Question: I’m 15 and eager to start my first summer job, but my mother misplaced my Social Security card. How can I get another?
Answer: If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to get a replacement card to obtain employment. However, if a prospective employer requests it, you can get a replacement Social Security card by following the steps below. There is no charge for a Social Security card, but you are limited to three per calendar year and 10-replacement cards during your lifetime.
You will need to:
Show the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. Go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to find out what documents you will have to show.
Fill out an Application for a Social Security Card.
Take or mail your application and original or certified copies of the original documents to your local Social Security office.
For more information, read our pamphlet, Your Social Security Number and Card at www.ssa.gov/pubs.
Question: I have diabetes, and I have to take insulin. Is my insulin covered by Medicare?
Answer: Medicare Part B does not cover insulin unless the use of an insulin pump is medically necessary. However, certain Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover insulin and certain supplies used to inject insulin, like syringes. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov/coverage/insulin.html
Question: I was incarcerated for 2 years. Before I was imprisoned, I received SSI benefits. Will my SSI payments start automatically when I am released?
Answer: No. You must contact your local Social Security office and provide them with information regarding your release dates. In some cases, it may be necessary to reapply for SSI benefits. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/reentry or contact your local Social Security office.
Question: I’ve been receiving SSI for a few years and recently went back to work. My boss wants me to work full time and I feel like I can do the job, but I’m concerned about losing my Medicaid coverage. If my SSI payments stop due to my earnings, can I still keep my Medicaid?
Answer: In most cases, Medicaid coverage will continue even if your earned income is too high to receive an SSI payment. To qualify for this coverage, you must:
· Be blind or have a disability.
· Meet all the SSI eligibility requirements, except for the amount of your earnings.
· Be eligible to receive a regular SSI cash payment for at least one month before you became eligible under Section 1619 of the Social Security Act.
· Have been eligible for Medicaid coverage in the month before you became eligible under Section 1619.
· Need continued Medicaid to work.
· Have earnings that would not replace the value of your SSI cash benefits, your Medicaid benefits, and any publicly funded personal or attendant care you receive that would be lost due to your earnings.
The amount you can earn and still receive Medicaid varies from state to state. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for more information.
Question: What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability?
Answer: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on prior earnings. SSDI is financed through the taxes you pay into the Social Security program. To be eligible for an SSDI benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be “insured” for Social Security purposes. SSDI benefits are payable to eligible blind or disabled workers, the widow(er)s of a disabled worker, or adults disabled since childhood.
SSI disability payments are made based on financial need to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. SSI is a program financed through general revenues. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov.
Question: Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits subject to federal income tax?
Answer: No. SSI payments are not subject to federal taxes. If you get SSI, you will not receive an annual Form SSA-1099. However, your Social Security benefits may be subject to income tax. Learn more at www.ssa.gov.
