Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service

Q. I legally changed my name. Do I need to let Social Security and the Internal Revenue Service know?

A. Changing your name on Social Security's records and letting your employer know should be enough. To change your name on Social Security's records we need one or more documents that identify you by the old name on our records and your new name. Examples include: a marriage certificate, divorce decree or a court order that changes your name. Or we can accept two identity documents - one in your old name and one in your new name. If you were born outside the United States, we also need proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov or call us toll free at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Ask for our publication, "Changing Your Name," (Pub. No. 05-10642).

Q. I retired in 2000 from the life insurance business. Last month, I received sales commissions totaling $8,000 for life insurance policies that I sold before I retired. Will these commissions count as earnings for this year and reduce my Social Security benefits?

A. The $8,000 in commissions will not count toward the earnings limit because you did the work to earn that amount before you retired. For more information, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request the factsheet, "Special Payments After Retirement."

Q. I am receiving Social Security disability benefits. I've heard that you can continue to receive benefits while you attempt to work, but I'm afraid to ask my Social Security office because they might think I'm not disabled. Can you tell me about this?

A. There are a number of special rules, called "work incentives," which may make it possible for you to continue to receive disability benefits while you work. These work incentives may also help with your work expenses, medical bills, and rehabilitation and vocational training. You can log onto www.ssa.gov/ or call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, if you need more information. You may want to request the booklet, "Working While Disabled ... How Social Security Can Help," which explains work incentives in detail.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.