QUESTION: My brother is 39 years old and has congestive heart failure and diabetes. Because he has not worked for several years, he could not qualify for Social Security disability benefits but has just been told that he is eligible for SSI disability benefits. Can you tell me what other types of assistance he would qualify for since he will be getting SSI?ANSWER: In most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. You should contact your state medical assistance office for more information. SSI recipients are also generally eligible for social services provided by the state, city or county where they live. These may include homemaker services, arrangements for meals or transportation. More information on these types of services is available at the local public assistance office. And SSI recipients may also qualify for food stamps.For more information, visit the Social Security Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just click on the link "Already receiving benefits" under "Disability and SSI." Or you can call Social Security's toll-free number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) and ask for the publication Supplemental Security Income.

QUESTION: I did not apply for Medicare when I turned 65. Can I apply now?ANSWER: Yes. An open enrollment period from January 1 through March 31 of each year permits people age 65 or over who did not enroll or dropped their Part B Medicare coverage to sign up. Your coverage would begin July 1.Generally, a 10 percent premium penalty will be added to the monthly premium for each year you could have enrolled but did not. However, if you are covered by an employer or union group health plan through your or your spouse's current or active employment, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.The special enrollment period allows you to delay enrollment in Part B without paying a premium penalty or waiting for a general enrollment period. You have an eight-month special enrollment period if you have group health plan coverage from current employment at the time you first became eligible for Medicare. This special enrollment period begins with the month employment ends or the month your group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first.———QUESTION: My husband gets Social Security disability benefits because of severe diabetes. Last month, his leg was amputated due to his diabetes. Can we apply for an increase in his benefits since his condition has worsened?ANSWER: No. The benefit amount individuals receive is based on their work and earnings prior to their disability, not on the severity of their disabling condition.

For more information on how the Social Security disability program works, visit the Social Security Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) and ask for the publication Disability.