Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 221 - 230 of 10063 questions.

What Can I Do?

My driver's license was recently stolen. To get it replaced, I needed to have my social security card and birth certificate. My mother still had them at her house, and she mailed them to me. I never received them, and she didn't make them traceable. I have no idea how to proceed from here, as I can't replace my social security card without my driver's license, and I can't replace my driver's license without social security. I have no other form of state ID. What can I do to fix this situation.

Hi. Social Security can accept documents other than a drivers . . . Read More

Category: Social Security Numbers
Posted: Mar 1 2023 - 6:19pm

Will I Lose My Disability Because Of My Gambling Winnings?

I was just award social security disability, i received a 1099k from paypal. Gambling winnings. I haven’t had an income since 2016 until i got this 1099k. Will i lose my disability?

Hi. Probably not. The only way that gambling winnings could affect your eligibility for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits is if you're considered to be a professional gambler who's required to pay self-employment taxes on your winnings.

However, if you've been awarded Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then any type of income could adversely affect the amount . . . Read More

Category: Disability
Posted: Mar 1 2023 - 1:12pm

Can I Request To Draw Spousal Benefits?

My husband started drawing his ss at 66. At that time I was 59. I started drawing at 62. Would I be able to request to draw spousal benefits? I think at that time my benefit amount was ,$750. I think his beginning amount was $1800.
Thank you

Hi. You can always apply for benefits from Social Security, but based on the limited amount of information in your question it sounds unlikely that you would qualify for spousal benefits while your husband is living. The only way that you would be eligible for spousal benefits during your husband's lifetime is if . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Mar 1 2023 - 12:36pm

Should I Apply For My U.S. Benefits Before Or After I Move To Canada?

I am Canadian (with permanent residence status since 2003) living with my husband in U.S.A. We moved here in December 1996. I have never worked in American but am eligible for SS spousal benefits. We are considering retiring in Canada in 3 years when my husband reaches FRA. He is naturalized. He will apply for SS before we leave America. I know that I can receive spousal benefits while living in Canada because of certain Canada/U.S.A. Agreements. My question is. Do I have to apply for spousal benefits "before" I leave American. Or am I able to apply for spousal benefits "after . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Feb 27 2023 - 6:18pm

Will I Receive The 2023 COLA If I Am A Widow And My Husband Died In 2019?

Will I Receive the Social Security 2023 COLA if I am a widow and my windexing year is 2021? My dated of birth is March 1961, but my husband passed in 2019.

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. The short answer is yes. But, a Windex computation could only be used if your husband died prior to age 62. In any case, though, widow's benefits include all Social Security cost of living (COLA) increases that occur after the deceased worker's death, regardless of whether or not the widow is collecting benefits when the COLA occurs. Windex computations can sometimes be . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Feb 27 2023 - 5:59pm

Can I Now Be Paid The Additional Back Pay That I Didn't Collect?

SSI back payment upon the successful appellate decision in my case I was to receive three years of back payments. I only got about ten months of back payments. I was given $5200.00 some odd dollars at the time I first applied the three years prior by SSA for reasons unaccounted for by SSA. Well I didn't spend any of that money due to not wanting to be responsible for over payment penalties. At the completion of appeal hearing I was penalized for not spending the unaccounted funds given to me by SSA. Can I be now given the twenty-five some odd months of uncollected back payments . . . Read More

Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: Feb 27 2023 - 1:27pm

Which Of Social Security's Explanations Is Correct In My Case?

Hello ! My husband is an early retiree. I am getting spousal early retirement benefit. My husband adopted a disabled girl when she was 7 years old. At 18, she left the house and we never see her again.for about 12 years. The SSA told me that my spousal benefit is spit with her. ( in half) . I would like to ask if it is right. There were two different explanations at the SSA office. One said that my benefit will be spit with the girl. Another said the girl’s benefit is in different fund.
Please advise. Thank you very much!

Hi. If your husband's . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Feb 27 2023 - 1:06pm

Is It Correct That My Wife Will Get Half Of My Benefit Amount When I Start Drawing My Benefits?

My 73 year old wife worked for a few years and began taking her SS benefit at her FRA. I just turned 69 and plan on filing for my benefit at age 70. I paid into SS for nearly 40 years and have by far the greater benefit due. I understand that when I apply, she will be entitled to an increased benefit which will equal 50% of my benefit. Is that correct?

Two questions: I turn 70 on February 8, 2024. (1) Specifically what date should I file for my benefit? (2) Does my wife need to take any action with the SSA people, or will my filing automatically include her?

. . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Feb 27 2023 - 9:35am

Why Did Social Security Wait All This Time To Tell Me My Check Is Suspended?

My ssd was suspended I work 3 days a week when I got on ssd I worked 2 I’m on dialysis so I can’t work full time no one never told me about how much you can work they now wait all this time and tell me my check is suspended

Hi. If you haven't already done so, you should make sure that Social Security has all of the details about your work and earnings so that they can make an accurate determination of your eligibility for benefits. People receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits are required to notify Social Security if they start working, and . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Feb 25 2023 - 7:42am

Can I File For Survivor Benefits On My Ex-Spouse's Record At Age 60 And Later Switch To My Own Benefits Or Widow's Benefits On A Different Spouse's Record?

Hi Larry,
I was married to my first spouse over 10 years. Divorced after 17 years. I remarried before I was age 60.

My current spouse began receiving their FRA benefit after age 66 before accidental death at age 67. I was told I am not eligible for spousal benefits due to my younger age of 54 and that I won't be eligible for survivor benefits until at the earliest, age 60 at a reduced rate.

1 year after current spouse died, my former spouse of over 10 years died.

Am I correct that I will be able to draw the appropriate reduced amount on my former . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Feb 24 2023 - 6:46pm
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