
                          When You Get Benefits
                                    
                     




                                                       U.S. Department of
                                                Health and Human Services
                                           Social Security Administration
                                             SSA Publication No. 05-10153
                                                             January 1994
                                                               ICN 480165
                                                                         



Who Should Read This Booklet?

You should, now that you're receiving Social Security disability
benefits. You might think that because the disability application
process is over and your benefits are about to start, you no
longer have to worry about Social Security. But what happens if
your check doesn't arrive on time? Or what happens to your check
if you're away from home for awhile? And what should you do if
your condition improves? Or what if you want to go back to work
but are afraid of losing your benefits?

Knowing the answers to these and other questions now will save
you a great deal of time, inconvenience, and maybe some money,
later. That's why you should read this booklet now, then put it
aside for reference later.

For easy reference, this booklet is divided into four parts:
  Your Disability Benefits
  Reporting Changes That Can Affect Your Benefits
  Reviewing Your Disability Case
  Helping You Return To Work

If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks,
there are some additional rules for that program. Ask Social
Security for a copy of the booklet, When You Get SSI What You
Need To Know (Publication No. 05-11011).
 What's Inside
 Page
 
 Part 1:  Your Disability Benefits                          4
          Your Benefit Amount                               4
          When To Expect Your Check                         4
          If Your Check Is Late, Lost, Or Stolen            5
          About Direct Deposit                              5
          Returning Checks Not Due                          6
          Paying Taxes On Your Benefits                     6
          How Long Payments Continue                        7
          A Word About Medicare                             8

 Benefits For Children..............................        8
 
          If A Social Security Employee Visits You          10
          Free Social Security Services                     10
 
Part 2: Reporting Changes That Can Affect Your Benefits     10
If You Change Your Address                                  11
          If Your Condition Changes                         11
          If You Go To Work                                 11
          If You Go Outside The United States               12
          If You Receive Other Disability Benefits          12
          If You Get A Pension From Work Not Covered 
               By Social Security                           13   
          If You Are A Spouse Or Surviving Spouse 
               Who Receives A Government Pension            13
          If You Get Married                                13
          If A Person Is Not Able To Manage His  
               Or Her Own Funds                             14
          If A Beneficiary Is Convicted Of A Felony         15
          If A Beneficiary Dies                             15
 
          How To Report A Change                            15

 Part 3:  Reviewing Your Disability Case                    16
          Frequency Of Reviews                              17
          What Happens During A Review                      17 
          Special Appeal Rights                             18

Part 4:   Helping You Return To Work                        19
          Understanding  Substantial  Work                  19

Nine-Month Trial Work Period................................20

36-Month Extended Period Of Eligibility                     21

Medicare Continues....................................      21
          Help With Work Expenses                           21
          Vocational Rehabilitation                         22
          If You Become Disabled Again                      22
          Special Rules For Blind Persons Who Work          22
          For More Information                              23
          Other Booklets Available                          24
 
 




Part 1  Your Disability Benefits
 
Your Benefit Amount
 
Your Certificate of Award explains how much your disability
benefit will be and when payments start. It also shows when you
can expect your condition to be reviewed to see if there has been
any improvement. If family members are eligible, they will
receive a separate notice and a booklet about things they need to
know.
 
If you are getting disability benefits on your own record, or if
you are a widow or widower getting benefits on a spouse's record,
your payments cannot begin before the sixth full month of
disability. If the sixth month is past, your first payment may
include some back benefits.

Your Social Security benefit may be reduced if you are eligible
for workers' compensation, other public disability payments, or a
pension from a job where you did not have to pay Social Security
taxes. (See Pages 12 and 13 for more information.)
 
You can expect your payment amount to go up in future years.
Whenever the cost of living goes up in a year, benefits will be
increased by that amount the following January. If there is an
increase, you will get a notice telling you about it. You do not
have to apply for this increase; it comes automatically.
 
When To Expect Your Check
 
Your check should arrive on the third day of every month. If the
third falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, you will
receive your check on the last banking day before then.
 
The check you receive is the benefit for the previous month. For
example, the check you receive dated July 3 is for June. 
Your benefit can either come to you in the mail or be deposited
directly into your bank account.
 
If Your Check Is Late, Lost, Or Stolen
 
If your check comes in the mail and is late, you should wait
three days after it was due to receive it. If you don't get it by
then, contact Social Security. The people there will help you
find out what happened and see that you receive any check due you
as soon as possible.

If your check is lost or stolen, contact Social Security
immediately. Your check can be replaced but it takes time. To be
safe, you should cash or deposit your check as soon as you can
after you receive it.
 
It is also a good idea not to sign your check until you are with
the person who will cash it. If you sign it ahead of time and
then lose it, the person who finds it could cash it.
 
About Direct Deposit
 
To help prevent problems with delayed, lost, or stolen checks,
you should consider direct deposit. This is when your benefit is
sent directly to your bank or other financial institution. Direct
deposit is popular because of the added convenience. You won't
have to stand in line waiting to cash your check, and if you are
away from home, your check will be deposited for your immediate
use. 

It is especially important to tell Social Security about any
change in your mailing address when you receive your benefits by
direct deposit. This is because you need to be able to receive
any letters we may send about your benefits.
If you decide to change the account or the financial institution
where your benefits are going, it is important to keep the old
account open until the first benefit is received in your new
account. It usually takes one or two months to process the change
from one bank or account to another.
 
If you have any questions about direct deposit, you can ask your
financial institution or any Social Security office.
 

Returning Checks Not Due
 
If you receive a check you know is not due, (for example, you are
working and your condition has improved) you should take it to
any Social Security office. Or return it to the U.S. Treasury
Department, Division of Disbursement, at the address on the check
envelope. Enclose a note telling why you are sending the check
back. If you have direct deposit, you should refund any payments
you receive that you know are not due.
 
Paying Taxes On Your Benefits
 
Some people who get Social Security have to pay taxes on their
benefits. You will be affected only if you have substantial
income in addition to your Social Security benefits.
 
If you file a federal tax return as an  individual,  and your
combined income* is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to
pay taxes on 50 percent of your Social Security benefits. If your
combined income is above $34,000, 85 percent of your Social
Security benefits is subject to income tax.
 
If you file a joint return, you may have to pay taxes on 50
percent of your benefits if you and your spouse have a combined
income* that is between $32,000 and $44,000. If your combined
income* is more than $44,000, 85 percent of your Social Security
benefits is subject to income tax.
 
If you are a member of a couple and file a separate return, you
probably will pay taxes on your benefits.
 
*On the 1040 tax return, your  combined income  is the sum of
your adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus one-half
of your Social Security benefits.
 
How Long Payments Continue
 
Your disability benefits generally will continue for as long as
your impairment has not medically improved and you cannot work.
They will not necessarily continue indefinitely. Because of
advances in medical science and rehabilitation techniques, an
increasing number of people with disabilities recover from
serious accidents and illnesses. Also, many individuals, through
determination and effort, overcome serious conditions and return
to work in spite of them.

As explained on Pages 16 and 17, your case will be reviewed
periodically to make sure you're still disabled. In addition, you
are responsible for promptly reporting if your medical condition
improves, if you believe that you can work, or when you actually
do return to work. (See Pages 11 and 12 for more information.)
Your benefits may be affected if you marry (unless you are
getting disability benefits on your own record), if you receive
certain other types of disability checks, or if you go to certain
countries. Make sure you read and understand the information on
what to report on Pages 10-16.  In this way, you can avoid having
to pay back some benefits later. 

If you are still getting disability benefits when you turn 65,
your benefits will be automatically changed to retirement
benefits, generally in the same amount. You will then receive a
new booklet explaining your rights and responsibilities as a
retired person. If you are a disabled widow or widower, your
benefits will be changed to regular widow or widower benefits (at
the same rate) at 60, and you will receive a new instruction
booklet that explains the rights and responsibilities for people
who get survivors benefits.

A Word About Medicare
 
After you receive disability benefits for 24 months, you will be
eligible for Medicare. You will get information about Medicare
several months before your coverage starts. (If you have chronic
kidney disease requiring regular dialysis or a transplant, you
may qualify for Medicare almost immediately.)
 
Help For Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
 
If you get Medicare and have low income and few resources, your
state may pay your Medicare premiums and, in some cases, other
 out-of-pocket  Medicare expenses such as deductibles and
coinsurance. Only your state can decide if you qualify. To find
out if you do, contact your state or local welfare office or
Medicaid agency. For more general information about the program,
contact Social Security and ask for a copy of the publication,
Medicare Savings For Qualified Beneficiaries (HCFA Publication
No. 02184).
 
Benefits For Children
 
If a child is getting checks on your account, there are important
things you should know about his or her benefits.
 
When A Child Reaches 18
 
A child's benefits stop with the month before the child reaches
18, unless the child remains unmarried and is either disabled or
is a full-time elementary or secondary school student. 
About five months before the child's 18th birthday, the person
receiving the child's benefits will get a form explaining how
benefits can continue.
 
A child whose benefits stopped at 18 can have them started again
if he or she becomes disabled before reaching 22 or becomes a
full-time elementary or secondary school student before reaching
19.
 

If A Child Is Disabled
 
A child can continue to receive benefits after age 18 if he or
she has a disability. The child also may qualify for SSI
disability benefits. Call us for more information.
 
If A Child At 18 Is A Student
 
A child can receive benefits until age 19 if he or she continues
to be a full-time elementary or secondary school student. When a
student's 19th birthday occurs during a school term, benefits can
be continued up to two months to allow completion of the term.
Social Security should be notified immediately if the student
drops out of school, changes from full-time to part-time
attendance, is expelled or suspended, or changes schools. We
should also be told if the student is paid by his or her employer
for attending school.

We send each student a form at the start and end of the school
year. It is important that the form be filled out and returned to
us. Benefits could be stopped if the form is not sent back.
A student can keep receiving benefits during a vacation period of
four months or less if he or she plans to go back to school full
time at the end of the vacation.
A student who stops attending school generally can receive
benefits again if he or she returns to school full time before
age 19. The student needs to contact Social Security to reapply
for benefits.
 
Having A Child After Benefits Start
 
If you become the parent of a child after you begin receiving
Social Security benefits and the child is in your care, be sure
to notify us so that the child can also receive benefits.
 
If A Social Security Employee Visits You
 
If anyone comes to your home to talk about Social Security or
SSI, ask for his or her identification. Anyone who is from Social
Security will be glad to show you proper identification.
If you have any doubts about the person, you can call us to ask
if someone was sent to see you. And remember:Social Security
employees will never ask you for money to have something done.
It's their job to help you.
 
Free Social Security Services
 
You never have to pay for information or service at Social
Security. Some businesses advertise that they can provide name
changes, Social Security cards, or earnings statements for a fee.
All these services are provided free by Social Security. So don't
pay for something that's free. Call us first. Social Security is
the best place to get information about Social Security.
 
Part 2 Reporting Changes That Can Affect Your Benefits
 
You should promptly report any changes that may affect your
disability benefits. Family members receiving benefits also
should report events that might affect their checks. The events
that must be reported are explained on the next few pages.
 
If You Change Your Address
 
You must notify the post office and Social Security immediately
if you change your mailing address. In fact, failure to report a
change of address is the leading cause of checks not arriving on
time. Your report should include your claim number, your old
address, and the new address, including ZIP Code. Give the names
of all family members who should receive benefits or information
at the new address.

You should report a new address even if you have direct deposit
because important letters from Social Security are sent to your
mailing address, even though your benefits go directly to a bank.
Your benefits could be stopped temporarily if Social Security
cannot locate you because you have not reported a change of
address.
 
If Your Condition Changes
 
You must notify us if there is any change for the better in your
condition. Failure to do so could mean you'll get payments you
aren't due money that will have to be repaid. Your case will be
reviewed periodically to determine if you're still disabled. (See
Pages 16-18 for more information.)
 
If You Go To Work
 
You should tell us if you take a job or become self-employed no
matter how little you earn. If you are still disabled, you will
be eligible for a trial work period and can continue receiving
benefits for up to nine months (see Pages 20-21). 
Also, notify us if you have any special work expenses resulting
from your disability (such as specialized equipment, a
wheelchair, or even some prescription drugs), or if there is any
change in the amount of the expenses.
 
If You Go Outside The United States
 
If you are a citizen of the United States, your Social Security
payments generally can continue for as long as you are outside
the United States and meet all requirements. (The Social Security
office has a list of 60 other countries whose citizens also can
get Social Security checks if they leave the United States.)
However, you must notify Social Security when you plan to leave
the U.S. for 30 days or more so that any letters can be sent to
the right address. Notifying us also will enable you to learn
about any special rules that apply to those receiving benefits
outside the U.S. And remember to let Social Security know when
you return to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of a country not approved for us to send
checks, your benefits will be suspended after you have been
outside the U.S. for six months, unless you meet specific
conditions. And, if you go to a country where U.S. Treasury
Department regulations prohibit sending checks, your benefits
will stop immediately. For more information, ask any Social
Security office for the booklet, Your Social Security Checks
While You Are Outside The United States (Publication No.
05-10137).
 
If You Receive Other Disability Benefits
 
If you are disabled, and under 65, Social Security benefits for
you and your family may be reduced if you are also eligible for
workers' compensation (including black lung payments) or for
disability benefits from certain federal, state, or local
government programs. Tell us if you:
 
Apply for another type of disability benefit; or
 
Begin receiving another disability benefit or a               
lump-sum settlement; or
 
Already receive another disability benefit and the amount changes
or your payment stops.
 
If You Get A Pension From Work Not Covered By Social Security
 
If your disability began after 1985, tell us if you start
receiving a pension (for which you were first eligible after
1985) from a job where you did not pay Social Security taxes. For
more information, ask at any Social Security office for the
fact sheet, A Pension From Work Not Covered By Social Security
(Publication No. 05-10045).
 
If You Are A Spouse Or Surviving Spouse Who Receives A Government
Pension
 
If you are a disabled widow or widower or the spouse of someone
getting disability benefits, your Social Security payments may be
reduced if you worked for a federal, state, or local government
agency where you did not pay Social Security taxes and you
receive a pension from that agency. Notify Social Security if you
begin to receive such a pension or if the amount of the pension
changes. Ask for the factsheet, Government Pension Offset
(Publication No. 05-10007), for more information.
 
If You Get Married
 
Here's how marriage may affect your disability benefits and when
you must report.
 
If you are getting disability benefits on your own record Your
payments will continue and you don't need to report the marriage.
But, report any change of name so it will appear on your future
checks.
 
If you are a disabled widow or widower Payments will continue,
but remember to report the name change. If your current spouse
dies, you may be eligible for higher benefits on his/her work
record.
 
If you are an adult who was disabled before age 22 and you are
getting benefits on the Social Security record of a parent or
grandparent You should report your marriage. Payments generally
will end unless you marry a person receiving certain types of
Social Security benefits. If your benefits stop because of
marriage, they cannot be started again unless the marriage is
declared void.
 
Benefits for the child of someone getting disability benefits
always end if the child marries. This must be reported right
away.
 
If A Person Is Not Able To Manage His Or Her Own Funds
 
If a person receiving benefits becomes unable to manage his or
her funds, someone should let Social Security know. Social
Security will arrange for a  representative payee  to receive and
use the benefits for that person. Generally, the payee is a close
relative or person caring for the beneficiary.

The payee is responsible for:
 
Properly using the benefits on behalf of the beneficiary,
 
Reporting any events that may affect payments,
 
Completing a Representative Payee Report when asked to do so by
Social Security.

Please Note: If a person has  power of attorney  for someone,
that does not automatically qualify him or her to be the
representative payee.

For more information, ask Social Security for the booklet, A
Guide For Representative Payees (Publication No. 05-10076).
 
If A Beneficiary Is Convicted Of A Felony
 
If someone getting Social Security benefits is convicted of a
felony, Social Security should be notified immediately. Benefits
generally are not paid for months a person is imprisoned for a
felony, but any family members who are eligible may continue to
receive benefits. A felony conviction may also affect a
disability claim in other ways. (Contact any Social Security
office for more information.)
 
If A Beneficiary Dies
 
When a beneficiary dies, no payment is due for the month of
death. For example, if the person dies in June, even if it was on
the last day, the check dated July 3 (which is the June check)
should be returned. However, if the check is issued jointly to a
husband and wife, the survivor should get in touch with any
Social Security office about cashing the check.

If the beneficiary was using direct deposit, the bank also should
be notified of the death so it can return any payments received
after death.

When a person getting disability benefits dies, payments to his
or her family will be changed to survivors benefits. If the
worker received benefits on behalf of children, a new
representative payee must be appointed. A death certificate or
other proof of death is needed.

 How To Report A Change
 
You can report a change simply by calling Social Security at
1-800-772-1213. You can also visit any office or mail in the
reporting form given to you when you applied for benefits.
If you send a report by mail, be sure to include:
 
Your name, and if different, the name and Social Security claim
number of the person on whose account you get benefits;
 
Name of person(s) about whom the report is made;
 
Your Social Security claim number;
 
What new information is being reported;
 
Date of the change; and
 
Your signature, address, phone number, and date.

If you need help in completing a report, the people at any Social
Security office will be glad to help you. Or, you can call our
toll free number 1-800-772-1213 24 hours a day. Be sure to have
your Social Security number handy. If you are getting benefits on
somebody else's record (a spouse, for example), we need his or
her Social Security number, too.
 
Part 3 Reviewing Your Disability Case
 
Under Social Security law, all disability cases must be reviewed
from time to time. This is to make sure that people receiving
benefits continue to be disabled and meet all other requirements.
Your benefits generally will continue unless there is strong
proof that your condition has medically improved and there is
evidence that you are able to return to work.
 
Frequency Of Reviews
 
How often your case is reviewed depends on the severity of your
condition and the likelihood of improvement. The frequency can
range from six months to seven years. Your Certificate of Award
shows you when you can expect your first review.

Here are general guidelines for reviews:
 
Improvement expected If medical improvement can be predicted when
benefits start, your first review should be 6 to 18 months later.
 
Improvement possible If medical improvement is possible but
cannot be predicted, your case will be reviewed about every three
years.
 
Improvement not expected If medical improvement is not likely,
your case will be reviewed only about once every five to seven
years.
 
What Happens During A Review
 
After you get a letter announcing the review, someone from your
Social Security office will contact you to explain the review
process and your appeal rights. You will be asked to provide
information about any medical treatment you've received and any
work you might have done.

Then your file will be sent to the state agency that makes
disability decisions for Social Security. An evaluation team that
includes a disability examiner and a doctor will carefully review
your file and request your medical reports. If reports are not
complete or current enough, you may be asked to have a special
examination or test that the government will pay for.

Once a decision is reached, we will send you a letter explaining
it. If we decide you are still disabled, your benefits will
continue. If we decide you are no longer disabled, you can file
an appeal (see section on next page). If you don't, your benefits
will stop three months after we said your disability ended.
 
Special Appeal Rights
 
If you don't agree with a decision we make, you can appeal it.
You have 60 days to file a written appeal with any Social
Security office. Generally, there are four levels to the appeals
process. They are:
 
Reconsideration: Your claim is reviewed by someone who did not
take part in the first decision.

Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge: You can appear before
a judge to present your case.
 
Review by Appeals Council If the Appeals Council decides your
case should be reviewed, it will either decide your case or
return it to the administrative law judge for further review.
 
Federal District Court If the Appeals Council decides not to
review your case or if you disagree with its decision, you may
file a lawsuit in a federal district court.

If you disagree with the decision at one level, you have 60 days
to appeal to the next level until you are satisfied with the
decision or have completed the last level of appeal.
You have two special appeal rights when a decision is made that
you are no longer disabled. They are:
 
Disability Hearing This is part of the reconsideration process.
You can meet face-to-face with the person who is reconsidering
your case to explain why you feel you are still disabled. You can
submit new evidence or information and can bring someone who
knows about your disability. This special hearing does not
replace your right to also have a formal hearing before an
administrative law judge (the second appeal step) if your
reconsideration is denied.
 
Continuation of Benefits While you are appealing your case, you
can have your disability benefits and Medicare coverage (if you
have it) continue until an administrative law judge makes his or
her decision. However, you must request the continuation of your
benefits during the first 10 days of the 60 days mentioned
earlier. If your appeal is not successful, you may have to repay
the benefits.
 
Part 4 Helping You Return To Work
 
Even after you start receiving disability benefits, you may want
to try working again. The chance of returning to the workplace
for a person with a disability has increased dramatically in
recent years. That's why Social Security has improved and
expanded its  work incentives  rules that are designed to ease
the transition back to work. These rules continue cash payments
and Medicare while you work, help with the extra work expenses
associated with working with a disability, and help with
rehabilitation and training that may lead to a new line of work.
 
Understanding  Substantial  Work
 
To understand how work affects your disability benefits, you need
to understand how Social Security measures your work. Disability
benefits can be paid only if you are unable to do any
 substantial  work. The amount of your earnings is the key to
determining whether your work is substantial.

In general, if your wages average more than $500 a month (after
allowable deductions), you are performing substantial work.
If your average monthly earnings are between $300 and $500 a
month, your work could be considered substantial if the amount
and quality of your work are about the same as that done by
workers in your area who are not disabled. In making this
decision, we consider the time, energy, skill, and responsibility
involved in your work. Earnings of less than $300 a month are not
considered substantial. (See Pages 22-23 for special rules for
blind people who work.)

If your earnings are  subsidized  that is, if your employer says
you are paid more than the reasonable value of your work the
subsidy part of your pay is not counted as earnings in deciding
whether you are performing substantial work.
 
If you are self-employed, your business income alone may not be
the best measure of whether you are doing substantial work.
Business income may depend on many other factors, such as the
economic situation and services of other people. In such cases,
more consideration is given to the amount of time you spend in
your business than the amount of your income.

Following are the rules that may help you return to work.
 
Nine-Month Trial Work Period
 
You can continue to receive benefits for up to nine months while
you try to work. The months need not be in a row, but they must
take place within a 60 month period. Generally speaking, a  trial
work  month is any month in which you earn over $200 in gross
wages (regardless of amount of time worked) or spend 40 hours in
your own business (regardless of amount of earnings). You will
receive your full benefits during this period.

At the end of nine months of trial work, we decide if you are
able to do  substantial  work. If you can, your benefits will
stop after a three-month adjustment period. If you are not able
to work, your payments will continue.

Remember, your trial work period will continue only if you are
still disabled. If you recover during a trial work period, your
benefits will stop after a three-month adjustment period.
 
36 Month Extended Period Of Eligibility
 
If your benefits stop because you have returned to work even
though you are still medically disabled, you receive special
 benefit protection  for the next 36 months. During that time,
you can receive a benefit for any month your earnings fall below
$500. You do not have to file a new application, but you do have
to notify Social Security. If you are unable to continue working,
your benefits continue indefinitely so long as you remain
disabled.

Medicare Continues
 
If you are working even though you are still disabled, your
Medicare coverage may continue for at least 39 months after the
trial work period. After that, you may purchase the coverage with
a monthly premium.
 
Help With Work Expenses
 
If you need certain equipment or services to help you work, the
money you pay for them can be deducted from your earnings in
deciding whether you are doing  substantial  work. It does not
matter if you also need the items or services for daily living
(such as a wheelchair).

The cost of medical equipment, certain attendant care services,
prostheses, and similar items and services is generally
deductible. The cost of drugs or medical services is deductible
only if required because of your condition.
 
Vocational Rehabilitation
 
When you applied for disability benefits, information about you
and your impairment may have been sent to the state vocational
rehabilitation agency. If they offer you services and you refuse
them without good reason, your monthly benefits may be withheld. 
If you have not heard from them and are interested in receiving
rehabilitation services, you should give them a call.
Your disability benefits will continue while you receive
rehabilitation services. Under a special rule, benefits can
continue even if you medically recover while participating in an
approved vocational rehabilitation or training program.
 
If You Become Disabled Again
 
If you become disabled a second time within five years after your
benefits were stopped, your cash payments can begin again with
the first full month you are disabled. Another  waiting period 
is not required (as it was the first time you applied for Social
Security disability benefits). However, you must file a new
application. There is also no waiting period if you are a
disabled widow or widower or a person disabled before 22 who
becomes disabled again within seven years after benefits ended. 

If you had Medicare coverage, that will also resume without the
24-month waiting period explained on Page 8.
 
Special Rules For Blind Persons Who Work
 
If you receive disability benefits because of blindness, there
are two special rules that may help you when you work:
 
Average monthly earnings of $930 or less in 1994 are not
considered substantial work. This monthly amount will increase in
future years. (Pages 19-20 explain how  substantial work  affects
your disability check).
 
If you are 55 to 65, monthly benefits will continue if you cannot
do the regular (or similar) work you did before turning 55 or
becoming blind, whichever is later. For more information, ask
Social Security for a copy of the booklet, If You Are Blind . . .
How Social Security And SSI Can Help (Publication No. 05 10052).
 
For More Information
 
You can get more information 24 hours a day by calling Social
Security's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a
service representative between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on
business days.  If you have a push-button (tone) phone, recorded
information and services are available after 7 p.m. weekdays and
all day on weekends and holidays.

If you want to speak to a representative, the best times to call
are early in the morning and early in the evening. And if you
can, it's best to call later in the week and later in the month.
When you call, have your Social Security number handy.

Hearing-impaired callers using  TDD  equipment can reach Social
Security between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days by calling
1-800-325-0778.

The Social Security Administration treats all calls
confidentially whether they're made to our toll-free numbers or
to one of our local offices. We also want to ensure that you
receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a
second Social Security representative monitor some incoming and
outgoing telephone calls.

Other Booklets Available
 
Social Security has a number of publications that contain
information about other Social Security programs. Con-tact Social
Security to get a free copy of any of these publications all of
which are also available in Spanish. They include:
 
Understanding Social Security (Publication No. 05-10024) A
comprehensive explanation of all the Social Security programs.
 
Retirement (Publication No. 05-10035) Explains Social Security
retirement benefits.
 
Survivors (Publication No. 05-10084) Explains Social Security
survivors benefits.
 
Medicare (Publication No. 05-10043) Explains Medicare hospital
insurance and medical insurance.
 
SSI (Publication No. 05-11000) Explains the SSI program, which
provides a basic income to people who are 65 or older, disabled,
