Do I call my local Social Security office to apply for Medicare?

Asked by: Jennie Bailey  |  Last update: August 31, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)

The easiest way to apply for Medicare is by using our online application or you can make an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information read our Medicare publication.

Can I enroll in Medicare at my local Social Security office?

You're able to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B online by contacting SSA at (800) 772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office. Call first to make an appointment. You may enroll in Medicare Part B by completing the following forms and applying directly with SSA.

How do I enroll in Medicare for the first time?

Fill out Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B). Send the completed form to your local Social Security office by fax or mail. Call 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need an appointment at my local Social Security office?

If you do not want to wait for a scheduled appointment, you may visit any Social Security office and we will serve you as quickly as possible.

Should I call Social Security about Medicare?

Contact Social Security to: See if you're eligible for Medicare; Create a my Social Security account to do things like request a replacement Medicare card and report a change of address, name, or phone number; Sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance);

How To Login to Social Security Online! Step By Step SSA login Walkthrough! 🖥️

21 related questions found

How do I make an appointment at my local Social Security office?

You can schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, or contacting your local Social Security office.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

You automatically get Medicare when you turn 65

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Can I call my local Social Security office with questions?

Please call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance. Representatives are available between 8a.m. and 7p.m., Monday through Friday. For the location and other information about your local Social Security office, use our locator.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

What is the best day to call Social Security office?

Generally, you'll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday.

What is the rule for applying for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage.

What is the deadline for applying for Medicare?

You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts the month after you sign up. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

Part A late enrollment penalty

If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.

How to enroll in Medicare and Social Security at the same time?

If you already get Social Security benefits, you do not need to sign up for Medicare. We will automatically enroll you in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) when you become eligible. We will mail you the information a few months before you become eligible.

How many months in advance should you apply for Social Security benefits?

You can apply for retirement benefits up to 4 months before you want to start receiving your benefits. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday.

Do I need to notify Social Security when I turn 65?

Do I need to notify Social Security when I turn 65? You don't need to notify Social Security that you're turning 65. Instead, you apply for Social Security when you want your benefits to start, which could be as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.

How do I get $144 added back to my Social Security check?

How to qualify for Part B giveback. You can qualify for Part B giveback benefit if you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and B), and you live in a Zip code service area of a plan that offers the benefit.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62. We base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

How much Social Security will I get if I make $25000 a year?

What is the Social Security payment for a salary over 25,000 dollars? For people who are earning 25,000 dollars across the year rather than the previously mentioned amount, 1,880 dollars of the benefits would have to be withheld, so the monthly benefit amount is 1,886 dollars.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security disability?

No waiting period is required if you were previously entitled to disability benefits or to a period of disability under § 404.320 any time within 5 years of the month you again became disabled.

Where can I get Social Security questions answered?

You may also contact us by email at support@choosework.ssa.gov. For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can answer most questions over the phone.

How much do I have to pay for Medicare when I turn 65?

If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($164.90 in 2023). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2023.

Does everyone have to pay for Medicare at 65?

If you have worked at least 40 quarters in the United States, this is you. So, it doesn't cost you anything to add Part A at age 65. If you have an inpatient hospital stay, that Part A coverage may help to reduce your spending under your group health plan. Learn more about Medicare and Employer Coverage here.

What to do 6 months before turning 65?

Turning 65 Soon? Here's a Quick Retirement Checklist
  1. Prepare for Medicare. ...
  2. Consider Additional Health Insurance. ...
  3. Review Your Social Security Benefits Plan. ...
  4. Plan Ahead for Long-Term Care Costs. ...
  5. Review Your Retirement Accounts and Investments. ...
  6. Update Your Estate Planning Documents.