By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Question:
I want to sign up for a Medicare Part C and D plan, but I’m not sure which plan I want. Is there a resource to help me find a plan?
Answer:
Yes. Medicare.gov has an online plan finder and instructions available on how to use this tool. To access the Medicare Plan Finder, please visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx.
Question:
I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B?
Answer:
You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on either your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact Social Security to request a special enrollment for Medicare Part B. We will need to verify your coverage through your employer in order for you to be eligible for a special enrollment. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov.
Question:
I applied for Medicare benefits last week. How can I check the status of my application?
Answer:
You can check the application status online with your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/signin, but you must wait five days from the date you originally filed. If you are unable to check your status online, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Question:
I worked for many years before I became disabled, but I didn’t have enough recent work to receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments. I receive SSI only. Will I ever receive Social Security payments?
Answer:
It depends. If you have at least 40 quarters of coverage, you can be eligible for Social Security retirement payments beginning at age 62. Additionally, if you are performing some work while you are on SSI, you may become currently insured for disability payments in the future. There are other ways you could become eligible for Social Security benefits, including benefits through a spouse or a divorced spouse. For more information, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office.
Question:
My daughter receives SSI and child support from her father. Does the child support have to be reported?
Answer:
Yes. The child support your daughter receives is countable income for SSI purposes. As with any income received for an individual or a parent, if the child is under 18, it needs to be reported to your local Social Security office. For more information regarding the SSI program, visit www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html.
Question:
I was turned down for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can I appeal the decision?
Answer:
You can appeal a decision made on your SSI claim. Learn more about appealing a decision, including how to submit your appeal online, at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html.
Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.