Q & A On Social Security Statements And Benefits

Here are some answers to common questions received by the Social Security Administration.

Q: When will I get my automatic Social Security statement?

A: If you are at least 25 years old and not yet receiving benefits, you should receive your annual Social Security statement about three months before your birthday.

If your automatic statement has not arrived and you are within one month before the month of your birth, or if you need a statement sooner, you can request one at any time by going to www.socialsecurity.gov /statement. You can learn more about the Social Security statement and how to use it at www.socialsecurity. gov/mystatement.

Q: If Social Security is for the retired and disabled, why would my new baby need a Social Security number?

A: Social Security is not just for the retired and disabled. Survivors of deceased workers and the families of retired or disabled workers also qualify for benefits. In fact, about four million children currently receive benefits. Nine out of 10 children would be eligible to receive benefits if a parent retires, becomes disabled or dies.

But children need a Social Security number before they can receive benefits. Children also need a number for reasons not connected with Social Security benefits. For example, children need a Social Security number to be claimed as a dependent on a tax return, open a bank account or buy U.S. Savings Bonds. Your child also needs a number to be eligible for some social services and benefits such as temporary assistance to families, food stamps and Medicaid.

Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity. gov/ssnumber.

Q: Is there a time limit on how long you can receive Social Security disability benefits?

A: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition does not improve and you remain unable to work. We will review your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert them to retirement benefits.

Learn more about disability benefits by visiting www.socialsecurity .gov and selecting the Disability tab along the top of the page.

Q: How often will my case be reviewed to determine whether I’m still disabled for Social Security purposes?

A: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and what the likelihood is that it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review. It will either state “Medical improvement expected” (first review in six to 18 months), “Improvement possible” (first review in about three years) or “Improvement not expected” (first review in five to seven years.

For more information, read the publication “What You Need to Know: Reviewing Your Disability,” available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10068.html.

More common questions and answers will be featured in next week’s column.

Editor’s note: Samuel Rivera is the district manager of the Social Security Glendale office, located at 67- 10 Myrtle Ave. in Glendale. For more information, call 1-800-772-1213.