Questions and Answers Regarding Your Social Security Benefits

By Kirk Larson

Social Security Washington Public Affairs Specialist

Question:

I heard that Social Security benefits increased at the beginning of the year. What is the average Social Security retirement payment that a person receives each month?

Answer:

You are right—Social Security benefits increased this year. In 2015, nearly 64 million Americans who receive Social Security began receiving a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase of 1.7 percent to their monthly benefit payments. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2015 is $1,328. In the State of Washington it is about $1,398. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2015 is $1,165. In the State of Washington it almost the same at $1,168. The Social Security Act details how the COLA is calculated. You can read more about the COLA at www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.

Question:

I went back to work after retiring, but now the company I work for is downsizing. I’ll be receiving unemployment benefits in a few weeks. Will this affect my retirement benefits?

Answer:

When it comes to retirement benefits, Social Security does not count unemployment as earnings, so your retirement benefits will not be affected. However, any income you receive from Social Security may reduce your unemployment benefits. Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction to your unemployment compensation.

Question:

My child lost his Social Security card. How can I get a replacement?

Answer:

You can replace your child's Social Security card at no cost to you if it is lost or stolen. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during a lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions don’t count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.

The documents you will need to provide will differ depending on whether your child is a citizen of the United States or foreign-born citizen. To get a new card, you will need to provide original documents that prove citizenship. No photocopies or digital replications are accepted. You will have to provide proof of your identity as well using a U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport.

You can learn more about applying for a replacement Social Security card at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question:

A few months after I started receiving my Social Security retirement benefit, my former employer offered to take me back. It’s a great offer. Can I withdraw my retirement claim and reapply later to increase my benefit amount?

Answer:

Social Security understands that unexpected changes may occur after you begin receiving retirement benefits. If you change your mind, you may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim and re-apply at a future date. This withdrawal must occur within 12 months of your original retirement, and you are limited to one withdrawal during your lifetime. Keep in mind, you must repay all of the benefits you received. You can learn more about the one-year period when you can postpone your benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/withdrawal.htm

Question:

If I have a question about my Medicare bill, who should I contact?

Answer:

First, contact your provider. If you are unable to get your question answered or the problem resolved, then contact 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For more information about Medicare benefits, visit www.medicare.gov.