Could My Contracting Work Cause Problems With My SSDI?
I've been on SSDI for almost 4 years. I started working as a Independent Contractor as a sports official. It's seasonal work. I get paid 2-3 times per season. One check may be $400 the next $1200. I keep all my work schedules showing what I have worked. In no month have I made over $900. I make sure I never get near the SGA amount. My concern is SSA is now wanting information on my employment. Could this be a problem?
Hi. It's certainly possible. When you receive Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, there are limits on how much work for earnings . . . Read More
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Mar 25 2023 - 12:48pm
Is My Wife Allowed To Apply For Her Own Benefits If She's Already Receiving A Spousal Benefit?
Hello, Larry. My wife and I used your book when we first applied for SS benefits. I was born in 1952, and submitted for my own benefit at full retirement age of 66 in 2018. My wife was born in 1953, and she reached full retirement age in 2019 we decided she should submit for a spousal benefit. Now, in 2023, she will be 70 in June. Since she did not file for her own benefit back in 2019, we anticipated that she can now apply for her own benefit, which in theory should have continued accruing value. Is she allowed under current SS rules to do that?Thank you very much for any . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Mar 24 2023 - 7:20am
What Should I Expect In Terms Of Payment When I Reach Retirement Age?
Dear Larry,
My spouse of 9 years collects Social Security benefits on his deceased partner's income. There is a 35 year age difference between us. My spouse has a terminal illness but is doing good so far. However, I don't know what to expect when he passes. I am in my 40s. What should I expect in terms of payment when I reach retirement age? His deceased partner got the top benefit. I do not as I am as work for a government agency. Is there anything I should do now?
Thank you,
Paul
Hi Paul. Social Security could never pay you any of . . . Read More
Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Mar 23 2023 - 5:10pm
Is There Anything We Can Do To Get Additional Back Pay For My Spouse?
I started taking my SS at age 70- two years ago. My wife will begin taking hers at age 70 this month. In December we discovered she was eligible to receive spousal benefits of 50% of my benefit at predicted age 66 retirement. We contacted SS and they retro actively gave her 6 months of spousal benefits- but said they couldn’t give her spousal benefits between the time I started taking SS at age 70 (Feb. 2021) and May 2022- ~ 13 months. Is there anything we can do to receive those approximately 13 months of spousal benefits that were denied?
Thank you
John
. . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Mar 23 2023 - 4:16pm
Am I Entitled To Any Of My Ex's Social Security?
I am 40 years old and receive SSI for disability I am divorced and my ex-husband is now remarried if he receives Social Security Disability am I entitled to any of his social security
Hi. No, at least not right away. The earliest that you could qualify for divorced spousal benefits while your ex is living is age 62. But, if your ex dies, you could potentially qualify for surviving divorced spousal benefits as early as age 50. However, you'll only be able to qualify for either divorced spousal or survivor benefits if your marriage to your ex-spouse lasted . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Mar 23 2023 - 12:08pm
When Should My Brother's Ex-Wife Apply For Benefits And What Documents Will She Need?
My brother , DOB August, 1955, passed in May 2022. He had been on disability then social security when he reached FRA at 66+2 months. His ex wife, DOB May, 1957, has not filed for her social security which would be much less than her ex husband’s benefit when he died. They were married longer than 10 years, Her part time income is well below what is allowed to work and receive benefits. What documents will she need as an ex wife and when should she file? Thank you.
Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. The best filing strategy for someone who potentially qualifies . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Mar 22 2023 - 12:26pm
Can I Send A Copy Of My ID When Asking For A Replacement Social Security Card?
Can I send a copy of my ID and when I'm asking for replacement card
Hi. No, Social Security won't accept photocopied documents. You may want to refer to the following Social Security website for instructions on obtaining a replacement Social Security card: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/replace_your_card.html.
Best, Jerry
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Mar 22 2023 - 12:14pm
How Do I Get A Refund Of A Double Paid Part B Medicare Premium?
How to get refund of double paid medicare Part B premium?
I have double paid medicare part B premium on August 2022, so far I have not yet received the refund; on your article you suggest just be patient and wait, and the refund will eventually arrived. I have been waiting for over 6 months already; so what can I do to get refund of my double paid premium? Thanks for your help.
Hi. Any duplicate Part B Medicare premiums withheld from a person's Social Security benefits should be refunded to them automatically. If they aren't, your only recourse is to . . . Read More
Category: Medicare
Posted: Mar 21 2023 - 9:04pm
Will Social Security Pay A Lump Sum Amount Retroactive To My Daughter's Birth Date?
Hi Larry,
I have been on social Security disability since 1997. I am 62 and got married 12 years ago and was blessed with a daughter who is now nine years old. I recently found out about auxiliary benefits and contacted SSA and now await monthly payments for her. What I would like to know is will they pay a lump sum retro-active to when she was born in 2013? If not, why?
Thanking you in advance for your help.
Hi. No. One of the requirements for benefit entitlement is filing an application ( . . . Read More
Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Mar 21 2023 - 8:51pm
Can My Wife Collect Spousal Benefits While My Benefits Are Being Withheld Due To My Earnings?
My wife wants to start collecting spousal benefits as she never worked. She is 62. I want to continue working. I understand I can no longer file and suspend. Everything I read says I must be COLLECTING Social Security benefits in order for my wife to receive spousal benefits. I do not want to retire yet as I am only 65. So my question is if I continue working and file for Social Security, and I make 65k/ year, when I pay back $1 for every $2 over the maximum earnings (approximately 20k) meaning I will not receive any Social Security payments at this time. Can my wife still . . . Read More
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Mar 21 2023 - 8:33pm
