Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 4811 - 4820 of 10063 questions.

Can I Drop SSDI At Age 60 And Draw Widow's Benefits Instead?

My husband died 12 years ago at the age of 49--I was 44. He was fully covered with social security and so am I. I am currently 56, dealing with a workers comp injury, and have applied for ssdi. If I am awarded ssdi I understand I can draw the excess widow's benefits under my husband when I turn 60 since I have not and will not remarry. I also understand the earning limits with ssdi and widow's benefits. I want to know that once I turn 60 can I drop my ssdi, if awarded, and solely draw widow's benefits?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If you're . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jul 14 2019 - 5:49pm

Can You Clarify What Benefits I'm Entitled To As A Blind Person?

Hi I am legally blind since I was born and work and I became disabled under my own social security at 36 years of age, when I became disabled under my social security as a blind person and another combined condition, later I found out that I received a child support payment When I was a child because my father was incapacitated, but my mother did not complain when I turned 18 years of age that continuity as a legal blind person, I have the right to receive a benefit of a blind adult child under the benefit of my disabled father by social security since I was a child or . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jul 14 2019 - 5:25pm

Can My Wife Apply For Spousal Benefits And Not Apply For Part A Of Medicare?

I am 70 and am self-employed and am drawing social security benefits from my account. My wife was born in 1951 and is still working (at a community college employer which has over 20 employees). She plans to retire in January 2020 at which point she will switch to a medical plan through the educational retirement board. She has been working continuously since she was in high school. She recently learned that she could draw a benefit equal to 1/2 of my benefit. She went to the Social Security office and explained that she would like to draw an amount equal to 1/2 of my benefit ( . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Jul 13 2019 - 8:29pm

If I File For Social Security At Age 62 Can I Later Switch To Spousal Benefits On My Ex's Record?

If I file for SS at age 62, can I switch to spousal on my ex (more than 10 married years), in 2 years when they turn 62? Do I need to wait until they turn 62? Thank you.

Hi,

Not really. Once you file for your own Social Security retirement benefits you can never switch from drawing those benefits to drawing another type of benefit instead. However, if you subsequently become eligible for a higher benefit rate on another person's Social Security record you could potentially file for an additional partial benefit on the other account.

For . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jul 13 2019 - 2:23pm

Would My Wife's Widow's Benefits Be Subject To The Government Pension Offset Provision?

Hi Larry,
My wife is receiving social security reduced by Windfall Elimination provision (WEP) because she taught for 20 years in a state that had its own retirement system for employees. In looking at future scenarios, it appears she would be subject to Government Offset Provision on widow's benefits based on my social security. Is that correct? If so, doesn't that seem a bit unfair to penalize benefits based on my earnings record?

Hi,

Yes, since your wife's pension is from a governmental agency, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jul 13 2019 - 2:10pm

Would My Wife's U.S. Spousal Benefits Be Reduced If She Draws Japanese Social Security?

If my Japanese wife draws both Japanese social security and claims spousal US social security, will her US spousal benefits be reduced?

Hi,

No, receipt of a Social Security benefit from Japan would not affect U.S. Social Security spousal benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: Foreign Pensions
Posted: Jul 13 2019 - 10:16am

What Type Of Notice Language Is Used When A Restricted Application Is Filed?

The typical Social Security award letter has either of the two following similar statements in it: "The benefits described in this letter is the only one you can receive from Social Security" or "This benefit is the only benefit you can receive from us at this time." However, in the case of a restricted application the applicant has what is called a "dual entitlement." Can you share with us the award notice language that a restricted applicant receives? Specifically, how does the award letter document that the restricted applicant is eligible to receive a different award in the . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jul 12 2019 - 8:42am

Can I File For Divorced Spousal Benefits At FRA And Then Switch To My Own Benefits At Age 70?

I am born before Jan 2 1954, was married over 10 years and am divorced for 8 years now.
My ex-wife is 61. I will be 66 soon and would like to file a restricted application, collect 50% of her FRA PIA and then at age 70 switch to my own PIA.

Can I do this?
Do I have to wait until my ex-spouse is 62 to do this?
Is it necessary that she applies for Social Security, as she prefers to wait until she reaches FRA, for me to do this?

Thanks!

Hi,

Yes, since you were born prior to January 2 1954 it sounds like you would qualify . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jul 11 2019 - 5:06pm

What Will Happen When I Reach Age 62 If I'm Already Getting Disability Benefits?

I am 56 years old and have been receiving disability income since I was 35 due to a chronic illness. What happens when I turn 62?

Hi,

Assuming that what you're drawing is Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), then nothing will change when you reach age 62. You'll continue for receive your SSDI benefits until your full retirement age of 67, at which time they will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate.

Best, Jerry

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jul 11 2019 - 4:59pm

Will My Spousal Benefit Be Based On My Age At The Time My Husband Files?

The changes to SSA apply to this question as I was born in 1956. I began receiving early SS retirement benefits at age 62. I know my benefit is already permanently reduced. My husband is one year older than I am and hopes to begin receiving benefits at his FRA of 66 yrs & 2 mos. If I am correct in understanding that I will be deemed as filing for spousal benefits once he files, I'd like to know how my spousal benefit will be calculated once my husband files. Does the date of my early retirement affect my spousal benefit, or does my age at the time my husband files determine . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jul 11 2019 - 4:31pm
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