Question:

How can I see my earnings or my Social Security Statement?

G. Hatter, Fort Myers, Florida

Answer:

You can get your Social Security Statement (Statement) online by using your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for. It also shows your earnings history. To set up or use your account to get your Statement, go to Sign In Or Create An Account. We also mail paper Statements to workers age 60 and older, three months before their birthday. This is if they don’t receive Social Security benefits and don’t yet have a personal my Social Security account. Workers who don’t want to wait for their scheduled mailing can request their Statement by following these instructions. The Statement will arrive by mail in four to six weeks.

Question:

I need a replacement of a Social Security number (SSN) card for my child?

B. Perez-Nunez, Miami, Florida

Answer:

You may go online to our website at WWW.SSA.GOV.

To replace an SSN card for a child:

Step 1: Provide evidence to prove the child’s:

• Identity.

• U.S. citizenship if you have not established the child’s U.S. citizenship with us.

• Immigration status if the child is not a U.S. citizen.

Step 2: If you are filing the application on behalf of a child, you must also provide evidence to prove your:

• Identity.

• Custody/relationship to the child.

• Authority to sign the application on behalf of the child.

If you are mailing in the application, and the child is a U.S. citizen applying for a replacement SSN card, you are not required to submit original primary evidence of identity for yourself (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport).

Step 3: Complete an Online Application.

Step 4: Contact your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center for submission options.

We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We’ll return any documents you mail to us along with a receipt.

Important Information

We will mail the child’s card as soon as we have verified all required documents. You should receive the card within two weeks from the date on the receipt. The replacement card will have the same SSN as the previous card.

You may not need to get a replacement card for the child. Knowing the SSN is what is important. The child may need an SSN card to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some government services. Otherwise, you do not often need to show the child’s SSN card.

Question:

I need help with my Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, what can I do?

J. Miller, Delray Beach, Florida

Answer:

States must help pay some of the Medicare costs for beneficiaries who have limited income and resources. Under these programs, states help pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and copayments. Some of these programs also pay additional Medicare expenses for elderly and disabled people.

To find out if you are eligible for state help, contact your local medical assistance office. A representative can tell you the specific requirements and help you apply. For more information see Medicare.gov.

Question:

Can I sign up for Medicare Part B if I have Veterans’ Benefits?

J. Hollingsworth, Homestead, Florida

Answer:

Signing up for Medicare Part B may provide you with additional service and location options.

If you don’t sign up for Part B when you are first eligible:

• You may have to wait to sign up, which will delay your coverage, and;

• You may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare Part B.

Source: Social Security Administration