GENERAL
Question: My son, who receives Social Security, will attend his last year of high school in the fall. He will turn 19 in a few months. Do I need to fill out a form in order for his benefits to continue?
Answer: Yes. You should receive a form, SSA-1372-BK, in the mail about three months before your son’s birthday. He needs to complete the form and take it to his school office for certification. You must then return Page Two and the certified Page Three to Social Security for processing. If you cannot find the form we mailed to you, you can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-1372.pdf.
RETIREMENT
Question: I plan to retire soon. When will my monthly Social Security benefits be paid?
Answer: Social Security benefits are paid each month. Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born. If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by your spouse’s birthdate.
Here is how your monthly payment date is determined:
If you were born on the 1st to the 10th, your Social Security benefits will be paid on the SECOND Wednesday of the month.
If you were born on the 11th to the 20th, your Social Security benefits will be paid on the THIRD Wednesday of the month.
If you were born on the 21st to the 31st, your Social Security benefits will be paid on the FOURTH Wednesday of the month.
For a calendar showing actual payment dates, see the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/calendar.htm.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Question: How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: There are two ways that you can apply for disability benefits. You can either apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov; or call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to make an appointment to file a disability claim at your local Social Security office or to set up an appointment for someone to take your claim over the telephone.
Question: Can I receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits based on my disability?
Answer: Many people eligible for Social Security disability benefits may also be eligible for SSI. The disability decision for one program is the same for the other, but you must meet additional resource and income limits to qualify for SSI benefits. Learn all about SSI and whether or not you may qualify by reading the publication, You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
DISABILITY
Question: Is there a time limit on collecting Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition does not improve and you remain unable to work. We will review your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert them to retirement benefits. Learn more by reading our publication, Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question: I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I’m still eligible?
Answer: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology:
• Medical improvement expected: If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be six to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits.
• Medical improvement possible: If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every three years.
• Medical improvement not expected: If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every five to seven years.
For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
MEDICARE
Question: Will my eligibility for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs be reviewed, and, if so, how often?
Answer: If you receive the Extra Help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This reassessment will ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and you are receiving all the benefits you deserve. Annually, usually at the end of August, we may send you a form to complete: Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help. You will have 30 days to complete and return this form. Any necessary adjustments to the Extra Help will be effective in January of the following year. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp for more information.
