Shouldn't I Be Getting More?
My husband died when he was 44 and I was 50 I got for nine months I believe $900 a month to support myself and my two young children and then that stopped I started taking Social Security when I was 62 I do not believe I ever received my husband’s benefits I am now 70 and only get $1000 a month for Social Security this is got to be wrong
Hi. You can't draw more than one full Social Security benefit at the same time. If you're already drawing your own benefits, then you could only qualify for additional widow's benefits if your widow's rate is higher than . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 27 2021 - 6:52pm
When I Turn 66 Will I Still Get My Husband's Reduced Amount Instead Of His Full Amount?
I am 65, disabled, and been collecting SSDI. I started getting survivor benefits at 57. Husband died at 42 and never collected SS. When I turn 66, will I still get his reduced amount or 100%? This is my only income. It is going to be hard future. Thank you
Hi. Assuming that you started drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits prior to or at the same time as when you started drawing widow's benefits, then your widow's rate should be recalculated effective with the month you reach full retirement age (FRA) to remove any reduction for age. The . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jun 27 2021 - 10:54am
When Should I Retire?
I have been getting ssdi since 2002.the maximum I can earn is. 1063.43 per month or else I loose medidacid Medicare housing when should I retire? Thankyou peggy
Hi Peggy. My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, not Medicaid or housing assistance. As far as Social Security disability (SSDI) and Medicare is concerned, you likely wouldn't lose those benefits unless you earn more than $1,310 per month. As long as your SSDI entitlement continues until you reach your full retirement age (FRA), your SSDI benefits will convert to regular Social . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 27 2021 - 10:42am
Is Congress Working On A Fix For People Who Turned 60 During COVID-19?
Is there a bill or is Congress working on a fix for the people who turned 60 during COVID 19, so they won’t get shorted on social security? Any info will help. Thank You
Hi. To clarify the issue for other readers, I'll start with a brief explanation. Social Security retirement benefits are based on an average of a person's highest 35 years of Social Security covered wage-indexed earnings. Indexing converts a person's historical annual earnings to amounts more reflective of current day dollars. For example, a person born in 1959 who earned $20,000 in 1991 . . . Read More
Category: Calculating Retirement Benefits
Posted: Jun 27 2021 - 10:28am
Would I Be Able To Collect Benefits If I Retire From My Job And Become An Independent Contractor?
I am considering retiring from my career job at 63 and becoming an independent contractor delivering campers across the country. My schedule c income would be under 19k...lots of legal deducts. In this business.would be driving 50 hours a week...would my benefit be ok...or would they say I'm not retired?? Help!!!!! And thanks!!!!!
Hi. You wouldn't necessarily need to be retired to start collecting Social Security benefits, but Social Security would need to withhold $1 of your benefits for every $2 that you earn in excess of $18.960 in 2021. And, even if . . . Read More
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Jun 27 2021 - 10:18am
Can You Explain How The Earnings Test Works In The Year That You Reach Full Retirement Age?
Can you explain the earnings test as it relates to the year you reach full retirement? Wondering if it would be worth my husband taking the reduction from 100% to 96.11% of his full retirement in exchange for the $50,000 he could earn before it would affect his monthly benefit. . The reduction would be about $74 in his benefit, but I think I’m understanding that it would not affect my spousal benefit and my sons DAC benefit. We would still get the full retirement/family max amount.
I’m just not completely understanding how if works. I feel like there’s a catch I’m . . . Read More
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Jun 26 2021 - 12:21pm
How Do I Answer This Application Question?
I am soon to turn 70 and am applying for social security benefits. The application asks if I have worked OR WILL WORK in 2021. Due to Covid I have not worked in 2021. I have not been “fired”, as I am a part time hourly employee and can return when the office reopens. As of now that is not expected to happen before 2022, but that could change. I currently collect unemployment insurance. With this uncertainty, how do I answer the application question? (I have called social security and not gotten a straight answer!)
Thank you.
Nancy
Hi Nancy. . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jun 25 2021 - 11:40am
Can You Give Me An Estimate Of Our Family Maximum Benefit And The Amount My Son And I Would Receive?
Hi Larry. My husband is about a year from retiring. We have an adult disabled child that I’ve taken care of since birth and therefore haven’t worked. My husbands benefit at full retirement age is 1,991. I understand both my son and myself are eligible for benefits based on his benefit. Could you give me an estimate of what our family maximum benefit would be and the approx amount my son and I would receive? Due to a new diagnosis for myself, and high medical bills we were not expecting, this has become very important. Thank you so much.
Hi. The computation . . . Read More
Category: Family Benefit Maximum
Posted: Jun 25 2021 - 11:09am
How Do I Find An Attorney To Help Me File A Class Action Lawsuit?
I am a 60 year old male. How do I find an attorney that will help me with filing a class action lawsuit against 1. SSA 2. The law firm that handled my case (SSDI) that was denied by the ALJ.
I plan to also file a suit against my doctors on the case as well (may or may not be class action).
This is where it gets complicated. While my SSDI case was in progress, I was ready to start the divorce process because I am involved in an abusive relationship. For now, I will call it 'caregiver abuse' since my wife is handicapped. My wife begged me not to leave her. This was 6 . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 25 2021 - 11:04am
If I Accept Spousal Benefits Will It Disqualify Me From Getting My Own Full Benefit At Age 70?
Hi Larry, my spouse just started receiving his SSI last month--about $1300. I received the form letter from SSA regarding his ap and since my birthday is July of 1953 I am eligible to receive the spousal benefit. I have a phone call with SSA on July 14th. I have read your book but I am still very confused. IF I go ahead and accept a spousal benefit of about $600, does this disqualify me from getting my full retirement benefit of about $3000 at age 70? I plan on waiting until that age to retire. I certainly don't want to lose that amount of money per month if I take the spousal . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 25 2021 - 10:58am
