Elder Law of Michigan

Social Security Q&A Part 35

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Questions and Answers

Question:

How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement?

Answer:

You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal  my Social Security  account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.
To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
We also mail Statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a my Social Security account. We mail the Statements three months prior to your birthday.

Question:

How can I protect myself against identity theft?

Answer:

First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords, and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records.

If you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it right away. To report identity theft, fraud, or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (the nation’s consumer protection agency) recommends you:

  • Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following companies (The company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports.):
  • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285.
  • Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289.
  • Experian, 1-888-397-3742.
  • Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts you cannot explain.
  • Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
  • File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
  • File a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).

Question:

  • Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Answer:

  • People who receive SSI are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources. Go to ssa.gov for income and resource limits. The general fund of the U. S. Treasury makes SSI payments. They do not come out of the Social Security Trust Fund.

Question:

Can I get both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits based on my disability?

Answer:

Many people eligible for Social Security disability benefits also may be eligible for SSI. The disability decision for one program is the same as it is for the other, but you must meet additional resource and income limits to qualify for SSI benefits. Learn all about SSI and whether or not you may qualify by reading the publication, You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.ssa.gov/pubs/11069.html.

Hillary Hatch 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 hillary.hatch@ssa.gov