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Question:
When did Social Security begin?
Linares, Miami, Florida
Answer:
The Social Security Act was signed by FDR on 8/14/35. Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lump-sum payments were made that same month. Regular ongoing monthly benefits started in January 1940.
Question:
When did Medicare actually started?
Torres, Westchester, Florida
Answer:
Medicare was passed into law on July 30, 1965 but beneficiaries were first able to sign-up for the program on July 1, 1966.
Question:
When did COLA start?
Abner, Margate, Florida
Answer:
COLAs were first paid in 1975 as a result of a 1972 law
Question:
Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies?
- Richardson, North Palm Beach, Florida
Answer:
No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder’s death, the current numbering system will provide us with enough new numbers for several generations into the future with no changes in the numbering system.
Question:
Are my disability benefit payments taxable?
Whittman, Plantation, Florida
Answer:
The answer to this question depends on what benefits you get and how much your total income is. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will owe no Federal or State taxes on this benefit. If you have other forms of income in addition to your SSI (such as wages) you may owe taxes on that income.
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may have to pay taxes on your benefits, depending on how much your total income is. Your total income includes your Social Security benefits and any other income you received such as wages, interest income and rental income.
Social Security reports that about one-third of current beneficiaries pay taxes on their disability benefits. If you are unsure about whether or not you have to pay taxes, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or seek the services of a qualified tax professional.
Question:
I got divorced and have not worked full time. Am I going to be able to get Social Security benefits?
Lawson, Hollywood Beach, Florida
Answer:
If you were married at least 10 years you will be eligible for Social Security based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record. Your receiving a benefit will have no impact on the benefit your ex is eligible for.
There are a few caveats to understand about how this works. Most important, you can’t make a claim on an ex-spouse’s record if you remarry. (It doesn’t matter if your ex remarried.) You also need to be at least 62 years old
Question:
To live a comfortable retirement, how much would I need?
Torres, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Answer:
Anticipate what your expenses will be in retirement, including things like mortgage payments or rent, utilities, healthcare insurance and related costs, food, personal care, car payments and maintenance, entertainment, hobbies, travel, and credit card or other debt. Also, consider whether you’ll need to provide for your spouse, children, or grandchildren.
Question:
How much will I receive if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
Mejias, Miami, Florida
Answer:
The amount of your SSI benefit depends on where you live and how much income you have. The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2022, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual is $841 a month and $1,261 a month for an eligible couple. However, many states add money to the basic payment. For more information, go to www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Question:
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business?
Montes, Hialeah, Florida
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.ssa.gov/ssnumber.
Question:
I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?
Bosch, Miami Lakes, Florida
Answer:
You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.ssa.gov/applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later. We thank you for your military service!
Question:
My aunt became mentally disabled as a result of an accident. Does Social Security have a special program for people who are obviously physically or mentally disabled?
Peters, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Answer:
Social Security is committed to providing benefits quickly to applicants who are severely disabled. Through our Compassionate Allowances program, we can quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that qualify, based on minimal objective medical information, and that allow us to make payments much sooner than the usual review process allows. Compassionate Allowances is not a separate program from the Social Security disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. People who don’t meet the Compassionate Allowances criteria will still have their medical conditions reviewed by Social Security. Learn more about our Compassionate Allowances at www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances
Question:
I know you need to have limited resources to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But what is considered a resource?
Morton, Coral Ridge, Florida
Answer:
Resources are things you own that you can use for support. They include cash, real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. To be eligible for SSI a person must have no more than $2,000 in countable resources. A married couple must have no more than $3,000 in countable resources. If you own resources over the SSI limit, you may be able to get SSI benefits while trying to sell the resources. Not all of your resources count toward the SSI resource limit. For example:
- The home you live in and the land it’s on do not count.
- Your personal effects and household goods do not count.
- Life insurance policies may not count, depending on their value.
- Your car usually does not count.
- Burial plots for you and members of your immediate family do not count.
- Up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse may not count.
- If you are blind or have a disability, some items may not count if you plan to use them to work or earn extra income.
You may also wish to read our material on “resources” in the booklet, Understanding SSI at www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm.
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