Ask Larry

My weekly Ask Larry column ran for almost four years at PBS NewsHours' site. We've now moved Ask Larry to the best place to both answer your general questions and let you calculate your particular optimal benefit collection strategy. I pledge to answer as many questions as possible in the columns below. Please share Ask Larry on social media and consider purchasing our Maximize My Social Security program, which will show you precisely how to get everything you paid for. All my best, Larry.

Picture of Professor Laurence Kotlikoff — Laurence "Larry" Kotlikoff, Professor of Economics, Boston University, and President of Economic Security Planning, Inc., makers of Maximize My Social Security

Latest Questions and Answers

Must I Take The Higher Benefit From My Own Earnings When I Reach Age 70?

Must I take higher benefit from soc. Sec. When I turn 70 from my own earnings vs my late husbands?

Hi. No. I don't know anything about your specific benefit options, but if you're collecting survivor benefits there's no requirement that you ever must apply for your own benefits. However, if your own Social Security retirement benefit rate will be higher than your survivor rate when you reach age 70, I can't imagine what reason you'd have for not claiming the higher benefit. Delayed retirement credits (DRC) can't be accumulated starting with the month you . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Sep 18 2021 - 10:03am

How Will The January 2022 Cost Of Living Adjustment Affect Me?

How will the January 2022 social security cost of living adjustment affect me? I will be 65 in March 2022, still working not collecting benefits.
Thank you, Kevin

Hi. All Social Security cost of living (COLA) increases that occur after a person turns age 62 are added to a their Social Security retirement benefit rate whether or not they are drawing benefits. So, the short answer is that you'll be credited with the COLA increase that's expected next January even if you delay drawing your benefits.

You may want to strongly consider using our . . . Read More

Category: Cost Of Living Increases
Posted: Sep 18 2021 - 9:58am

Can You Explain Why My Claim For Spousal Benefits Was Denied?

Hi -I was denied spousal benefits and am not sure why. Firstly my spouse has been collecting SS since 3 plus years. Secondly we have been married 38 plus years and I sent my original document of proof, to them also. Thirdly I meet the min. age requirement as I was born 07/1955.
I applied at my full retirement age of 66 and 2 months.
I am a dual citizen of Canada and U.S.A and we have lived here since 1994 working and paying our taxes faithfully.
I had a call/request for proof of what Canadian Gov. retirement benefits I was receiving . I sent them that . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 17 2021 - 1:48pm

See More Questions & Answers

What are your Social Security questions? Ask Professor Larry Kotlikoff and the experts at Maximize My Social Security

Ask Larry

Latest Questions and Answers

Must I Take The Higher Benefit From My Own Earnings When I Reach Age 70?

How Will The January 2022 Cost Of Living Adjustment Affect Me?

Can You Explain Why My Claim For Spousal Benefits Was Denied?