Can I Still Collect Medicare If I Have Fewer Than 40 Quarters Of Social Security Coverage?
I have worked 30 years in a school system and contributed to the Maine State Retirement System. My husband has always been self-employed and is of retirement age planning to start collecting this year. I have only paid in 20 quarters of social security in my working career and want to know if I can still collect Medicare (my insurance will be too expensive when I retire) and if my husband passes away before me, how much am I eligible to collect from his social security (percentage). Thank you.
Hi,
Yes, it sounds like you'll be able to qualify for . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jan 17 2020 - 2:28pm
Will My Wife Be Subject To The Windfall Elimination Provision?
My wife is a German citizen who worked as a Doctor in Germany in the 1980's and has contributed and still contributes monthly to the German Doctors' Pension, Badem-Wuerttemburgische Versorgungsanstalt fuer Aertzte. We both reside in the US and she is now a US citizen, eligible for Social Security at age 62 in 3 years, having worked 24 years in the US. Only a handful of hear earnings years in the US would be considered substantial earnings years by Social Security.
I understand her pension to be a private one with voluntary contributions, not a German government pension . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jan 17 2020 - 12:35pm
Is My Understanding Correct And Does Our Plan Make Sense To You?
Larry, I am 67 and my wife is 58. I am retired and started taking Social Security at my FRA of 66. Based upon my work record, I get near the maximum payout. My wife is planning to work until Age 62. Based upon her work record, she will be eligible for a near maximum payout as well. My thought is that she should start collecting right away at age 62, acknowledging the reduced benefit with this thought: If I pass anywhere near my "actuarial life" ( somewhere around 84), she would then get 100% of my SS income - in the meantime, we collect 100% of mine and 65-70% of her maximum. . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jan 17 2020 - 12:26pm
When I Turn 62 Can My Wife Draw A Portion Of My Social Security?
HI, When I turn 62...can my wife draw a portion of my Social Security?....
Hi,
Your wife could only potentially receive spousal benefits on your record if you are drawing your Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Your wife would also need to be at least age 62 or have a child in her care who qualifies for child's benefits on your account and who is either under age 16 or disabled. Additionally, unless your wife was born prior to January 2 1954 or has an eligible child in her care, she could only qualify for spousal benefits from your . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 17 2020 - 12:18pm
Why Does It Seem That Social Security Doesn't Want People To Be Happy?
Why is it that Social Security really does not like it when two people that is to work and when the do it hurt one or both persons Medicare?? Is it that Social Security does not want a peron that loves someone to ever be happy?? Seems to me that is the case.
Hi,
I'm not sure what you're referencing, but the Social Security Administration simply enforces the regulations that are passed into law by Congress. If you believe that a Social Security regulation is unfairly affecting you, you may want to contact your representatives in Congress about your . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 17 2020 - 12:13pm
If The Amount I Receive Won't Change, Can I Go Ahead And Retire?
I'm 62, on disabilty, because the amount I receive wont change, can i go ahead and retire
Hi,
I'm not sure what you're asking. If you're drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and you're working, then I assume your earnings are below $1260 per month since higher earnings could cause your benefits to be terminated. Your earnings won't increase your SSDI benefit rate or your future Social Security retirement benefit rate unless your calendar year earnings are higher than one or more of your previous highest earnings years that Social . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 17 2020 - 11:59am
Can A Woman Who Is Separated Collect Her Husband's SS?
I know a couple who got married in Vegas 15 years ago. They have seperated but never divorced. The wife is turning 62 this year and lives in Florida. Can she collect her husband's SS? And if so, what is the procedure or rules for doing so?
Hi,
The woman you mention could only qualify for spousal benefits if her husband is drawing his benefits, and if her own Social Security primary insurance amount (PIA) is less than 50% of her husband's PIA. A person's PIA is equal to the amount of their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2020 - 11:37am
Will My Benefits Increase If I Work Past Age 70?
My wife worked until 65 and then retired and took her SS. I do not have a continuous work history due to loss of kidneys and a blood disease. My last year of income was 2013 and it was for approx 65k. In 2016 I was 66..as was my wife...I applied for benefits under her. I now would like to withdraw from that and file before my 70th birthday 04-20 for my own SS. I will also be well enough using PD Dialysis at a job office to work where they have offered me about $2,700 per week. Not sure how long the project will go but I estimate at least a year. Will that increase my SS . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 16 2020 - 11:03am
Should My Wife File Now Or Wait?
My wife has already retired from her job with the school system, and is drawing her pension. She turns 62 on her next birthday. She does not intend to ever return to the work force. Should she go ahead and start drawing her benefits now or wait? We can get a long without her benefit until I reach full retirement age in several years, but the additional income would be nice. Cheers, Tim
Hi Tim,
There isn't enough information in your question to enable me to give your wife any personalized advice regarding when to file for her benefits. What I can tell . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jan 15 2020 - 11:15am
Am I Able To Apply For SS Disability?
I am receiving a civil service pension from usps and I am becoming unable to use my hands often due to severe carpal tunnel issues for past 6-7 years. Am I able to apply for SS disability?
Hi,
You can always apply for Social Security benefits, but I can't tell you whether or not you'd qualify without additional information. Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits can only be paid for months prior to when a person reaches full retirement age (FRA), so whether or not you could qualify depends in part on your age. SSDI benefits convert to regular . . . Read More
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jan 14 2020 - 4:23pm
