Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

Displaying 6731 - 6740 of 10063 questions.

How Much Can My Son's Ex-Wife Take From His Check?

My adult son has been disabled for 5 years, because of being injured at work. He was on WC but it stopped 1 1/2 years ago. So, he has had NO INCOME for that time.

We are a "senior & disabled couple" and he has been living with us for 2 years. We live on SS checks, and cannot pay our bills adequately.

IF my son is approved for SSDI and can start receiving checks, HOW MUCH can his abusive Ex-wife take from those checks?

She has a "lien" on all income.

Hi,

In order to take away any portion of your son's Social Security . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 17 2018 - 10:12am

How Long Is It Before I Can Start With A New Trial Work Period?

Hello Jerry--thank you for answering my questions.

I am still trying to figure out where I stand with my TWP.

It is all vey confusing. For me esp --I've had a brain injury.
I called my local Social Security office today. I know I submitted all my pay stubs for all the times
I DID work--but they seem to have lost them all. I am not sure how that is possible.
So now I have to go back and get them all from my former part-time season jobs. (again)

They DID tell me that they THINK I only have one (1) month that is counting towards my TWP . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jan 17 2018 - 9:05am

Do I Need To Take Some Action Before February 1st?

I was recently given this warning by email asking me to buy their book.

"In fact, as of February 1, 2018 millions of people will each begin to leave as much as $66,912 unclaimed... if they don't do something to activate this extra payout."

I'll turn 62 in March but am not planning to retire till my full retirement age. Is there some action I need to take before Feb 1 or are they just trying to sell me a book?

Hi,

I don't know of any significance to the date February 1 with regard to Social Security, so I'm not sure what the email you . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 17 2018 - 6:42am

Will My Tier 1 Benefits Be Reduced If I File For Social Security Spousal Benefits?

I am a railway worker and turned 66 in December of 2017, I am still working for the railroad. My wife is 65 and has decided to file for her SS benefits. Will my tier 1 benefits be reduced if I file for spousal benefits from my wife's SS?

Hi,

If you are receiving Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits and you file for Social Security (SS) spousal benefits, then yes the RR Board (RRB) will reduce your tier 1 RR benefits by the amount of your SS spousal benefits.

However, it may still be advantageous for you to start drawing SS now if you aren't yet . . . Read More

Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Jan 17 2018 - 6:29am

Which Social Security Representative Is Correct?

I am 62 my wife passed away in sept at age 60. I visited the SS office and was told I could not claim a survivors benefit on my wife’s record and later switch to my record at fra or age 70. I would have to choose either her or my record and I could start at reduced rate or at fra or at. age 70. The calculation was good for 6 mo. I went back and got a totally different story. The gentleman said I could file for survivor benefits on my wife’s and later switch to my record at a higher benefit. That’s what I would like for o do but have concerns Since I have received two different . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jan 17 2018 - 6:16am

Who Is Right And What Do We Do Next?

2 years ago your company did a social security analysis for me, of which I paid for. I also bought your book. I went to the social security office today and they said NO to your recommendation . I need HELP if they are wrong or what to do next. I have an appointment on 1/22/18 to contest the opinion I was given. My wife did nothing at todays visit except to contest and re schedule. Here is the story. My wife and I both worked, we are both retired and I was the bigger earner. My birthday was 3/28/50 . My wife 3/5/52
I reached my FRA on 3/28/16.I filed and suspended. Now . . . Read More

Category: File and Suspend Strategy Deadline
Posted: Jan 16 2018 - 7:51pm

Does My Ex-Husband Have To File For His Benefits Before I Can File For Ex-Spousal Benefits?

My ex-husband turns 62 in May and I am hoping to begin collecting ex-spousal Social Security benefits at that point. I have been given conflicting statements about whether or not he needs to have filed for benefits before I can file for them. Is it necessary that my ex has filed for his SS benefits before I can file for ex-spousal benefits? (We were married for 24 years and I am not remarried.) Thank you for your help
Wendy

Hi Wendy,

As long as your divorce has been final for at least 2 years, then it isn't necessary for your ex-husband to be . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2018 - 10:59am

Will My Pension From Oregon PERS Affect My Social Security Benefits?

Larry,

I am a retired police officer and paid social security taxes all 20 plus years I worked for the Hillsboro Police Department. Will my pension from Oregon PERS be effected my Social Security benefits?

Thank you!
Roger

Hi Roger,

I'm not sure whether you mean that you paid Social Security taxes on your earnings as a police officer, or if you mean that you worked other jobs on which you paid Social Security taxes. Nor am I familiar with the Oregon PERS plan.

That said, if you paid Social Security taxes on all of the . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jan 16 2018 - 10:45am

When Can I Qualify For Widow's Benefits?

I’m inquiring about Survivors or Widows Benefits. My husband died suddenly in October of 2016 at age 58. We were married for 35 Years with no children. I have no previous marriages & have not remarried. He worked full time since the age of 18 & the last 10+ Years was a 6 figure income. He did not apply for any benefits prior to his death. I also have worked mostly full time since age 18 at a much lower income. I have recently learned that I am entitled to file for Survivors Benefit. I am 57 & will be 58 in June of this year. I have read online age qualification is . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2018 - 10:24am

Is It Better To File At The Social Security Office Or File Online?

Larry,

I am three months from my 64th birthday and I plan on applying for my social security benefits this week. I know I am two years from full retirement but I am in a position (physically and mentally) that I really need to collect my social security earnings. Is it best to go to the SS office and file there or to file for my benefits online.

Hi,

If you are confident that you know when you want to start drawing benefits and you don't have any questions that you'd like to ask a Social Security representative, then it's probably easier to . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Retirement Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2018 - 10:18am

Return to Ask Larry

Get What's Yours!

Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!

Find your maximized strategy
Unlimited what-ifs
Step-by-Step filing instructions
Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy

Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.

Get What's Yours—Buy Now!