Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 5521 - 5530 of 10063 questions.

Does Social Security Owe Me An Additional Amount For DRCs?

I just received an MBA update (effective Oct 1) and lump sum for DRCs. October? Whatever.
But, I believe the lump sum is short. Specifically, it looks like SSA gave me 9 months DRC credit
(correct), but lump sum was 9 months worth, matching checks received for 2018. However,
I started SS Nov 1, 2017, so I believe SSA still owes me "backpay" for those 2 months in 2017.
My question: does SSA do DRC catch up in a single go, or is another check in the mail?

Thanks
Edward

Hi Edward,

I can't say for sure without more . . . Read More

Category: Delayed Retirement Credits
Posted: Oct 22 2018 - 11:34am

Should We Cancel Our Applications?

I will be 67 in Jan 2019. My wife will be 66 in
Jan 2019. On Oct 1 she filed for SS and I filed
For spousal benefit w plans to refine for my SS
Benefit and she would file for spousal benefit
At the same time. If house proposal 831 goes through , I would lose my spousal benefit. Do u think I should cancel our applications and
Wait till I am 70 or just take a chance. I have
No immediate need and am trying to
Maximize payout. Assume either way
If something happens to me she would
Be eligible for my payout. Thanks for whatever
You . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Oct 22 2018 - 11:09am

Is My Wife Eligible To Receive Any Compensation From My Social Security Disability?

I started receiving social security disability in 2002. I got married five years ago. as a dependent working part time is my wife eligible to receive any compensation? she just turned sixty.

Hi,

In order to be eligible for spousal benefits on your account, your wife would either need to be at least age 62 or have a child in her care who is either under age 16 or disabled and qualifies for benefits on your record (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305 . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Oct 21 2018 - 9:23pm

Do I Need To Do Anything To Get Social Security To Adjust My Benefit Rate At FRA?

I became disabled just before I turned 50 and was collecting SSDI benefits. My ex died 2 years previously, so I began collecting DWB when I turned 50. I receive two different deposits, not sure why-statements both say the same thing. (Any idea why I receive two?) I assume I am receiving the 28.5% reduction. After reading many of your articles, it looks as if this reduction will go away for me at FRA. My question, does this happen automatically - or do I have to apply/talk to Social Security about this??

Hi,

The reason that you receive 2 separate . . . Read More

Category: Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Oct 21 2018 - 4:16pm

What Are The Ramifications Of Filing For Divorced Spousal Benefits At Age 62?

Hi, I am almost 62. My Ex-spouse is 67. We were married for more than 10 years and I have not re-married. If I apply now (& suspend? or apply with a restricted app?) for divorced spousal benefits, what are the ramifications?
Thanks for your advice.

Hi,

Since you were born after January 1 1954, you could never file a restricted application for divorced spousal benefits only provided that your ex is still living. If and when you file for divorced spousal benefits, you would be deemed to also be applying for your own retirement benefits. You . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Oct 20 2018 - 1:11pm

Is There Any Legal Action I Can Pursue?

Hi Larry,
My former husband died. I was on disability. SS took 2 years to diagnose my condition which stemmed from sexual abuse. So that 2 years is a waste. But then SS paid me on my former's record. Four years later, I found that SS under paid me by about one half causing me to live at poverty level. I could get no help for the disability they took 2 years to diagnose. I was on food stamps. I continued to survive in trauma that was extended by their underpayment. I filed suit to get damages and interest. The suit was denied. It still burns me today particularly with the . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Oct 20 2018 - 10:05am

Is There Any Way That I Could Use Military Service Credits To Gain Social Security Insured Status?

i am a military veteran with 38 work credits.is there any way i couls use my military service credits to upgrade my credits to the required 40.?

Hi,

I would need more information about your dates of service to give you a definite answer. The military service credits that you would likely receive are called deemed military wages (DMW), which are additional fictitious wages that are credited to your Social Security earnings record in addition to your actual military wages for your periods of active duty ( . . . Read More

Category: Deemed Military Wages
Posted: Oct 20 2018 - 7:42am

How Long Would My Girlfriend And I Need To Be Married So She Can Qualify For My SS?

I am 64 girlfriend 62 how long will we have to be married so she can qualify for my ss

Hi,

Unless she's already eligible for certain types of Social Security benefits or if she's the mother of your child, your girlfriend would need to be married to you for at least a year in order to qualify for spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html).

In the event of your death, though, your wife could potentially qualify for widow . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Oct 19 2018 - 4:11pm

Is There Any Loophole That Would Help Me?

I found your January 23, 2015 PBS News Hour article “Social Security’s Christmas present: Benefit cuts for millions of disabled workers” today on the internet. I thank you for writing it, because the information it contains is nowhere to be found in similar articles on the web, nor was it ever disclosed in my queries to the SSA before or after being awarded SSDI through Appeal by a SSA Law Judge in July 2018.
I initially filed for SSDI in October 2014 and was awarded $58,424 (October 2013 through 2017) and will have received $14,400 by December 2018; total of $72,824. . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Oct 19 2018 - 10:51am

Thanks

RE:
When Should I Apply For Benefits If I Want To Start Drawing At Age 70?
Category: Filing For Benefits
Oct 18 2018 - 7:40pm

Hi Jerry-

Just a short note to say THANKS for your very quick and complete reply. It is really helpful.
I cannot tell you guys how much I appreciate the guidance you have given me through the entire Social Security experience. I have learned an incredible amount from the book and your online responses to questions. I can't imagine all the trouble I would have gotten myself into had I not run across the book back in . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Oct 19 2018 - 10:40am
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