benefits.

    So…. What do I do now? The only option left on that page is the exit button.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Michael, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing with your my Social Security account. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please 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.

  8. Patricia C.

    I want to know why I didn’t receive a covid release check.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Patricia, thank you for your question. Please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments Information Center to answer your questions about eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!

  9. Robert

    Like.how.i was told.by one of your judges what i have is not severe enough to qualify for disability please enlighten me.on.these stats – Diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths. Diabetes caused at least USD 760 billion dollars in health expenditure in 2019 – 10% of total spending on adults. More than 1.1 million children and adolescents are living with type 1 diabetes.Feb 12, 2020

  10. Mary D.

    I did not receive my full deposit this month! Only $45! Who should I contact? I’ve been receiving SS for 7 years!

    • Vonda V.

      For your security, Mary, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please 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.

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