Monday, June 23, 2003
Q. I learned I will get only $313 per month from Social Security. I also get a $3,000 monthly pension from the police department. I thought everyone got a minimum of $500 per month. True?
A. No, it's not true. There is no minimum Social Security payment. Your benefit is based on your earnings and the number of years you paid into Social Security. You probably were not paying into Social Security during all the years you worked as a police officer. That further reduces your Social Security pension.
Q: I'm almost 65 and soon will go on Medicare. But I live on my small Social Security check and can't afford the $58.70 monthly premium. What can I do?
A: For those with limited incomes, the government sometimes will pay the Medicare premium. Check with your local welfare or social services office about the "qualified Medicare beneficiary" program. And if you haven't done so already, you should call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778) to find out if you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income payments.
Q. My husband is getting Social Security. If he goes into the nursing home, can I get and cash his Social Security checks? Or does the money have to be turned over to the nursing home?
A. If your husband is still able to handle his own financial affairs, we'll continue to send the check in his name. If he wants you to cash his check for him, that would be his decision. You might want to consider direct deposit so you don't have the extra hassles of cashing his check. But if your husband is not able to make his own financial decisions, then we appoint someone to be his "representative payee." That probably would be you.
Q: I was told you should file for your Social Security retirement benefits at least one year ahead of time. Is this true?
A: No. Two to three months is all the lead time necessary to file for retirement benefits. In fact, if you come to your interview prepared, your claim usually can be processed in just a matter of weeks, or even days. To be prepared, you always need a birth certificate or other record of your birth. And you need last year's W-2 form or tax return if you're self-employed. And you may need other documents, such as marriage or military records, depending on your situation. Call us at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778) to find out which documents you'll need when you apply for Social Security. When you call, you also can make an appointment to have your application taken over the phone or face-to-face in the office nearest you. If you're Internet savvy, you might want to try our online filing system at www.socialsecurity.gov.
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.
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