Q: “How can I check my Social Security earnings for accuracy?”

A: Check out Page 3 of your Social Security Ssatement. You receive your statement each year about three months before your birthday. It shows the earnings we have recorded for each year you worked. You can look at the earnings chart and know whether it is complete and correct. You may not receive all the benefits you are entitled to if your record is not accurate, so it’s important to do this review.

If any earnings are incorrect, give us a call at 800-772-1212 (TTY 800-325-0778). If possible, have your W-2 or tax return for those years available. If you want to request a new Statement, the easiest way is to complete an online request for a Social Security statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/statement. You can also call the toll-free number and make your request by phone.

Q: “I worked for the last 10 years and now have my 40 credits. Does this mean that I get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?”

A: The 40 credits are the minimum number you need to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. However, we do not base the amount of the benefit on those credits. The benefit amount you receive depends on the amount of your earnings over your lifetime. Other factors include when you decide to retire and whether there are years during which you did not work. For details on how your benefit amount is figured, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10070.html. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us.

Q: “How long can a person be on Social Security disability benefits before they are cut off?”

A: Social Security disability benefits are not limited to a certain period of time. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. We will review your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled and you still qualify for benefits.

Q: “I am receiving Social Security benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income?”

A: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically credits the new earnings and refigures your monthly benefit. If your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could increase.

Q: “I lost my Social Security card, should I get a new one?”

A: Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. The only time you may need the actual card is when you start a new job. However, if you need to replace your Social Security card, you can do so for free. Remember, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Learn more about your Social Security card and number www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

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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