By Kylle’ D. McKinney
Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Here are some frequently asked Social Security questions and my answers.
Question:
I applied for my child’s Social Security card in the hospital but have not received it. How long does it take?
Answer:
In most states it takes an average of three weeks to get the card, but in some states it can take longer. If you have not received your child’s card in a timely manner, please visit your local Social Security office. Be sure to take proof of your child’s citizenship, age, and identity as well as proof of your own identity. And remember, we cannot divulge your child’s Social Security number over the phone. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question:
Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card?
Answer:
No, it is not illegal, but we discourage it. It’s best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult — sometimes even impossible — to detect important security features and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incorporate many features that protect the card’s integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques, some of which are visible to the naked eye. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you. Learn more atwww.socialsecurity.gov.
Question:
Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that affect me?
Answer:
It depends on your age. If you are full retirement age and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can choose to file and receive benefits on just your spouse’s Social Security record and delay filing for benefits on your own record up until age 70. By filing for just benefits as a spouse, you may receive a higherretirement benefit on your own record later based on the effect of delayed retirement credits. You can earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70 as long as you do not collect your own benefits — and those credits can increase your benefit by as much as 8 percent for each year you delay. You can use our online Retirement Estimator to test out different scenarios. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Question:
I’ve been turned down for disability benefits. How do I appeal?
Answer:
When we make a decision on your application, we will send you a letter explaining our decision. If you do not agree with our decision, you can appeal. Appealing means you can ask us to look at your case again. You must appeal within 60 days from the date you got our decision letter. You can:
- File a disability appeal online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal and provide documents to support your request electronically. You can file an appeal online even if you live outside of the United States; or
- Visit your local Social Security office.
For more information, call us at 1–800–772–1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Question:
I saw a poster that advised people 65 or over with limited income and resources to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Next month I’ll turn 65, and I thought I’d be eligible for SSI. I planned to apply until my neighbor told me I probably would be turned down because I have children who could help support me. Is this true?
Answer:
Whether your children are capable of helping to support you does not affect your eligibility. SSI eligibility depends solely on your income and resources (the things you own). If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI. However, if you are receiving support from your children or from anyone living inside or outside of your home, it may affect your eligibility or the amount you can receive. Support includes any food or shelter that is given to you, or is received by you because someone else pays for it. Learn more about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
