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Social Security Q&A Part 17

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I have diabetes and I have to take insulin. Is my insulin covered by Medicare? Answer: Medicare Part B does not cover insulin unless use of an insulin pump is medically necessary. However, certain Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover insulin and certain supplies used to inject insulin, like syringes. For more information, please … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 17

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Social Security and Medicare, Working Side by Side

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities. It is also for people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for … Continue reading Social Security and Medicare, Working Side by Side

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Social Security Q&A Part 16

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist 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., … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 16

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Seasonal Work Can Empower You

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Soon after school begins in the fall, many businesses begin advertising for seasonal workers. It’s a good way for people to make some extra income during the busy holiday season or ease back into working. The diversity of jobs appeals to many people. Each year, companies also hire for seasonal work-from-home positions. These jobs include: customer service, … Continue reading Seasonal Work Can Empower You

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Social Security Q&A Part 15

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question:  Will my disability benefits be reduced if I get workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits? Answer:  If you get either workers’ compensation or public disability benefit payments, we may reduce Social Security benefits for you and your family. Public disability benefit payments paid under a federal, state, or local government law may affect your Social Security … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 15

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Workers’ Compensation and Certain Disability Payments May Affect Your Social Security Benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Many people working nowadays have more than one job, so it’s not uncommon for them to have several sources of income. Owning multiple small businesses, seasonal jobs, and the gig economy add to the mix — and complexity — of our modern day economy. It’s important to keep in mind that having multiple sources of income can … Continue reading Workers’ Compensation and Certain Disability Payments May Affect Your Social Security Benefits

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes

By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member  What is diabetes? Diabetes is the inability of your body to use blood glucose for energy. There are several types of this disease, however I will address Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.   Type 1 diabetes is a more severe form because the pancreas no longer makes insulin. This is when blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, where either the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or … Continue reading Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes

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How Social Security Defines Disability

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Disability affects millions of Americans, in one form or another. Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are strict criteria for meeting the definition of disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is also different than it is for other programs. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. … Continue reading How Social Security Defines Disability

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Social Security Q&A Part 13

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: How do I know if I’ve worked long enough to get Social Security disability benefits? Answer: To get Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act. And you must have worked long enough — and recently enough — under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. The amount … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 13

If You are Young and Lose a Parent

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is here for young people when a parent passes away. We know that the loss of a parent isn’t just emotionally painful; it can be devastating to a family’s finances. In the same way that Social Security helps to lift up the disabled and elderly when they need it, we support families when an income-earning … Continue reading If You are Young and Lose a Parent