Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 2441 - 2450 of 10063 questions.

If Something Happens To My Husband, Will I Be Able To Get His Amount Of SS In Place Of Mine?

I was born 1960 Ana wanted to collect my ss at 62 and my husband ss is way more than mines if he is on disability now if something happens to him will I be able to get his amount of ss in place of mines if I claim mines at 62

Hi. Yes, as long as you're at least full retirement age (FRA) when you start drawing widow's benefits. The surviving member of a couple is generally eligible for the higher of their own benefit rate or their deceased spouse's benefit rate, but if you claim widow's benefits prior to FRA your benefit rate will be reduced for age. . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: May 27 2021 - 9:07pm

When Will My Benefit Recalculation Be Processed?

I starting SS benefits at 62. Due to working between 62 and 66, SS withheld about half of my benefits each year. I turned FRA September 2020 and SS has yet to recalculate my benefit (as of May 2021 benefit). When I talk with SS staff, they get confused and think I'm asking for the increase to my original FRA amount. I mention FRA to them because the recalc occurs after FRA, so they tell me I agreed to the reduced benefit and my benefit will not change. Maybe I do not know how to word my request. Can you tell me when the recalc occurs for FRA in September 2020?

. . . Read More
Category: Recomputations
Posted: May 27 2021 - 6:42pm

Why Is Social Security Forcing My To Take A Different Benefit?

I've been on SSI because I have congestive heart failure since I've been about 56 57 years old I just turned 62 March 24th and they told me I have to come off of SSI and go on disability Social Security which I make $1,099 a month they told me that I have to renew my disability every 6 months that ridiculous to me why why put me through all of this my heart can't take this kind of stuff that the way they treat me down there I don't know if I should be on a different program or why not just give me disability when I hit 65 then transfer me over I don't understand it

. . . Read More
Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: May 27 2021 - 10:20am

Will Social Security Offices Open Up Again?

Will social security offices open up again so my husband can go in person? We live in PA.

Thank you.

Hi. I'm sure that Social Security offices will reopen to the public at some point, but I don't have any inside knowledge on when that may happen. Frankly, though, I'm surprised that they haven't already reopened given the current state of affairs. My best guess would be that we'll see offices reopening at least partially within the next few months.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: May 27 2021 - 10:14am

Can I Sell My House And Buy A House Out Of State If I'm On SSI?

I am on disability SSI can I sell my house? And buy a house out of state?

Hi. You could potentially sell your home and continue to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as long as you use the proceeds to pay for a new home within 3 months of receiving the funds (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130110). The rules for SSI are tricky, though, so you should probably discuss your plans in advance with an SSI technical expert at Social Security.

Best, Jerry

Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: May 27 2021 - 10:05am

Can My Wife Take Her Benefits Before Her FRA And Take Spousal Benefits Later?

Im planning on taking my social security at 70 since my wife is 4 years younger and higher survivor benefits. My wife does have retirement benefits but less than half of mine. If she takes her benefits before her fra can she take the spousal later at her fra or is deemed to be taking both. Thanks

Hi. Since your wife was apparently born after January 1 1954, she couldn't file for either her own Social Security retirement benefits or for spousal benefits without being deemed to be filing for both benefits. But, she couldn't actually qualify for spousal . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: May 27 2021 - 9:47am

Should I Start Drawing My Social Security Early And Invest In IRAs?

My wife and I are both retired, no longer with earned income. I turn 63 in June and she is 18 months older than me. She is a retired Texas teacher subject to WEP and GPO therefore as we understand it will receive little, if any, of my SS benefit. When I retire I locked in her beneficiary benefit upon my death at 75% of my monthly benefit. Also I do not have anything withheld from my retirement. Should I start drawing early and put the benefit in IRA's for each of us to start building an additional benefit for her in the event of my premature death?

Hi. . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: May 26 2021 - 12:36pm

Would My SSD Check Be Lower If I Draw SSI?

I have applied for SSD, so your saying I could draw SSI while waiting on my SSD to be approved . Would my SSD check be of a lesser amount because of me drawing SSI? Is there a spouse benefit for SSI!

Hi. No, drawing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) wouldn't have any adverse effect on your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. SSI is a needs based benefit for people who are disabled, blind or at least age 65. There are no auxiliary or survivor benefits payable to family members of a person on SSI. SSI payments only go to the eligible individual . . . Read More

Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: May 26 2021 - 12:19pm

If I Sign Up For Medicare Now Will I Be Billed Until I Apply For My Social Security Benefits?

I am retired from federal service and plan on taking social security at age 66 and 4 months. I am currently 65. I have a federal health plan now. I think I must apply for Medicare within 3 months. If I take social security at 66 and 4 Months, will I be billed for Medicare prior to that date ? If I hold off applying for Medicare until I take social security, will I incur a penalty fee ?

Hi. Normally if you sign up for Part B of Medicare prior to when you sign up for monthly benefits, you're billed quarterly for the premiums. However, you probably could opt . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: May 26 2021 - 8:33am

Would I Still Be Eligible For Child In Care Benefits If I'm Separated From My Husband?

Hi. My husband will be retiring soon, and we have an adult disabled child. I understand I will be eligible for child in care benefit. I see if divorced I will not qualify, but what if we are separated. Am I eligible for the benefit? I haven’t seen any info on this anywhere. Thank you so much. Janelle

Hi Janelle. As long as you're still legally married you wouldn't have to be living with your spouse to be able to potentially qualify for child in care spousal benefits. You would, however, need to have your eligible child in your care ( . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: May 25 2021 - 10:01pm
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