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Social Security
– General Questions
Question:
What can I do at
www.socialsecurity.gov?
Answer:
There are many things you can do on Social Security’s
website. You can conduct most of your Social Security
business with us online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. You can get an
estimate of future benefits, find out if you qualify for
benefits now, and even apply for benefits. You can complete
a number of other tasks online, too, including replacing
your Social Security card in some states. You can estimate
your retirement benefit using our Retirement Estimator,
which allows you to get an instant, personalized estimate of
your future benefit based on different retirement ages and
scenarios. You can even open your own my Social Security
account to plan for and manage your benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Question:
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private
business?
Answer:
Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number,
and you should be careful about giving out your number. But,
be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse
services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools,
private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number
and use it for any purpose that doesn’t violate a federal or
state law. To learn more about your Social Security number,
visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
Question:
I’m 17 and eager to start
my first summer job, but my mother misplaced my Social
Security card. How can I get another?
Answer:
If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to
get a replacement card to obtain employment. However, if a
prospective employer requests it, you can get a replacement
Social Security card by following the steps below. There is
no charge for a Social Security card, but you are limited to
three per calendar year and 10 replacement cards during your
lifetime.
You will need to:
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Show the required documents. We need to see different
documents depending on your citizenship and the type of
card you are requesting. Go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
to find out what documents you will have to show;
-
Fill out an Application for a Social Security Card;
and
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Take or mail your application and original or certified
copies of the original documents to your local Social
Security office.
For more information, read our pamphlet, Your Social
Security Number and Card
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question:
Why should I sign up for a
my Social Security online account?
Answer:
my Social Security gives
you a personal online account you can securely use to check
your Social Security information and do business with us.
With a
my Social Security
account you can:
·
Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year;
·
Get an estimate of your future benefits if you are still
working;
·
Get a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain
criteria and reside in these
locations;
·
Get a letter with proof of your benefits if you currently
receive them; and
·
Manage your benefits:
o
Change your address or telephone number;
o
Start or change your direct deposit;
o
Get a replacement Medicare card; and
o
Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
To find all of the services available and set up an account,
go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Question:
I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have
audio publications?
Answer:
Yes, we do. You can find them at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Some of the publications
available include What You Can Do Online, How Social
Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies, Apply
Online for Social Security Benefits, and Your Social
Security Card and Number. You can listen now at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question:
I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I
recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security
(FICA) taxes on my income?
Answer:
Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from
your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive
credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security
automatically credits the new earnings and, if your new
earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to
calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could
increase. For more information, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
1-800-325-0778).
Question:
Do Members of Congress have to pay into Social Security?
Answer:
Yes, they do. Members of Congress, the President and Vice
President, federal judges, and most political appointees,
have paid taxes into the Social Security program since
January 1984. They pay into the system just like everyone
else, no matter how long they have been in office. Learn
more about Social Security benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
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