Q. I'm planning on retiring soon. Can I apply for Social Security benefits through the Internet or do I have to go to the Social Security office?

A. You can now apply for some Social Security benefits online at www.ssa.gov/

Q. My nephew needs a representative payee and asked me to apply. What are my responsibilities if I become his payee?

A. As a representative payee, you would receive your nephew's benefits on his behalf and file an accounting report on how you used his benefits. You would need to determine his needs and use his payments to meet those needs. You would also need to report any of his changes to Social Security. For more information, including a copy of our publication, "A Guide for Representative Payees" (Pub. No. 05-10076), visit our Web site, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your Social Security office.