Does Medicare Pay for Flu Shots?

People age 50 and over are at higher risk for serious complications from flu. You should get your flu shot as soon as they become available.  Signs of the flu include fever, sore throat, body aches, runny nose and coughling. How often is it covered? Once a year in the fall or winter For whom? … Read more

How to Find the Nearest Social Security Office Near You

If you live in the United States and you want information and directions to the Social Security office that serves your area, just enter your U.S. Postal Service five-digit ZIP code below and select Locate. You’ll get information about your local Social Security office and other agencies in your area that may be able to … Read more

Here are the Social Security Office Center Locations

If you live or receive mail in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Queens, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Sacramento County, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz. (Maricopa County and Apache Junction Area); or Las Vegas, Nev., you must visit a Social Security Card Center to apply for an original or replacement Social Security card. If you do not live or receive mail in … Read more

Will Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Survive

Understanding the Largest Federal Assistance Program Social Security is the federal government’s largest single program. Created in 1935, the program now consists of two parts: Old-Age and Survivors Insurance pays benefits to retired workers and to their dependents and survivors. Disability Insurance (DI) makes payments to disabled workers who are younger than the normal retirement … Read more

Learn How to File a Medicare Claim the Easy Way

How to File a Claim for Medicare If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, providers (e.g., hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physicians) and suppliers are required by law to file Medicare claims for covered services and supplies that you receive. You should not need to file any Medicare claims. Medicare claims … Read more

National Council on Aging Assistance Program

Help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program) helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health. Although SNAP is the national name, your state may use a different name. To learn more about SNAP and … Read more

Medicare Help for Individuals with Limited Income

Extra Help for People with Limited Income and Resources If you are not sure if you qualify for extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, visit these two online resources: 1. Apply Online for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs If your resources are less than $11,710 (single) or $23,410 (married) and … Read more

Learning About Your Social Security Card Number and Information

Social Security – Government Assistance A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. Many other businesses, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number. If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, you also … Read more

How should I protect my Social Security number?

How can I protect my Social Security number? You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer … Read more

What should I do if my immigration status or citizenship changed?

What if my immigration status or citizenship changed? If your immigration status changed or you became a U.S. citizen, you should tell Social Security so your records can be updated. To get your immigration status or citizenship corrected, you need to show documents that prove your new status or citizenship. Double Check Your Documents Only … Read more

How do I make sure my social security records are accurate?

How do I make sure my records are accurate? Each year your employer sends a copy of your W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) to Social Security. They compare your name and Social Security number on the W-2 with the information in their files. They add the earnings shown on the W-2 to your Social Security … Read more

Name changed and now I need to tell the Social Security. Where do I start?

What if my name changed? If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a replacement card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell them when your name changes, it may: … Read more