Would My Live In Friend Qualify For Any Survivor Benefits On My Record?
I am 65 years old and still working living together since 32 years but not married with woman she is 63 years right now ,we got together 2 adult children,since 32 years we file joint taxes .she has been working beforefor 9 years .I wanted to know when she rech retirement age 66 or if i die she qualifyies for any survive benefits social security benefits? i heard that we must be married for at least 9 months to qualif for any benefits,thats right ? Thanks August
Hi August,
Your lady friend couldn't qualify for any benefits on your record unless you are . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Nov 30 2017 - 5:22pm
How Do I Go About Switching From Retirement Benefits To Disability Benefits?
Since March 2016 I've being on social security retirement benefits $1,127. I would like to switch to social security disability benefits. I keep having a relapse of severe back pain; back injury from job. I have Medicare part A but not part B. I can't afford part B
I'm single, income is below maximum poverty
Questions:
1) how do I switch to ssdi benefits from social security retirement benefits? and
2) Is there a delay in payment between the two benefits? What frightens me is they might stop my retirement benefits a couple of months earlier before . . . Read More
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Nov 30 2017 - 7:35am
Would It Be Beneficial For Me To Convert To Disability Benefits?
I started collecting social security benefits at 63 but had planned on returning to work.I have since become disabled and cannot return to work.I am 65 now.Would it be beneficial to be declared disabled and convert to ss disability before turning 66 for the long haul.
Hi,
Yes. If you qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) prior to full retirement age (FRA), it would increase your monthly benefit rate by roughly 5/9ths of 1% for each month that you qualify for SSDI prior to FRA. So, if you become entitled to SSDI effective with the . . . Read More
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Nov 30 2017 - 7:22am
Can My Ex Husband Be Told That I'm Drawing Benefits On His Record?
Can my x husband have access to my drawing on his social security benefits
Hi,
If you are drawing divorced spousal benefits on your ex-husband's record, Social Security could disclose that fact along with your name to your ex if he asks. They could not disclose your address or any other personal information, however.
Best, Jerry
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Nov 30 2017 - 7:17am
Should I Wait Until Age 70 To File?
I will be 66 in March of 2018 and my husband will be 66 in August of 2018. My husband's SS will be around 2100. and mine would be about 1200. per our soc sec. statements at age 66. ( mine at 70 would be around 1600. his would be about 2800.) My husband is in the Government Offset Program and had his pension reduced in 2014. He worked for over 30 years and SS was taken out of his checks. My husband plans at claiming his, on his 66th birthday. He retired in 2013 and I stopped working in 2006. Should I wait until I'm 70 to claim SS , or will I never make up the difference? We're . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Nov 30 2017 - 7:00am
Does Social Security Hide Any Benefits For Widows?
Does Social Security hide any benefits for Widows
Hi,
I don't believe that Social Security intentionally hides any types of benefits from people, but the filing options and entitlement requirements can be extremely confusing. Our software may be able to help you sort out your benefit and filing options. You may also want to check out the information available on Social Security's website regarding widow's benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou2.html.
Best, Jerry . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Nov 29 2017 - 12:13pm
When Will My Mother's Social Security Payment Be Returned After She Passes?
My mother is in hospice care now. She is 96 years old. I am her POA and am on her checking account. When will SS be returned if she passes in the next week?
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear about your mother.
If your mother dies before December 1st, the Social Security benefit payment she receives in December will need to be returned. If her checks are issued via direct deposit, the bank will take care of returning the payment if you notify them of her date of death. If she receives paper checks, someone would need to physically return the check to . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Nov 29 2017 - 8:17am
What Forms Do I Need To Complete In Order To Implement The Start, Stop, Start Strategy?
I love your new book; I even bought the sister book regarding Medicare. One question: I started collecting social security at 63 y/o, now 66 y/o. Due to changes in family income, I would like to stop receiving social security now and implement the "start, stop, start" strategy you discuss on p. 168. I can't find what forms to fill out or how to proceed. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Hi,
No form is required to voluntarily suspend your benefits. You are permitted to suspend your benefits based on nothing more than an oral . . . Read More
Category: Start-Stop-Start Strategy
Posted: Nov 29 2017 - 7:57am
Is It True That I Can Start Drawing Divorced Spousal Benefits Before Full Retirement Age Without Any Penalty?
Hi, I will turn 66 (full retirement age) in June 2018. I am divorced and was married to ex-spouse for 35 years. I am still employed. I was told I might be able to claim 50% of my former spouse's social security (without penalty) starting January 2018 since I will reach full retirement age in 2018. Is this true? If so, how do I apply (and when do I start process)? Thanks for your assistance. It is overwhelming and I don't completely trust the answers I get from SS office. I like to go prepared before visiting them. Chris
Hi Chris,
No, that's not true . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Nov 28 2017 - 4:13pm
What Happens To The Social Security I'm Paying Now?
I retired and am receiving trs and 1/2 of my social security benefits on my own record. I am divorced after 35 years of marriage and have not remarried. My ex-spouse is retired receiving social security benefits and has remarried. I have since had to go back to work and pay into social security. What happens to the social security I am paying in now? I am 70 years of age.
Hi,
Any earnings on which you pay Social Security taxes can be used to potentially increase your benefit rate. Your Social Security retirement rate is based on an average of your . . . Read More
Category: Recomputations
Posted: Nov 28 2017 - 7:44am