Q: “I applied for my child’s Social Security card in the hospital but have not received it. How long does it take?”
A: In most states it takes an average of three weeks to get the card, but in some states it can take longer. To check for the average wait time in your state, consult the chart at http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/74. If you have not received your child’s card, and the time frame has expired, please visit your local Social Security office. Be sure to take proof of your child’s citizenship, age and identity as well as proof of your own identity. And remember, we cannot divulge your child’s Social Security number over the phone. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Q: “I’ve been turned down for disability benefits. How do I appeal?”
A: It’s easy to appeal the decision online. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov and select “appeal a disability decision” in the “top services” section on the left side of the page. This is the starting point to request a review of our medical decision about your eligibility for disability benefits. There are two parts to this Internet appeal process:
1. An appeal request Internet form; and
2. An appeal disability report that gives us more information about your condition.
You can complete both forms online.
Q: “How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?”
A: You have several options for applying. You can:
– Apply online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov and select “Get extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs” in the “Top Services” section on the left side of the page;
– Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply or to request an application; or
– Apply at any local Social Security office.
Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs — monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription copayments — related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare.
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