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Social Security & Medicare Questions Q: My only income is what I receive from Social Security. I live in low-income senior housing, which is supplemented by the government. My monthly rent, utility bills, and the food stamps I receive are all based on my income from Social Security. I'm concerned that I may lose some of my low-income benefits if I receive the monthly Notch reform increase if it is passed. I can barely get by now. I would like to receive what is due me, but can I afford it? A: You are wise to be thinking about how an improved monthly Social Security benefit might affect your other low-income benefits. Social Security is counted as income and most federal and state programs low-income programs have strict income limits. There are six Notch reform bills currently under consideration. All but one provides for an improved monthly Social Security benefit. Three of the six Notch reform bills also provide the option of choosing lump-sum payments totaling $5,000 payable over four years, which in your case may not be appropriate. If Notch reform is passed, you will want to contact Social Security as early as possible in order to determine what your new monthly payment would be. You should then visit the office where you applied for your low-income benefits to determine how the change may affect you and what action you should take. Unless your income is right on the borderline of your state's income restriction, the higher monthly benefit may not affect your other benefits. Social Security may be contacted by visiting your local Social Security office or by calling (800) 772-1213 toll-free. This article first appeared in Volume 4, Issue 7 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (June 1999). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
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