Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

Displaying 6751 - 6760 of 10063 questions.

Could I Also Collect My Social Security If I'm Receiving Divorced Widow's Benefits?

I am a divorced widow who am collecting my ex husbands social security since I sturned 64 because I retired. I am now 66 and am wondering if I could also collect my social security benefit?

Hi,

You can't receive 2 full Social Security benefits at the same time. If you file for retirement benefits on your own record you will only be paid the higher of that benefit rate or the amount that you're currently receiving on your ex's account. And, if your own retirement benefit rate would be higher than your surviving divorced spousal rate, it would likely . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Jan 14 2018 - 7:30am

How Will My German Pension Impact My Social Security?

How will my German pension impact my social security? I worked for a private company in Germany and payed into the German social security system. Thank you

Hi,

I don't have enough information about your circumstances to fully answer your question. However, if you receive a German pension based on your work there, it could cause your Social Security retirement benefit rate to be calculated using a less generous computational formula. This is due to Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). For more information on WEP and it's . . . Read More

Category: Foreign Pensions
Posted: Jan 13 2018 - 10:34am

Where Do I Have To Go To Apply For My Ex's Social Security?

I need help applying for foods. My computer is down. I also need to know where I have to go to apply for my ex’s social security. I am on so disability I need see what hep I can get, and where I have go to get the help. My social aecurty disability is my only source of in come! Please help me?

Hi,

You can file for divorced spousal benefits at any Social Security office, or by calling their toll free number (800) 772-1213. For other types of assistance such as food stamps, you will probably need to contact the Department of Social Services in your . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 13 2018 - 10:29am

Can I Draw My Deceased Husband's Social Security At Age 62 And Then My Own At Age 70?

I have been a widow since 1987, I have never remarried. I will be 62 in June 2018. I would like to know if I can take my deceased spouses SSI when I turn 66 1/2 and delay / suspend my SSI until ag e 70. Thank you, Sandra

Hi Sandra,

Yes, you could potentially file for reduced widow's benefits even sooner than age 62 and then switch to your own record at age 70. Before doing so, however, you should strongly consider using our maximization software to determine your best filing strategy.

Your best strategy would almost certainly be one of the . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jan 13 2018 - 10:16am

What Happens To The Money That My Daughter Is Receiving When She's No Longer Eligible?

My daughter is turning 18 in February and will lose her ss benefit. What happens to that money? Can it go to another child even if that child is already drawing a check?

Hi,

That money simply remains in the Social Security trust fund if it can't be redistributed to another beneficiary on the record.

The only way that your daughter's benefits would be redistributed to another beneficiary is if the other beneficiary's benefits are being paid at a lower than normal rate due to the family maximum benefit. For example:
Jane, Julie and Joanie . . . Read More

Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Jan 13 2018 - 8:38am

Can My Granddaughter Remain On Disability If She Is Limited To Part-Time Work?

My 29 YO granddaughter has been receiving disability payments since 2010 when left with a severe head trauma from being run over by a drunken driver She is now working part-time since last April. She is limited to working part-time by her cognitive abilities as she doesn't function well after 4 hours on the job. She earns $10.58/hr. Can she remain on disability if she is limited to part-time employment.? We are appealing her case before an ALJ next month.

Hi,

Social Security disability benefits can be suspended or terminated if, after completing a 9 . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jan 13 2018 - 8:24am

Why Can't I Access My Earnings Information Online Since I Filed For Benefits?

"my Social Security" account not showing any info after filling for spousal benefits.
Hello Larry.
Thanks for all your help on this subject, it has helped us understand the topic and be able to maximize our benefits, given our particular situation. I've read your book and have studied this Q & A extensively over the last year - both have been very helpful.
I am 66 and my wife is 64. We determined the 'best' thing for us was to have her file for her benefit now, and me file for the spousal on her benefit, enabling mine to grow to age 70, which should . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 12 2018 - 4:21pm

Will My Father Be Hit With Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties If He Wasn't Eligible For Social Security At Age 65?

Hi Larry,
My father is eligible for divorced spouse benefits now that my mother has reached 66 and is receiving SS benefits. He is one year older and was not eligible for SS and Medicare based on his own earnings record. If he chooses to receive divorced spouse benefits and sign up for Medicare B, will he be hit with late penalties for Medicare Parts B and D? Seeing how he wouldn't have been able to sign up for Medicare without the divorced spouse benefit prior to my Mom filling. I realize he would be late per the rule, but he wouldn't qualify for SS or Medicare without . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Jan 12 2018 - 3:36pm

Will I Receive Both My Own And My Husband's Full Social Security Benefits If He Dies Before I Do?

Dear Larry,
Will I receive both my own and my husband's full social security benefits if he dies before I do. Assuming we are both eligible for full benefits. Thank you.

Hi,

No. The most that you could receive in the event of your husband's death is the higher of your own benefit rate or your widow's rate. In most cases unreduced widow's benefits are equal to 100% of the amount that the of the deceased spouse was receiving (or would have received), so as a widow you would likely either receive the higher of your husband's benefit rate or your . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jan 12 2018 - 5:44am

Can I File For Unemployment If I'm Receiving Social Security?

I'm a widow on my spouses SS, I am 67 and just lost my part time job. Can I file for unemployment?
thank you
LG

Hi LG,

I'm not an expert on unemployment benefits, so I don't know what your rights are in that regard. You'll probably need to check with the agency handling those payments in order to determine your eligibility.

What I can tell you is that if you receive unemployment benefits, they would have no adverse effect on your Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 12 2018 - 5:35am

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