Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

Displaying 5921 - 5930 of 10063 questions.

Is There Any Way To Cancel My Survivor Benefits?

I have been on SSDI since 2012 gettting 1284.00 per month. The low income qualified me for Medicare/Medicaid which covered all of my medical bills which were prettty minor. Three months ago I applied for my deceased ex-husbands benefits and was recently approved which raised my income to about 2050.00 per month. I also at the same time have been diagnosed with kidney cancer which will mean major medical bills. Is there any way to cancel the spouse benefits for I can stay on Medicare/Medicaid. I am devastated. I am not only frightened of this illness but also that it will leave . . . Read More

Category: Withdrawing a Benefit Application
Posted: Jun 17 2018 - 7:21am

Am I Entitled To A Retroactive Payment If I Turn Age 66 In July?

If I turn 66 in July am I entitled to a retroactive payment of benefits starting in January of that year.

Hi,

No, you cannot be paid retirement benefits retroactively (i.e. prior to your month of filing) for any months prior to the month you reach full retirement age. To get benefits for January in your scenario you'd have to file your retirement benefit application no later than January, and your benefit rate would then be reduced for age.

It sounds like you should strongly consider using our maximization software to explore your options and . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 17 2018 - 7:15am

What Can I Do To Correct My Part B Enrollment Month?

I had to change my start date for Social Security twice: once so it would match my retirement date, the second time ( a day later) because my employer offered an early retirement incentive of $40K, for which I was eligible, if I delayed retirement for one month - (til Sept. 1st. 2018).
I made it clear to the rep that my retirement and Medicare B start months must be the same due to continued health coverage from my employer in retirement, in this case September,

When I got home I saw that she noted Oct. pay date is for SEPTEMBER benefits which is correct.
. . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Jun 16 2018 - 5:24pm

How Can I Find Out If Social Security Calculated My Survivor Benefits Correctly?

How do I find out if SS calculated my survivor benefits correctly? My husband died in 2013. He was subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision. He contributed to SS for 29 years prior to working as a university professor for 10 years in NV. It is my understanding that his social security was reduced by 10% as a result of the WEP.

It is my understanding that as his widow, the WEP reduction would be eliminated as to me, once I apply for survivor benefits. I turned 66 in May 2018 (my FRA) and just applied for survivor benefits. I was told that those benefits would be $ 2 . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jun 16 2018 - 8:51am

Could You Give Me Some Strategizing Advice?

Hi,
I'm an (almost) 62 year old single woman. At 62, my reduced social security benefit will be $800 per month. I have been married twice (over 10 years each time) and both marriages have ended in divorce. Both exes have reached full retirement age but have not begun collecting Social Security benefits. Their benefits will be about the same -- $2,400 per month.
One ex has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and is in failing health with poor prognosis.
Please, give me some strategizing advice for claiming social security benefits.
Thanks! . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jun 16 2018 - 6:34am

Can I Stop My Benefits If I Return To Work?

I started collecting Social Security on March 2018, Now June 2018 I want to go back to work. Can I stop my Social Security benefits.

Hi,

I'm assuming you're under full retirement age (FRA) or else your work and earnings wouldn't have any effect on your ability to draw benefits. I also assume you mean that you've filed for retirement benefits and not disability benefits. You can't actually voluntarily suspend your benefits prior to FRA, but if you are returning to work and will earn more than $17,040 this year your benefits will almost certainly be . . . Read More

Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Jun 16 2018 - 6:12am

Were OPM And Social Security Correct When They Reduced My Benefits?

I am a retired federal employee on disability retirement. My family sold a farm and I had a large capital gain ( over $400,000) for the portion of my share that wasn’t part of a 1031 Starker exchange. My retirement was cut by $300 a month due to this Capital Gain. Were OPM and Social Security correct when they reduced my benefits? If Yes, how long can my benefits be reduced? If No, how do I get my benefits back?

Hi,

I'm not an expert on federal employee pensions, so I don't know what if any effect your capital gains might have on your federal pension . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 15 2018 - 3:42pm

Are There Other Options?

I'm a 63 year old male in good health and still working my wife is 67 years old and receiving SS ($ 1250 / month). My FRA is 66. I know I can either 1: Apply for SS and keep on working 2: My wife apply for 50% of mine ( while I stay working) while still receiving her full retirement 3:
apply and suspend till 70 and receive complete benefit. My question is are there other options ? Thanks.

Hi,

Options 1 & 3 in your list are possibilities when you reach full retirement age (FRA), but your wife couldn't receive 50% of your benefit rate plus . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 15 2018 - 3:23pm

Are There Any Exclusions In My Situation That Would Allow Me To Continue Receiving Benefits?

Hello. I am Russian native & USA Citizen. 69 1/2 years old. Recently I was informed that my SSI will be stopped due to the fact that I cannot produce a document from Russia stated that I still collecting my pension there and monthly amount. To obtain this document I must travel back to Russia, Siberia and it will cost me around $3,000. Because law changes in 2015 I must personally be there to obtain necessary documentation. If I do not I will have to leave on the street sidewalk. I do not have work or any source of other leaving except random help from friends & some of . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 15 2018 - 2:51pm

Would Making A Few Extra Dollars Negate A GPO Exception?

Dear Larry,

I'm a 68 year old retired teacher who paid into a state pension that didn't pay into social security for 12 years, and then I worked for a school for 6 years that did pay into social security. I was collecting a WEP-reduced social security for several years, and when my ex-husband of 24 years had passed away, I tried to file for spousal survivor benefits.

I went to the local SSA office with my paperwork, and after speaking with several different representatives, was told by one who spoke to their supervisor that I did not qualify because I got paid . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jun 15 2018 - 9:09am

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