
                    Social Security Administration


                        Most Frequently Asked
                         Questions & Answers


SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS AND NUMBERS

Q:   I don't have a Social Security number.  What should I do?

A:   If you don't have a Social Security number, you must apply  

     for one from Social Security.  There is no charge for this  
     service.  You can call Social Security's toll-free number, 
     1-800-772-1213, and ask for an application for a Social
     Security card.  You may also obtain this application at any
     Social Security office.  If you are 18 or older, you must go
     to a Social Security office in person to apply. 

 
Q:   I lost my Social Security card so I  called Social
     Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and asked for
     an application for a replacement card.  When I get the
     application, do I have to provide documents to prove my
     identity?

     A:   Yes.  Page two of the application lists examples of the

          identity documents we will accept.  You must supply us
          with originals or certified copies of these documents. 
          If you were not born in the U.S., you will need to
          submit evidence showing your U.S. citizenship or lawful
          alien status.

Q:   I ve always carried my Social Security card in my wallet.
     Now, I m wondering if that s a good idea because my wallet
     could be lost or stolen and my Social Security number could
     be used by someone else.

     A:   It is important to protect both your Social Security
          card and your number. You can prevent the loss or
          misuse of your card by keeping it with other valuable
          personal documents, such as your insurance papers and
          birth certificate. However, there are occasions when
          you will need to have your card with you--when you
          apply for a new job or when you open a bank account,
          for example.  
          
          If your card should be lost or stolen, you can apply
          for a replacement card. If you have evidence that
          someone is using your Social Security card or number,
          call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.


MISLEADING INFORMATION

Q:   I recently married and received a letter from a company
     offering to take care of changing my name on Social Security
     records for a fee.  The letter and the envelope it came in
     certainly gave me the impression that they were connected
     with Social Security.  I learned later they weren't and I
     also learned  that Social Security provides this service for
     free so I would like to report this company to someone. 
     What should I do?

     A:   To report the company, refer the complete mailing,
          including the envelope, to:

          Social Security Administration
          Office of Public Affairs
          Misleading Information
          Post Office Box 17740
          Baltimore, Maryland  21235

     If it's more convenient, you can take the entire package to
     your local postmaster, or send a complaint that includes the
     package to the:

          Chief Postal Inspector
          United States Postal Service
          475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
          Washington, DC  20260-2100

     Also, advise your State's Attorney General or Consumer
     Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau in your area. 
     Remember, ALL SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES ARE FREE. 


800 NUMBER

Q:   I can't get to a phone during business hours.  Can I call at

     night to get an application for a Social Security card?

     A:   Yes.  You can apply for an original or replacement
          Social Security card by calling Social Security's
          toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, on your touchtone
          phone after 7 PM on weekends.  You'll be asked to give
          your name and address and the application form will be
          mailed to you within two weeks.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Q:   I've been told that direct deposit has many advantages. 
     What are they?

     A:   Among other advantages, direct deposit will mean: 

     1.  you won't need to worry about your checks being         

         lost,stolen, or misplaced;
     2.  you won't have to worry about cashing your check if 
              you're hospitalized or in ill health;
     


     3.  you can be away from home without the worry of a check
         sitting unprotected in your mailbox; and
     4.  you won't have to make a special trip to your bank or   

         stand in line to deposit your check.

     
Q:   I'm receiving Social Security.  My friend tells me that I
     should have my retirement check sent to my bank.  How does
     this work?
 
     A:   Your first step is to call your bank or Social
          Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and say
          that you want to sign up for direct deposit.  When you
          call, have your Social Security number and your
          checkbook, bank statement, or any papers that show your
          bank account number. Direct deposit should take effect
          with either your next check or the one that follows it.

          Your payment will then be deposited in your savings or
          checking account each month, automatically.

Q:   When is the best time to call Social Security's toll-free
     number to get information about direct deposit?

     A:   You can get more information about how to begin direct
          deposit of your monthly Social Security check by
          calling Social Security's toll-free number,
          1-800-772-1213, any business day between 7 AM and 7 PM.

          Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in
          the month, so it's best to call at other times.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Q:   I need to change my address on my Social Security records. 
     How do I do it?

     A:   Call Social Security's toll-free number,
          1-800-772-1213, and tell them your new address
          including the ZIP code, your new telephone number, and
          your Social Security claim number. Our lines are
          busiest early in the week and early in the month, so
          it's best to call at other times.

Q:   My mother will be moving in January.  What does she need to
     do to make sure she won't miss any of her Social Security
     checks?

     A:   Your mother needs to inform Social Security of her new
          address and phone number as soon as she knows them. 
          She can make a telephone report by calling Social
          Security's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213, or she can
          write or visit the office.  Her report should include
          her Social Security number.  Your mother also needs to
          file a change of address form with the post office.
 

EARNINGS RECORD

Q:   How often should I check my Social Security earnings record?
     Is there much of a chance that an error may occur?


     A:   You should check your Social Security earnings record
          at least once every three years.  Errors in your
          earnings record are more likely to occur if you change
          jobs frequently or have more than one employer.  To
          check your Social Security earnings record, contact
          your local Social Security office or call our toll-free
          number: 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the "Request For
          Personal Earnings And Benefit Estimate Statement (Form
          7004).    

          The form asks a few identifying questions (name,
          address, date of birth, etc.).  About a month after you
          send in the form, you'll receive a statement that shows
          your earnings as reported to Social Security by your
          employer(s).  Check our records against your own files.

          If you find an error, contact Social Security right
          away with proof of your actual earnings (such as a W-2
          form).

          Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in
          the month, so it's best to call at other times.

Q:   I was talking to an employee benefit specialist at work and
     she told me that Social Security has a financial planning
     service.  I don't understand the connection between
     financial planning and Social Security. 
  
     A:   Social Security is not in the financial planning
          business.  However, Social Security can offer you a
          free Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement
          to help you in assessing your financial planning needs.

          The statement gives you a breakdown of all the wages
          reported under your social security number as well as
          estimates of what Social Security benefits you and your
          family would be eligible for.  Once you know what to
          expect from Social Security, you can plan your other
          financial needs.  To get your free Personal Earnings
          and Benefit Estimate Statement, call  Social Security's
          toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or contact your
          nearest Social Security office. 
    

PROOF OF BENEFITS


Q:   I need proof of what I receive from Social Security. What
     can I use?

A:   Every year Social Security will send you an SSA-1099 form
     showing how much you received from Social Security in the
     past year. You can use this as proof of your benefit amount.
     We'll also send you a notice when your amount increases
     because of an annual cost of living raise. You can show this
     notice as proof of how much you get.


BENEFIT COMPUTATIONS

Q:   Why is my neighbor's check more than mine?

A:   Benefit computations are based on a person's date of birth
     and complete work history, so differences are very likely. 
     To protect each person's privacy, we cannot give you
     information about someone else's Social Security record.


RETIREMENT


Q:   Are my benefits figured on my last five years of earnings?

     A:   No. Retirement benefits are calculated on total
          earnings during a lifetime of work under the Social
          Security system. Years of high earnings will increase
          the amount of the benefit, but no group of years counts
          more than another group.

Q:   Will my retirement pension from my job reduce the amount of
     my Social Security benefit?

     A:   If your pension is from work where you also paid Social

          Security taxes, it will not affect your Social Security

          benefit. Pensions from work that are not covered by
          Social Security for example, the federal civil service
          and some state or local government systems  probably
          will reduce the amount of your Social Security benefit.

Q:   I will be 62 on August 2 of this year and that's when I plan
     on retiring. Will my first benefit check be for the month of
     August or September?

     A:   Since you were born on the first or second day of the
          month, you will be eligible the month you were born--
          August.  But, in most cases, Social Security retirement
          benefits do not begin the month the person reaches 62;
          benefits usually begin the following month.  To receive
          retirement benefits, you must be at least age 62 for
          the entire month. But, the law says that you "attain"
          your age the day before your birthday.  Since you were
          born on August 2, you legally attain your age on August
          1; therefore you're eligible for benefits for August
          because you're considered 62 for the entire month.

Q:   My neighbor, who is retired, told me that the income he
     receives from his part-time job at the local nursery has
     also given him an increase in his Social Security benefits.
     Can that be right?


     A:   People who return to work after they start receiving
          benefits may be able to receive a higher benefit based
          on those earnings. This is because Social Security
          automatically recomputes the benefit amount after the
          additional earnings are credited to the individual s
          earnings record. The earnings can be an advantage as
          long as they do not exceed the annual exempt amount.

Q:   If I work after I start receiving Social Security retirement
     benefits, will I have to pay FICA taxes?

     
     A:   Yes, and your extra earnings may increase your
          benefits.  For additional information, call your local
          Social Security office or Social Security's toll-free
          number, 1-800-772-1213.

Q:   I am 70 years of age and still working.  Do I have a
     responsibility to report my earnings  to Social Security?

     A:   In the year you reach age 70, you are responsible for
          reporting your earnings for the months before the month
          you reach 70.  You do not have to report your earnings
          if you are 70 or older all year.  You can report your
          earnings by calling Social Security's toll-free number,
          1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local Social Security
          office.  Representatives at the toll-free number can
          give you the address and telephone number of your
          nearest Social Security office.

Q:   I am almost 62 years old and I understand I can retire at
     that age and collect Social Security benefits, but that they
     will be less than if I wait until 65 to retire.  How does
     that work?

     A:   Your benefits are reduced five-ninths of one percent
          for each month you are retired before age 65, up to a
          maximum of 20 percent for people who retire the month
          they reach 62.  But remember, by taking benefits at 62,
          you'll receive Social Security checks for a longer
          period of time.  

Q:   I think Social Security is a rip off compared to a private
     retirement plan I have.  Can I drop out of Social Security?

     A:   No. Social Security coverage is mandatory.  But
          consider this:  unlike your private plan, Social
          Security provides disability and survivors coverage in
          addition to retirement benefits.  And Social Security
          generally offers greater protection for family members
          than private pensions.

Q:   I have two children at home and I plan to retire next fall. 
     Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security
     checks after I retire?

     A:   Monthly Social Security payments may be made to
          unmarried children under age 18, or age 19 if still in
          high school or children age 18 or over who were
          severely disabled before age 22 and who continue to be
          disabled.

Q:   I've heard that some people get Social Security retirement
     benefits and continue working.  I'd like to try doing this,
     but I'm afraid the rules and paper work will be too
     complicated.  Is it hard to follow the rules?

     A:   It's easier than you think.  When you apply for your
          retirement benefits, the Social Security representative
          will explain how your earnings will affect your benefit
          checks.  You will need to estimate your future earnings
          and, at the end of each year, file a report of your
          actual earnings.  Your benefits will be paid based on
          your estimated earnings so your estimate needs to be as
          accurate as possible.  After you report your actual
          earnings, we will send you an additional check for
          benefits you are due if your original estimate was too
          high.  If your estimate was too low and you are
          overpaid, the money will be withheld from your checks
          in the next year.

SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES

Q:   I'm a married woman who works and pays Social Security
     taxes.  A friend of mine told me she'll be eligible for
     Social Security benefits on her husband's record, even
     though she's never worked or paid Social Security taxes. 
     That doesn't seem fair.  Does that mean that the Social
     Security taxes I'm paying are wasted, since I could get
     benefits on my husband's record without ever working?

     A:   The Social Security taxes you are paying are not
          wasted.  As a married woman who works and pays Social
          Security taxes, you have advantages by being eligible
          for your own benefit.  You may get a higher benefit
          when you retire than if your benefit was based solely
          on your husband's earnings.  You can retire before your
          husband, based on your own earnings, even though your
          husband continues to work.  As a working woman, you
          earn disability protection for you and your dependent
          children.  Also, in the event of your death, your
          survivors may be eligible for benefits based on your
          earnings.

Q:   I'm considering opening a small business.  Will I pay more
     in Social Security taxes than I did when I worked for
     someone else?

     A:   Yes and no.  Self-employed people pay twice as much in
          Social Security taxes as employees pay.  However,
          because employers pay a matching share, the combined
          rate is the same as the self-employment tax.  But there
          are special tax  credits you can take when you file
          your tax return that are intended to lower your overall
          rate.  In 1994, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3
          percent of your net profit up to $60,600. But if your
          net earnings exceed $60,600, you must continue to pay
          the Medicare portion of the Social Security tax (2.9
          percent) on the remainder of your earnings.

          For more information about your tax responsibilities as
          the owner of a small business, call the IRS toll-free
          number 1-800-829-1040.

Q:   I think I could do better if you let me invest the Social
     Security I pay into an IRA or some other investment plan. 
     What do you think?

     A:   Maybe you could--but then again, maybe your investments
          wouldn't work out.  Remember these facts: 

         your Social Security taxes pay for potential disability
          and survivors benefits as well as for retirement
          benefits;

         Social Security incorporates social goals--such as
          giving more protection to families and to low income
          workers--that are not part of private pension plans;
          and

         Social Security benefits are adjusted yearly for
          increases in the  cost-of-living--a feature not present
          in many private plans.

Q:   Both my husband and I work and pay Social Security taxes. 
     On which record will my benefits be based?

     A:   You will receive benefits based on your work record if
          you work long enough under Social Security--usually 10
          years-- to be entitled to benefits.  If your wife's
          benefit is more that your own Social Security, you will
          receive an additional amount on your husband's record. 

SURVIVOR'S BENEFITS

Q:   My ex-wife died a month ago and I was wondering if our
     children, ages 11 and 14, would be eligible for Social
     Security benefits?

     A:   Possibly.  It depends on whether she had enough work
          credits to be insured.  If she did, your children may
          be eligible for benefits.  You should apply for
          survivors benefits promptly because benefits are
          generally retroactive only up to 6 months.  You can
          apply by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-
          800-772-1213, or by calling your local Social Security
          office.

Q:   My two children and I have been receiving survivors benefits
     since my wife died.  Will these benefits continue if I
     remarry?

     A:   Your remarriage would have no effect on the benefits
          being paid to your children.  If you get benefits only
          because you are caring for your children, your benefits
          would end at the time of your remarriage unless you
          marry someone who is receiving Social Security
          benefits.

Q:   My mother, a widow, died in late January.  Social Security
     tells me that I must return her January benefit check even
     though she was alive through most of the month.  Why is
     this?

     A:   Social Security benefits are not pro-rated.  To be
          entitled to a Social Security benefit check for a given
          month, the person must be alive the entire month.  No
          benefit is payable for the month of death.  

Q:   I'm a 63-year-old widow receiving reduced Social Security
     benefits.  Can I switch to a higher benefit when I turn 65? 

     A:   Ordinarily, you can't change from a reduced benefit to
          a full benefit when you reach age 65.  But if you are a
          widow or widower who already has earned enough credits
          to get Social Security on your own record, or you are
          continuing to work at higher earnings, you may be able
          to switch to a higher benefit.  You should contact your
          Social Security office to ask for a benefit
          computation.

Q:   When a Social Security beneficiary dies, does the funeral
     home notify Social Security or is notification up to the
     family?

     A:   Many funeral directors voluntarily provide death
          information directly to Social Security.  But, family
          members of a deceased individual still have the legal
          responsibility to notify Social Security.

Q:   My wife, who had worked for about six years, died last month
     and now I am the sole support for our two young children. 
     Am I eligible for Social Security survivors benefits?

     A:   Possibly.  Depending on your wife's age at death, she
          may have had enough work credit to be insured.  If she
          was, you and your children may be eligible for
          benefits.  However, if you're working, your earnings
          may reduce your Social Security benefits.

Q:   Our daughter, who had two young children, passed away two
     years ago.  Her husband is planning to remarry and his
     fiance wants to adopt the children after the marriage.  Will
     the children lose the Social Security survivor's benefits
     that they currently receive?

     A:   No. The adoption of a child already entitled to
          survivor's benefits does not terminate the child's
          benefits.  


MAXIMUM FAMILY BENEFIT

Q:   I ve heard that there is a maximum family benefit under
     Social Security. Does this mean that once the maximum is
     reached, some family members won t get benefits?

     A:   No. Under Social Security, each family member entitled
          to receive a monthly benefit will receive one. The
          total benefits received by the family, however, cannot
          exceed the family maximum amount. That amount is
          divided among all entitled dependents. The more
          dependents who receive benefits on the worker s Social
          Security record, the lower the benefit amount will be
          for each dependent.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

Q:   Is the SSI payment for an eligible couple twice that of an
     eligible individual? And if it isn t, why not?

     A:   The SSI program provides a basic Federal payment of for
          an eligible individual and a larger amount for an
          eligible couple. The payment for a couple is lower than
          that made to two individuals because married people
          living together generally share expenses and live more
          economically than two people living independently.

Q:   My father, who receives Supplemental Security Income, just
     received an insurance settlement as a result of fire damage
     to his home.  Must he report this money to Social Security
     as income ?

     A:   No.  As long as the money is used to repair the damage
          to his home, it doesn't count as income for SSI
          purposes.

Q:   My aunt recently broke her hip and can't get around well
     enough to take care of herself any longer.  I want her to
     come stay with me.  She receives Supplemental Security
     Income (SSI) and thinks that her checks will be reduced if
     she moves in with me.  Is this true?

     A:   As long as your aunt plans to return to her permanent
          residence, a temporary stay with you of less than a
          month will not affect her SSI.  There are also some
          other options your aunt may want to explore.  She may
          be able to stay home and receive help from her State or
          county.  Many States offer services like housekeeping
          help and meals to SSI recipients.  For more
          information, your aunt should contact her local social
          services office.

Q:   I just got a notice from Social Security that said my
     Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case is being reviewed. 
     What does this mean?

     A:   Social Security reviews every Supplemental Security
          Income case from time to time to make sure the
          individuals who are receiving checks should continue to
          get them.  The review also determines if the
          individuals are receiving the correct amounts.
 


TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF (TDD) SERVICES

Q:   Can I use my TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) to
     call Social Security on the national Social Security toll-
     free voice line? 

     A:   TDD use is limited to the special toll-free TDD service
          line.  Voice calls should not be made to the TDD toll-
          free number and TDD calls should not be made to other
          Social Security numbers established for voice callers. 
          The Social Security national TDD toll-free number is 1-
          800-325-0778, the Social Security toll-free number
          established for voice callers is 800-772-1213.

DISABILITY

Q:   I understand that to get Social Security disability
     benefits, your disability must be expected to last at least
     a year.  Does this mean that you must wait a year after
     being disabled before you can get benefits?

     A:   You do not have to wait a year after being disabled
          before you can get benefits.  You should file as soon
          as you can after becoming disabled and benefits begin
          after a 5-month waiting period.  The waiting period
          begins with the month Social Security decides your
          disability began.

Q:   I have been receiving Social Security disability benefits
     for the past four years and my condition has not improved. 
     Is there a time limit on Social Security disability
     benefits?

     A:   No.  You will continue to receive a disability benefit
          as long as your condition keeps you from working.  But,
          your case will be reviewed periodically to see if there
          has been any improvement in your condition and whether
          you are still eligible for benefits.  And, if you are
          still eligible when you reach 65, your disability
          benefit will be automatically converted to retirement
          benefits.

Q:   I had a serious back injury four years ago and received
     disability benefits for about 18 months until I could return
     to work.  Unfortunately, my back problems have recurred and
     I don't know how much longer I will be able to continue
     working.  When I initially applied for benefits, I waited
     several months before I received my first check.  If I
     reapply for benefits, will my wait be as long as it was the
     first time?

     A:   Maybe not.  It depends on what the new medical reports
          say and whether additional evidence is required.  A
          worker who becomes disabled a second time within five
          years after benefits stop can have his or her checks
          start again, beginning with the first full month of
          disability if the new claim is approved.

Q:   My brother had an accident at work last year and is now
     receiving Social Security disability benefits for himself,
     his wife, and daughter.  Before his accident, he helped
     support another daughter by a woman to whom he has never
     been married.  Is the second child entitled to some benefits
     as well?

     A:   Yes, even though your brother wasn't married to the
          second child's mother, Social Security pays benefits to
          all of his children, even if they were born out of
          wedlock..  Each child is entitled equal benefits.


PROPER DOCUMENTATION

Q:   I'm getting ready to sign up for Social Security.  I heard I
     have to show you my birth certificate.  I've got a copy of
     it in my safe deposit box.  Is this good enough?  

     A:   It depends on what you mean by a "copy."  If it's a
          copy of your birth record that's been certified by the
          agency that issued your birth certificate, then it's
          acceptable.  "Certified" means it's been signed by the
          issuing agency and has a raised seal.  If all you have
          is an uncertified photocopy, that's not legally
          acceptable.

REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES

Q:   I have an elderly friend who receives Social Security
     benefits.  I'm concerned that she's unable to manage her
     money to pay her bills on time.  Can Social Security help
     her?
  

     A:   Yes.  When an individual who gets Social Security or
          Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks is unable to
          manage benefits in his or her own best interest, the
          Social Security Administration appoints a
          representative payee to assume these responsibilities. 
          In these cases, the Social Security or SSI benefits are
          sent directly to the representative payee.  The payee
          takes care of using funds for the personal care and
          well-being of the beneficiary and agrees to report
          certain changes in the beneficiary's circumstances that
          could affect the continuing eligibility to receive
          benefits.  To get more information, call your local
          Social Security office and ask about "representative
          payees."

TAXABLE EARNINGS

Q:   My 17-year-old daughter has a summer job keeping house for a
     couple of neighborhood women.  Are her earnings taxable for
     Social Security?

     A:   Yes. If she earns more than $50 in a calendar quarter
          from one employer, her earnings are taxable.  The
          employer needs to deduct Social Security taxes from her
          check.  For more information, call Social Security's
          toll-free number,1-800-772-1213 and ask for the
          factsheet "Household Workers"  (Publication No. 05-
          10021).