Social Security Q&A Part 31

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers: Question: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income? Answer: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 31

Social Security’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist June is Pride Month. It’s a time to acknowledge the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, and also celebrate diversity, love, and respect. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. We recognize same-sex couples’ marriages in … Continue reading Social Security’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We pay monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources, and people who are age 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. Income is money you receive, such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions.  Income also includes things like food and shelter.  The amount … Continue reading Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security

Social Security Covers Disabled Children

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Children are our future — we share our knowledge and talent with them — we pass on our values to them knowing they will share those gifts. Social Security safeguards children all year long, but we’d like to take this opportunity to share information about our programs that provide direct support to children. The latest information … Continue reading Social Security Covers Disabled Children

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Social Security Q&A Part 21

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Answer: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 21

Celebrating Independence Day

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist July 4th brings family and friends together, as well as neighbors, to celebrate that we’re all part of a community. Everyone pitches in, combining their resources — great food, music, and displays — to lift our spirits. Social Security has been helping people maintain their independence for over 80 years. In that time, we’ve made it even … Continue reading Celebrating Independence Day

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Social Security Q&A Part 20

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Is it true I can save about $4,900 per year if I qualify for Social Security’s Extra Help with the Medicare prescription drug program? Answer: Yes. If your income and resources meet the requirements, you can save nearly $4,900 in prescription costs each year. Resource limits for 2018 are $14,100 (or $28,150 if you are married … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 20

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Social Security Q&A Part 19

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? Answer: It depends on your date of birth. If you were born on or before 01/01/1954 and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 19

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Social Security Q&A Part 18

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income? Answer: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 18

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Disability is something most people don’t like to think about, but the chances that you’ll become disabled probably are greater than you realize. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching full retirement age. Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and; … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits