Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
Find answers to the most common questions about Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, housing, and more—updated for 2025.
Social Security
Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office. Start 4 months before you want benefits to begin.
FRA ranges from 66 to 67, based on your birth year (e.g., 67 for 1960+). See SSA.gov for your exact age.
Yes, but before FRA, earnings over $22,320 (2025 limit) reduce benefits ($1 per $2 over). No limit after FRA.
Use My SSA online if 18+ with a U.S. address and no name/SSN changes, or mail Form SS-5 with ID. Details here.
At 62, benefits drop ~30% if FRA is 67. E.g., $2,000 at FRA becomes $1,400. No change after FRA.
Yes, up to 70—each year adds 8% (e.g., 24% more if FRA is 67). Max benefit in 2025: $4,982/month.
Medicare
During your Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday) to avoid penalties. Learn more.
Hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health. Free if you worked 10+ years.
Standard premium is $185/month (projected), higher for high earners. Check Medicare.gov.
Not if you have employer coverage (20+ employees). Enroll later via a Special Enrollment Period without penalty.
Helps low-income folks with drug costs. Apply at SSA.gov if income < $22,590 (single, 2025).
Medicaid
Low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled. Varies by state—check Medicaid.gov.
Yes, including nursing homes and home care if you meet financial rules—unlike Medicare.
Yes, if eligible. Medicaid may cover Medicare premiums and copays. Contact your state agency.
Through your state’s Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov. Find yours.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is need-based (low income/assets, no work history needed); SSDI is for workers with a disability and enough credits.
Blind, disabled, or 65+ with income < $943/month (single) and assets < $2,000. Details.
Projected $967/month for individuals, $1,450 for couples (up 2.5% COLA). Varies by state supplements.
Yes, but earnings reduce benefits. First $85 free, then $1 cut per $2 earned. More.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Have a severe disability (12+ months or terminal), worked 5 of last 10 years, and earned enough credits. Apply here.
About $1,537/month in 2025 (post-COLA), based on your earnings history.
3-6 months typically; expedited for critical cases (e.g., terminal illness).
Yes, during a 9-month trial work period. Earnings over $1,550/month (2025) may affect eligibility after.
Housing Assistance
HUD offers vouchers, public housing, and subsidized apartments for low-income households. HUD.gov.
Income below 50% of area median, U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants. Apply via your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
Contact your local PHA or use HUD’s locator. PHA Contacts.
Yes, via Title I loans or local grants. Check with your PHA or HUD.gov.
General Questions
Call 1-800-269-0271 or report online at OIG.SSA.gov.
Projected at 2.5%, finalized in October 2024. Boosts benefits (e.g., $2,000 to $2,050). Updates.
Yes, instantly via My SSA or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Log in.