Children need Social Security numbers

Social Security

By Chuck Stovall

Question: If Social Security is for retired and disabled adults, why would my new baby need a Social Security number?

Answer: Social Security is not just for retired and disabled adults. Survivors of deceased workers and the families of retired or disabled workers also qualify for benefits. In fact, about four million children currently receive Social Security benefits. Nine out of 10 children would be eligible to receive benefits if a parent retires, becomes disabled or dies. But, children need a Social Security number before they can receive benefits. Children also need a number for reasons not connected with Social Security benefits. For example, children need a Social Security number to be claimed as a dependent on a tax return, open a bank account or buy U.S. Savings Bonds. Also, your child needs a number to be eligible for some social services and benefits such as Temporary Assistance to Families, Food Stamps, and Medicaid. Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question: My neighbor, who is retired, told me that the income he receives from his part-time job gives him an increase in his Social Security benefits. If I go back to work will my benefits increase?

Answer: If you return to work after you start receiving Social Security benefits, you might be able to receive a higher amount based on those earnings. This is because Social Security automatically recomputes your benefit after crediting the additional earnings to your record. If those earnings are higher than one of the years of earnings we used to compute your current benefit, your benefit could be increased. Learn more about how we figure your retirement benefit by reading the publication Your Retirement Benefit: How It Is Figured, available at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/10070.html. If you are not already receiving benefits, you also might want to test out how changes in wages and retirement ages will affect your future benefit by using the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Question: What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income disability?

Answer: The Social Security Administration runs two programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security disability (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). DIB is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, you must earn sufficient work credits to be “insured” for Social Security purposes. Social Security disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, survivors, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

SSI is a needs-based program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate (FBR) depending on your income and resources.

To learn more about Social Security and SSI disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and visit the links along the top of the page for Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Question: Can I get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits at the same time?

Answer: Many people eligible for SSI might also be entitled to Social Security benefits. In fact, the application for SSI also is an application for Social Security benefits. Eligibility for SSI depends on your income and resources, so if you receive a large Social Security check, you might not be eligible for SSI. If, however, your Social Security payment is low and your overall income and resources are low, you might be eligible to receive an SSI payment to supplement your Social Security benefits. To learn more about SSI, read the publication You May Be Able to Receive SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11069.html.

Question: Is there a time limit on how long you can receive Social Security disability benefits?

Answer: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition does not improve and you remain unable to work. We will review your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert them to retirement benefits. Learn more about disability benefits by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov and selecting the Disability tab along the top of the page.

Chuck Stovall is public affairs specialist and assistant district manager for the Social Security Administration of Northern Indiana If you have questions about Social Security, e-mail him at charles.j.stovall@ssa.gov. Or, call your local Social Security office.

This is part of the July 28, 2010 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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