How Can I Start Up My Benefits?
In March 2016, when I was 66, I filed and suspended my Social Security benefits. I am now 70 and am trying to activate them. My local SS office seems to say that I have to go through the whole filing process again. I had hoped that there would be a way they could simply "flip a switch" administratively to start my payments. Isn't there an abbreviated way to start payments, since I already filed in 2016? If so, can I do it online, or must I go in to the local SS office? [Online would help, since there is a backlog for appointments at the local office.] Thank you.
. . . Read More
Category: File and Suspend
Posted: Jul 29 2019 - 2:34pm
Will My Benefit Amount Change When I Retire If I Worked After Starting To Draw Benefits?
I began receiving my social security Medicare benefits 8 years ago, due to financial issues of my employer, which left me with a reduction in pay. However, I have continued to work even through now. So, I am continuing to pay into social security and do not see myself retiring for at least another 3 or 4 years. My question is: What is the possibility of my social security monthly benefits changing when I fully retire? Thank you so much for this column!!!!!
Hi,
Your benefit rate could increase as a result of your ongoing earnings, but only if you earn . . . Read More
Category: Retirement Benefits
Posted: Jul 29 2019 - 1:25pm
Will My Divorce Affect My Drawing On My Husband's SS?
Hi Larry! I've looked everywhere for the answer to this question (Including the SS website) and have never seen it asked/answered. I waited until I was 66 (my full age for SS) before filing for half of my husband's SS. I am letting mine accrue until I am 70 and will then file for my own. In the meantime we are getting a divorce. I will have been receiving his for about two years when the divorce is final. Will the divorce affect my drawing his SS right on until I file for mine a 70? I so appreciate your help!
Hi,
The answer depends on how long you've . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jul 29 2019 - 1:15pm
Why Is My Child Only Receiving $575?
My kids lost their father in 2012. They each received approximately $333 per month till my oldest turned 18. The remaining two each received approx $575.the second child turned 18 and my youngest whom is 16 only receives $575. I did not receive any benefits due to being divorced and only married for 7 years. Why is the 16 year old only receiving $575?
Hi,
The amount that your 16 year old is receiving is apparently 75% of their father's primary insurance amount (PIA). That is the maximum amount that a surviving child can be paid, but there is a family . . . Read More
Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Jul 28 2019 - 8:41am
Why Is My Child Only Receiving $575?
My kids lost their father in 2012. They each received approximately $333 per month till my oldest turned 18. The remaining two each received approx $575.the second child turned 18 and my youngest whom is 16 only receives $575. I did not receive any benefits due to being divorced and only married for 7 years. Why is the 16 year old only receiving $575?
Hi,
The amount that your 16 year old is receiving is apparently 75% of their father's primary insurance amount (PIA). That is the maximum amount that a surviving child can be paid, but there is a family . . . Read More
Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Jul 28 2019 - 8:41am
Why Is My Child Only Receiving $575?
My kids lost their father in 2012. They each received approximately $333 per month till my oldest turned 18. The remaining two each received approx $575.the second child turned 18 and my youngest whom is 16 only receives $575. I did not receive any benefits due to being divorced and only married for 7 years. Why is the 16 year old only receiving $575?
Hi,
The amount that your 16 year old is receiving is apparently 75% of their father's primary insurance amount (PIA). That is the maximum amount that a surviving child can be paid, but there is a family . . . Read More
Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Jul 28 2019 - 8:41am
Why Is My Child Only Receiving $575?
My kids lost their father in 2012. They each received approximately $333 per month till my oldest turned 18. The remaining two each received approx $575.the second child turned 18 and my youngest whom is 16 only receives $575. I did not receive any benefits due to being divorced and only married for 7 years. Why is the 16 year old only receiving $575?
Hi,
The amount that your 16 year old is receiving is apparently 75% of their father's primary insurance amount (PIA). That is the maximum amount that a surviving child can be paid, but there is a family . . . Read More
Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Jul 28 2019 - 8:41am
Could My Wife Get Spousal Benefits Based On My SSDI?
I am 54 and on SSDI. My spouse is 64 and working. Can she get a spousal benefit from my SSDI, and can she do this while working? Her plan has been to file and suspend her benefits at age 66, to collect the max amount at 70. My understanding is that my SSDI will convert to retirement at 67. She will be on her max social security by then and we are blessed to have supplemental retirement investments to help support us. Could I suspend my social security after it converts from SSDI, to try to maximize my benefit? Please advise, thank you.
Hi,
Since your . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jul 27 2019 - 12:31pm
What Do I Do Now?
I received a letter from Social Security in July 2019, stating that I was getting ready to turn 70, October 27, 2019 and I should come into the office. I made an appointment for July 19, 2019 at 1:30 pm. I talked to the Representative and got some options. The Representative told me she would send me a paper in the mail letting me know how much I would receive from the SSA. I never applied for Social Security Benefits. I did give her my bank information. I was getting ready to pay my monthly bills checked my banking account on July 24, 2019 and to my surprise Social Security . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jul 27 2019 - 10:24am
How Do I Report My Brother's Death?
Hi Larry...I am the executor of my brother's estate. I need to report his death ... and any forms I need, please send.
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
There's no specific Social Security form used to report a death. You can report your brother's death to Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/).
My expertise is limited to Social Security only, so I can't advise you regarding any other responsibilities that being executor of your brother's . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jul 27 2019 - 10:14am
