Hi Dr.Kotlikoff,
I have already determined that now at Age 67 (birthday is 9/17/50) is the appropriate maximization time for me to file as a divorcee even though I don’t need the income.
But wondering if I start taking instead my 401k/IRA funds in the same amt. as S.S. yrly. (since my real return on those is less than 2%) is it likely future S.S. reforms will reduce my planned higher payout at Age 70 ....as my taxable annual income is over $100k ?

I want to get married. I'm receiving social security, so is my future husband. will I loose any benefits when I get married?

Hi,

That depends on what type of benefits you're receiving. If you're receiving retirement benefits based on your own record, getting married wouldn't have any effect on those benefits. Nor would widow's benefits terminate due to a remarriage that occurs at age 60 or later.

My sister began the application process at a social security office in January, shortly after age 62 in January 2017. The process because was a question whether to file on her divorced husbands record or hers. She died on July 11, 2017.
Is her estate eligible for retroactive benefits from February thru date of death?
Thank you

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hi Larry, this is VERY important to me, hope you can please assist! My husband got his application summary today in the mail from the social security office. He had a telephone application with them this past Wednesday.

I applied for SS widow bendefts. Was given 425.00 +/- per month added to my own SS benefit. I'm 70 yrs old and continue to work, thinking I'm increasing my total benefits. Wrong! His benefits keep going down the more I work. Is this correct?

Hi,

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. You can essentially only receive the higher of your widow's rate or your own retirement rate, so when your retirement rate goes up due to additional earnings, your widow's rate will go down accordingly.

Best, Jerry

In 1998, I left the US Postal Service under approved disability and began receiving a check as a disability annuitant. This year, I applied for social security early retirement (age 62). During my application process, I was contacted by a Social Security representative, who was able to view my online application, as I was completing it. The representative asked why I wasn’t also applying for social security disability, (since based on my answers under the medical questions, it was apparent that I was disabled).

Am I at risk for having my SS benefit stolen?

I took my spouse's benefit at my FRA, and am letting mine grow to age 70. I cannot get online access to my own benefit estimates under my SS# since I am already receiving a monthly check. Since the Equifax hack, I've read and heard that Social Security benefits are at risk if someone uses your SS# and claims your benefit. All of these stories end with checking your account at the Social Security website. How can I check my own benefit and make sure it's not stolen?

Hi,

I filed a restricted application at age 66 and have been getting spousal benefits on my wife's record (she filed at age 62). I will turn 70 next year. Do I need to apply to SS to switch to my own benefit at age 70, or is it automatic? If it is automatic, will they automatically switch my Medicare card number back to my SS number (It was changed to my spouse' SS number when I filed the restricted application).

Hi,

I am 66, collecting full social security retirement benefits, + employed full time, but, currently on medical leave. I have applied for short term disability. Will my disability claim be paid concurrent with my social security retirement benefit?

Hi,

I can only confirm that your Social Security benefits won't be affected by any short-term disability payments that you may receive. Whether or not the reverse is true would depend on the terms of your short-term disability insurance policy.

Best, Jerry

I receive survivors benefits due to taking care of a disabled child that was disabled before age 22. She receives disability and survivors benefits. If I were incarcerated, could my survivors benefit be paid to her until I was no longer incarcerated. I know there are many exceptions that Social Security does not want people to know.

Hi,

No, if your benefits are suspended due to incarceration the benefits can't be paid to anyone else.

Best, Jerry