Q: “What is the difference between the disability application and the disability report? Do I have to complete both?”
A: Yes, you will need to complete both when you apply for disability benefits. To receive Social Security disability benefits, you must file a disability application. A disability report provides information about your current physical or mental condition, and we need this to process your disability application. You should complete a disability application, a disability report and an authorization to release medical records to file a claim for disability benefits. To learn more and to apply online, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.
Q: “How do I know if I have enough work to get Social Security disability benefits?”
A: To get benefits, you must have worked long enough – and recently enough – under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Social Secur-ity work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.
The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. In 2010, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,120 of wages or self-employment income. When you have earned $4,480, you’ve earned your four credits for the year. The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which you earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you become disabled.
However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. To learn more, see our Disability Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dqualify3.htm.
Q: “I am applying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs. Can state agencies help with my Medicare costs?”
A: Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, when you file your application for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs – state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs.
When you apply for Extra Help, Social Security will send information to your state unless you tell us not to on the application.
Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program.
Learn more about how Social Security can provide Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
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.