Miscellaneous

When I turned 61 years old, i have retired (no income at this point) and started to collect social security benefit as a widower on my deceased wife record. I plan to continue to receive this SS benefit on her record until I turn 70 years old and then switch to my own social security benefit which would obviously reach maximum when I am 70. When I turn 62 or be at FRA -- do I need to fill out any form or let SS office know by other means that I want to stay on my wife social security benefit and then switch to my own when I turn 70?

Hi,

I am 64 years old. I plan to work for another 2-4 years (6 years maximum). I have never worked in a government position before. I am interviewing for a position covered under OPERS and for which social security will not be taken. I will most likely retire before achieving 5 years of vesting in OPERS. Financially, how bad is that decision? will I be able to receive a refund of the 10% of earnings I contribute to OPERS (although I won't be there 5 years)?

Can I collect survivors benefits and private insurance disability? I was hurt at work, and they recently stopped my benefits. I began collect SS survivors benefits. My private insurance has since re instated my benefits.

Hi,

That depends on the terms of your insurance policy. All that I'm able to tell you is that drawing private disability insurance wouldn't have any effect on your Social Security survivor benefits. You'll need to check with your insurance company to see if the reverse is true.

Best, Jerry

on November 12th I received a $14,200 direct deposit from Social Security (disability) into my account but I hve know idea why. Any thoughts??

Hi,

No, I have no idea. It could be a mistake, or it could be some type of back pay. In any case, you should receive a notice in the mail from Social Security explaining the reason for the payment within about 10 days from the date of the deposit. If you don't receive a notice, or if the notice doesn't adequately explain the payment, you should probably call Social Security to ask for an explanation.

my son has ssi. He has physofrenia and is getting worse. my question is he's getting to the point where he doesn't want to be left alone. seeing and hearing things. Currently seeing a psych tristen and on medication. Do they have a program that pays for someone to takes care of him while im at work?

Hi,

My deceased husband was married three(3) times. After his death, the two other wives and myself received widow benefits. Since then, the other two wives have died. I can I get an increase to my SS since their money is not being paid?

Hi,

I was married for 40years. I had to start taking SS at age 62 to take care of my husband. My husband started SS at 65. He then passed away three years later. He was at a much higher payment than i. So it was reduced bc, I had to take it before I wanted to. What really doesn't make sense is my sister was able to draw off of her first husband that she divorced when her second husband died. I think the SS should make it fair for someone who should be drawing a spouse's SS.
Thanks Myra

Hi Myra,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hi Larry,
Can one get their social security upon renouncing US citizen ? If one renounces, do you loose your social security number where you cannot claim social security then?
It's because the country doesn't allow dual citizenship and so the decision to have to renounce.
I understand once you renounce, you cannot return to the US.
Thank you for your help in to this.

Hi,

Hi Larry! I’m 63 and on SSDI. I’m planning on selling my house and buying another in a neighboring city. I have a friend who wants to gift me a large portion of my next house’s cost. Will it effect my disability benefits in any way to receive a large gift. Will it effect my Medicare? (Also, the profit on my house will be <$150K. I’ll probably put less than half of that towards my new house. ) thanks so much!

Hi,

Does the zip code from which I file for Social Security have any impact, other than taxes, on the benefit I'll be paid?

Hi,

No. Social Security is a federal program. Where you live and where you apply for benefits has no bearing on your benefit rate.

Best, Jerry