Q. How much does it cost to change the name on my Social Security card?
A. Nothing. There is no fee for any Social Security number activity. Obtaining an original number, changing your name or replacing a lost card is all completed without charge. Although Social Security activity cannot be transmitted online, the card application and instructions are online at www.socialsecurity.gov . In this area, you then can either bring or mail the completed application and needed evidence to your local office. Original documents are returned. Allow about two weeks for receipt of the updated card once the application and all required evidence are received. Unless you expect to need it, keep your card in a secure place and do not carry it in your purse or wallet.
Q. Say a person had Social Security disability benefits that stopped because they returned to work. If that work ends, can cash benefits be restarted?
A. Yes. Both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability have work incentives to help people return to work. These incentives work together and expedited reinstatement is one that continues after cash benefits end. SSA and SSI rules differ, but both programs can restart monthly cash benefits if you find yourself unable to continue working because of your medical condition. For Social Security, expedited reinstatement can apply if benefits stopped because of a successful return to work without having medically recovered. Within five years, you can request that benefits restart immediately if you are unable to continue working because of your medical condition. Part of expedited reinstatement is that you do not have to file a new disability application. There must be a medical review to establish that you are still disabled but benefits can be restarted before this review is completed.
General information questions can be sent to Howard I. Kossover, SSA, 402 DeMers Ave., Suite 300, Grand Forks ND 58201; phone (888) 617-0456, ext. 22700; fax: (701) 772-8622; e-mail: howard.kossover@ssa.gov . Please include the name of the paper in which you read the article. General information also is available on the agency website, www.socialsecurity.gov , or by calling the national toll-free number, (800) 772-1213.
