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. You match the tax 7.65% for a total of 15.3%. You file a Household tax report listing her name, social security number, total wages paid to her and pay the tax when you file your income tax return. If you have any questions reporting Social Security for house hold employees contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-4477 for all the requirements and exceptions to reporting and paying this tax.

Question: We plan to travel since I have retired. Will Medicare cover our medical expenses if we become ill and have to go to a doctor or require hospital care?

Answer: If you are traveling in the United States which includes the 50 states, the district of Columbia, Porto Rico, the virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariano Island and American Samoa you will have Medicare coverage for hospital, ambulance and doctor services. Generally, Medicare does not pay for hospital or medical coverage outside the United States. However, there are some exceptions: 1. You are in Canada traveling by the most direct route through Canada between Alaska and another state when an emergency occurs and a Canadian hospital is closer to, or substantially more accessible from the site of the emergency than the nearest U.S. hospital that can provide the emergency services you need. 2. You are in the United States when an emergency occurs but the nearest hospital that can treat you is not in the United States. (This usually refers to a Canadian or Mexican hospital). This could also apply if you live in the United States and a Canadian or Mexican hospital is closest to, or substantially more accessible from your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can provide the care you need regardless of whether an emergency exists, and without regard to where the illness or injury occurs. 3. In some limited cases, Medicare may pay for services you get while on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the United States. In all these cases you pay co-insurance, and Part B deductible applies.

Question: My mother lives in Austin and receives a Social Security Retirement Check which she has deposited in her checking account. The last time I visited her she admitted she needed help with house hold chores and could use some help with personal needs. She has agreed to consider moving to an assisted living facility or a nursing home. I live out of Texas. Is there any number I can call to fins our about assistance for her?

Answer: Yes, We are fortunate in Austin to have a “Care Giver Resource Center” which is a branch of Austin Groups for the Elderly. This center offers a durable medical equipment lending closet that supplies to those who need such things as walkers, shower chairs, wheelchairs etc. It will furnish you information about services available in the community. They collaborate with health professionals and area organizations to connect you with their resource. Contact the Center at their Austin phone 512-451-4611 or e-mail echurch@ageofaustin.org. Remember Medicare does not pay for custodial care or long-term care.

Question: My application for Social Security disability benefits was denied and I need to appeal the decision. Do I need to heir a lawyer?

Answer: Many people handle their own appeals, but you may choose to have someone help ou with your appeal or to represent you. Your representative may be a lawyer or other qualified person familiar with you and the Social Security Program,. Social security will work with your representative or you. If you want more information request a copy of “ The Appeal Process” (Publication no 05-10075) from Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 to request copies or visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10075.html. Be sure you read the denial notice you receive. It will tell you the time period you have to file your appeal. It is usually 60 days. To answer your question: No, you do not need to have a lawyer to appeal your denial.