Marzo-Abril 2026

• SOCIAL SECURITY
• SOCIAL SECURITY
• QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
• Evelyn Linares

Public Affairs Specialist South Florida Area Director's Office

I was arrested while on parole/ probation, will my benefits stop? If you get Social Security retirement, survivors or disability benefits, we will not stop your benefits until a court or parole board cancels your parole or probation, and confined you in a co- rrectional institution for more than 30 consecutive days.

If you get Supplemental Security Inco- me, we will stop your benefits begin- ning with the first month you are in a correctional institution.

What is the difference between So- cial Security benefits and Supple- mental Security Income? Employment taxes primarily finance Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance benefits. We pay Social Security benefits to eli- gible workers and their families, based my Social Security benefits? Social Security does not count unem- ployment benefits as earnings. They do not affect retirement benefits. However, income from Social Security may reduce your unemployment com- pensation. Contact your state unem- ployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction.

on the worker's earnings. Meanwhile, general taxes fund the SSI program. SSI eligibility depends large- ly on limited income and resources.

I am receiving Supplemental Secu- rity Income (SSI) and I just started to work a part-time, do I have to report my earnings to Social Secu- rity?

The law requires you to report your Why are my Supplemental Secu- wages when you get SSI. rity Income (SSI) payments under review?

Will unemployment benefits affect

Periodically, we review your eligibility for SSI to verify you get correct pay- ment amounts each month. In these reviews, we ask about your income, resources and living arrangements- things that can change over time.

Can I apply for Medicare Part D Ex- tra Help program?

The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Part D costs.

Medicare Part D provides drug covera- ge. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D.

I need to terminate my Medicare Part B (medical insurance), becau- se I have employer coverage. You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). However, you may need to have a per- sonal interview with Social Security to review the risks of dropping coverage and to assist you with your request. To find out more about how to terminate Medicare Part B or to schedule a per- sonal interview, contact us at 1-800- 772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your nearest Social Security office. For additional information, go to the How to drop Part A & Part B page.

I have much higher income now, will my Medicare premiums be hi- gher because of my higher income? Some people with higher income may pay a larger percentage of their mon- thly Medicare Part B and prescription drug costs based on their income. We call the additional amount the income-related monthly adjustment amount. Visit Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficia- ries to see if the adjustment amount applies to you.

What is the maximum Social Secu- rity retirement benefit payable for 2026?

The maximum benefit depends on the Continued on page 9 >>