Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 7031 - 7040 of 10063 questions.

At FRA Will My Benefit Be Based On My Husband's Record Or My Own?

At 54, I was recently riffed from a career that I've spent 30 years in; one that paid poorly, will result in a low Social Security payout and that I have no desire to return to. As my husband and I plan for retirement, I'm trying to make sense of recent changes in Social Security retirement rules. My husband has always made significantly more than myself and I'm debating whether returning to work will be of benefit, based on his earnings.
I was born in September 1963 and my husband was born in September 1962.
My question is if I file at my FRA, will my benefit be . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 3:05pm

Can I Draw Disability From The Military And Social Security At The Same Time?

Can I draw a disability from the military and social security at the same time

Hi,

Potentially, yes. Drawing disability from the military or VA would not affect what you could receive in Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). However, I'm not an expert on military/VA disability benefits, so I can't say for certain how those benefits might be affected by your receipt of SSDI.

Best, Jerry

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 2:55pm

Would It Be Wise For Me To Apply For And Suspend My Benefits?

I'm in 2 yrs. to reach my SS FRA (66) this 3/4/18 planning to SS retire at age 66. Is it wise to plan ahead now or applied/suspend my benefits?
Do you have a book I can order to answer the Ins and Outs (Tips & Tricks) of the Social Security system.

Hi,

The answer to your first question depends on your full set of circumstances (e.g. benefit rate(s), current and former marital status, etc.). You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore your filing options and determine your best strategy . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 2:43pm

What Procedure Would Social Security Use To Verify Your Marital Status?

Thank you for your prompt answer.I have another-If you were to apply for survivor benifits,what procedure would ssa use to verify your marital status,i e to see if you had been remarried or remarried and divorced to anyone else after your spouse you were applying on had died?

Hi,

First off, a subsequent remarriage and divorce would not disqualify a person from potentially qualifying for benefits as a widow(er) or surviving divorced spouse on the record of a prior deceased spouse.

More importantly, withholding material information or lying on . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 2:32pm

Who Could Claim My Daughter As A Dependent For Tax Purposes?

My parents would like to adopt my daughter so that she may be eligible for their SS however my dad is currently receiving the ss with disability. I would like to know if once they adopt her and she is under my fathers benefit would that mean only my parents would have to claim her as a dependent when filing their taxes. Would like more info on filing tax.

Hi,

I'm sorry, but my expertise is limited to Social Security, and not tax laws.

Best, Jerry

Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 6:54am

Can I Apply For Food Stamps?

I am 51 years old and I started getting my social security disability benefits. I would like to know if I can apply for food stamps because I am not making it also I want to know if I can get a job. I worked for almost 20 years for the school district but I came disabled I know I can not do what I used to do b u t I am not making it to survive my income is just what I worked during my life with not family in America. Can I travel to South America to visit my elderly father ? Can I move to other country and continue getting my benefits? Thank you very much

Hi . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 6:38am

Is There Any Way Social Security Would Know Your Marital Status If You Don't Tell Them?

is there any way that ssa would be aware of your marital status as longas you never reported it to ssa or irs?

Hi,

Probably not, unless someone else tells them.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 6:33am

Do You Still Agree With Our Strategy?

ORIGINAL QUESTION

Hi,
My wife and I are both 66. My PIA is $2,809 at age 66 and $3,732 at age 70. My wife's PIA is $1,108 at age 66 and $1,463 at age 70. I am planning to delay receiving my SS benefit until age 70. We've been told that our best strategy to maximizing our benefits is for my wife to start taking her SS benefit at age 66 and switch to spousal benefits at age 70 when I start taking mine. Do you agree with that strategy?

Thank you,

JR

FOLLOW-UP

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I realize that I made a . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Nov 13 2017 - 6:02am

Is My Mother's GPO Calculation Correct?

Dad recently passed. My 74 yr old Mom retired from State of Mass with a small pension. Her pension check is comprised of two parts. One labeled pension and one labeled Annuity. The annuity portion from what I understand is her contributions plus interest. SSA is calculating her GPO including both parts. Should the GPO calculation include the annuity portion?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I wish I could answer your question, but I'm not familiar with the specifics of the Massachusetts State . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Nov 12 2017 - 6:49pm

Do You Agree With Our Strategy?

Hi,

My wife and I are both 66. My PIA is $2,809 at age 66 and $3,732 at age 70. My wife's PIA is $1,108 at age 66 and $1,463 at age 70. I am planning to delay receiving my SS benefit until age 70. We've been told that our best strategy to maximizing our benefits is for my wife to start taking her SS benefit at age 66 and switch to spousal benefits at age 70 when I start taking mine. Do you agree with that strategy?

Thank you,

JR

Hi JR,

That sounds like a good plan to me, but you may want to strongly consider using our . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Nov 12 2017 - 6:24pm
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