Q. I'm retired and the only income I have is a monthly withdrawal from an individual retirement account (IRA). I pay income tax on the amount withdrawn. I plan to apply for social security benefits in the future. Will the money withdrawn from my IRA be considered "earnings" that could potentially reduce my monthly social security benefits?
A. No. The Social Security Administration will count only the wages you earn from a job, or your net profit if you're self-employed. Non-work income such as pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits.
Q. How do I notify social security that I changed my address?
A. Claimants, or individuals who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, may report a change of address by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. Social Security Office Representatives there will be glad to take the information and make any necessary changes in their records. A change of address also may be reported to local Field Offices. Addresses and telephone numbers of these offices may be obtained from the Social Security Office Locator at: http://www.ssa.gov/locator/.
Q. How does a non-citizen obtain a social security number to get a drivers license?
A. SSA will currently issue SSNs to non-citizens who are not otherwise eligible for SSNs for the following nonwork purposes:
- A Federal statute or regulation requires that the alien provide his/her SSN to get the particular benefit or service
- A State or local law requires the alien to provide his/her SSN to get general assistance benefits to which the alien has established entitlement.
- A State or local law requires the non-citizen to provide his/her SSN to get a driver's license.
- Under these circumstances the application for an SSN must be accompanied by documentation from the appropriate government entity explaining the need for the SSN. The documentation must be dated and on letterhead stationery. It must specifically identify the non-citizen, the nonwork reason for which an SSN is required, the relevant statute or regulation, and the name and telephone number of an official to contact so that the information provided may be verified. It should state that the non-citizen completed all the requirements to receive the benefit/service except for an SSN.
If you believe that you qualify for a Social Security Number based on the above, you may obtain an application from http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html.
If you're a noncitizen, Social Security must verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before we issue a SSN card. Social Security will issue the card within two days of receiving verification from DHS. Most of the time, Social Security can quickly verify your documents online with DHS. If DHS can't verify your documents online, it may take several weeks or months to respond to Social Security's request.
Q. Is there a time limit on how long I can collect social security disability benefits?
A. No. You will continue to receive a disability benefit as long as you continue to be disabled and otherwise meet work or other eligibility requirements. However, your case will be reviewed periodically to see if there has been any improvement in your condition and whether you are still eligible for benefits. If you are still eligible when you reach full retirement age, disability benefits will automatically be converted to retirement benefits.
