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.

The Retirement Estimator produces estimates that are based on your actual Social Security earnings record. Retirement estimates are just that, estimates. They will vary slightly from the actual benefit you may receive in the future. The estimate will vary slightly because your Social Security earnings record is constantly being updated, The calculators use different parameters and assumptions (e.q. different work stop ages, future earnings projections). Your actual future benefits will be adjusted for inflation.
For security reasons there ware time limits for viewing each page. You will receive a warning after 25 minutes without doing anything, and you will be able to extend your time on that page. After the third warning on a page, you must move to another page to your time will run out and your work will be lost on that page.

Question: I have had hip surgery and will have to have physical therapy. Does Medicare pay for this therapy?

Answer: Yes. Medicare limits how much it covers for out-patient physical therapy (P.T) speech- language (SLP) and occupational therapy (O.T.). The limits for 2008 are $1810 per year for P.T. and SLP combined; and $1810 per year for O.T.
After you pay the annual Medicate Part B deductible of $135 (in 2008) Medicare pays its share 80% and you pay your share 20% of the cost until the total including the deductible and co-payments reach the limits. The payment limits do not apply to resources you receive at hospital outpatient departments.

Question: I replaced my Social Security card early this year. Now I need my Social Security to get a Passport and I cannot find it. I have heard there is a limit on the number of replacement cards a person can get. Will I be able to get another Social Security card?

Answer: Yes. There us a limitation on the number of replacement cards a person can get. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. However, there are some exceptions to these limits. Contact the Social Security to apply for your card. The Austin office is located at 1029 Camino La Costa.

Question: I am receiving my plans for retirement. I was divorced after being married more than 15 years and have no children from that marriage. I have remarried and have a young child. Will my divorced wife receive any of my Social Security benefits when I retire? Will any benefits she may receive affect my current wife’s benefits?

Answer: When you retire and begin receiving Social Security Retirement benefits, if your divorced wife is not currently married, she will be entitled to a Social Security Retirement check when she reaches retirement age (62 or older); and she is not currently receiving a higher benefit on her own or another account. Your current wife will be entitled to a Social Security benefit on your account when you retire and she is 62 or older. The amount your divorced wife receives will not affect the amount your current wife receives. Call Social Security and request a copy of the publication “Understanding the Benefits” SSA Publication No. 05-10024. See pages 14 and 15 “Benefits for Your Family.”

Question: My 20 year old son who is a college student recently had a motorcycle accident and the doctors have told us his injuries are such that he may be totally disabled. Will her be entitled to any Social Security benefits? He has never worked and paid Social Security Taxes. However, I am currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

Answer: Your unmarried son who is over 18 and has a disability that started before age 22 may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits on your record. However, he must meet the definition of disability for adults. Call Social Security and inquire about filing for disability benefits for him. To expedite his claim, if possible, secure copies of his doctors and hospital records to submit with his claim. You will need his birth certificate and Social Security number plus your Social Security claim number when you call 1-800-772-1213 to file a claim for him. It normally takes 3 to 4 months to process a claim. Do not delay filing. You can do all the paper work for him.