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 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: 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?