Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 1541 - 1550 of 10063 questions.

Can I Receive Spousal Benefits From SSA Or The RRB?

I retired from the Railroad in 2004. My wife died in 2019 at age 75. Can I receive Spousal Benefits from the SSA or the RRB?

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. My expertise is limited to Social Security (SS) benefits, not Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits. What I can tell you is that if your wife was insured for SS benefits and assuming that you're at least age 60 or at least age 50 and disabled, then you could likely qualify for widower's benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

However, if you start collecting SS benefits and if you're . . . Read More

Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Dec 26 2021 - 12:29pm

Will I Continue To Be Paid On The 3rd Of The Month?

I have been getting my ss payments on the 3rd of the month - will hat continue?

Hi. I don't whether or not your payment date will change. All I can tell you is that the Social Security regulations governing payment dates haven't changed since 1997, so most people's payment dates won't be changing. Based on Social Security law the only people who should be getting paid on the 3rd day of the month are a) people who applied for benefits prior to April 30 1997, or b) people who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, or c) people who are . . . Read More

Category: Payment Dates
Posted: Dec 25 2021 - 8:26am

Will Hosting A Foster Child Affect My SSDI Or Medicare Eligibility?

I currently collect SSDI. We have a foster child age 18 coming to live with us. Will this affect my SSDI? Or medicare eligibility? Thanks! ?

Hi. No, hosting a foster child won't have any effect on your Social Security disability (SSDI) or Medicare benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Dec 24 2021 - 5:54pm

Will I Receive The 5.9% COLA Increase If I Turn 62 In April 2022?

I turn 62 in April 2022 and I read hear I will not qualify for the 5.9% cola increase but everything else I read says as long as you turn 62 in the year of the increase you will receive it. I am confused.

Hi. No, your Social Security retirement benefit rate will not be credited with the 5.9% cost of living (COLA) increase. Only people who were born prior to January 2 1960 will receive credit for the 5.9% increase in their retirement benefit rate, and those people will receive credit for the increase regardless of whether they start drawing benefits at age . . . Read More

Category: Cost Of Living Increases
Posted: Dec 24 2021 - 9:36am

When I File And Start Collecting Benefits Will My Wife Lose Her Disability Check?

My wife is collecting disability and I'm thinking of retirement next year when I file and start collecting SSI does she loose her disability check?

Hi. Assuming that what your wife collects is a Social Security disability benefit, then the answer is no. Your collecting benefits would have no adverse effect on your wife's benefits as long as she's receiving a Social Security benefit and not Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

By the way, if you're considering retirement you may want to strongly consider using our software ( . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Dec 23 2021 - 4:47pm

How Do I Get Our Money Out Of The Bank?

My wife passed away, she has received one extra check from the treasury for her Ssa benefits .o have spoke to the bank and Ssa about the over payment! Ssa says the treasury is the one to take he overage back. Our bank won’t let me draw out the balance of over payment!!! HOW do I get your money out of the bank??

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Social Security is correct that the U.S. Treasury department is responsible for reclaiming any Social Security benefits that were incorrectly deposited to your wife's bank account. However, I'm not an expert on banking . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Dec 23 2021 - 1:19pm

Will The 5.9% Cost Of Living Increase Be Applied To My Current Benefit Amount Or My Original Benefit Amount?

I started receiving my social security benefit in 2020 at age 67 (my FRA was 66) so I received one year DRC. Initial benefit was $2915. In 2021 with the COLA of 1.3% my benefit increased to $2954. With the 2022 new COLA of 5.9% will my new benefit be $2915 x 5.9% or will it be $2954 x 5.9%. In other words, after FRA and receiving social security benefits, are subsequent COLAS cumulative and always based on the latest benefit amount or the initial starting benefit? THANK YOU SO MUCH for your answer : )

Hi. Cost of living (COLA) increases are added to your . . . Read More

Category: Cost Of Living Increases
Posted: Dec 23 2021 - 1:06pm

Will I Continue To Receive Tier II Railroad Benefits After I Start Drawing Social Security?

I'm divorced and have been collecting through my retired ex Tier II RRB benefits since 2014 (I turned 62) and Tier I benefits since 2018 (age 66).

I will be 70 in February 2022--will I continue to receive Tier II benefits after I enroll in Social Security?

Hi. My expertise is limited to Social Security (SS) benefits, not Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits. My understanding is that if and when you start drawing SS benefits the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will offset your Tier 1 RR benefits dollar for dollar by the amount of your SS benefit, but . . . Read More

Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Dec 23 2021 - 1:01pm

How Can I Appeal Not Being Paid Survivor Benefits?

I misunderstood the decision to deny me survivors/widow benefits. I was waiting on my funds to be deposited. After the 5th month, I called.I had received a letter stated that if I received a pension I would not receive benefits but the next line said my benefit would be $1315.70 a month. I would be getting that the 4th Wednesday monthly. I really needed these benefits. I need to appeal this decision.

Hi. Appeal requests must normally be filed within 60 days of when you're notified of Social Security's determination on your claim. If it's been longer than . . . Read More

Category: Filing An Appeal
Posted: Dec 22 2021 - 8:50pm

Can My Husband Apply For Retirement Benefits First And For Disability Benefits Later?

Hi Larry, I am preparing to apply for social security benefits for my husband. He has some health challenges, is not working any longer, and currently undergoing some health testing. It is my understanding that he could apply for retirement and disability benefits. Do this need to be done simultaneously? Or can we apply for his retirement benefits to get that started and then apply for the disability benefits in a couple of months once all of the testing is completed? It's somewhat confusing as to how that works. Any information or guidance you can share would be appreciated. . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Dec 22 2021 - 6:05pm
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