Question: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)?
Answer: We use the term Substantial Gainful Activity or (SGA) to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both.
If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we generally consider you to be engaging in SGA. For example, the monthly SGA amount for 2024 is $1,550. For a statutorily blind person, that amount is $2,590. In these cases, you would not be eligible for disability benefits if you made more than those amounts. You can read more about substantial gainful activity and determine if your earnings are considered SGA at www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html.
Question: How do I change my citizenship status in Social Security records?
Answer: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records, you’ll need to submit a request for a replacement Social Security card. You can begin this process online by:
Answering a few questions in our online Social Security Number and Card application available at www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-citizenship-or-immigration-status. Our online application will show you the best way to make your request.
You’ll need to provide documents proving:
New or revised citizenship status (We can only accept certain documents as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents). Age. Identity.
Next, take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.
Question: I suspect that someone I know is collecting Social Security disability benefits when they shouldn’t be. What is the best way for me to report fraud?
Answer: You can report fraud online at www.oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud and uses many proven tactics to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
Our Office of the Inspector General is relentless in its pursuit of people who conceal work activity while receiving disability benefits. They also investigate and seek prosecution for people who receive benefits for a child or children who aren’t under their care, or who fail to notify Social Security of the death of a beneficiary and continue to receive cash checks of the deceased. We also depend on you to help stop fraud.
Question: Can I get a new Social Security number if someone has stolen my identity?
Answer: We do not routinely assign a new number to someone whose identity has been stolen. Only as a last resort should you consider requesting a new Social Security number. Changing your number may adversely affect your ability to interact with federal and state agencies, employers, and others. This is because your financial, medical, employment and other records will be under your former Social Security number. We cannot guarantee that a new number will solve your problem. To learn more about your Social Security card and number, read our online publication Your Social Security Number and Card at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html
Question: Why doesn’t my retirement estimate take into account my work as a teacher? I’ve worked for 20 years for the state and thought it would count.
Answer: 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, visit www.ssa.gov/prepare/government-and-foreign-pensions.
Question: I went back to work after getting retirement benefits, but now the company I work for is downsizing. I’ll be receiving unemployment benefits in a few weeks. Will this affect my retirement benefits?
Answer: No. When it comes to retirement benefits, Social Security does not count unemployment as earnings, so your retirement benefits will not be affected. However, any income you receive from Social Security may reduce your unemployment benefits. Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction to your unemployment compensation.
Question: I am expecting a child and will be out of work for 6 months. Is there a short-term disability from Social Security?
Answer: No. Social Security pays only for total disability — conditions that make you unable to work and are expected to last for at least a year or end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability, including benefits while on maternity leave.
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