Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 3591 - 3600 of 10063 questions.

Will My Husband And I Stay On Disability Until We Die?

Hey Larry,
My husband and I are both on disability. He is 61 and I will be 60 on July 7th. Do we apply for our Social security at our FRA or do we stay on disability until we pass away? Which will give us the fullest benefit and amount? Thanks so much. Take care

Hi,

You can continue receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits until you reach full retirement age (FRA), at which time your SSDI benefits automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate. The only reason that either of you would need to . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 4:48pm

Can I Go To Any Social Security Office To Change My Direct Deposit To A Different Bank?

I would like to move my direct deposit to a different bank. Can I go to any SS office to do this. One in Mobile, Al. to difficult to get to. I prefer Biloxi Ms.

Hi,

Unless things have changed, I believe all local Social Security offices are currently still closed to the public due to COVID-19. However, when they reopen you should be able to conduct business at any office you choose. People are encouraged to go to their servicing office if possible, but a different office shouldn't refuse you service simply because you don't live in their servicing . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 10:56am

Is It Right That Social Security Is Stopping My Widow's Benefits Because I Was Approved For Disability?

I just was approved for disability, but they're stopping my widows benefits altogether. I am 60 yes old. Is this right? Thank you.

Hi,

The answer to that depends on the comparative benefit rates involved. You can't be paid more than one full Social Security benefit type at the same time. If you file for more than one type of Social Security benefit, you can basically only collect the higher of the two rates. Therefore, if you're already drawing widow's benefits and you subsequently become entitled to a higher Social Security disability (SSDI) . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 10:47am

Why Can't I Claim My Deceased Wife's Social Security?

My wife dies at 47! Am 50 and getting disabled! Why can't I claim her social security or get it because I get more? But the woman can get it if in my shoes?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

It sounds like you're mistaken with regard to the Social Security laws. The is no gender based difference in the Social Security regulations for eligibility to disabled widow or widower benefits. If you became disabled within 7 years of when your wife died and if you are at least age 50 now, then you should be able to claim disabled widower benefits if your . . . Read More

Category: Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 10:38am

Will I Be Grandfathered If I File For And Suspend My Benefits?

Two questions please:
1) - I am concerned that congress may reduce social security benefits. Of course no one knows what will happen but I guess that if they make changes, they could "grandfather" current recipients. I turn 65 next month. I could file and suspend. If I did that, would I still be a current recipient (for grandfathering purposes), or, at least be in a position to rapidly claim benefits again if it looks like legislation may impact my future social security benefits.
2) Which brings me to the second question. I believe I've read different understanding . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 9:55am

Am I Eligible For My Deceased Husband's Retirement Fund?

Hello I am a gay man .my husband by common law(I believe) died in April 23 2010.i am on ssi .we were together for 20 years .i was told I couldnt Do anything until I was 48 years old. Am I eligible for his retirement fund we both helped each other so he could retire comfortably. I would at least even somewhere I can at least get this on paper

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

When you refer to your husband's retirement fund, I assume you mean his Social Security account. Social Security follows state law with regard to recognizing common-law . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 9:57am

Can I Get My Social Securty Now If I Was Born In 1963?

I am born 1963 may I got my social security now.

Hi,

You must be at least age 62 in order to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, so if that's what you're referring to the answer is no. However, if you're disabled you may be able to qualify for disability benefits prior to age 62. Also, some survivor (e.g. widow, surviving divorced spouse) and auxiliary (e.g. spouse, divorced spouse) benefits can potentially be paid prior to age 62, but I have no way of knowing whether or not you'd qualify.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 9:48am

Can My Wife And I File Online?

I am currently receiving spousal benefits under a restricted application that I filed at age 66. Once I turn 70, I want to apply for my full retirement benefit and have my wife apply for a spousal benefit. Is it possible to do this online or on the phone or must we go in person to the Social Security office? By the way, I recently purchased Maxifi and love it!

Hi,

I'm glad to hear that you love the software. Social Security's website says that they're constantly expanding their online abilities, but the last I knew there was a restriction on filing . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 9:37am

Can I Get A Loan Due To Financial Hardship?

I am 58 years old. Can I get a loan due to financial hardships

Hi,

If you're referring to getting a loan from Social Security, then the answer is no. The only way that you can get any funds from Social Security is if you file for and qualify for monthly benefits.

My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, so I don't know what other options you might have.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 9:30am

Can I Switch To Medicare From The Coverage I Have Through My Job?

Hi Mr.Larry I wanted to know if I retired at the age of 66 full retirement age and have health insur ance on my job ,and have Medicare and never used it yet and have Cigna Insurance can I switch to Medicare instead.If I retired now I might not have enough to retired on my late husband benefits,I wonder can I draw my retirement and his benefits also

Hi,

You can apply for Medicare as early as age 65 even if you're still working. However, if you're still working and you're covered by an employer group health plan (EGHP) with at least 20 employees, then . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 8:41am
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