Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 8281 - 8290 of 10063 questions.

Can I Qualify For Spousal Benefits?

I had to sign up for my retirement this past aug1 @ 62 yrs of age. My husband had to come out of work two yrs ago on disability. We have two eleven yr old boy`s whom we adopted. They get to draw off my husbands disability. I ask if I could not draw off my husband`s work record. They said no, because I had enough credits off my own. But it is not much and wanted to make sure I could not draw from his record. thank you

Hi,

You could only receive additional spousal benefits from your husband's record if 50% of his disability rate (PIA) is higher than . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Apr 2 2017 - 6:30am

When Can I Get Widow's Benefits?

I was widowed at 32 I'm now 50 my husband would be 62. I work and earn 36K a year, and manage I was encouraged to ask if I would qualify for any of my husbands benefits to help me along. Or must I wait until I'm of retirement age myself

Thank you,

Hi,

The earliest that you could qualify for widow's benefits is at age 60, although benefits can be paid as early as age 50 in some cases if the widow is disabled.

Your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits at age 60, then switch to your own . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Apr 2 2017 - 6:15am

Why Can The State Tap Into My SS Money?

I hope I will here back from you on this question.
I got pneumonia three years ago now an ended up w many health issues which took me out of work and school.
I receive SSDI and SSI, the two payments together don't equal much but it is my SSI 10 dollar payment I don't understand.
I feel that one gets this just so the state can stay in your affairs or so that they can tap into the little bit of money one receives. I don't know perhaps it has to do with ones medical?
All I know is when I call SS with a question they direct me to the state I live in and . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Apr 2 2017 - 6:00am

Can My Husband Work Part Time And Still Get Benefits?

Hi! My husband is 62 and pretty much disabled but has been turned down for SSI Disability. He is also on Medicaid as he has severe COPD and Thyroid issues. His Medicaid expires 10/17 and may or may not be renewed. He will start collecting regular Social Security of $1054. in May of this year. My question is: he still works 1 day a week. We need to keep the insurance and cannot afford premiums. Can he continue to work 1 day ($120/Day/Gross), get his SS payment and still have Medicaid or does he have to quit his job to maintain a lower income. I am 70 and on SS also but barely . . . Read More

Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Apr 2 2017 - 5:45am

Which Month Should I Choose To Start Benefits?

I turned 66 in March 2017. When I was filling out the on-line application, I was asked if to start benefit on 3/1/2017. Do I make the application effective March or April?

Hi,

If you want benefits to begin effective with your full retirement age you should choose March, unless you happen to have been born on March 1st, in which case you would choose February.

You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website first, though. You may have better filing options available to you.

Best, Jerry

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Apr 1 2017 - 8:45am

Did Social Security Give Me Correct Information?

I have been receiving social security disability payments since September 2012. I will be turning age 66 FRA on June 1st, 2017 (DOB June 1,1951). I went to local SSA office to inquire about "voluntary suspension" of my benefits starting June 1st, 2017 when the my SS benefits become regular social security payments.
I was told I could not suspend my benefits and will have to continue taking my benefits. Was I given correct information? I thought once you reach FRA you can voluntary suspend your benefits to age 70.
Thank You

Hi,

No, it . . . Read More

Category: Suspending Retirement Benefits
Posted: Apr 1 2017 - 7:30am

What Happens Later If My Wife Gets Disability Benefits Now?

I am 63, my wife 57. I am still working full time and plan to do so for the time being. My wife, who is blind since birth, has worked some all her life (very part time, but consistently), and has achieved enough credits to qualify for Social Security, though the benefits, at any age, will be quite low. Due to minor arthritis kicking in even the little she works has become difficult, and of course the usual things that make it hard for the blind to be employed are ever present: employer prejudice, transportation to and from work, etc. As I understand it, SSDI has a special set . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Apr 1 2017 - 7:00am

Can I Collect Disabled Widow's Benefits If I'm Remarried?

My first husband passed away in 1994 when I was 33. I am now 55 and have been on disability for 3 years even though I'm remarried can I collect on my first husband's benefits

Hi,

No, unless you remarried after age 50 and after you became disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0406.html).

Best, Jerry

Category: Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Apr 1 2017 - 7:00am

Do I Have A 6 Month Retroactivity Option When Switching From Widow's Benefits To My Own Record?

Do I have the 6 month retroactive payment option when switching from a widows benefit to my own benefit at age 70.

Hi,

If you are nearing age 70 and you apply for retirement benefits on your own record, you have the option to claim benefits up to 6 retroactively. However, you can't receive both your full widow's benefits and your retirement benefits for the same month. So, assuming that your retirement rate is higher than the widow's rate you currently receive, if you claim 6 months of retroactivity, Social Security would only pay you the difference . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Apr 1 2017 - 6:45am

Why Weren't My Wife's Benefits Started Effective With January?

My spouse was 68 in March 2016. As per our plan using your program, she applied for her retirement benefit on January 24, 2017. By letter from SSA dated February 1, 2017, she was advised her monthly benefit was raised to her current monthly beginning January 2017. We then received a letter dated 5 days later from SSA indicating the monthly benefit would begin for February 2017, to be received in March. She called SSA to find out why she was not paid a benefit for January. The only explanation they provided was that she was 68 and if her benefit started in January, payable in . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Apr 1 2017 - 6:30am
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