Social Security Q&A

Q: My wife doesn't have enough work under Social Security to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits or Medicare. But I am fully insured and eligible. Can she qualify on my record?

A: Yes. The question you've raised applies to husbands as well as wives. Even if your spouse has never worked under Social Security, she (or he) can, at full retirement age, receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount. If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government employment, the amount of his or her Social Security benefits on your record may be reduced. For more information, take a look at the fact sheet, Government Pension Offset, Publication No. 05-10007 at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10007.html. Your wife is eligible for full spouses benefits at her full retirement age, or reduced spouses benefits as early as age 62, as long as you are already receiving benefits. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the "Retirement" tab.

Q: What's this I hear about a new "twist" in the law?

A: You may have seen our new public service campaign featuring Grammy winner and rock and roll legend Chubby Checker — best known for his enduring hit, "the Twist." He's volunteering his time to help us spread the word about a new "twist" in the law that helps more people qualify for extra help with their prescription drug costs. If you have limited income and resources and have Medicare, you might be able to qualify for extra help with your prescription drug costs. Thanks to changes in the law, more people than ever before can qualify. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp. While you're at the Web site, be sure to check out Chubby Checker's public service announcement. He's still twisting!

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.