Hi. I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help me with.

Hi, I am currently reading "Get What's Yours" and am considering signing up for the Households subscription on this website. Prior to that, I want to ensure this can assist me since my wife is a retired school teacher collecting those retirement benefits and won't be collecting Social Security. Will this help me figure out the best course of action for our situation and to when I should collect? I am currently still working and will be 64 in a few weeks. Thanks, Mike

Hi, I retired from Ohio in 2002 from city employment with a govt. pension that did not have SS paid into it. Since then, I have 14 years in Missouri while paying full SS taxes. Will my benefit be reduced because of my Ohio employment with the state retirement fund that was not part of SS? Thanks, Wayne

Hi, I recently went to social security to apply for my retirement benefit. I am 65 years old, retired teacher and apparently did not pay enough into social security in order to be eligible for the whole benefit I was entitled to. They cut my benefit 50% because it was offset by my TRS benefit. Well then I asked them about my Xspouse's benefit, they told me I was not entitled because the law had changed as well on that. I have been working 9 years since I retired, and had met my quarters. Is Social Security correct on all this?

When I applied for spousal benefits the examiner concluded that a type of deferred investment (like an IRA) by a former employer was considered a "pension" and subsequently reduced this benefit by more than half. I am wondering if this really constitutes a "pension" under the Windfall Elimination Provision? I did not make any contribution if that is an issue. Currently I am delaying taking Social Security but would this determination still hold true at that time.

Hi,

I began receiving social security at age 65. However, I also receive a small Cal State Teachers Retirement benefit. Social security leveled the " windfall tax" penalty against me and lessened my SS benefit by about $300 - $350 per month (The CALSTRS benefit is relatively small because I did not teach " full time" throughout my career ). Is there a way to bring Social Security to remove the " windfall tax " penalty in my case?

I'm 64, my wife 58; she has enough Social Security credits, I don't. She is retired, we both collect pensions from working Ca. State retirement systems. Two questions: I'm 7 years older, will I possibly be able to collect a SS Pension from her qualification if so when?. Will (we) qualify for SS Pension already getting a state pension? *Thank you.-Alex

Hi,

Your wife must be entitled to benefits on her account in order for you to be eligible for spousal benefits. So, she must be at least age 62 or disabled before you could qualify.

I have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for the last 10 years during which time I divorced. In August/2016 I will turn 60 and be eligible to start drawing on my Shell pension. If I collect on my pension will my Social Security Disability check be lowered or taken away? Thanks, Jane

Jane, if you paid Social Security tax on the income your pension is based on, then it will not affect your Social Security benefit amount. Only non-covered pensions can reduce your benefit amount. Thanks, John

I was married almost 30 years, most of which was spent at home raising our four children. My ex was self employed as a lawyer and worked as a teacher for about 8 years. I now receive half of his teachers pension of about 800.00 a month, I've been working since the divorce and my ss benefits will be about 1200.00 month if I work till I'm 70. I will be 63 this year and my ex will be 60. The local SS office told me my ss benefits wouldn't be penalized because the school pension was awarded in a divorce settlement. Is this true?

I'am entitled to social security but I'am subject to the WEP provision. Does it matter when to take your social security at 62 or full retirement at 66 if I'am subject to the WEP provision? I'am currently working, so does it matter if I take It now at 62 or wait until I'am 66?