The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Editorials

June 21, 2009

Taking a look at qualifications

Social Security column

By Melinda Groom

Q1: I know my wife, who hasn’t worked outside the home, doesn’t qualify for Social Security or Medicare on her own record. Can she qualify on mine?

A1: This answer applies to husbands as well as wives. A spouse who has never worked under Social Security can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount at his or her full retirement age. However, your spouse cannot receive benefits on your record until you begin receiving retirement benefits. We have a page at our online Retirement Planner dedicated to benefits for spouses. You can visit that page at www. socialsecurity.gov/retire2/your spouse.htm.

Q2: My mother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She may have to enter a nursing home. How does this affect her SSI benefits?

A2: Moving to a nursing home can affect your mother’s SSI benefits, but it depends on what type of facility it is. In many cases, the SSI payment is reduced or stopped. Whenever your mother enters or leaves a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, skilled nursing facility or any other kind of institution, you need to let Social Security know. Call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report changes in your mother’s living arrangements.

Q3: I’m expecting my first baby next month. What do I need to do to get a Social Security number for my child?

A3: The best and most convenient way is to apply for your baby’s number at the hospital when you apply for the birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child’s information with us, and we will mail the Social Security card to you. Learn more about this process and about Social Security cards and numbers in general at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber

Q4: I just got back from a military deployment and I want to plan ahead. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?

A4: Your military retirement won’t affect your Social Security benefits. You can get both. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full benefits based on your earnings. You can find more information in the publication Military Service and Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html. Or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

— Melinda Groom is the acting district manager for the Social Security Administration in Beckley.

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