Frequently Asked Questions: Social Security & Medicare
This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Social Security and Medicare benefits to help you resolve concerns with federal agencies on your own.
However if you still need help after reviewing this information, contact my Thousand Oaks or Solvang office and my staff will open a case and we will act as your liaison with the appropriate federal agency.
• How can I apply for Social Security benefits?
• Where is the nearest Social Security Office?
• When should I apply for Medicare benefits?
• Is help available for Medicare beneficiaries who are unable to pay for their prescription drugs?
• Who is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits?
• My application for SSDI benefits was denied, can I appeal?
• Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
• How can I find out how much money I have paid into Social Security and estimate how much money I will receive when I retire?
• May I request a copy of my Social Security Statement?
Question: How can I apply for Social Security benefits?
Answer: The Social Security Administration provides an on-line Social Security Retirement Benefit Application.
You may apply via telephone at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
You may also apply in person by making an appointment with your local Social Security Office.
Question: Where is the nearest Social Security Office?
Answer: If you live in Ventura County:
Social Security Administration
Suite 200
80 East Hillcrest Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
1-800-772-1213
1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday
If you live in Santa Barbara County:
Social Security Administration
355 Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
1-805-963-7806
1-800-772-1213
1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Social Security Administration
2436 Professional Pkwy.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
1-805-934-2793
1-800-722-1213
800-325-0778 (TTY)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Question: When should I apply for Medicare benefits?
Answer: You should contact the Social Security Administration about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. You may sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65.
Question: Is help available for Medicare beneficiaries who are unable to pay for their prescription drugs?
Answer: If you can’t afford your prescription drugs, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to find out if you qualify for federal assistance.
Question: Who is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits?
Answer: Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. People with a partial disability or a short-term disability are not eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. For more information about SSDI or for information on how to apply, go to Social Security’s Disability Benefits page or visit your local Social Security office.
Question: My application for SSDI benefits was denied, can I appeal?
Answer: If your disability application is denied, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter explaining the reason for the denial and how to request a review of the decision.
• If your application was denied for medical reasons, you can complete and submit the required Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online. The disability report asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests or doctor visits since we made our decision. If you prefer, you may call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to request an appeal.
• If your application was denied for non-medical reasons, you should contact your local Social Security Office to request the review. If you prefer, you may call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to request an appeal.
If after the review, your claim has been denied, you may file an appeal to the local Office of Hearings and Appeals for a review by an Administrative Law Judge. If your claim is denied again, you may appeal to the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council denies your appeal, you may hire an attorney and file a lawsuit in federal court.
Question: Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: SSI provides cash to meet basic needs for food clothing, and shelter for seniors and disabled people who have little or no income. For more information about SSI or for information on how to apply, please refer to Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income page. Please note that SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues—it is not funded with Social Security taxes.
Question: How can I find out how much money I have paid into Social Security and estimate how much money I will receive when I retire?
Answer: Workers and former workers aged 25 and older should receive a Social Security Statement once a year. This statement includes a record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes throughout your working years and a summary of the estimated benefits you and your family may receive as a result of those earnings.
Question: May I request a copy of my Social Security Statement?
Answer: You may request a Social Security Statement online or, if you would prefer to request your Social Security Statement through the mail, download the Social Security Request Form (SSA 7004). You may also get a copy of Social Security Request Form by visiting your local Social Security office.
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