Q: “Will my eligibility for the extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs be reviewed and, if so, how often?”
A: If you get the extra help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This review will determine whether you remain eligible for extra help and whether you are receiving all the benefits you deserve. We do reviews annually, usually at the end of August. We will send you a form to complete: “Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help.” You will have 30 days to complete and return this form. Any necessary adjustments to the extra help will be effective in January of the following year.
For example, if we send you a review form in August 2010 and you return the review form within 30 days, any necessary adjustment to your extra help will be effective in January 2011. To learn more about extra help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
Q”How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate?”
AWe suggest you use our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/esti mator. Our retirement estimator produces estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record, so it’s a personalized, instant picture of your future estimated benefit.
Also, you can use it to test different retirement scenarios based on what age you decide to start benefits. For example, you can find out your estimated monthly payments if you retire at 62 or at 70.
You also can use our benefit calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/calculators.htm and use the earnings shown on your annual Social Security Statement to calculate estimates.
Q”My application for supplemental security income was recently denied. Can I appeal the decision?”
AIf you disagree with a decision made on your SSI claim, you can appeal it. The steps you can take are explained in our online publication, Your Right To Question A Decision Made On Your Supplemental Security Income Claim, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11008.html.
Also, you have the right to be represented by an attorney or other qualified person of your choice. Now, you can request your appeal online. Simply visit the online services page atwww.socialse curity.gov/onlineservices.
Then select the “Appeal a decision” link and follow the simple instructions. If you would like to learn more, read our online publication Your Right To Representation at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10075.html.
Submit questions to Director Martin Coffey 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.