Social Security

• Computers scan your application when you send it back to Social Security. Use only a pen with black ink. The computer cannot read ink of any color other than black and this could cause a delay in getting you an answer about your application for Extra Help.
  
  
• Many questions on the application ask you to mark an "X" in a "Yes" or "No" box. Please remember that you cannot mark an "X" in both the "Yes" and "No" boxes.
  
  
• Your Social Security number or Railroad Retirement Board number must be included on the application. In order to receive a quick response from us, please be sure you enter your name and number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card or Railroad Retirement Board card.
  
  
• If you are single, widowed, divorced or not living with your spouse, do not complete question 2 (marital information), and do not write in any boxes anywhere on the form that ask for information about your spouse.
  
  
• When you file your application for Extra Help, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs— State programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. Social Security will send information to your State unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application. Your State will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. Do not complete question 15 if you want help from the Medicare Savings Programs.
  
  
• Please send the entire application package back to us—not just the page that you signed. If you are unable to answer all the questions, send your application, and we will help you complete it.
  
  
• There is no need to send us anything other than your completed application. We do not need to see doctor bills, prescription lists, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms, or other documents.
  
  
• Complete the online application at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.
  
  
• If you cannot file online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an original paper application. You also can apply at your local Social Security office. Social Security representatives are available to help you complete your application. Please do not complete a photocopied, faxed, or downloaded copy of the application. Anything other than the online or original paper application could cause a delay in getting you an answer about your application for Extra Help.
  
  
• If relatives, neighbors, or friends want an application, have them visit Social Security online or call us to ask for an application. Please do not share your application with them.

To qualify for Extra Help:

• Your resources must be limited to $13,070 for an individual or $26,120 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your home, car, and any life insurance policy as resources; and
  
  
• Your annual income must be limited to $16,755 for an individual or $22,695 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher include if you or your spouse:
  • Support other family members who live with you;
  • Have earnings from work; or
  • Live in Alaska or Hawaii.

For more information about getting Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Social Security representatives are available to help you complete your application. The sooner you apply the sooner you will begin receiving benefits.

For more information about getting Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Social Security representatives are available to help you complete your application. The sooner you apply the sooner you will begin receiving benefits.

Our website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are a number of things you can do online.

In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.