Social Security Questions and Answers
Q:How long does it take to apply online for retirement benefits?
A:
How long it takes depends on your specific situation. However, many people find that they can complete their online retirement application in as little as 15 minutes! There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. You can learn more about Social Security retirement benefits, get an estimate of your future benefit amount, and when you're ready, apply for retirement benefits online, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
Q:
I know my wife, who hasn't worked outside the home, doesn't qualify for Social Security or Medicare on her own record. Can she qualify on mine?
A:
This answer applies to husbands as well as wives. A spouse who has never worked under Social Security can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount at his or her full retirement age. However, your spouse cannot receive benefits on your record until you begin receiving retirement benefits. We have a page at our online Retirement Planner dedicated to benefits for spouses. You can visit that page at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/yourspouse.htm.
Q:
I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. I now have a second serious disability. Can my monthly benefit amount be increased?
A:
No, your payment will remain the same regardless of how many disabilities you have or how severe they are. Your Social Security disability benefit is based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before your disability began and the fact that you have a disability, or combination of impairments, that makes you unable to work. Your actual payment amount is not based on the degree, type or severity of your disability or how many disabling conditions you have. For more information about Social Security disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan.
Q:
My mother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She may have to enter a nursing home. How does this affect her SSI benefits?
A:
Moving to a nursing home can affect your mother's SSI benefits, but it depends on what type of facility it is. In many cases, the SSI payment is reduced or stopped. Whenever your mother enters or leaves a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, skilled nursing facility or any other kind of institution, you need to let Social Security know. Call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report changes in your mother's living arrangements. To learn more about SSI and reporting responsibilities, read our online fact sheet, "What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)" at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html
