Q: “How does Social Security calculate how much I get every month?”

A: In short, we use your average lifetime earnings, not just several years of earnings, to determine your benefit amount. The benefit formula is complex and there are no simple tables we can present that will tell you exactly how much you will receive.

However, we can give you a fairly accurate idea — and we do, each year. Your Social Security Statement is automatically mailed to you about three months before your birthday. If you can’t find your last one and you need one now for planning purposes, you can request it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. Your statement provides a detailed report of your lifetime earnings and an estimate of retirement, disability and dependent benefits. For more information, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Q: “I’m about to apply for Medicare but won’t be collecting Social Security for a few more years. My income is limited. Can I get help paying my Medicare Part B premium?”

A: Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles and coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources that apply.

Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services or welfare office, or call the Medicare hot line, 800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask about the Medicare savings programs. To learn more about the Medicare program, read our electronic publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html or call us toll-free.

Q. “I work all day and can’t call Social Security until late at night. Can I still call outside normal business hours?”

A: Yes. You can use our automated services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to request services such as a replacement Medicare card or Social Security Statement, and a variety of other forms and publications. Just call us at (800) 772-1213 to conduct business using your touchtone phone or by speech. Representatives are available to help you from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. You can also visit our Web site to conduct much of your Social Security business online. For more information, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Q: “I’ll turn 65 years old later this year. When should I apply for my Medicare card?”

A: Generally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits three months before age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B without an additional application.

However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. You will receive a Medicare card about two months before age 65.

If you would like to file for Medicare only, you can apply by calling. Our representatives there can make an appointment for you at any convenient Social Security office and advise you what to bring with you. To learn more about the Medicare program, read our electronic publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html or call us toll-free.

Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from Social Security District Manager Eleanor Jones. Submit questions to her attention by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com.

Comments