Benefits increase is automatic and retroactive
By Tom Margenau / Copley News Service

Q: I turned 65 a couple years ago and started getting Social Security. But now I've gone back to work and they are taking Social Security taxes out of my paycheck. When will I get an increase in my benefits for the extra taxes I'm paying?

A: If you're due an increase, you'll automatically get it by October 2005, but it will be retroactive to January 2005.

Your current benefit is based on your average monthly wage over a 35-year period of earnings. You'd be due an increase if the money you're making now raises your overall average monthly wage.

But an important point to understand is that we based your original benefit on your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. Let's say the lowest year in your original computation was 1965 when you made $2,000. But before we factored that into your computation, we would have adjusted it for inflation. In reality, we might be using about $12,000, instead of $2,000, as part of your retirement benefit formula. So if you will make more than $12,000 this year, you will likely get an increase in your benefits.

Q: I need to replace my Social Security card, which I apparently lost. But the problem is this: I can't remember if my card was in my maiden name or my married name. I have been married for 10 years, but I just don't recall getting a Social Security card in my new name. I have been working under my married name and filing tax returns under my married name.

How do I find out if my Social Security records are under my married name or maiden name?

A: It is very likely that your Social Security record is in your married name. Had it still reflected your maiden name, you would have been contacted by either your employer or the Internal Revenue Service by now.

Your employer reports your earnings to us every year. If the name and number on the earnings report do not match the name and number in our records, we would have contacted your employer about the discrepancy and they in turn would have contacted you. Also, IRS matches tax returns with Social Security number files. If your Social Security records were in your maiden name, the IRS would not have been able to process your return. Instead, they would have sent you a letter instructing you to change your name in Social Security records before they would process your return.

The form you need to request a replacement card (Form SS-5) is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Once you complete the form, you will need to take it with some form of identification to your nearest Social Security office for processing.

Q: I've been doing heavy construction work all my life. But recurring back problems have gotten so bad that I just can't handle my job any more. Can I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

A: You have every right to file for benefits. But you should know that the law says your disability must be so severe that it prevents you from doing ANY kind of work for which you're suited. So if there is work you can do outside of the heavy construction industry, your claim might not be approved. If you are interested in filing for disability benefits, you can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Questions may be sent to Tom Margenau, director of Social Security's Public Affairs Bureau, Social Security Office, 1333 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101, or to thomas.margenau@ssa.gov.