Social Security Questions and Answers
By Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security
Toledo, OH
Guest Column
Question:
What can I do at
www.socialsecurity.gov?
Answer:
There are many things you can do on Social Security’s
website. You can conduct most of your Social Security
business with us online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. You can get an
estimate of future benefits, find out if you qualify for
benefits now, and even apply for benefits. You can complete
a number of other tasks online, too, including replacing
your Social Security card in some states. You can estimate
your retirement benefit using our Retirement Estimator,
which allows you to get an instant, personalized estimate of
your future benefit based on different retirement ages and
scenarios. You can even open your own my Social Security
account to plan for and manage your benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Question:
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private
business?
Answer:
Yes,
you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and
you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be
aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services
if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private
agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use
it for any purpose that doesn’t violate a federal or state
law.
To learn more about your Social Security number, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
Question:
I’m 17 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.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
to find out what documents you will have to show;
-
Fill out an Application for a Social Security Card;
and
-
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.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question:
Why should I sign up for a
my Social Security online
account?
Answer:
my Social Security gives
you a personal online account you can securely use to check
your Social Security information and do business with us.
With a my Social Security account you can:
·
Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year;
·
Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still
working;
·
Get a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain
criteria and reside in these
locations;
·
Get a letter with proof of your benefits if you currently
receive them; and
·
Manage your benefits:
o
Change your address or telephone number;
o
Start or change your direct deposit;
o
Get a replacement Medicare card; and
o
Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
To find all of the services available and set up an account,
go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Question:
I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have
audio publications?
Answer:
Yes, we do. You can find them at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Some of the publications
available include What You Can Do Online, Working While
Disabled - How We Can Help, Apply Online for Social Security
Benefits, and Your Social Security Card and Number.
You can listen now at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
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