Can I Stop My Benefits And Return To Full-Time Work?
My DOB is 3/31/54. I took my early retirement a year and a half ago at age 62. I would like to go back to work full time and stop my social security...until age 66 where I will not have the wretched cap. I'm thinking January 1 , 2018 for this plan to stop and return full time.
Can I do this without penalty?
Any other suggestions?
Thank you very much for your time and assistance!
Hi,
The answer is basically yes, but you can't voluntarily suspend your benefits until you reach age 66. At that point you could choose to suspend your . . . Read More
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Sep 27 2017 - 5:46am
Is It Possible To Appeal A Decision Made By An Administrative Law Judge?
Is it possible to appeal a denial of benefits by an Administrative Law Judge? My Medicare premiums were increased because MassHealth, which insures my disabled husband, made a mistake and paid my Medicare premiums for 2 months, then clawed that back from my Social Security.
I am requesting a hearing before an ALJ, and intend to subpoena the Keeper of the Records for MassHealth to come in with my file and explain what happened. I have tried in vain to get a response from them by mail or by phone.
However, an SSA agent told me that it makes no difference that I . . . Read More
Category: Filing An Appeal
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 11:12am
Can My Husband Start Getting Spousal Benefits Before Age 66 And Still Allow His Own Rate To Grow?
I have your newest book and read 'Ask Larry' everyday. I am still a bit confused about our filing strategy. I will be 66 in March 2018 my husband will be 65 in June of 2018, making us both born before 1954. We would like to start my social security, I am the lower age earner, and have him take the spousal benefit before he is age 66. Can we do that and still let his SS grown a few more years. Would that have any effect on my future widow amount? Thank you so much for helping all of us out here.
Hi,
No. If your husband files for spousal benefits . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 11:04am
Does My Husband Have To Suspend His Benefit In Order For Me To Receive Spousal Benefits?
It has been our plan for me to take my spousal benefit at age 66. A financial advisor recommended this after using your calculations. I have been reading "Get what's yours" and am confused. If I were to take 1/2 (approximately) of his Social Security at 66,( the spousal benefit, correct?)does he have to suspend taking his SocialSecurity? He's been retired since age 62, five years.
Hi,
No, spousal benefits are an auxiliary benefit paid in addition to the worker's own benefit.
Your plan sounds fine, but you may want to use the maximization . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 10:58am
Can You Help Me Understand My Options?
My wife recently passed away from cancer at age 59. She was on disability for the last year of her life. She did not work regularly. I am 61 and I have no concept of this whole survivor benefit. I would like to figure my best chance to retire in a year or two. I have some stocks, but I only make about $75,000 a year now.
Can you help me understand my options?
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
Assuming that your potential benefit rate is higher than your wife's was, your likely best option would be to file for reduced widower's benefits as . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 8:47am
What Should I Be Aware Of For My Appointment With Social Security?
Dear Mr. Kotlikoff,
I subscribed to your SS maximizing website service several years ago, and had successfully persuaded my wife that I should wait until I turned 70 to take my Social Security benefit. I'm now going on 68 (January 10th, 2018), and Trish (my wife) is going to be 63 on January 16, 2018. I've also purchased and read both editions of the book you wrote with Philip Moeller and Paul Solman.
A recent remodel at our house, plus my declining consulting income convinced her we need for me to file for Social Security now. Trish works as a Vocational . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 7:51am
Would Our Excess Earnings Withholding Be Eliminated If My Wife And I Start Drawing In March?
Hi Larry, My wife and I will soon reach FRA (but not this year). She is still working and plans to do so for several more years. Her birthday is in mid November. We plan to file for her benefit sometime during the year she reaches FRA. I am older, retired, have not filed for SS, the higher wage earner and plan to file for my benefit at 70. I would file restricted application spousal benefit only to begin the same month as her benefit begins (I am old enough to qualify for this benefit). She would have excess earnings from working January - October. If we start both benefits in . . . Read More
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 7:37am
What Could I Draw Monthly If I Retire At Age 63?
I'm 62 and spouse was on disability, social security benefits monthly were $1,900.00. I'm a widow now & have been for over 4 years. When I checked at 3 different social security offices, I was given 3 different figures I could draw monthly. I am still working, but would like to know if I retired at 63, what could I draw monthly. My husband & I were married 5 yrs. Please call me if possible. Thank you.
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
It sounds like your best filing strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 7:28am
Can My Friend File A Restricted Application For Spousal Benefits?
Hello Jerry,
I am asking this for a couple friend of mine.
The husband is 71 years old, retired military, retired government service (FERS), and is receiving social security retirement. His wife is 69 years old, still working as a government service (CSRS).
My two questions: Can the wife file a restricted application for a spousal benefit on her retired husband without any penalties (GPO or WEP)? If the husband dies after the wife retires from CSRS, will she get any survivor benefits from her husband's record?
Thank you so much for your diligent . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Sep 26 2017 - 7:05am
If I Move Out Of The U.S. Can I Have My Benefits Sent To My New Country Of Residence?
If I move out of the United States, can I have my social security benefits sent to the new country of residence?
Hi,
In most cases the answer is yes, but there are a few countries where benefits can't be sent. For more information on receiving your benefits while outside of the U.S., refer to this Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf.
Best, Jerry
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Sep 25 2017 - 6:10am
