Social Security & Medicare, in plain language

Not legal advice. This page shares general information and links to official government sites. Rules change. Always check your own letter and the official site, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048).

1. Set up your online account

   A my Social Security account lets you see your Statement, check your earnings record, change your address or direct deposit, and print proof of benefits. You sign in with Login.gov or ID.me.

2. Signing up for Medicare

   • Your first chance is the Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months, starting 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ending 3 months after.
   • If you already get Social Security retirement or disability benefits at least 4 months before turning 65, you may be signed up automatically.
   • If you miss it, the General Enrollment Period is January 1–March 31 each year, and you may owe a late penalty for Part B.
   • If you had job-based coverage (yours or your spouse's), you may get a Special Enrollment Period that ends 8 months after that job or coverage ends. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count.

   Details: When does Medicare coverage start?

3. Help paying for drugs

   Extra Help lowers Part D drug costs for people with limited income and resources. You get it automatically if you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI. Others can apply. Limits change each year — see Medicare: Help with drug costs.

4. If you disagree with a decision

   • Generally you have 60 days after you receive the notice to appeal. Social Security assumes you got the letter 5 days after it was mailed.
   • The first step is usually a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561). You can also appeal online.
   • For medical (disability) decisions, also send Form SSA-827.
   • If you're late, explain your good reason in writing and ask for more time.
   • You can have a representative (see SSA appeals info, Form SSA-1696).

5. If you get an overpayment letter

   An overpayment means Social Security says it paid you too much. You have three main options (SSA overpayment forms page):

   • You think you weren't overpaid, or the amount is wrong: appeal with Form SSA-561.
   • You agree, but it wasn't your fault and you can't afford to repay: ask for a waiver with Form SSA-632.
   • You agree and will repay, but can't afford the rate: use Form SSA-634 to ask for a lower rate.

   Send forms to your local Social Security office. Keep copies and write down the date you sent them.

6. Sample letters

   Fill in the brackets. Attach the official form when one is required — a letter alone may not be enough.

   Request for reconsideration (with Form SSA-561)

   [Your name]
   [Address] · [Phone]
   Social Security number: [last 4 digits only on copies you share]
   [Date]
   
   Social Security Administration
   [Local office address]
   
   Re: Request for Reconsideration — notice dated [date]
   
   I disagree with the decision in your notice dated [date] about [topic].
   I am attaching Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration.
   
   I believe the decision is wrong because:
   [Explain in plain words. List any documents you are attaching.]
   
   Please contact me at [phone] if you need more information.
   
   Sincerely,
   [Signature]
   Enclosures: Form SSA-561; copy of notice; [other documents]

   Overpayment waiver request (with Form SSA-632)

   [Your name]
   [Address] · [Phone]
   Social Security number: [last 4 digits only on copies you share]
   [Date]
   
   Social Security Administration
   [Local office address]
   
   Re: Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery — notice dated [date]
   
   I received your notice dated [date] saying I was overpaid $[amount].
   I am asking you to waive recovery of this overpayment. I am attaching
   Form SSA-632, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.
   
   I did not cause this overpayment because: [explain].
   I cannot afford to repay it because: [explain income and expenses;
   the form asks for details].
   
   Please stop recovery while you decide my request.
   
   Sincerely,
   [Signature]
   Enclosures: Form SSA-632; copy of notice; [proof of income/expenses]

7. Official links

   • my Social Security account (ssa.gov)
   • Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration (ssa.gov)
   • Form SSA-632, Overpayment waiver (ssa.gov)
   • Appeals Council review (ssa.gov)
   • Get started with Medicare (medicare.gov)
   • When Medicare coverage starts (medicare.gov)
   • Extra Help with drug costs (medicare.gov)
   • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (cms.gov)