QUESTION: I thought I’d be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and I was going to apply until I talked to my neighbor. She said I would be turned down because I have children who could help support me. Is this true?

ANSWER: Whether you can get SSI depends on your own income and the things you own. If you have limited income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI.

However, if you are receiving support from your children or from anyone else, it could affect your monthly benefit amount. Support includes any food or shelter that is given to you, or is received by you, because someone else pays for it. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

QUESTION: I got a notice from Social Security that said my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case is being reviewed. What does this mean?

ANSWER: Social Security reviews every SSI case from time to time to make sure the individuals who are receiving payments are still eligible and should continue to receive those payments. The review also will make sure you are receiving the correct amount in benefits. To learn more about SSI, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

QUESTION: I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do?

ANSWER: You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special credit for your military service — it is added automatically. For service between 1957 and 1967, the department will add the extra credits to your record at the time you apply for Social Security benefits. For service between 1968 and 2001, those extra military service credits have already been added to your record. So you can rest assured that we have you covered. Read the online publication, Military Service and Social Security, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html. And when the time comes to apply for retirement, you can do it conveniently and easily at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.

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.