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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. Stephanie B.

    I receive SSDI do I also qualify for SS?

    • Vonda

      Hi Stephanie, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. If you have low income and limited resources, you may be able to receive SSI in addition to monthly Social Security benefits. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, on the other hand, are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. For more information on the difference between Social Security disability and SSI, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page.

  2. Jo A.

    When do I start receiving my SSI? What else do I need to do to get it started?

    • Vonda

      Hi Jo Ann, thanks for using our blog. For your security, 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.

  3. Brenda P.

    I retired from the VA medical center in 2001. I turn 65 in 2009 and signed up for Medicare part A. I did not get Medicare part B because I had FEP blue insurance. If I sign up for Medicare Medicare part B now will I need to pay a penalty. I have had FEP Blue Cross who since I retired.

    • Vonda

      Hi Brenda, thanks for using our blog. In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium which is why we advise people to apply for Medicare benefits as soon as they are eligible. However, as a federal retiree, you may want to check with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for details. We hope this helps!

  4. Randy

    I currently receive spousal benefits from my wife’s account. I delayed receiving benefits on my account until age 70. How do I switch to my own benefits when I reach 70 in March?

    • Vonda

      Hi Randy, thanks for using our blog. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your retirement benefits online.

      If you are unable to file online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or 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.

      • Linda R.

        I am taking spousal benefits so I have an application on file. Do I need to re-file to change benefits at age 70 or is this automatic?

        • Vonda

          Hi Linda, thanks for using our blog. If you’ve never applied for retirement benefits, you will need to apply. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your retirement benefits online.

          If you are unable or would rather not apply online, 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.

          • John

            I am currently receiving spousal benefits and I am filing online to switch to my own retirement benefit in March 2021 at 70 yrs old. I don’t understand how I should answer the online application question:

            “If you are eligible for both retirement benefits and spouse’s benefit, do you want to delay receipt of retirement benefit?

            You must choose “Yes” or “No” for this field.”

          • Vonda

            Hi John, thanks for using our blog. It sounds like you already chose to delay receipt of your retirement benefits and you are now ready to file for your Social Security retirement benefits so you would answer No. We hope this helps!

          • kathy

            i am receiving spousal benefits and have an application in when i applied at age 66 do i have to reapply now again

  5. Justin

    I was told that ssi back pay was owed to me months ago when will I receive them.

    • Vonda

      Hi Justin, thanks for using our blog. For your security, 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.

  6. Eric E.

    My wife is retired and collecting Social Security benefits monthly based off of her earnings. When I retire can I also collect Social Security benefits based off of my earnings? The real question is can we both collect SS benefits separately at the same time?

    • Vonda

      Hi Eric, thank you for your question. There is no marriage penalty or limit to benefits paid a married couple. If you are married and you and your spouse have worked and earned enough credits individually, you will each get your own Social Security benefit. So, for example, if you are due a Social Security benefit of $1,200 per month and your spouse is due a Social Security benefit of $1,400 per month, the two of you will get $2,600 per month in retirement benefits. We hope this helps!

  7. Douglas E.

    Hi, I am trying to submit an online non medical appeal to Medicare for monthly costs. I am recently retired but they are basing my premiums on previous years. When I try to fill out the appeal paperwork online through My SS .com the site keeps timing me out. I have tried 5 times and we are only talking a couple minutes time out. Is there another path to file online appeals? I called for help and can’t get help until Dec 16 2020.

    • Vonda

      Hi Douglas, thank you for using our blog. To determine if you’ll pay higher premiums, Social Security uses the most recent federal tax return the IRS provides to us. If you must pay higher premiums, we use a sliding scale to make the adjustments, based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Your MAGI is your total adjusted gross income and tax-exempt interest income.

      For details regarding an appeal, check out the factsheet: What You Can Do if You Think Your Medicare Income-Related Premium is Incorrect.

      To report a Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Life-Changing Event, complete and return the form via mail to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  8. ROBERTA A.

    Keep hearing about the benefit of getting the $144.00 back from Medicare if you have an Advantage Program……How do you apply or what qualifies one for that ?

    • Julia

      We also Keep hearing about the benefit of getting the $144.00 back from Medicare if you have an Advantage Program……How do you apply or what qualifies one for that
      What is the answer?

      • Vonda

        Hi Julia, 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.

      • Becca

        It’s based on your zip code. Not everyone is eligible.

  9. Love g.

    Hi just a question if the person that received SSI is a child do they qualify for the stimulus check or just the $500

    • Vonda

      Hi Love, 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!

  10. Laura W.

    Hi, let say that I took an early retirement at 63. Next year 2021 the annual limit is $18,960. Now can I work at the same time as receiving my benefits
    https://www.divineleather.com/product-category/womens-chaps/

Comments are closed.