Q: Mr. W. of Chattanooga writes: "Can you please tell me where to go in Chattanooga to replace my SS card?"

A: The Social Security Office is located at 1290 Premier Drive, Chattanooga , TN 37421, with office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. I mailed an application for a replacement Social Security card to you with instructions on what evidence is needed.

Q: Mr. T of Tracy City writes: "The newspapers say there will not be a cost of living for people on Social Security this year or next year yet they are going to go up on the premium for Medicare. The news also said that the Medicare premium could not go up more than the cost of living. How can they do this? Also the S. S. Board of Directors have said there is no inflation on food prices. They must trade at different stores than I do. How can they tell if there is no inflation at least a year from now? Will there be a cost of living in January? Will our premiums for Medicare go up? I enjoy your column very much."

A: Social Security will not have data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine if there will be an automatic Cost of Living Increase (COLA) until mid-October. If there is no COLA, other automatically increased amounts also are affected. For example, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal payment would not increase, Social Security's maximum taxable earnings would not increase, and the retirement earnings test exempt amounts would not increase. More information should be released soon on the Medicare premiums.

Q: "I understand that to get Social Security disability benefits, my disability must be expected to last at least a year. Will I have to wait a year to receive benefits?"

A: No. You do not have to wait a year after becoming disabled to receive disability benefits. In fact, you should apply for disability benefit as soon as you become disabled. It may take months before a final decision is made on your claim. If your application is approved, we will pay your first Social Security disability benefits for the sixth full month after the date your disability began. For example, if your disability began on Jan. 15, we would pay your first disability benefit for the month of July. However, we pay Social Security benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. So you will receive your July benefit in August. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: "I've heard you can apply for retirement benefits online. Isn't it easier just as easier into the office?"

A: Filing online means there's no need to travel to a Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Retiring online is easy and convenient. You can apply in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, that's it -- no papers to sign or mail. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on "Retirement" tab in the top, left corner. Our Web site will walk you through the process; tell you what information you'll need to answer the questions on the application; and describe the documents you may need to present after you apply. In addition to filing for retirement and disability benefit on line, beneficiaries who are already receiving a Social Security check can change their address, telephone, and direct deposit information, request proof of income letter, obtain Form 1099, and order a replacement Medicare card.

Note: Social Security offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Columbus 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.