How Can I Make Sure That My Wife Can Collect 50% Of My Benefit If We Divorce?
I may be getting divorced in the near future and wanted to make sure my wife would be able to collect 50% of my present SS benefit which would be more than she gets now. My question is also as she collected her benefit at 62 ( so before FRA ) does that have any impact on the 50% amount? She will be 68/69 when we do divorce.
Thank you
Hi,
One thing that would prevent your wife from collecting divorced spousal benefits is if your marriage lasts less than 10 years. Assuming that you've been married longer than that, a divorce wouldn't adversely . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 26 2021 - 11:24am
How Does My Wife Request To Change From Her Own Benefit To A Spousal Benefit?
4 years ago, both age 67 then, we took advantage of wife claiming her benefit, husband claimed spousal to take advantage of credits to age 70. It's now time to change that to husband claiming own benefit, wife changing from "own" to spousal to maximize total benefit for couple. I understand husband files an application to claim his own benefit but what/how does wife make request for change from "own benefit" to spousal? Thank you!
Hi,
Your wife will need to file an application in order to become entitled to spousal benefits. Just to clarify, though, . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jan 25 2021 - 2:58pm
Is It Legal For Me To Collect Unemployment Benefits If I'm Receiving SSDI?
Hi Larry, I am collecting SSDI for many years and have worked part time, Last March I was laid off from my part time job (making under $1100 a month) and applied for unemployment , I started collecting soon after but am not sure If its legal or not. I am in California.
Hi,
My only area of expertise is Social Security benefits, so that's the only part of your question that I can address. All that I can tell you is that collecting unemployment benefits has no effect on Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.
Best, Jerry
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jan 25 2021 - 8:27am
If I Apply For Benefits In April 2022 And Earn $30,000 Will My Benefits Be Reduced?
Hi Larry
I can start receiving full retirement at 66 year 4 months, In January 2023. If I applied for SSI IN April of 2022 and work earning $30000 do I have my SSI reduced?
Hi,
There's no way to know at this time how much the Social Security test exempt amount will be in 2022, but if you won't reach full retirement age (FRA) until January 2023 then your benefits would be subject to the lower exempt amount throughout the entire year of 2022. The lower exempt amount in 2021 is $18,960, so unless you could be paid based on the monthly earnings . . . Read More
Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Jan 24 2021 - 4:30pm
Will The Retirement Age Be Reduced In The Upcoming Year?
Will we see retirement age reduce in the upcoming year?
Hi,
That would require an Act of Congress, and I would be extremely surprised if Congress lowers the retirement age for Social Security benefits either during the upcoming year or any time thereafter.
Best, Jerry
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 24 2021 - 10:00am
Will My Benefit Be Reduced Due To My Husband's Pension?
Hi Larry,
I receive my deceased spouses firefighter pension. I work full time as a teacher and my pay is subject to social security tax. Will my benefit be reduced due to my husbands pension?
Hi,
No. Receiving a pension that's based on a spouse's work and earnings could never cause your own Social Security benefits to be reduced.
Best, Jerry
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jan 24 2021 - 9:53am
Why Wasn't The Recent Congressional Bill To Repeal WEP Called For A Vote?
The Social Security Act had 264 cosponsors in the last House of Representatives. Why wasn't it called for a vote? It had bipartisan support to repeal Wep.
Hi,
I assume you are referring to "H.R. 141 (116th): Social Security Fairness Act of 2019" (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr141/summary), which would amend the Social Security Act to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision.
Most of the support for . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jan 23 2021 - 4:06pm
What Can I Do?
I am living in a housing complex with 4 children. Three of my children where on ssi and ssdi until they went to work. My where taken off of ssdi because they are working, and they where only receiving ssii off of my ex-husband. My ex-husband passed away a few weeks ago, and I was not aware they were entitled to his money, so which leaves me over income in housing and the only way for me to live here is that one of my children has to quit there job which I don't think it's right. They just finally got a job which is very hard to do especially when you have a disability. ( . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jan 22 2021 - 8:31am
Will My Disabled Son Be Eligible For Disabled Child's Benefits If He's Married?
Hi. My question is I have a 26 year old son that lives in California and has been married for 3 years. He's been receiving disability since the age of 5 years old and is receiving SSI as well. I've just been approved for SSI and disability due to my disability. My case worker told me I'm now approved for SSI benefits claim that I had with them but she is telling me that my son have to apply for CDB. Will they take benefits from my check for him or will he be entitled to my benefits at all because he's married? Thanks.
Hi,
No, your son wouldn't be . . . Read More
Category: Disabled Adult Child Benefits
Posted: Jan 22 2021 - 8:27am
Am I Entitled To Any Spousal Benefits?
I began receiving my reduced SS benefits a couple of years ago. I am now 66. I had 2 previous marriages of 10 years or longer. (currently divorced) Both my ex husbands are receiving their respective benefits. Am I entitled to any spousal benefits and or is it too late to apply since Im already receiving mine?
Hi,
It's not too late to apply for divorced spousal benefits, but as long as your ex-spouses are still living you'll only be eligible if one or both of their primary insurance amounts (PIA) are more than twice as much as your own PIA. A person's . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 21 2021 - 5:14pm
