Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

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Is Filing A Restricted Application For Divorced Spousal Benefits Only Still An Option?

In (Divorced Spousal Benefits) How Do I Restrict My Application To Divorced Spousal Benefits Only? Mar 23 2017 - 7:30am, Jerry discusses the "restrict retirement benefits on your own record from the scope of your application for divorced spousal benefits" approach.

Yet in many of the other questions concerning divorced spousal benefits, Jerry states "whenever you file for either divorced spousal benefits or retirement benefits on your own record, you'll be deemed to be filing for both benefits thanks to the new law passed by Congress last year" without discussing the . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Apr 28 2017 - 6:50am

Is My Daughter Eligible For Anything From Social Security?

My child's father passed away last year. There was a child support order in place since she was born. He made a couple of payments but he still owed thousands of dollars in back child support someone told me I need to go to social security, my daughter is not a minor so I was wondering if this is true

Hi,

Your daughter may qualify for surviving child's benefits if she is unmarried and either a) under age 18, b) 18 to 19 and in secondary school, or c) became disabled prior to age 22 (https . . . Read More

Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Apr 28 2017 - 6:38am

Am I Eligible For Any Survivor Benefits?

I divorced my husband have never remarried he he die 13 yrears ago I am 53 and disabled before he died am I entitled to an y survivor benefits

Hi,

Possibly. In order to be eligible for disabled surviving divorced spousal benefits, you must have been married to your ex-husband for at least 10 years, and he must have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to be insured. You may want to contact Social Security to find out if you can qualify for benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 7:12am

Am I Allowed To File And Suspend?

I will be turning FRA (66) in August 2017. My long-time, trusted CPA/Financial Planner recommended to file and suspend until age 70. Last year, I learned about the Bipartisan Act of 2015 and found out that I was a few months "too young" to apply for the file and suspend benefit that expired in April 2016. When I called Social Security three weeks ago, I was informed that I did not qualify for the file and suspend option because I am single and without children. In all the research I did a year ago, I did not read about this exception. Please advise if this exception is true and . . . Read More

Category: File and Suspend
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 6:54am

Why Does It Take So Long?

I have applied for as I more then once this would be my 3rd time. All I have been denied. I have been waiting 63 day to hear back from them turned my paperwork for a determination on the 12 of this month. Why have they not called or stated they needed anything else could it be taking a long time because it was a proved or denied. Plus they have not called me back stating anything they needed beside letting me know they received and it is pending. What could it be tho?

Hi,

I assume that you're referring to an application for disability benefits. . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 6:44am

Why Was My Son Switched From SSI To Social Security?

We have a mentally disabled son disabled since birth. He was on SSI until my husband started collecting SS Retirement at that time our son was automatically switched from SSI to SS and Medicare. Being disabled since birth he would get more help with having SSI in getting into a group home. Why did they switch him?

Thank You
Linda

Hi Linda,

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs based program funded by general tax revenues as opposed to Social Security taxes. It is intended as a last resort source of income for people who are . . . Read More

Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 6:32am

Should My Earnings After Becoming Disabled Increase My Benefit Rate?

I am receiving SSDI since 05/2007. Since 2009 till tax year 2016, I pay an self-employment tax based on self-employment income between $5500 - $9500 per year.
My question is: Am I eligible for an higher SSDI Benefit amount based on the earnings between 2009 - 2016? I read somewhere, that the income can be added to my former lifetime average? What does the law says about that?

Hi,

Social Security disability benefit (SSDI) rates are calculated using an average of a variable number of the disabled person's highest years of wage-indexed earnings. . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 6:14am

Does My Social Security Roll Over Into The Railroad Retirement System?

I worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 11 1/2 years and just took a job back in the private sector, since i was vested at 5 years at UP I was told that when do retire that my retirement check will always come from the RRRB. Does all the SS I've paid in roll over into the RR retirement?

Hi,

It sounds like you will eventually qualify for both Social Security (SS) and Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits. When that occurs, Social Security calculates your benefit rate using just your Social Security covered earnings and then certifies your benefits to the . . . Read More

Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 6:02am

Am I Entitled To Any Benefits?

Hi
My query is whether I am entitled to any financial help. I am a British citizen, I married an American citizen on 31st December, 1976 in England who sadly passed away 5th January, 2007. He was born in Los Angeles on 18th March, 1956. We lived and worked in Oakland, California from 1976 to 1982 when we permanently moved back to the UK. I wrote to the American Embassy in London for information but no response.

I look forward to your reply.

Kind regards
Pauline

Hi Pauline,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If your husband . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 5:37am

When Would I Receive My First Payment?

Know that if I want to start receiving Social Security benefits on my 66th birthday on Nov 29, 2017, the first check would be deposited on the 4th Wed of the month which would be Dec 27, 2017; however, if I didn't want to start receiving my benefits until Jan 1, 2018, when would the first check be deposited, Jan 24, 2018 or Feb 21, 2018?

Thanks

Hi,

If your month of entitlement to benefits is January 2018, your first payment would be due on the 4th Wednesday of February 2018.

Best, Jerry

Category: Payment Dates
Posted: Apr 27 2017 - 5:32am

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