Ask Larry

Getting Social Security right is tough sledding. Most people get it wrong, leaving over $180,000 on the table. Together with my company colleague, Jerry Lutz, we've answered well over 10,000 Social Security questions over the past 14 years. If you have a question, you can search our past answers here. But don't stop there.

The Q&As are general. But you need specific answers tailored to your family's precise circumstances. So, please look through these Q&As. But then, please run Maximize My Social Security or MaxiFi.

I developed both tools to help you perform Money Magic — find safe ways to raise your living standards. Both tools are very inexpensive and user friendly. MaxiFi does full lifetime financial planning in addition to Social Security planning. Thousands of households have used them over the years. They can make an enormous difference to your financial future.

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

What Is The Amount That I Will Be Receiving?

I got hurt at work and receiving Workers Comp payments for a 12% impairment rating (3 level back fusion), among others conditions. I am still working, but submitted a claim and my employer is offering $50,000 to settle. I am married, female and 59yr. My wife is receiving SSDI of $1,605 net monthly for the past 10 years, she is 68. The last time I checked MySocial the benefits will be around $1,000 - $1,050 as per website. So, If that is the amount I will be receiving or I will be paired with my wife's SSDI?

Hi. I don't have nearly enough information to be . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: May 26 2023 - 12:32pm

How Do I Find Out If I Get SSD Or SSI?

I have been disabled since 2017. And I am aged 63 . How do I know if I get ssd ir Ssi ? I need to know if my benefits will stop after selling house

Hi. If your monthly benefit payment normally arrives on the 1st day of the month, then you must be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is needs based, and if you receive SSI then selling your could cause your benefits to stop unless you use the proceeds from the sale to buy a new home in which to live within 3 months.

If your benefit payment normally arrives on either the 3rd day of the . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: May 25 2023 - 6:21pm

What Is The Downside To My Spouse Claiming Her Own Benefits At 62 And Then Upgrading To Spousal Benefits When I Turn 67?

What is the downside to my spouse claiming work history benefits upon turning 62 then upgrading to spousal benefits when I turn 67? Is there a general rule of thumb as to whether or not it is worthwhile to have her start claiming benefits at 62?

Hi. The potential downside is that your wife would then be stuck with the reduction for age that's applied to her benefit rate for at least as long as both of you are living, even if she later qualifies for spousal benefits from your record. Your wife can't simply claim benefits on her own account at age 62 and . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 25 2023 - 2:46pm

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