Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA)
What is the Social Security Administration (SSA)?
The SSA is a federal agency with two main purposes: assigning Social Security numbers and managing programs that provide retirement, survivor, and disability insurance. It also oversees the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. You can visit their website by clicking here.
Why is Social Security important?
Social Security is a crucial source of retirement income for many people in the U.S. According to data, about half of the elderly population lives in households where Social Security accounts for at least 50% of the total family income, and for about 25% of older adults, it makes up 90% or more of their family income.
What can I do with a “my Social Security” online account?
A personal “my Social Security” account allows you to:
- View your Social Security statement and review your earnings.
- Get personalized estimates of your retirement benefits.
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states).
- Check the status of an application or appeal.
If you receive benefits, you can also:
- Get your benefit confirmation letter.
- Obtain a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
- Update your address and phone number (with some exceptions for SSI recipients).
- Start or change your direct deposit.
How do I create a “my Social Security” online account?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid email address and Social Security number. To begin, go to https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount and select “Create an Account.” New users must create credentials through a secure third-party provider, such as Login.gov or ID.me.
How do I get or replace a Social Security card?
You may not need a replacement card, as often just having your Social Security number is sufficient. If you do need one, you can check if you can apply for a replacement online through your “my Social Security” account. If not, you must schedule an appointment at a local Social Security office to submit the required paper form and documents in person. There is no charge for a replacement card.
How do I change my name on my Social Security record?
If you have legally changed your name, you should apply for a corrected Social Security card. You can visit the Social Security Number and Card webpage to determine the best application method. You may be able to begin the process online, but you will need to provide documents proving your identity and legal name change, which may require an in-person appointment.
How do I update my address or direct deposit information?
If you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, you can update your U.S. mailing address or direct deposit information online through the “My Profile” section of your “my Social Security” account. These services are not currently available online for people who receive SSI payments, so they must contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office.
Sources:
- Social Security Administration (SSA) | USAGov,
- The Importance of Social Security Benefits to the Income of the Aged Population,
- Social Securityʻs Online Services
- My Social Security Account Publication
- SSN and Card Webpage
- Learn What Documents You Need
- Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- FAQ on Replacing a Card
- FAQ on Changing a Name
- FAQ on Updating Address/Direct Deposit
- Social Security Office Locator
Disability Benefits
(SSI & SSDI)
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Your monthly benefit amount is based on your earnings history.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources. It is funded by general taxes, not Social Security taxes, and you do not need a work history to qualify.
Can I get both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, you may receive “concurrent” benefits.
How do you qualify for SSI?
To qualify for SSI, your medical condition must keep you from working and be expected to last at least one year or lead to death. You must also meet strict income and resource limits. For 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple. Your home and one car typically do not count as resources.
What happens if I go back to work while getting benefits?
Your benefits might change. SSDI has a trial work period, and SSI payments may be adjusted based on your earnings. You must notify Social Security if you return to work or if your medical condition improves.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Your monthly benefit amount is based on your earnings history.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources. It is funded by general taxes, not Social Security taxes, and you do not need a work history to qualify.
What if I earn too much and my SSI stops?
If your job ends or your earnings go down, you can start SSI payments again without reapplying.
Do I have to reapply if I stop working?
No. Both SSDI and SSI have rules that let you restart benefits without filling out a new application if you lose your job or can’t keep working.
How Much Money Can You Get?
For the basic SSI payment for the current year, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSIamts.html & https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
But not everyone gets the same amount. Your payment might be:
- Higher if your state adds extra money to SSI.
- Lower if you or your family earns other income.
Where you live and who you live with can also change how much money you get.
It’s that simple!
Did You Know?
If you get SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you can usually get SNAP (food assistance) and Medicaid too! SNAP helps you buy food, and Medicaid helps pay for doctor and hospital bills.
If you’ve worked before, you might also qualify for Social Security disability or retirement benefits along with SSI.
Can children qualify for these benefits?
Yes! For SSDI, kids can get benefits if their parent qualifies. For SSI, children with disabilities may qualify if their family has low income and limited resources.
Can I get SSI if I live in U.S. territories?
No, SSI is only for people living in the 50 states, Washington, D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Want to learn more about SSI?
Check out these guides:
- A Guide to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Groups and Organizations
- Do you want to help someone apply for benefits? Visit the People Helping Others page at https://www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/.
These programs are here to help. Take a look today!
How do I apply for SSDI or SSI?
You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply, by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting your local Social Security office.
Sources:
- Social Security & Disability Benefits: Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit https://www.ssa.gov/.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Medicaid
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health insurance program for people who need help paying for care. It’s a joint federal and state program that helps a variety of people, including children, older adults, people with low income, and those who are blind or have a disability. Hawaii’s Medicaid program is called Med-QUEST. A Note on State Programs: Medicaid is a national program, but each state runs its own version. The information below is specific to Hawaii’s program, known as Med-QUEST. Other states have different program names, rules, and covered services.Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) Benefits: A Summary
Key Services Covered:- Primary & Acute Care: Includes doctor visits, hospital services, emergency care, lab work, imaging, immunizations, durable medical equipment, and prescription drugs.
- Behavioral Health & Crisis Management: Covers ambulatory behavioral health services, inpatient psychiatric care, and substance abuse treatment.
- Dental Care:
- Under 21: Comprehensive coverage for services such as restorations, oral surgery, and endodontic therapy.
- Age 21 and Older: As of January 1, 2023, benefits include preventive services, diagnostic and radiology services, restorations, oral surgery, and emergency treatment.
- Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS): This includes a variety of in-home and institutional services for those with long-term care needs.
- Intentional Termination of Pregnancy: This service is covered but requires prior authorization.
Specialized Programs:
- I/DD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): A waiver program for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) who meet institutional-level care criteria. It provides a list of services to help them live in their communities, including adult day health, nursing, respite care, and more.
- State of Hawaiʻi Organ and Tissue Transplant (SHOTT) Program: Provides coverage for medically necessary, non-experimental transplants and related services.
- Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, & Treatment (EPSDT): A mandatory program for Medicaid-enrolled individuals under 21 years of age. It provides comprehensive, no-cost services including routine medical and dental exams, immunizations, and developmental screenings. This also includes intensive behavioral therapies like Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. It is divided into different parts that cover specific services:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): A private health plan that bundles Part A and Part B, and often Part D. It may offer additional benefits.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): A private plan that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Who pays a higher Part B premium because of income?
You may pay a higher monthly premium for Medicare Part B (and Part D) if your income is above a certain amount. This is called the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). The amount is determined by your modified adjusted gross income from two years prior.
For the most current premium costs, visit the official Medicare costs page.
On that page, scroll down to the Part B (Medical Insurance) costs section and click on the question “Who pays a higher Part B premium because of income?” to see the latest premium tables.
What Medicare Health Plans are available?
In addition to Original Medicare (Parts A & B), you have other options for your health coverage:
- Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. They cover all of your Part A and Part B services and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extra benefits like vision, dental, or hearing.
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): These policies, sold by private companies, help pay some of the remaining costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You must have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to get a Medigap policy.
- Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans): These are stand-alone plans offered by private companies that provide prescription drug coverage. You can add one of these to Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not already include drug coverage.
What are the costs for these?
Medicare costs vary depending on the type of coverage you have and your income.
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
- Part A Premium: Most people pay no monthly premium if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Otherwise, the premium can be up to $518 per month.
- Part A Deductible: You pay a deductible of $1,676 per benefit period for inpatient hospital stays.
- Part B Premium: The standard premium is $185 per month, but it can be higher based on your income (see the table above).
- Part B Deductible: You pay a $257 annual deductible before Medicare begins to pay for services.
- Coinsurance: You typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after you’ve met your deductible.
- Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
- Costs vary by plan, and you must continue to pay your Part B premium.
- Plans have their own copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
- There is a yearly maximum out-of-pocket limit.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
- The monthly premium, deductibles, and copayments vary by plan.
- Higher-income beneficiaries pay a monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) in addition to their plan’s premium.
- Medigap
- The monthly premium varies by policy, where you live, and other factors.
- These policies help cover the deductibles and coinsurance costs from Original Medicare.
Sources:
Ticket To Work
What is the Ticket to Work Program?
The Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary Social Security program designed to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment. It is available to individuals aged 18 to 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You do not need a physical “ticket” to participate.
What are the goals of the program?
The main goals are to increase your financial independence and self-sufficiency by providing you with the services and support you need to find a job or work for yourself.
What are the benefits of joining?
- You can work without automatically losing your benefits.
- You can return to benefits if you have to stop working.
- You can keep your healthcare coverage.
- You can avoid a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) as long as you are using your ticket and making progress toward your work goals.
How does the program help me?
The program provides a network of service providers to help you achieve your career goals:
- Employment Networks (ENs): Offer career advice, job placement, and ongoing support.
- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies: Provide training and education to prepare you for a job.
- Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA): Help you understand how working will affect your disability benefits.
- Protection and Advocacy (PABSS): Protect your rights and help you with any issues at work.
How do I get started?
You can get started by calling the Ticket to Work Help Line or using the “Find Help” tool to connect with a service provider. The provider will work with you to create a plan to help you find and keep a job.
How do I contact the Ticket to Work Program?
Call 1-866-968-7842 (TTY: 1-866-833-2967) from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Sources:
Work Incentives
What are work incentives?
Work incentives are special rules from Social Security that allow you to work while still receiving your disability benefits (SSDI or SSI). They are designed to help you explore employment opportunities without the fear of losing your support and healthcare.
What are the main types of disability benefits?
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides benefits to individuals who have a disability and have paid into the Social Security system through work.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides cash assistance to individuals who are elderly, blind, or have a disability and have limited income and resources.
For more information on these benefits, please look at the Disability Benefits (SSI & SSDI) section.
What are some key work incentive policies?
- Trial Work Period (SSDI only): You can work for at least 9 months and earn any amount without it affecting your full SSDI benefit.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (SSDI only): Following your Trial Work Period, you have 36 months during which you can receive benefits for any month your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
- Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA): If you try to work but have to stop within six months because of your disability, your earnings during that time will not be used to decide if your disability benefits should continue.
- Expedited Reinstatement (SSDI & SSI): If your benefits were stopped due to your earnings, you can request to have them restarted without a new application if you become unable to work again. You can receive up to 6 months of temporary benefits while Social Security makes a decision.
- Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): This allows you to set aside money and resources to achieve a work goal (like education, job training, or starting a business). The funds you set aside will not count against your SSI eligibility or payment amount.
How do Work Incentives affect my income?
- Earned Income Exclusion (SSI only): For SSI recipients, Social Security does not count the first $65 of your monthly earnings, and only counts half of the remainder.
- Student Earned Income Exclusion (SSI only): If you are an SSI recipient under age 22 and regularly attending school, Social Security will exclude up to $2,350 of your monthly earnings, up to an annual limit of $9,460 in 2025.
- Blind Work Expenses (SSI only): Any earned income you use for work expenses (including transportation, meals, etc.) is not counted when determining your SSI payment.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): You can deduct the cost of services and items related to your disability (like a wheelchair or special equipment) from your earnings when Social Security calculates if you are earning at the SGA level.
What about my healthcare coverage?
- Medicare & Medicaid: You can often maintain your Medicare or Medicaid coverage even if your earnings are too high for you to continue receiving cash benefits.
For more information on these healthcare programs, please see the Medicare and Medicaid sections.
Where can I find more help?
- The Red Book: A free, comprehensive guide from Social Security that explains all work incentives in detail.
- Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE): Free online webinars hosted by Social Security to provide information about the programs and work incentives.
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