By Hillary Hatch

Social Security

Public Affairs Specialist

We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. The website — www.SSA.gov — offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits.

You can apply for:

Retirement or spouse’s benefits — You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Apply at www.ssa.gov/retirement.

Disability benefits — You can use our online application at www.ssa.gov/disability to apply for disability benefits if you:

— Are age 18 or older.

— Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

— Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, you can appeal our decision online and request a review of the determination we made. Go to www.ssa.gov/apply/appeal-decision-we-made.

Supplemental Security Income — SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have limited income and few resources. People age 65 and older without disabilities who have limited income and resources may also be eligible for SSI. Some adults with disabilities who meet certain requirements may complete the application process online.

To learn more, go to www.ssa.gov/ssi. If you do not have access to the website, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may contact our TTY/TDD number, 1-800-325-0778.)

Medicare — Medicare is a federal health insurance program for —

— People age 65 or older.

— Younger workers who have received disability benefits for 24 months.

— People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Note: They do not have a two-year waiting period.

If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare up to three months before turning age 65 at www.ssa.gov/medicare.

You should consider your Medicare options even if you are still working and covered under an employer group health plan (or your spouse’s employer health plan through their active employment).

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs — The Extra Help program helps Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug costs, such as deductibles and copays. People on Medicare who need assistance with the cost of their medications can apply for Extra Help at www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.

Please share this information with those who need it.

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Questions and Answers

Question:

I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B?

Answer:

You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group health care plan based on either your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact Social Security to request a special enrollment for Medicare Part B.

We will need to verify your coverage through your employer for you to be eligible for a special enrollment. For more information, go to www.medicare.gov.

Question:

Is it true that if you have low income, you can get help paying your Medicare premiums?

Answer:

Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles and coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources that apply. Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services, or welfare office, or call the Medicare customer service number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you also may be able to get help paying for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or go to any Social Security office. Also, see our publication, Medicare, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf .

Question:

I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income?

Answer:

Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings.

Each year Social Security automatically credits the new earnings. If your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could increase.