Social Security Q&A
Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Q. A young secretary I work with says she has carpal tunnel syndrome and is going to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Can you get disability payments for something like that?
A. That depends. A person can qualify for disability benefits for any impairment or combination of disabling conditions if they are found to be so severe that they keep a person from doing any substantial work for at least a year, or if they are expected to result in death. So if the person's carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough to render her unable to work, it is possible for her to receive disability benefits. Learn more about Social Security by visiting our Web site at www.socialse curity.gov or call (800) 772-1213 or TTY, (800) 325-0778.
Q. I'd like to enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. When is open season?
A: The open season for enrollment in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program runs through Dec. 31. The Medicare prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. Some people with limited income and resources also may qualify for extra help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,600 this year, and $3,900 in 2009. For more information about the Medicare prescription drug program, visit www.medicare. gov or call (800) 633-4227; or TTY, (877) 486-2048.
This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration.
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