Do You Know What The Earnings Limit Will Be For 2018?
Do you know what the earnings limit will be for 2018? Thank you.
Hi,
No. Those limits will be determined and announced in the mid to latter part of October 2017, around the same time as the Social Security cost of living increase (if any) is announced.
Best, Jerry
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Sep 20 2017 - 6:35am
Will I Get Both Railroad And Social Security?
Hi Larry. I stared working for Amtrak in 2015. I was 48 years old at tgat time. When I turn 60 I'll have 11 years on the railroad. Will I get my railroad retirement along with my social security or will it be one or the other. I have gotten so many different answers and I just want to know my options. Thank yiu!
Hi,
If you file for Social Security (SS) and you also have enough credits to qualify for Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits, SS will calculate your benefit rate based on your SS work credits only. Then, they will send the information to the RR . . . Read More
Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Sep 20 2017 - 6:15am
How Should I File For Benefits?
I have been receiving a widow's Social Security benefit for many years, and have a question about switching to my own work record. I am trying to delay the switch as long as possible to maximize my benefit, but funds are tight and I might not make it to age 70. It might be closer to age 69; I am evaluating it month by month. Do you recommend doing the switch on the Social Security website, over the phone, or in person in the Social Security office? When I started the widow's benefit back in 2010, the only option I was given was to go into the office. But the letter I received . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 8:03am
Should I Start Drawing My Widow's Benefits 3 Months Early?
Hi Larry. I was praying all day monday 9/18 you or colleagues would answer my question. I keep looking but so far it hasn't been answered. I’m worried i made a terrible mistake.
I didnt realize you could switch from taking my own reduced benefits after 62, then take maximum widow benefits at 66. I didn't understand about the switch. i thought you could take one or the other. So i feel sick basically. Because i didn't start taking my benefits.
Here is the letter i sent you monday.
I’m thinking about starting widow benefits a little early, aug 2017, three . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 7:41am
Do I Have To Wait 2 Years After My Divorce To Receive Anything?
hi. i really need your help. i didn't apply for social security because i thought if i didn't need it why drain system! so, i waited till 70 years old- 2016 and applied for deferred spousal benefits-and same time, my husband decided divorce me. so, i got social security from july 2016 till now- and my question is...... final divorce date will be next month october 2017. even though i have been receiving benefits for year now do i have to wait 2 years after my divorce to receive anything? thanks sooo much.
Hi,
No, if you've been married to your husband . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 7:32am
Am I Eligible For My Father's Social Security When He Passes On?
Hello, I am 57 and caregiver to my father is disabled and elderly. I have been caregiving since 2006 and have not been able to hold a steady job due to my situation and have not been contributing to my own social security. Am I eligible to receive my father s social security when he passes on ?
Hi,
The only way that you could qualify for benefits from your father's record is if you have been disabled according to Social Security's standards since before you turned age 22. In that event, you would likely already be elgible for disabled adult child's . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 7:21am
Is This Legal?
Condition: Active, open Missing Person case investigation. Male missing under suspicious circumstances. NO body found. Ex girlfriend of missing male and missing male have one child according to child's birth certificate. Ex GF has not/will not allow paternity test. Ex girlfriend is receiving SS checks alleging missing male committed suicide (no evidence of this). Is this legal?
Hi,
Social Security has rules for establishing proof of paternity for a child, as well as proof of death in missing person cases ( . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 7:13am
When Could My Wife Get My Benefit If I Die?
I am 61. My wife is 69
If I die before full retirement age can she get my benefit immediately or have to wait until I would have been 66.5?
Hi,
Your wife could potentially qualify for widow's benefits effective with the month of your death. When and if you file for your benefits can have an effect on her widow's rate, however, so you may want to use the maximization software available on this website to determine your best overall filing strategy.
Best, Jerry
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 7:05am
Is It True That I Won't Get Full Widow's Benefits If I File For Reduced Retirement Benefits First?
I was a young widow (44) with young children (10 and 7) whose father died at a young age (46). In your book and articles you've described claiming widow's benefits first and waiting to take your retirement benefits allowing them to grow until they maximize at age 70. It can also be done the other way around. The widow can take her own retirement Insurance benefits (RIB) first and then at Full Retirement Age (FRA is 66 for me) switch to her widow's benefits. Social Security has told me that if I take my own retirement benefit at age 62 the age related reduction caused by taking . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 6:33am
Can I Receive Spousal Benefits When I Turn 66?
I will be reaching FRA (age 66) this November, I am no longer employed and not collecting SS.
My wife currently aged 66, is still working full time. Can I receive spousal benefits from her SS after November?
Hi,
It sounds like you could file for just spousal benefits only when you reach age 66, but only if your wife files for and starts drawing her benefits. You and your wife have many options available to you, so you should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to determine your best overall filing . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 19 2017 - 6:28am