Gregory Holmes, district manager for Social SecurityQ. How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
A. There are two ways that you can apply for disability benefits. You can:
1) Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov; or 2) Call our toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), to make an appointment to file a disability claim at your local Social Security office or to set up an appointment for someone to take your claim over the telephone.
If you schedule an appointment, we will mail a Disability Starter Kit to you. The kit will help you get ready for your disability claim interview. If you are applying online or want to get started on the kit right away, it is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Q.> Who can get extra help with Medicare prescription drug coverage?
A. If you receive Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for Extra Help -- Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage -- to pay for the costs (monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments) related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for Extra Help, you must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Your resources must be limited to $13,300 for an individual or $26,580 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources. Your annual income must be limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
Submit questions to local Social Security Director Gregory Holmes by writing to Business Editor Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at dflessner@timesfreepress.com.