Q: Mr. T, of Lafayette, Ga., writes: “I will be 62 on Feb. 8. I would like to know when I should sign up to get started on time. I was told my first check would be paid on April 8. I also have 2 DD-214. Are there extra pay for these?”

A: A person who meets all requirements for entitlement can receive reduced benefits beginning with the first full month at 62. Thus, benefits are not paid for the month a person reaches age 62 unless his birthday is on the first or second day of the month. (Under a common law rule, a person reaches a given age on the day before his birthday.)

Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. For example, if your 62nd birthday is Feb. 8, your first month of entitlement is March 2009 and you would receive your first check in April.

Earnings for active duty military service or active duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. You can file for retirement benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q: Mrs. B writes: “My question is concerning Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug coverage. I am 70 and pay $33.60 per month for plan D coverage. I had one prescription that I was taking as needed. I would refill once a year at $35, and the plan did not cover it. Why would they make me continue to pay monthly through out the year, and I am not on medications, and the one I did have was not covered? I had to pay out of pocket.”

A: If you do not want to continue your Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug coverage, you should contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and inform them that you do not want to participate in the prescription drug program. CMS will advise you on how to opt out of the program. You can contact CMS by calling (800) 633-4227.

Q: Mr. H, of Chattanooga, writes: “My Medicare card starting Dec. 1 came. When should I apply for AARP?”

A: I’m not sure if you are talking about signing up for the prescription drug plan with AARP or not. The toll-free number for AARP in Nashville is (866) 295-7274 or call Tennessee Commissioner on Aging and Disability at (877) 801-0044. Georgia residents would call GA Cares at (800) 669-8387.

Q: A faithful reader writes: “Are people whose only income is SSI eligible for the stimulus check? I’ve never received any information on this. Many people besides me would like this question answered. Thank you for your help. Looking forward, hopefully, to answer in next week’s column. I’ve been a daily reader for 14 years. I’m 61.”

A: Supplemental security income is not considered qualifying income and is not included for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the stimulus payment.

To qualify for a payment, you must have at least $3,000 in wages, tips or salary or other qualifying income, which can include Social Security benefits, VA benefits, Railroad Retirement or nontaxable combat pay.

Q: Mr. E, of Chattanooga, writes: “I am not at all pleased in the answer from Social Security Line No. 23 on 2007 Income Tax Paper is $428. We are married, no children, filed jointly. Line 37 is $24,997. Why didn’t we get $1,200 like everyone else?”

A: The letter you enclosed with your question is from the IRS and not Social Security. Social Security did not calculate the amount of your stimulus payment. I would suggest that you visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or call (866) 234-2942.

Note: Social Security offices will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.

Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from Social Security District Manager Eleanor Jones. Submit questions to her attention by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com.

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