Ask Larry

Filing For Benefits

When Should My Wife File Her Application?

I just applied for SS benefits to start May 1. I'll be 66 in April. My wife is 66 1/2 and will file a restricted application and ask for only her spousal benefit. What should the exact timing be for her to apply for benefits. Even though I'm not yet receiving a benefit, can she apply now? Or should she wait until I'm "on the books" and receiving a benefit?
Thanks,

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, March 18, 2019 - 17:57

Will My Husband Be Penalized For Waiting Until Age 69 To File For Part B Of Medicare?

I will retire Jul 1 2019.from a NYC agency. I become 65 5/22/19. My spouse has been retired and covered under my medical. We both will sign up for Medicare Part B. Will he be penalized for waiting until now that he is 69? His DOB 9/13/49. He collects SSA check since 2011 when he retired at 62. Do we apply online or in SSA office? When do I apply, since I retire 7/1/19?

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, February 28, 2019 - 11:42

Will I Be Able To Stop My Application If The Benefit Amount Is Too Low?

How would you explain a discrepancy among the retirement benefit calculators at SS.gov and with agents as well as my SS Statement?
The Online Calculator, Retirement Estimator as well as my SS Statement state one amount for my PIA while the Quick Calculator, Detailed Calculator and an agent at my local SS office state a different amount. The difference is about $84, which would be 2-3 weeks of food for me, so it matters.

Posted: 
Sunday, February 24, 2019 - 09:55

Can I Submit A Restricted Application For Spousal Benefits At The Same Time My Husband Applies?

Can I submit my restricted application for my spousal benefit at the same time my husband applies for soc sec, or do I have to wait until his application is approved?

Hi,

Yes, you can apply for spousal benefits at the same time that your husband files for his benefits and before his claim is approved. You can only file a restricted application for spousal benefits effective with the month that you reach full retirement age or later, but you could submit your application up to 4 months before then.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Friday, January 18, 2019 - 12:15

What Will The Online Application Ask Me About My Plans To Continue Working?

I will be at full retirement age next month (February, 2019). I have not yet applied for social security but I plan to apply online soon. I am self-employed and plan to keep working after retirement. Because I need to anticipate what the online application form will ask me regarding my plan to continue working beyond full retirement age, can anybody explain what the online form will require as it pertains to my plan to continue working (questions, documents, etc)?

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 - 07:05

Why Am I Unable To File Online?

I will be 66 in February, 2019. I tried to apply online for social security but it won't let me past the first page. I get the error "We cannot create an account for the social security number you entered". I know it is correct, of course. The only thing I can think of is that the system already has my SS # since I filed for Medicare a year ago.

I need answers, as I refuse to use the local Social Security office. I must get this done online. Please advise!

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, January 8, 2019 - 10:49

Which Month Should I Choose In Order To Get My FRA Benefit Rate?

I turn my FRA of 66 this April 15th 2019 (Born 1953). I began a Retirement application with the SSA to begin collecting my benefits as soon as possible after hitting my FRA.
My question is in the section where they ask when I want my benefits to begin, do I put April 2019 or May 2019 ? I want to make sure I receive 100% of my FRA benefit.

Thank You

Hi,

Posted: 
Saturday, January 5, 2019 - 10:02

How Can I Get Social Security To Process My Payments?

Dear Larry,
I filed for SS at a local office when turned 65, but was denied as the clerk was unaware that my 20+ years of work in Canada can be added to my 6 US credits. I filed an appeal online, but was ignored even though I got a confirmation that it was received. Then I sent another appeal with all the paperwork to a PO Box in Maryland. Once again, no reply. It has been 3 years since I was supposed to get my SS. How can I get them to reply and process my payments? The phone contact is beyond dysfunctional.
Thank you

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, December 10, 2018 - 06:53

Is Applying For Benefits Relatively Easy?

Husband is 72 and never applied for ssi. Been self employed entire life. Wife is 65 and housewife for 40 years. 1.)Is applying for ssi a relatively easy task for both husband and wife? 2.)If husband has only recently filed tax returns (or had IRS assessments made) How does the husband make sure he is given credit for the recent returns and assessments?

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, November 15, 2018 - 16:17
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