Question: My Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premium has changed. I want to change my plan. Whom can I contact to help me select another plan? When can I make the change?
Answer: There is help available to assist you in reviewing and comparing plans. You can get help by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and talk to a trained Medicare Representative. Visit www.medicare.gov . Under Search, select “Compare Medicare prescription drug plans,” to compare cost and coverage of plans and drugs. Look in your 2009 “Medicare & You” handbook which you should have received in the mail for a listing of plans

Question: I plan to file for Social Security Retirement benefits in December using the online benefit application, but I do not want to mail in my birth certificate. May I take it to the Social Security office and have a claims representative verify my age?

Question: I have read that Social Security now has a Retirement Estimator I can check. Are there any limitations on its use?

Answer: Yes. You can use the Retirement Estimator if:
1. You are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
2. You have enough Social Security credits (quarters) at this time to qualify for benefits.
3. You are not eligible for a pension based on work not covered by Social Security.

Question: I recently employed a body to help one with the house work. Do I need to take the Social Security tax out of the wages I pay her?

Answer: If the lady says she is self-employed and reports the wages you pay her on a schedule c; and pays her own Social Security taxes when she files her income tax return; then you do not deduct the tax. If you employed her through a cleaning service you do not deduct the Social Security tax. However, if none of the above applies then if you pay her more than $1,800 during the year you should deduct the Social Security tax of 7.65% from her wages.

Question:  I have Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.  I have been checking my plan and have discovered a plan that will better fit my needs.  Can I change to that plan now?

Question: My Social Security check is mailed to me at my home.  I understand Social Security is offering a debit card to people who are not using direct deposit of their check.  Who will issue the cards and will there be any charge to use there debit cards?

Question: Both my husband and I receive Social Security Retirement benefits and we are both working part time.  Do we have to pay Income taxes on our Social Security Benefits?

 

Answer: You will have to pay taxes on your Social Security Benefits if you file a joint income tax return and your combined total income is more than $37,000. 

Question: I currently receive my Social Security check by mail. I have received a letter telling me about the debit card Social Security is making available in place of a monthly check mailed to me. I do not want the debit card. I have decided to open a checking account and use direct deposit for my Social Security check. Is it possible in Austin to get a checking account at a financial institution such as a bank or credit union that does not charge any fees?

Question: My six year old grandson who lives with me is going to live with his aunt.  I currently receive a Social Security Survivor’s check for him as a Representative Payee.  I want his check to go to his aunt.  How do I change this check? Question:  I have read that the Social Security Administration is sending a letter to beneficiaries who have their checks mailed to them explaining a debit card program.  Is everyone going to receive this letter?

Question:  Why does the government want to change my monthly Social Security check to a debit card?

Question: I read that since I receive my Social Security check by mail at my home I will receive a notice about a debit card that will replace my check.  I have never used a debit card.  I don’t want to receive one.  Do I have any alternative or must I take the debit card instead of my check?