QUESTION: Do I have to report a lost Social Security card?ANSWER: No. If you have lost your Social Security card you may apply for a replacement, but even that may not be necessary if you know your number. You can find out how to replace a lost Social Security card by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, or call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the fact sheet, New Rules For Getting A Social Security Number And Card.You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider. This will minimize the chances of losing your Social Security card or having it stolen.

QUESTION: I will be eligible for full retirement next year, but will probably hold off retiring for at least another year or two. Will my benefits increase if I wait and apply for retirement benefits later on?ANSWER: Yes. If you continue to work, each additional year you work adds another year of earnings to your Social Security record. And if you earn more now than you did in the past, that could increase the amount of your monthly Social Security payments. Also, from the time you reach your full retirement age to age 70 you will earn delayed retirement credits. These credits can increase your benefit by a certain percentage (depending on date of birth) if you delay your retirement beyond full retirement age. For example, if you were born in 1943 or later, we will add 8 percent per year to your benefit for each year that you delay signing up for Social Security beyond your full retirement age. For more information, visit Social Security's Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication Retirement Benefits.

QUESTION: I have decided that later this spring, I will file for Social Security retirement benefits. I can save myself a trip to the Social Security office by applying online, right?ANSWER: Yes. Simply go to www.socialsecurity.gov and look for the link Apply for retirement benefits in the center of the page.

QUESTION: I have an appointment to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Is there anything I can do to make the process go more quickly?ANSWER: Yes, there are actions that you can take to speed up the disability decision-making process. First, make sure that you keep your appointment with Social Security to apply for benefits as soon as possible. Bring as many medical records as you can, but don't wait to get your medical records before you come in. Ask your treating sources to respond immediately to our requests for information. Have the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals or clinics that have treated you. Complete your disability application and report as fully as possible. And notify us of changes, especially changes in contact information, such as your address and phone number. These actions will help speed up the processing of your claim, and you can also speed the process further by applying online. For more information about Social Security disability benefits, visit the Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication Disability Benefits.

QUESTION: Am I able to borrow against the money that I have contributed to Social Security, just as I am allowed to borrow against money I have contributed to my 401(k) retirement plan?ANSWER: No. Social Security is a social insurance system designed to protect workers and their families against the loss of earnings due to retirement, disability, or death. The Social Security taxes that employees and employers pay on workers' earnings are not placed in an individual worker's account, but deposited into the Social Security Trust Funds from which benefits are paid to eligible workers and their families.

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.