My non resident and non U.S. citizen spouse is applying for social security benefits. We currently reside part of the year in Florida and the rest of the time in Brazil. My wife is an Italian citizen. She is 64.5 years old When social security administration asks about income are they only asking about U.S. sources? She has never worked in the U.S. but does have a social security number that she received in the 70's when she was in the U.S. on a student visa. If she works in Brazil for a non U.S. company does that income affect her eligibility?

BACKGROUND: Due to the teriible economy, globilization and my age, I have not worked full time for over 3 years. And, after exhausting all my personal resources 2 years ago, have gone on government assistance. At my renewal meeting this week they just told me that I MUST file for Early Retirement Social Security. So I did so and I was just informed that my first SS check will be on November 16.

I turned 66 this july. If I file to collect spousal benefits on my ex-husband's earnings, (he's 67 and we were married 24 years), is there a limit to the earnings I can make until I'm 70 and file to collect my own benefits?

Hi,

I will be full retirement age in June 2017. Am I allowed to earn $41,880 in the first 5 months of the year without being penalized? Or is the maximum $41,880 divided by 12 for a monthly max amount of $3490?

Thank You!

Hi,

Hello. If I take a job after I reach FRA which pays much less than what I earned in my lifelong job of more than 35 years, do I run the risk of reducing my monthly benefit?
Thanks for your guidance. Arthur

No, Arthur. The Earnings Test ends the day you reach full retirement age. best, Larry

Hello Larry,

With regard to the earnings test for someone taking benefits before FRA, can net self employment income be reduced by making retirement plan contributions to avoid exceeding the $15,720 limit? Also, what kind of documentation needs to be provided to Social Security regarding earnings, retirement plan contributions (if given consideration) and business expenses? Lastly, how often must this information be provided?

Yours, Ronnie

Hi Ronnie,

I visited my local Social Security office recently. I'm 62 and considering starting my reduced benefits next month when my husband turns 66 and I'm 62 1/2. He is the higher earner and my plan is for him to make a Restricted Application and collect spousal benefits on my earnings for 3 1/2 years while delaying filing for his own benefits until he is 70. I asked what would happen if I exceeded the $15,700 earnings limit where all or part of my benefits would stop. We agreed that in this case I wouldn't lose anything as my payment would be adjusted at FRA.

I will turn 62 next July. I will continue to work and receive earnings up to that date. Since my earnings for year to date will be over the maximum allowed should I wait until Jan of the following year to apply?

Hi,

I'm considering retiring at the end of this year (2016). I may qualify for a bonus based on work done in 2016. If so, the bonus will be paid in 2017. I will likely have to include the bonus payment made in 2017 in my income tax return for that year. Will Social Security count this income for the earnings test in 2017 even though it was earned in 2016?

Hi,

One spouse is fully retired and receiving benefits. The partner's working spouse and dependent child (age 4) are receiving benefits. If the spouse's increasing income begins to exceed the income limits, what happens to (a) the spouse's benefits and (b) the child's benefits? Can the child still be eligible?

Hi,