By Warren Beck | Social Security District Manager in Syracuse
If you receive Social Security, you can help to make sure we pay you the right benefit each month. You can do that by telling us about relationship or other life changes that could affect your eligibility for retirement, survivors, or disability benefits – or the benefit amount.
You and your family may miss out on additional payments you may be due if you don’t report changes to us in a timely manner. Or you may be overpaid benefits and have to pay us back.
What you need to tell us
To make sure you are paid correctly and receive the payments for which you are eligible, let us know right away if:
• You get married or divorced.
• Your spouse or former spouse dies.
• You become the parent of a child (including an adopted child).
• The child (or stepchild) who gets benefits on your record gets married.
• The child (or stepchild) who gets benefits on your record no longer lives with you. Note: We will need the name and address of the person with whom the child is living.
How to report changes
We offer several ways to report changes:
• Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Call your local Social Security office.
• Fax, mail, or deliver your updates to your local office.
You can use our office locator at www.ssa.gov/locator to find your local office.
If you get retirement, survivors, or disability benefits and need to update your address, phone number, or direct deposit, it’s easy to make those changes using your personal my Social Security account www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Or you can use our automated telephone services at www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.
Get the right check, in the right amount, at the right time, by reporting changes right away!
Q&A
Q: Can I use the metal or plastic versions of Social Security cards that some companies make?
A: No. Your Social Security card has security features which are not detectable if laminated or if a metal or plastic version is used. There is no need to have a replica of your card. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. At other times, we strongly recommend that you keep anything with your Social Security number on it with your other important papers. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. You should question anyone else other than your employer who asks for your Social Security number or your card. Not everyone you do business with needs it.
Q: I just received my first disability payment. How long will I continue to get them?
A: In most cases, you will continue to receive benefits if you have a disability. However, there are certain circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility for disability benefits. For example, one of the following may apply:
• Your health may improve to the point where you no longer have a disability.
• You would like to go back to work rather than depend on your disability benefits and you are successful in your attempt.
Also, the law requires that we review your case from time to time to verify you still have a disability. We tell you if it is time to review your case, and we also keep you informed about your benefit status. You also should be aware that you are responsible for letting us know if your health improves or you go back to work.
Q: My 15-year-old sister has been blind since birth. I think she should apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but my parents think because she’s a minor, they’re responsible for her and she won’t be eligible. Who is right?
A: To be eligible for SSI, certain income and resource limits must be met. Since your sister is a minor, some of your parents’ income and resources will determine whether she is eligible for SSI. Once your sister turns 18, their income and resources won’t be considered when deciding her eligibility and payment amount. Tell your parents they can check at any Social Security office to see if your sister may be eligible. To learn more, visit www.ssa.gov/ssi or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).