Q: "Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card?"
A: It is not illegal, but we discourage it. It's best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult, sometimes even impossible, to detect important security feature and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incorporate many features that protect the card's integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques -- some visible to the naked eye and some not. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you. Learn more at www.socialsecu rity.gov.
Q: "I have two minor children at home, and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits after I retire?"
A: Monthly Social Security payments
may be made to your children if:
* They are unmarried and under age 18;
* Age 18 or 19 and still in high school; or
* Age 18 or older, became disabled before age 22, and continue to be disabled.
Children who may qualify include a biological child, adopted child, or dependent stepchild.
In some cases, your grandchild also could be eligible for benefits on your record if you are supporting them.
For more information, see our online publication, "Benefits For Children," at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html .
Q: "I saw a poster that advised individuals 65 or over with limited income and resources to apply for Supplemental Security Income. Next month I'll turn 65 and I thought I'd be eligible for SSI. I planned to apply until my neighbor told me I probably would be turned down because I have children who could help support me. Is this true?"
A: Whether your children are capable of helping to support you does not affect your eligibility. SSI eligibility depends solely on your income and resources (the things you own). If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI.
However, if you are receiving support from your children or from anyone living inside or outside of your home, it may affect your eligibility or the amount you can receive. Support includes any food or shelter that is given to you, or is received by you because someone else pays for it. Learn more about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ssi.htm.
Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from the Social Security District Director Martin Coffey. Submit questions 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.