Questions and Answers about Social Security – August
Question: How can I request to lower an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount?
Q. Bell, Tamarac, Florida
Answer: If you’ve had a life-changing event that reduced your household income, you can ask to lower the additional amount you’ll pay for Medicare Part B and Part D.
Life-changing events include marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of income, and an employer settlement payment.
Fax or mail your request Fill out the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount-Life-changing Event (SSA-44) (PDF) form. Fax or mail your completed form and evidence to a Social Security office.
Find a local office.
Amended income tax returns Call +1 800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to lower your Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) if you had an amended income tax return.
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Call us
Available in most U.S. time zones Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in English and other languages Call +1 800-772-1213
Tell the representative you want to lower your Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) due to a life-changing event. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.
Question: How can I apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help Program?
K. Stone, North Shore, Florida
Answer: The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Part D costs.
Medicare Part D provides drug coverage. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D.
Documents to help you prepare
Apply for Extra Help online
The level of help you get depends on your income and assets. You’ll have to provide information about your financial situation.
· Start Application
· Finish existing application
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Set up an appointment
Available in most U.S. time zones Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in English and other languages Call +1 800-772-1213
Tell the representative you want to set up an appointment to apply for Part D Extra Help. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.
Question: I got divorced and I need to change my name.
V. Zelaya, Kendall, Florida
Answer: Change your name on your Social Security record after you legally change it.
Let us know when you change your name for any reason so we can update your record and send you a new Social Security card. Show an original version or certified copy of a marriage document, divorce decree, Certificate of Naturalization, or court order with the change to your name.
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Depending on your situation you may be able to change your name online. If not please call 1-800-772-1213.
Question: Can you please provide the basics on what are Disability Benefits?
H. Hem, Dania Beach, Florida
Answer: The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The SSI program pays benefits to adults and children who meet our requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources.
While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. If you meet the nonmedical requirements, monthly benefits are paid if you have a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Source: Social Security Administration