Q: Ms. S of Chattanooga writes: “My husband worked for the railroad, but passed away before he drew his first railroad check. I currently draw a railroad check. I worked for many years and contributed to Social Security. My question is can I draw both or is it either/or? Railroad is the greater amount.”
A: Ms. S, the effect of Social Security benefits on Railroad Board (RRB) annuities must be reviewed on an individual case basis. There are situations in which it is beneficial for a RRB annuitant to file for Social Security. A few examples are: 1) The Social Security benefit is larger than the portion of the RRB annuity subject to reduction for Social Security entitlement; 2) Children or other family members are eligible for Social Security benefits but not eligible for a RRB annuity. However, there are also situations in which a RRB annuitant would not benefit by filing for Social Security benefits. For example, a RRB annuitant may be entitled to both a retirement and a spouse or widow(er)’s annuity. In this situation, both annuities would be reduced for Social Security entitlement. Before filing for a Social Security benefit, a RRB annuitant should contact a RRB field office to find out how Social Security entitlement would affect his or her annuity. The U.S. Railroad Board number is 1-877-772-5772. When you call it you will be prompted to enter “0” to reach your local Field Office.
Q: “My parents recently moved into a retirement community and they are signing their house over to me. Can I still get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or will home ownership make me ineligible?”
A: You can own a home and still receive SSI as long as you live in the home you own. In most cases, when determining SSI eligibility we don’t count as resources the home you own and live in or the car you use. For more information about SSI and Social Security, visit Social Security’s Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Q: “What’s this I hear about a new ‘twist’ in the law?”
A: You may have seen our new public service campaign featuring Grammy winner and rock and roll legend Chubby Checker – best known for his enduring hit, “The Twist.” He’s volunteering his time to help us spread the word about a new “twist” in the law that helps more people qualify for extra help with their prescription drug costs. If you have limited income and resources and have Medicare, you might be able to qualify for extra help with your prescription drug costs. Thanks to changes in the law, more people than ever before can qualify. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp. While you’re at the Web site, be sure to check out Chubby Checker’s public service announcement. He’s still twisting!
Note: Social Security offices will be closed Monday in observance of George Washington’s birthday.
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.