Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 4691 - 4700 of 10063 questions.

Is Our Plan Doable?

Based on what I’ve learned from your book, “Get What’s Yours, The Revised Secrets to Maxing out Your Social Security”, I believe I’ve developed a plan for myself and my wife to follow that will enable us to achieve what your book’s title suggests. I would appreciate your review of this four step plan to provide advice in three areas:
1. Is the plan doable? Do current Social Security rules allow for each of the four steps?
2. Are you aware of any potential “Gotchas” or other issues related to this plan? I’m concerned about Gotcha #2 from your book that says “Once You . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Aug 18 2019 - 6:36pm

Does A Person Need To Notify Social Security If They Do Volunteer Work?

If someone on SSDI is an unpaid volunteer, and the organization reimburses them for their bus fare, does the volunteer need to report that--and if yes, how? Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hi,

In general, if a person is simply reimbursed for out of pocket expenses involved with their volunteer work it won't affect their Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. However, there are some special rules involved with doing volunteer work when receiving SSDI (https:// . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Aug 18 2019 - 6:15pm

Why Can't I WIthdraw The Conversion Of My Disability Benefits To Retirement Benefits?

I received disability benefits which were converted to retirement benefits less than a year ago. I would like to withdraw those benefits so they can grow until age 70. I understand that a withdrawal request when an automatic conversion is involved is governed by GN 00206.001 F, which incorporates by reference GN 00206.005A. The latter provision itemizes the types of benefits that must be repaid upon a WD request when an automatic conversion is involved and, importantly, does NOT include disability benefits among the itemized benefits that must be repaid. It seems to me that a . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Aug 17 2019 - 1:55pm

Will My Wife Still Receive 50% Of My PIA Even If Her Own Benefit Rate Is Reduced Due To WEP?

Thanks for your answer about wep and gpo.

It looks like it's very clear gpo shouldn't be an issue.

However in regards to wep. My wife does normal benefits based upon US work history. Since technically draws her own after applying for spousal benefits, and her TOTAL will be 50% of my PIA (the difference being her spousal benefit) is it possible the reduction we were notified of is a WEP reduction on her record?

Even if that was the case, it seems like they should apply the wep reduction to her benefit first and and still bring her to a total of 50% of my . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Aug 17 2019 - 1:36pm

What Do I Need To Do If I'm Moving Outside Of The U.S.?

Moving out of country what do I do about as?

Hi,

I can only advise you with regard to Social Security, and if you're receiving benefits from Social Security you'll need to notify them about your move. You can do so either by visiting a Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Whether or not moving to another country would affect your benefits depends on the type of Social Security benefits you receive, your citizenship status, and the country to which you're moving. For more information, refer to the following Social Security . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Aug 17 2019 - 1:22pm

What Is The Relationship Between WEP And GPO?

My wife has just been notified her Canada pension based upon earnings will reduce her spousal social security by 2/3 of her CP

I have read the SS OM that states Foreign pensions are not subject to GPO but in have also read SS documents that it is subject to reduction because of WEP.

Can you explain the relationship between WEP and GPO.

Should we file an appeal?

Hi,

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) only affects benefits payable based on a person's own work history, specifically Social Security retirement and disability . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Aug 16 2019 - 4:51pm

What Recourse Do I Have?

What recourse do I have? I called SSA only to be told that at my FRA (in a few weeks as I was born pre-1954) that a restricted application on my husband's benefit would be 50% of what he is currently getting (based on his claiming at at 62). SSA Rep did not give any credence to what you advised (in your email of 7/6/19; and confirmed with what I've read from other resources), that such an application would be based on my husband's PIA (to include COLAs since he began benefits). SSA rep said it would be up to the Claims Reps' interpretation of the policy when I apply for . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefit
Posted: Aug 16 2019 - 4:20pm

More Of The Story

Hello,

I want to thank you publicly for all of your help, I was the person who contacted you a couple of weeks ago about my husband's social security check. and widow's benefit. The SS rep I had spoken to had mistakenly told me that I would only get what my husband would have made at full retirement age, not including the delayed retired credit amount. I spoke with this same rep yesterday and cited section 407.1 (you pointed that out) and he called me back this morning and stated I indeed am entitled to the full amount my husband was receiving at death, at age 70.

. . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Aug 16 2019 - 4:08pm

How Much Can Our Daughter Receive If My Husband Applies For His Benefits?

My husband wants to retire in 12/2020 he will be 65 years old and 1 month. His estimate PIA from social security is 2,226. We have a 13 year old kid. When he retires the kid will be 14 (first year in high school). His FRA is 01/22 with a est benefit of 2399. My question is will my kid be eligible to receive retirement benefits from social security from my husbands even though I am still working full-time. If so, how much is she able to receive? What is the approx family maximum.

Hi,

Your daughter could receive a child's benefit of up to 50% of your . . . Read More

Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Aug 16 2019 - 10:09am

Is Filing At Age 62 A Good Idea For My Wife?

I am 62 and currently receiveing SSD of 1241, wife is 61 nand was considering filing for SSI at 62 in March. Is this a good idea and whAt is this partial SS off my benefits? Could she get that?

Hi,

By SSI, I assume you're referring to Social Security Insurance and not Supplemental Security Income, the latter of which is a needs based benefit administered by Social Security for individuals who are disabled, blind or age 65 or older.

Whenever your wife files for Social Security benefits she'll be deemed to be filing for both her own Social . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Aug 15 2019 - 9:56am
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