Q: “I just got back from a military deployment and I want to plan ahead. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?”
A: Your military retirement won’t affect your Social Security benefits. You can get both. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full benefits based on your earnings. You can find more information in the publication “Military Service and Social Security” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html. Or call us at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
Q: “It’s hard for me to get around because of my disability. Do I have to go to a Social Security office to apply for benefits?”
A: In most cases no — you can apply online from the convenience of your home. Our online disability application is convenient and secure. You can apply for benefits over the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. When you decide to apply, begin by taking a look at our Disability Starter Kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm or calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) to request a copy. It will help you prepare for your application.
Q: “My mom receives Supplemental Security Income benefits. She soon will be going to live with my brother. Does she have to report the move to Social Security?”
A: Yes. She should report to us within 10 days any change in living arrangements. The change could affect her benefit. Failure to report the change could result in a penalty being deducted from her SSI benefits. Also, we need her correct address so we can send correspondence. Please have her call Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Or, she can report the change by mail or in person at a Social Security office. Visit our Web site for more information at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Q: “How do I know if I am eligible for the $3,900 in savings with the Medicare prescription drug program?”
A: There are annual income and resource limits. For example, if your annual income is below $16,245 (or $21,855 if you are married and living with your spouse), you may qualify for the extra help.
Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help if you meet certain conditions. Some examples of when your income may be higher include if you or your spouse:
* Support other family members who live with you
* Have earnings from work
* Live in Alaska or Hawaii. Further, to get the extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, your total resources generally must be limited to $12,510 (or $25,010 if you are married and living with your spouse). Resources include the value of some things you own, though not the house you live in. For more information see our publication, “Medicare,” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html, or call us at the number above.
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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