SOCIAL SECURITY Q & amp;A

Q. My friend recently moved here from France. He knows some English, but he'd understand complex issues better if he could read it in his own language. Do you have anything in French?
A. Oui, we do! Your friend will be happy to know that we have information about Social Security programs written in his language! The newest addition to our Multi-Language Gateway on the Internet is the French page. It includes information on retirement, survivors and disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income, interpreter services and a general overview of Social Security. Visit ww.ssa.gov/multilanguage/french.htm for more information.
Q: I am 59 years old and receive Social Security disability. My wife is 54 years old and also is disabled. But she has been turned down for Social Security. She didn't work very much and only has six years of Social Security coverage. Does that mean she will never be able to draw Social Security or Medicare?
A: It means she will never be able to draw Social Security on her own record. But she might qualify for Social Security and Medicare on your record when she's old enough.
Social Security and Medicare are insurance programs. She must be "vested" in the system to qualify for benefits on her own record. Most people, including your wife, need 40 credits (about 10 years of work) to meet the minimum qualification requirements. So assuming she never works again, the only way she will get Social Security benefits is on your record.
However, we do not pay benefits to wives until they reach 62. If your income is very low, you might want to ask your local Social Security office about the Supplemental Security Income program or talk to your local welfare office about food stamps or other help.
Q: I'm 63 years old and thought that if I remarried I would lose my first husband's Social Security. But a friend just told me if I remarry after 60 that I can keep my first husband's Social Security. Am I right? Or is my friend right? Please answer quickly because I want to get married soon.
A: You can start sending out invitations because your friend is right. In fact, you may have a choice. If your next husband is also receiving or when he begins receiving Social Security benefits, you can take Social Security from your first husband or from your next husband, whoever has the higher rate.
XThis column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213.
Knight Ridder Newspapers