Social Security Q-and-A

Q: Social Security stopped my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments because of the seven-year limit for noncitizens. But someone told me I could get it started again since I'm applying for citizenship. Will I get SSI retroactively, back to the time I lost it?

A: If your SSI stopped because of the seven-year limit for noncitizens, you may receive SSI back to October 2008, and continuing through October 2010. This is a result of the SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act (Public Law 110-328). If you have an application for naturalization pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the same has been approved, you may be able to receive an additional year of SSI payments up to September 30, 2011. However, Social Security will not pay you SSI benefits for any months before October 2008. To learn more, visit our fact sheet on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/immigration/extension.htm.

Q: I got a letter that said my Social Security disability case has to be reviewed. Am I going to stop getting benefits until retirement?

A: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. Your case must be reviewed regularly to make sure your disability hasn't improved and that you are still unable to work. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, they will automatically be converted to retirement benefits. Remember, www.socialsecurity.gov has the answers to all your Social Security questions. Or, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778).

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.