QUESTION: If I retire and start getting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, will my Medicare coverage begin then as well?

ANSWER: No. Medicare benefits based on retirement do not begin until a person is age 65. If one retires at age 62, he may be able to continue to have medical insurance coverage through an employer or purchase it from an insurance company until becoming eligible for Medicare. For more information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

QUESTION: My dad, who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?

ANSWER: Yes. An SSI beneficiary must report any change in living arrangements within 10 days after the month the change occurs. If the change is not reported, your dad could receive an incorrect payment. Also, your dad needs to report his new address to Social Security so that he can receive mail from the agency. Even if benefits are paid by direct deposit, Social Security will need to be able to get in touch with him. He can report the change by telephone, mail, or in person at any Social Security office.

Keep in mind that failing to report a change to Social Security could result in incorrect payments that may have to be paid back or a penalty deducted from SSI benefits. Just call 800-772-1213.

More information can be found in the booklet Understanding SSI, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.