Q: “I applied for my baby’s Social Security number in the hospital but have not received it. How long does it take?”

A: In many states, where the birth registration process is electronic, the average wait is four weeks. But in other states, the wait can be twice or three times as long. Here’s why. When a parent requests a Social Security number for a newborn as part of the birth registration process in the hospital, the state vital statistics office forwards to Social Security the information needed to assign a number to the child and issue a card. From the time Social Security receives the data, the process of assigning the number and issuing the card takes about two weeks. Learn more about Social Security cards and numbers at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Q: “When a Social Security beneficiary dies, does the funeral home notify Social Security or is the death notification up to the family?”

A: Many funeral directors voluntarily provide death information directly to Social Security. But, family members of a deceased individual still should notify Social Security. For information on what action to take when a beneficiary dies, see our online publication, What To Do When A Beneficiary Dies, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm.

Q: “I worked for the last 10 years and I now have my 40 credits of coverage for Social Security. Does this mean that I get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?”

A: No. While eligibility for benefits is based on having 40 credits, the amount of your benefit is based on how much you earned over your lifetime. We determine your average earnings over your working years and use a special formula set by law to determine your benefit amount. For most people their benefit amount is an average of the highest 35 years of earnings. To learn more, read our online publication, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

Q: “I am receiving Social Security benefits. Can I change my address online?”

A: Yes, if you receive Social Security benefits you can change your address online at www.socialsecurity.gov/coa. Once there, you will be asked a series of questions and your answers must match our records to prove your identity. Then, you can change your address quickly and easily. If you have a password, you can change your address without answering the identifying questions. Get a password by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/password. If you have further questions, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Note: Social Security offices will be closed on Nov. 11, 2009, in observance of Veteran’s Day.

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.