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It’s Not Illegal To Ask For Your Social Security Number Steve Beck Manager, Canarsie Office Q: I increasingly notice that many stores where I shop now ask for my Social Security number, in addition to other personal information. Is it against the law to ask for someone’s Social Security number? Can I refuse to give it to them? A: In most instances the law does not prohibit the use of Social Security numbers by private businesses. If a business asks for your Social Security number, you can refuse to give it to them. However, that may mean doing without the purchases or service for which your number was requested. Q: I am thinking about retiring early next year. When is the best time to apply for Social Security benefits? A: If you are planning to retire in early 2005, you can apply now and get the paperwork done before the start of the busy holiday season. Your monthly payments will then begin on time in 2005. To apply for benefits, just visit your local office or call 1-800-772-1213. Or, better still, you can apply over the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. Q: My wife and I live in Pennsylvania, but plan to spend the winter in Florida. My wife will turn age 62 while we are away. Can she apply for benefits in Florida, or do we have to wait until we get back home to apply for retirement at our local Social Security office? A: Your wife can file a retirement benefit application at any Social Security office. However, you may find it easier and more convenient to file for retirement benefits online. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov and follow the easy-to-understand directions. Q: Why do I keep hearing different Social Security retirement ages? I know that the Social Security retirement age has always been 65, but a high-school friend told me that we will have to be age 66 to qualify for full retirement benefits. Is he right? A: He may be, depending upon your age. Because of longer life expectancies, the Social Security law was changed in 1983 to increase the full retirement age in gradual steps. This change took effect in 2003, and affects people born in 1938 and later. The retirement age will continue to gradually rise until it reaches age 67 for people born in 1960 or later. For more information, visit Social Security’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov and look at a convenient, easy-to- understand table to find your full retirement age. Or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and request the booklet, Retirement Benefits. You should be aware that you can start your Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount you receive will be less than your full retirement benefit. Q: I recently got information in the mail from a private company offering disability insurance protection. I am considering getting a disability policy, but my wife says that if I were to become disabled, any private insurance policy might reduce my Social Security disability benefit. Is this true? A: No. Your eligibility for Social Security disability payments is not affected by any private insurance you may have. But you should know that worker’s compensation and certain other govern-mental disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit.
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