Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | BAM - Maximize My Social Security

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Can I Be Entitled To My Husband's Social Security?

Me and my husband are separated. We are still married for 38 years. I bealive he retired hes 56 and so am I. Can I be entitled to his social security?

Hi. You could potentially qualify for spousal benefits based on your husband's earnings at some point, but you'd have to be at least age 62 or have an eligible child in your care to be eligible. Furthermore, your husband would have to be drawing his Social Security retirement or disability benefits in order for you to potentially qualify for spousal benefits ( . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 24 2021 - 12:16pm

What's The Difference Between VA Survivor Benefits And Social Security Widow's Benefits?

What is the difference between VA survivor benefit and social security widow’s benefits? Can I collect both? My full retirement age is 67. Can I retire at 65 using my late ex husband social security? Will I be penalized?

Hi. My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, so I can't answer any questions about VA benefits. What I can tell you is that if you receive VA benefits, it would have no adverse effect on any type of Social Security benefits for which you are eligible.

You don't mention whether or not you're eligible for your own . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Sep 24 2021 - 10:47am

Will I Be Able To Switch To My Own Benefit When I Become Eligible?

I just started getting widows benefit st age 61. My benefits at age 62 will be larger than my widows benefit. Will I be able to switch over to my own when I become eligible

Hi. Yes you could, but you probably shouldn't. The only way that it might make sense for you to switch to your own benefits at age 62 is if you have severe health problems that will substantially shorten your life span. If you switch to drawing your own benefits at age 62 you'll be stuck with a substantially reduced monthly benefit rate for the rest of your life. What you should . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Sep 24 2021 - 10:23am

What Form Do I Use To Change The Start Date Of My Benefit?

Dear Larry,
I am 68 years old and married. I recently filed for social security and have received my award notices already for myself and my wife. I would like to reconsider this and wanted to change my filing to back date it 6 months from the current month, September and receive a lump sum plus whatever monthly benefit I am entitled to going forward. What form do I use to do this and how do I fill it out? The SS Agent told me to use Form SSA-561-U2 Request for Reconsideration, but this seems like the wrong form. Can you help please. Thank you, Anthony

. . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Sep 24 2021 - 8:08am

What Should I Do If I'm Working And Collecting Disability Benefits?

I have been on SSDI for 5 yrs or so. This January I started a business which has ended up doing quite well, with every month of 9 being over the SGA.

I have NOT yet reported the income, thinking it will be averaged over the year - and I am hoping to make this my ‘Trial Work Period.’

I had no idea overpayment existed and am now quite concerned. Suggestions how to approach? Advice?

Thank you!

Hi. When you apply for Social Security disability (SSDI), you agree to report to Social Security if you return to work. Failure to do so is . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Sep 23 2021 - 1:10pm

Is What Social Security Told Me True?

Hello Larry,
Will you please help me to understand... widow's benefits. (i will be 61 on...10-5-2021)
is it possible for me to ....first ...receive my own reduced social security benefit at 62
for me... @62=$805 & @67= $1,143.
and then.... later.... receive my deceased husbands when i become full retirement age 67 ?
social security tells me... from my deceased husband...
for me... @60=$1,489 & @ 67= $2,027
i was told that even though my husband started receiving his social security early...
that... for me... if i left it . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Sep 23 2021 - 12:29pm

How Long Does It Take Social Security To Reissue Conserved Funds?

Hello, after you send the conserved funds back to Social Security, how long does it typically take for them to reissue the funds to the child who turned 18?

Hi. In the past I would have said 30 to 90 days, but all Social Security functions seem to be taking longer these days. I don't know if that's a result of understaffing, poor training, or COVID, but it's likely some combination of those factors. What I would suggest is that if you think that Social Security is taking an unreasonable amount of time to take action on something, then contact the offices . . . Read More

Category: Rep
Posted: Sep 22 2021 - 7:29pm

Can Social Security Reduce My Spousal Payment?

My husband and I both have state pensions for the Uk. I have never worked in the USA. My husband has just retired and in process of negotiating claiming social security. He worked til he was 70 with about 11 years contributions. We understand he will lose $498 through WEP. Can social. Security take more reductions from my spousal payment? Thank. You

Hi. Your UK pension won't affect your spousal benefits, but your spousal rate will be calculated based on your husband's WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) reduced primary insurance amount (PIA). In other . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Sep 22 2021 - 6:14pm

Is It True That An Ex-Wife Can No Longer Collect 50% Of Their Ex-Spouse's Social Security?

Social security rep said that collecting 50% of
Ex-spouse’s Social Security is no longer available to the ex-wife. Is that correct?

Hi. Social Security still pays divorced spousal benefits, but the amount depends on whether or not you're eligible for benefits on your own account and your age at the time you claim the benefits. Also, people born after January 1 1954 can no longer file just for divorced spousal benefits at full retirement age (FRA) while allowing their own benefit rate to keep growing ( . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 22 2021 - 6:08pm

Do My SS Payments Go Retroactive To My Birthday?

I turned 65 this year. I was unable to apply for my benefits of Medicare and my monthly check (due to contracting Covid). I finally got signed up. My question is, do my SS payments go retro to my birthday or do they start from when I apply?

Hi. When you apply for Social Security retirement benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA) you can't claim benefits retroactively for any months prior to the month of your application. The only way that you could be paid for any months prior to the month you applied is if you established an earlier protective . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Sep 22 2021 - 5:13pm

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