Social Security Q&A

Q: My cousin and I are both retired and get Social Security. We worked for the same employer for years, but he gets a higher Social Security benefit. Why is that?

A: Your payments are based on your earnings over your lifetime — generally your highest 35 years. In order to get the same benefit as your cousin, you and he must have had identical earnings, be the same age, and retire at the same time. To learn more about Social Security retirement benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the "Retirement" link.

Q: I'm 49 years old and have had two heart surgeries. I'm recuperating now and plan to go back to work in another year or so. But I'm worried I may not be able to. Should I go ahead and apply for disability benefits?

A: Yes. If you have a disabling condition that keeps you from working and is expected to last a year or more, you should apply for benefits now. You can learn more and get started online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. Or you can get the ball rolling by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Apply as soon as you can because disability claims can take several months to process. Be prepared to give us the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the doctors, clinics, hospitals, etc., where you received treatment. Make a list of all the medications you take, and make a separate list of all the jobs you've held in the last 15 years, together with a summary of your job duties.

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.