Was Social Security Correct To Require Me To File At Age 62?
I was getting SSI when I turned ,62 years I was told I would no longer be able to receive SSI That I had to start drawing my SS.. Which means when I turn 65 I will get $250 less because I was forced to take it at 62 they saiid I could no longer get SSI. And at 65. I have to start paying for health insurance.I have a hard time now living.Im about to lose my home because of taxes.
Hi,
I'm sorry, but Social Security regulations require people receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) to file for any other benefits for which they are eligible ( . . . Read More
Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: May 8 2017 - 5:58pm
Is It True That I Can't Take Widow's Benefits Until Full Retirement Age?
My husband died in Sept, 2014 at age 62. I am 3 yrs younger than he, thus 59 when he died, and will be 62 in July of this year. I am unable to work outside of my home due to a disability not recognized/accepted as such, so currently have no income except a $700.00 widows benefit from the VA. I did work for years, but not hi income jobs. If I take my SS at 62, it will only amt to slightly more than 700.00 and I will loose the VA income. According to what I've been told by SS, I cannot take my husbands benefits until I Reach full retirement age and then will receive benefits . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: May 8 2017 - 5:37pm
Are My Children Eligible For Any Benefits On My Disability Record?
Hi Larry,
I am a mom with 3 young children ages 13, 11, and 6. I have been receiving disability benefits since 2006 but also received back pay to 2002. After I began receiving in 2006 I was informed by the SSA that my children were also eligible for benefits. But when I went down to the office to apply for them I was told that I didn't make enough and therefore they wouldn't receive anything. If I recall correctly,the woman said that if I ever started making $1000 per month I should apply again. I didn't then and don't now have a clue what she was talking about. The . . . Read More
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: May 8 2017 - 2:40pm
Can I Return To Work And Still Receive Benefits?
I am 69, retired and currently receive full social security benefits, can I return to work fulltime and continue receiving my social security benefits? Are there penalties involved?
Hi,
Yes, you can. There is no limit on earnings once you reach full retirement age (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html). There wouldn't be any penalties that I can think of, other than potential additional Social Security and income taxes.
Best, Jerry
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: May 8 2017 - 2:35pm
How And When Are Delayed Retirement Credits Applied?
I've heard that if I delay applying for Social Sec benefits by 2 years past my FRA (my FRA is 66), I might have to wait months or even into the following year before the 16% increase kicks in. I'm now 68 and if I apply now to start receiving benefits, how long will I have to wait to get the 16% increase and more importantly will I be retroactively paid the 16% for each month that I have to wait?
Example :
I became 66 April 19, 2015 but did not apply for benefits.
I became 68 April 19, 2017 and am considering applying this month (May). I'm assuming that I'd . . . Read More
Category: Delayed Retirement Credits
Posted: May 8 2017 - 1:47pm
Do I Qualify For An Exception To GPO?
I am a retired teacher in Minneapolis, MN who paid into and am now receiving a pension. I retired in 2008 but continued tow work in the same school district as an independent contractor. I paid social security for 5 years from 2008-2013. I have applied for spousal benefits but was denied because of GPO. Can I take exception to their ruling because I paid social security payments for 60 months? Can you provide any advice or suggestions? Thank you for your help.
Hi,
I can't tell you for sure whether or not you meet an exception to the Government Pension . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: May 8 2017 - 1:29pm
Does A Disabled Adult Child Lose Their Benefits If Their Parent No Longer Qualifies For Benefits?
Hi Larry,
I have a question regarding Disabled Adult Child Benefits... If the parent is receiving SSDI when the adult child qualifies for benefits, but then later tries to go back to work, stopping parent's benefits, does the child lose their adult child benefits? Does the parent have to be actively receiving ssdi in order for the adult child to keep their benefit?
Hi,
Yes, a disabled adult child (DAC) cannot be entitled to DAC benefits unless their parent is entitled to either Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or if their . . . Read More
Category: Disabled Adult Child Benefits
Posted: May 8 2017 - 1:21pm
What Should I Do To Maximize My Benefits?
My husband is 57 and just diagnosed with a terminal cancer. I am 5 years older (born '54). We are looking into him getting SSDI (he has a qualifying disease). He is trying to get me set up for when he passes. We have no idea what I should do or when regarding taking SS. I am not in any hurry to make a claim. Just want to maximize the SS benefit. I also worked 23 years so I have SS benefits.. but he made double what I made. S
Hi S,
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's illness.
From your description, it sounds like your best option may be to . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 8 2017 - 1:07pm
Can I File For Divorced Spousal Benefits At Age 62 & Switch To My Own Record At FRA?
I was married for 16 years and then my wife and I divorced. I'm still single, almost 59, and pondering the best strategy to maximize my social security benefits. Is it possible that I could file for ex-spousal benefits at age 62, suspend them at about 66 years and 8 months (my full retirement age) and then immediately file for my full social security benefits? Her income over the years was significantly less than mine, but it would help me make it to my FRA. It doesn't appear that you can "double-dip" and claim both at the same time, lol!
Hi,
The . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 8 2017 - 12:57pm
Was Social Security Correct To Apply WEP In My Case?
Dear Larry,
I am a US citizen who worked in the Middle East (oil and gas industry) for most of my career. I worked for one company, but for the first third of my career (14 years) I paid FICA taxes because the company was US owned. For the remaining 27 years the company was locally owned so I was not required to (nor did I) pay FICA, except for those brief periods when on business assignments int he USA. When I retired I received a lump sum settlement in lieu of pension.
This year (2017) I reached FRA and applied for SS benefits. SSA informed me I would be . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: May 8 2017 - 12:42pm