Q: How do you replace a damaged Social Security card?
A: While you can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen, you may not have to do so. Knowing your Social Security number is what is most important. You may need a new card if you are starting a new job or in some other circumstances, however. For more information about getting a replacement card, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Q: How much of a difference will it make if I defer retirement benefits until age 70?
A: It can be significant. Let’s say your full retirement age is 66 and your monthly benefit starting at that age is $1,000. If you choose to defer receiving benefits until age 70, you would increase your monthly benefit amount to $1,320. That’s almost an extra $4,000 each year for the rest of your life. This increase is from delayed retirement credits you get for your decision to postpone receiving benefits past your full retirement age. The benefit amount at age 70, in this example is 32 percent more than you would receive per month if you chose to start getting benefits at full retirement age. And, this higher benefit would continue for as long as you live. You can estimate your future benefits at different ages using our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Q: Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?
A: The law provides for a five-month waiting period to ensure that during the early months of disability, we only pay benefits to persons who have long-term disabilities. Social Security disability benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Therefore, Social Security disability benefits will be paid beginning with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not entitled to benefits for any month in the waiting period. Learn more by reading our online publication, Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

Q: I applied for disability benefits three months ago and still haven't received an answer. When should I expect to be notified of the decision?
A: The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim is usually from three to five months. It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on:
• The nature of your disability;
• How quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source;
• Whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination to obtain evidence to support your claim; and
• Whether your claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review of the decision.

The more information you can provide about your disability and medical providers during the initial application, the more likely the process will go faster. The best way to prepare for a disability application is to use the Disability Starter Kit located online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm.

Q: When is open season for enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan?
A: The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program Open Season this year runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. Some people with limited resources and income are eligible for Extra Help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments.

To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plan, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). To apply for Extra Help, complete the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.

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