Answers to common questions

COMMENTARY Social Security


With 2014 winding to a close, the Social Security Administration provides this question and answer column regarding the latest information about benefits and other topics.

Q: 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?

A: The administration investigates and seeks 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 and cash checks of the deceased.

To report fraud, go to http:// oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

Q: I haven’t received my Social Security Statement in the mail the last few years. Will I ever get one again?

A: In September 2014, Social Security resumed mailing Social Security Statements to workers ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits, and who don’t have an online Social Security account. Those over age 60 will receive a statement every year.

Instead of waiting to receive a mailed statement once every five years, persons can open a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount so they can access their statement online, anytime.

Q: I am about to retire, but I still have a young child in my care. Will I receive additional benefits for the child I care for?

A: When persons qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, their children may also qualify to receive benefits. An eligible child can be a biological or adopted child or a stepchild. In limited circumstances, persons may also get benefits for a dependent grandchild.

To receive benefits, the dependent child must be: unmarried, under the age of 18, between 18 and 19 years old and a full-time high school student, or age 18 or older and disabled from a condition that started before age 22.

For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/ yourchildren.htm.

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. What should I do?

A: If someone is using a Social Security number fraudulently, they can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at www.idtheft.gov or (877) IDTHEFT (438-4261). For TTY, call (866) 653-4261.

Q: I’m not sure when I’m going to retire so I want to estimate my retirement benefit at several different ages. What’s the easiest way to do that?

A: Use the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/ estimator, to get a good idea of what a monthly benefit payment may be after retirement. Keep in mind, these are estimates only and not the actual benefit amount.

Q: My spouse and I have been married for over 30 years and we are about to retire. Will there be any reduction in benefits because we are married?

A: None at all. Lifetime earnings are calculated independently for each spouse; couples aren’t penalized because they are married. When both spouses meet all other eligibility requirements to receive Social Security retirement benefits, each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. If one spouse earned low wages or failed to earn enough Social Security credits for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse.

Q: I know someone who cheats a little on their Supplemental Security Income application. What can I tell them to dissuade them from giving false information?

A: Social Security can impose a penalty of up to $5,000 for each occurrence of false information or withheld information that would have prevented a person from collecting benefits.

To report fraud, go to http:// oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.



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