Understanding Social Security Frequently asked questions on a variety of topics

This week's column is a series of questions and answers.

Q. I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications?

Yes, we do. You can find them at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Some of the publications available include What You Can Do Online, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies, Apply Online for Social Security Benefits, and Your Social Security Card and Number. You can listen now at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Q. A few years ago, I lost my Social Security card. Now my credit report shows that someone might be using my Social Security number. I'm afraid they might ruin my credit. What should I do?

If you think someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) right away. You can report it at www.idtheft.gov or you can call FTC's hotline at (877) 438-4261, (TTY: (800) 325-0778). Identity theft and fraud are serious problems, not just for you, but for the financial integrity of our agency. It also puts our national security at risk if someone dangerous is using your number to obtain other forms of identification. It's against the law to use someone else's Social Security number, give false information when applying for a number, or alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards. FYI, you should never carry your Social Security card with you.

Q. How are my retirement benefits calculated?

Your Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over your lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or "indexed" to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then we calculate your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. We apply a formula to these earnings and arrive at your basic benefit, the amount you would receive at your full retirement age. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using our Retirement Estimator, at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Q. Why doesn't my Retirement Estimator take into account my work as a teacher? I've worked for 20 years for the state and thought it would count.

If you work for a state or local government agency - including a school system, college, or university - your earnings may not be covered by Social Security. If you are covered only by your state or local pension plan and you don't pay Social Security taxes, your earnings won't be shown on your Social Security record. (Your record will show your Medicare wages if you pay into that program.) For information on how your pension from non-covered state or local employment may affect the amount of your Social Security benefit, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/wep-chart.htm

Q. I was just approved for disability benefits. How long until my first payment?

There is a five-month waiting period before your benefits begin. We'll pay your first benefit for the sixth full month after the date we find your disability began. For example, if your disability began on June 15, 2018, your first benefit would be paid for the month of December 2018, the sixth full month of disability, and you would receive your first benefit payment in January 2019. You can read more about the disability benefits approval process at www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dapproval.htm.

Q. I just received my first disability payment. How long will I continue to get them?

In most cases, you will continue to receive benefits as long as you are disabled. However, there are circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility, like your health improves to the point where you are no longer disabled; or you are successfully able to go back to work.

The law requires that we review your case from time to time to verify you are still disabled. We tell you if it is time to review your case, and we also keep you informed about your benefit status. You also should be aware that you are responsible for letting us know if your health improves or you go back to work.

A. My grandfather, who is receiving Supplemental Security Income, will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?

Yes. An SSI beneficiary must report any change in living arrangements before the 10th day of the following month. If you do not report the change, your grandfather could receive an incorrect payment and have to pay it back, or he may not receive all the money that he is due. Failure to report a change to us could result in the deduction of a penalty from his SSI benefits. Your grandfather also needs to report the new address to us to receive mail from us. You can report the change by mail or in person at any Social Security office. Call us toll-free at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: (800) 325-0778). For details, read Understanding SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Q. What do I need to report to Social Security if I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments?

You need to report any changes that may affect your payment amount. This includes changes in your income or resources. You must report changes of address, changes in your living arrangements, and changes in your earned and unearned income. To learn more about SSI, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Q. How do I apply for "Extra Help" with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?

You have several options. You can:

• Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp.

• Call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: (800) 325-0778) to apply over the phone or request an application.

• Apply at any local Social Security office.

Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs - monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments - related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare.

Q. If I retire at age 62, will I be eligible for Medicare?

No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, you may be able to continue medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from a private insurance company until you become eligible for Medicare. For details see our publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs, or call us at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: (800) 325-0778).

• Matt <span class="spelle">Eisenhauer</span> is district manager of the Harrisburg Social Security office, at 18 Veterans Drive.