Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

Displaying 8001 - 8010 of 10063 questions.

Can My Grandchildren Get Benefits From My Disability Record?

Hello, I'm on social security disability and have my three Grands how can they draw off of me I'm trying to adopt them been had them for 31/2 years I have custody of them

Hi,

Grandchildren can only qualify for benefits on a grandparent's record if they are a) adopted by the grandparent, or b) both of their natural parent's are either deceased or disabled. Of course, they must also meet the other entitlement requirements for entitlement to child's benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/ . . . Read More

Category: Child Benefits
Posted: May 16 2017 - 11:30am

Can I Receive Widow's Benefits?

I'm a widow can I draw his funds by me being a widow

Hi,

You can if you meet the requirements for entitlement: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html.

Best, Jerry

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: May 16 2017 - 11:27am

Can I File For Spousal Benefits Now And Switch To My Own Record At Age 66?

I am 64 (b11/52), my wife is 62 (born 7/55) I just lost my job. Can I take spousal benefits from my wife until 66? will it hurt her or my retirement at 66?

Hi,

No, but you could file for spousal benefits only at age 66 and allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. The only catch is that your wife must be drawing her benefits in order for you to receive spousal benefits. Your drawing spousal benefits would not adversely affect your wife's benefits.

If you file for either spousal or retirement benefits prior to full retirement age, you . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 16 2017 - 11:19am

Should I File Now Or Wait?

My lowest year of earnings was when I was out of work...at age 60. 48,000. After that I was making up to 100K+. I just lost my job - 64Y 6M. Should I get benefits now or try to wait until 66?

Looking for waiting benefits vs now.

Hi,

That's a personal decision, and it depends on your circumstances. You should strongly consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to explore your options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 16 2017 - 11:15am

Can You Explain My My Mother Is Responsible For My Late Father's Non-Payment?

Can you explain how my mother is responsible for my late father's non payment and if it's best for her to go ahead and see what the repercussions are and apply for both his and her ssi?? She is73

Hi,

Social Security regulations permit overpayments to be recovered from survivor benefits payable on the account of the overpaid person (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202205005) . I'm not sure if this is what you're describing, but if your mother has been told that her widow's . . . Read More

Category: Social Security Overpayments
Posted: May 16 2017 - 10:57am

Should I File For Social Security Now?

Please, I need help figuring this math! I've been to Soc. Security Office and still don't understand this mess of Soc. Security and WEP. My husband passed away in July of 2016, at age 63, and hadn't started collecting his Soc. Sec. I believe his full Soc. Security at age 66 would have been about $2,500.00 a month. I am 63, but haven't collected any Soc. Security, either. I have enough Soc. Sec. credits based on my own work record to get about 800 a month at age 66. But, after teaching 10 years in MO, I retired at age 60 in the Missouri State Teachers Retirement System. My MO . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: May 16 2017 - 8:35am

Is A Pro-Rated Payment Made For The Month Of A Person's Death?

will a pro-rated amount of social security be paid for a person collecting when they die for the portion of the month they were living?

Hi,

No. Social Security benefits are not payable for the month in which a person dies.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: May 16 2017 - 8:30am

How Does Both Spouses Receiving SSDI Affect Future Benefits?

I am turning 60 soon and my spouse is 63 and receiving SSDI. I am currently on leave from work due to chronic illness, and I may not return to work. My earnings amount is much lower than my husband's amount. If I am granted SSDI, what will either one of us be eligible for once we reach FRA or if one of us dies? My main question is how does both spouses receiving SSDI affect future benefits?

Hi,

If you're approved for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), you will receive what is essentially your full retirement age rate early. Your disability . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: May 16 2017 - 8:22am

Can I Receive Divorced Spousal Benefits And Keep Working?

HI Larry,
I am 63 years old. I am presently employed. I make 45,000 per year. However my job may al but be eliminated by this August by the state of Illinois and their budget cuts
I am looking at collecting my benefits from my spouse with whom I am divorced. A 12 year marriage. I am entitled to the ssi benefits. 42% so I am told. But I am not understanding is that thee is a cap? on total you can collect and earn. A total of 16,500.00 per year....I do not know if I understood correctly. That is the total amount for those collecting disability. I am hoping I can . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 16 2017 - 8:09am

What Happens If My Wife Or I Die Before Age 70?

Hello Larry,
I will turn 66 later this year, followed by my wife about 6 months after me. Our plan is that I will file for benefits on my record when she turns 66, and she will file spousal benefits only at that time, switching to her own when she turns 70. My PIA is a little more than 1/2 of her PIA. I have 2 questions: 1) If I die before she reaches 70, can she continue to draw my benefit or her spousal benefit from me, then switch to her own at 70 ; 2) If she dies before 70, would her benefit continue to grow after her death so that I could wait to switch to her . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: May 16 2017 - 8:00am

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