Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

Displaying 5991 - 6000 of 10063 questions.

Am I Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability While I'm Getting Severance Pay?

HI Jerry
I no longer work due to my company downsizing and offering a voluntary severance package for the next 70 weeks. I'm 62 years old and now disabled. Am I eligible to receive social security disability while I get the severance package.
Thanks for your help

Hi,

Potentially, yes. Receipt of severance pay, sick pay or disability payments from your former employer would not preclude you from qualifying for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) as long as you've stopped working.

In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: May 31 2018 - 11:08am

Do These New Facts Change Anything?

hello Larry
it is me again- i got your reply and hope you can get back to me-
my facts were NOT correct-
-i fixed them below..
so,now i would fit into a category to rec more money ?

my husband died in May 17, 2013.

> my application for widows benefits ***was completed on Jan 22, 2016
>
> -i had applied for disability in 2012 but was denied over and over by the
>same judge-
> final denial December 2015
>
> ***i reapplied for disability without a lawyer
> and . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: May 31 2018 - 9:13am

Should I Revisit Social Security?

I have a follow-up to an earlier question. My husband recently passed (3/2018). He was 65, and had begun SS around age 62. He was a federal employee so his SS was greatly reduced. I am 62, (63 in September). I haven't filed. From my earlier question, you mentioned that since I am approximately 62 years, 9 months that I likely would already draw the maximum due to widow's limit rule. I wanted the option to file survivor benefits first, then file on my own record later. I recently visited the SS office to get information. The representative told me I wouldn't draw the maximum on . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: May 31 2018 - 7:13am

Should My Widow's Benefit Have Increased When I Was Determined To Be Disabled?

my husband died in 2013.
i received widows benefits in 2015 when i turned 60..

-i had applied for disability in 2012 but was denied over and over by the same judge-
final denial December 2015

i reapplied for disability without a lawyer
and was approved for disability dated back to December 2015,
the same month and year the judge denied me...???

**i was told my social security should have gone up[by friends ]

since i was deemed disabled 2 years after husband died
,that i should get his full amount..
i went . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: May 30 2018 - 8:13pm

How Will Our Benefits Be Affected If I Voluntarily Suspend My Benefits?

My question concerns voluntary suspension of benefits. I started taking my Soc Sec benefit at age 62 (birth date 01/22/1952). I am now 66 which I believe is my full retirement age. If I was to request a voluntary suspension of my benefit would the amount of my benefit increase during the time it's suspended until I resume taking it at age 70? If so, how much? Also, my wife (birth date 5/10/1951) has been receiving a spousal benefit in addition to her own benefit since I filed at age 62 . How will she be affected if I decide to suspend my benefit?
Thank you for . . . Read More

Category: Suspending Retirement Benefits
Posted: May 30 2018 - 7:49pm

Which Month Should I Choose To Start My Benefits?

On 6 July I will be 66 years old and eligible for full retirement. Should I request 1 Aug as the starting date or is there more advantageous one? I definitely want to retire this year.

Hi,

You would receive an unreduced benefit rate if chose July (first check issued in August), but you may want to consider waiting past age 66 to start drawing. Your Social Security retirement benefit rate would increase by 2/3rds of 1% for each month (8% annually) that you defer drawing benefits from age 66 until age 70. In other words, if you wait until age 70 to . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: May 30 2018 - 5:46pm

Does This Seem Correct?

I have been reading your book, Get What's Yours, and I think my husband and I fit the old law qualifications for file and suspend. In 2015 he turned 66 and began receiving benefits. In 2015 I turned 62. We have been small business owners most of our 46 years of marriage. We don't have lots of money, so getting the most we can is important (I know, I'm no different than all the others : ] ) I am unsure of our next step. I think when I turn 66 in 2019 I should file and suspend and claim spousal benefits. Does this seem correct? My benefit estimates currently are less than half of . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 30 2018 - 11:06am

Can The Girl That My Deceased Nephew Was Living With Collect His Benefits?

My nephew was living with a girl when he died. He was never married and was a veteran. If she has his social security number can she in anyway collect his benefits.

Hi,

It doesn't sound like it. Social Security survivor benefits can potentially be paid to children, parents, spouses and ex-spouses only. Some states recognize common law marriages, but that requires an intent to marry (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305075).

Best, Jerry

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: May 29 2018 - 6:09pm

Would It Serve Us To Get Married?

Hi Larry!
My partner has been receiving ssdi for some years now. We now live together with my son from a previous marriage and his oldest son. He also has a daughter who lives with her mother in another state. Both of his children are currently receiving auxiliary benefits, his sons will term soon after he graduates high school in a month or so. I just recently found out we were pregnant! With this bees we are excited but also concerned about applying for benefits for our child, and also how child care will work on our very limited means and what would happen if I have . . . Read More

Category: Family Benefit Maximum
Posted: May 29 2018 - 10:23am

Will Our Benefits Change When We Get Married?

I'm a retired male 63 years old and going to get married, probably next year. Will my benefits change? My fiance' is 56 and collects disability. Will my wife's benefits change?

Hi,

Assuming that you're referring to Social Security benefits payable on your own records then no, getting married wouldn't change your benefits. Remarriage can potentially result in the termination of divorced spousal benefits and disabled adult child's benefits, though.

It's also possible that your marriage could result in one of you qualifying for spousal benefits, . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: May 29 2018 - 10:07am

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