Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

I was able to earn up to $750.00 a month and still keep my social security disability benefits, will I lose my medicare part A and B if I return to work part time?

Hi,

I'm assuming from your question that you qualify for Medicare coverage based on your entitlement to Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. If that's the case, then your Medicare coverage wouldn't be terminated unless your SSDI entitlement ends, or you stop paying any required Medicare premiums.

For more information on working while disabled, you may want to refer to this . . . Read More

Larry,
I turned 66 on 10/02/17 and my ex-wife turned 67 on 10/09/17. We were married for 11 years, had two children, and divorced in 1986. I remarried, but she never remarried. We both had long careers and both contributed to social security for many years.
My current wife and I have been married for 30 years and have three children. She was born 6/7/63.
I am trying to understand the social security implications with my first wife relative to her entitlement to a portion of my SS income and the timing of my filing, as well as, my entitlement to a portion of . . . Read More

Am I at risk for having my SS benefit stolen?

I took my spouse's benefit at my FRA, and am letting mine grow to age 70. I cannot get online access to my own benefit estimates under my SS# since I am already receiving a monthly check. Since the Equifax hack, I've read and heard that Social Security benefits are at risk if someone uses your SS# and claims your benefit. All of these stories end with checking your account at the Social Security website. How can I check my own benefit and make sure it's not stolen?

Hi,

I don't think you need to be . . . Read More

My wife and I both have earning records that allow each of us to receive individual SS benefits. My wife turned 66 in March of 2017 and began collecting her FRA benefit. I will turn 66 in February of 2018 and plan to delay my own benefit until age 70. In the meantime, I am planning to file a restricted application to receive a spousal benefit based on her current FRA benefit. If my projected FRA benefit is higher than the benefit she is now receiving, will I qualify to receive the spousal benefit?

Hi,

Yes, since you were born prior to January 2 1954 . . . Read More