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

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How Does My Sister-In-Law In New Zealand Go About Receiving Survivor Benefits?

Dear Larry,
After 4 frustrating phone calls to the Social Security Office and been given 4 different answers I am in desperate need for advice. I am asking on behalf of my sister-in -law who is too distraught and upset to pursue this matter. How does she go about receiving Survivor Benefits that she is entitled to. I would appreciate your help in this matter.
Her husband passed away on the 26th February, 2021 at 12.10pm in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has been receiving his Social Security pension beginning at age 70. Date of Birth: 3/17/1945
I am claiming . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Mar 12 2021 - 2:13pm

Will Fifteen Years With Zero Earnings Lower My Benefit Amount?

My wife and I have been running a non-incorporated business since since 1996 and file our taxes jointly. I just discovered that the for the last 15 years SSI earnings have all been assigned to her and show $0 for myself. Taking into consideration that these years have been of lower taxable income, will these 15 years of $0 lower my SSI benefits?

Hi. Having zero earnings in a year doesn't exactly lower your benefit rate, it just doesn't increase it. Social Security retirement benefits are based on an average of a person's highest 35 years of Social Security . . . Read More

Category: Retirement Benefits
Posted: Mar 12 2021 - 8:33am

Now What?

I have 7 months of SSI benefits sitting on direct express card and they wont activate my card or stop payment going to the card. Denver Field Office refuses to help us and im afraid my stepfather is goingbto die without access to his money. What do i do? Impossible to get him an id because he has been here 13 years never had co id and has absolutely no documents or money to obtain id that they insist on... Now what

Hi. I'm sorry, but I'm not able to diagnose what's causing your problem based on the limited information in your question. Since you've . . . Read More

Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: Mar 11 2021 - 5:06pm

If My Benefits Are Withheld Due To My Earnings, What Months Could My Family Members Be Paid?

I am contemplating applying for early SS retirement benefits. I am 65. My wife does not work. She cares for our three children under 4 years old and is 38.
I will continue to work for three years or so.
I understand that if I get any of my benefit (after the earnings test reduction), my family will get their benefit.
I would probably get a large reduction in benefit that would leave me with benefits paid for one month.. Dec only.
My question is, will my family get their benefits just for Dec or for each month in the year?

Hi. Your . . . Read More

Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Mar 11 2021 - 4:06pm

Can I Get More Social Security Money Now That I'm On Dialysis?

My husband is retired and drawing his social security I didn't have enough credits so I'm drawing social security off of my husband I have to start dialysis this week can I get more social security money now that I'm on dialysis if so how do I go about it please

Hi. No, I'm sorry but going on dialysis wouldn't make you eligible for a higher Social Security benefit. However, if you are under age 65 and you've been diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) you may be able to qualify for early Medicare coverage. For more information on early Medicare . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Mar 11 2021 - 11:24am

At What Age Is My Wife Entitled To Start Drawing Benefits On My Record?

Hi Larry currently am 56 years old and Receiving SS Disability Benefits, My Wife is 57 years old so my Question is: at what Age she is Entitled to start Receiving Benefits on my Behalf, Thank You Very Much.

Hi. Unless your wife has a child in her care who qualifies for benefits on your account, the earliest that she could potentially qualify for spousal benefits is when she reaches age 62. However, she could only qualify for spousal benefits if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than her own PIA. And, any spousal benefits that your wife . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Mar 11 2021 - 11:14am

Will The Survivor Benefit Amount From My Daughter's Record Be Split Between Her Two Children?

My daughter passed..she has 2 children..1 have custody of an the father custody of the the other.will the survivor benefit amount be split between the 2 of them..?? Example if it would b 2000.00 monthly would each only get 1000.00 monthly?

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. All of your daughter's eligible children would be entitled to the same monthly rate, but it's a bit more complicated than what you describe. Surviving children can be paid up to 75% of the deceased worker's primary insurance amount (PIA), but there is a family maximum benefit (FMB) limit . . . Read More

Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Mar 10 2021 - 5:54pm

Can I Draw Widow's Benefits From My Deceased Ex-Spouse's Account?

Hi Larry, Of my 2 divorces ,My first husband of 18 yrs passed away in 2018. I draw his Soc Sec survival benefits for each one of my 3 at home children they each get 470 . Can I draw widows benefits also ?

Hi. It sounds like you might qualify for either surviving divorced spouse's or mother's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0416.html), but if you have 3 children who are already drawing benefits on your ex's record then it's likely that any . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Mar 10 2021 - 4:04pm

Why Was I Billed For Retroactive Medicare Coverage?

I turned 65 in October 10 2020. I understand my IEP was July 1 2020 -Jan312021. I waited till mid Dec to submit my application for Medicare assuming it would start Jan.1 2021. Now they are billing me from last Oct.I have submitted another Medicare Application for part B but have not received any response in two months other then another bill for the same amount.Can you help in what I should do next. Many Thanks.

Hi. The initial enrollment period (IEP) for Part B of Medicare lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months prior to the month in which you turn 65 and . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Mar 10 2021 - 3:30pm

Can I Still Apply For Spousal Benefits When I Apply?

I am 67 years old and my husband died in 2009 can i still apply for spousal benefits when i apply

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Spouse's benefits are the Social Security terminology for benefits that are paid to a spouse from the record of a living worker. So, you couldn't qualify for spousal benefits on your deceased husband's record, but you may be able to qualify for widow's benefits.

There isn't enough information in your question for me to be able to give you specific advice, but it's important to know that Social Security widow's benefits . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Mar 10 2021 - 7:22am

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