Q: Ms. F, of Chattanooga, writes: “I am 62 and still working. Do I need to sign up for Social Security now, or can I wait until I retire when I am 64.”

A: It depends on a number of factors, and the decision is up to you. A new fact sheet “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits” explains the things you should consider.

You can find that publication and use the online retirement estimator to chart your own course by going to www.socialsecurity.gov. When you are ready to apply for retirement benefits, save yourself a trip and do it online at the same web address.

Generally, people should apply for retirement benefits no more than four months before they want their benefits to begin. Even if you have no plans to receive benefits, you should still sign up for Medicare three months before age 65.

Q: “What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income disability?”

A: The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disabilities. They are Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, which is based on need.

SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers and self-employed people. SSI payments are paid from general revenues. For more information about Social Security and SSI, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at (800) 772-1213, or TTY (800) 325-0778).

Q: “Where can I find information on the Medicare prescription drug plans?”

A: The best place to go for information about Medicare prescription drug plans is Medicare’s Eeb site. You can find it at www.medicare.gov. Or call 800-MEDICARE, or (800) 633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

For information on extra help in paying for prescription drug costs for people have limited income and resources, see Help With Prescription Drug Costs at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.You also can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Q: “I lost my Medicare card. Do I need to come into the Social Security office for a new one?”

A: No, it’s easy to get your Medicare card replaced by visiting Social Security’s Web site. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov and select the “Medicare” bar in the upper right side of the page. Then select the first item on the page: “Replace your lost, stolen or damaged Medicare card.”

Your replacement Medicare card will arrive in the mail within 30 days. If you need proof of Medicare coverage sooner, a letter can also be sent to you within 10 days that will confirm your coverage.

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.