Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 3161 - 3170 of 10063 questions.

How Do I Resolve This?

In 2016 I received SS payments but paid no taxes and I made more than I was allowed to according to the IRS SS rules so was set up on a payment plan @ $100/moth. It is now 2020 and I am 67 as of February and they are still taking $100/month to pay back the SS money. At the same time, they stopped paying me my SS money since 2016 - March 2020 to pay back the SS I received in 2016. This looks to me like double or more payback to the IRS. They say there is still a balance due. I think they OWE ME money. I do I resolve this?

Hi,

I'm not an expert on IRS . . . Read More

Category: Social Security Overpayments
Posted: Oct 3 2020 - 9:33am

How Can I Maximize My Benefit?

In need of your expertise. My husband is 70 and has collected SS since his 70th birthday. I will be 65 on November 28 born in 1955. Should I start collecting my own benefits at 66+2months, FRA? They are half of what my husband collects. Is there some kind of spousal benefit I should look into? How can I maximise my benefit? I will not be able to wait until age 70 to file, as money is running out. Thank you, kindly.

Hi,

Since you were born after January 1 1954, you wouldn't be able to file just for spousal benefits without also being required to file . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Oct 3 2020 - 8:29am

Would I Be Able To Collect Some Kind Of Financial Help For Taking Care Of My Grandson?

I am a grandmother that has been raising my grandson for eight years. my grandson is just 10 years old. The father is unknown, the mother my daughter lost her son due to drug addiction. My grandson struggles with adhd in school and at home. He is special ed. and dislexia. Would I be able to collect some type of financial help for him due to my age being 59 and I am out of work at this time. I also struggle with depression, as well as adhd

Hi,

My only area of expertise is Social Security, so I can only tell you what might be possible with regard to . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Oct 2 2020 - 11:24am

Is My Ex-Wife Still Entitled To Benefits From My Account?

My ex and I were married at age 63. She took spouse social security off my record at her full retirement age. We have since divorced. Wee were married 7 years. Is she still entitled to my benefit. Should I report this to social security.?

Hi,

No. Your ex-wife would need to have been married to you for at least 10 years in order to qualify for divorced spousal benefits. Since your marriage lasted less than 10 years, your ex's spousal benefits should have been terminated effective with the month that your divorce was final. And, yes, if your wife is . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Oct 2 2020 - 10:11am

Can My Wife Draw On My Benefits If She Files At Age 62?

I am married and 3 years younger (54) than my spouse (57) and also the higher income earner. My question is simple but complicated. She wants to retire and start collecting SS as soon as possible (62). What is the best and optimal way to file. Can she drawn upon my benefits since I'm the higher earner even though I am also the younger of the two. I've seen it the other way but not this way. Thanks for any advise.

Hi,

Your wife can't qualify for spousal benefits at least until you start drawing your benefits. And, if she files for her own benefits at . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Oct 2 2020 - 9:55am

Will I Be Eligible To Collect On My New Husband's Social Security After We're Married For A Year?

I am 63 years old currently collecting Social Security from my ex-husband. I plan on getting married soon. My future husband has not started collecting Social Security as of yet, he wants to wait until he’s 69. He is 67 years old. Will I be eligible to collect on his Social Security after were married for one year?

Hi,

No. There's no way that you could collect benefits from your new husband's Social Security account at least until he starts drawing his benefits.

Also, if the ex-husband on whose record you're drawing benefits is still living . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Sep 30 2020 - 12:28pm

Can I Avoid The Windfall Elimination Provision By Taking A Lump Sum Instead Of A Lifetime Payout?

I am a teacher in Texas and do not pay into Social Security.
Am I able to avoid the windfall elimination provision by taking my contributions into my pension in 1 lump sum instead of the lifetime payout? (I do meet the 40 quarter minimum of paying into SS)

Do you have any written articles on this topic?

Also, can I start by taking my SS benefits then when my spouse passes take his ss benefits?
I realize that I cannot take both.

Do you have any written articles on this matter?
Thank you

Hi,

No. If you opt for a . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Sep 30 2020 - 11:55am

Should I Be Concerned If The Words 'Restricted Application' Don't Appear Anywhere On My Account?

Hello Larry,
I was born in 1953 and recently tried to apply for spousal benefits and at the same time do a restricted application so that I could defer my own Social Security earnings until age 70. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic I had no choice but to file over the phone and even though I repeatedly made it clear that I was doing a restricted application I am not sure if it was properly done. I am concerned because i recently received a Benefit Verification letter from Social Security and in it there is no mention anywhere of a restricted application. It simply says, " . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Sep 30 2020 - 11:29am

Can I File For Social Security If I'm 58 And On Disability?

I am 58 on disability i was wondering can i file for social security

Hi,

I'm not sure I follow you. You can't qualify for Social Security retirement benefits prior to age 62, even if you're disabled. Also, if you're already collecting Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), you could never collect both SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time.

When you receive SSDI benefits, it's essentially like collecting your unreduced Social Security retirement benefits early. SSDI benefits automatically convert to regular . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Sep 30 2020 - 11:15am

Why Did Social Security Deny My Mother's Claim For Disabled Widow's Benefits?

My mother has been getting disability since 1991 and her late husband passed away that she had been married to for 11 years and he was receiving social security and she filed for disable widows pension and was denied because the examiner said she didn’t coaparate well and she had to appeal it just want to know why and that’s not fare at all

Hi,

I don't know enough details about your mother's case to be able to answer your question. If your mother applied for benefits and if her claim was disallowed, regardless of the reason, her only recourse would . . . Read More

Category: Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Sep 28 2020 - 8:00am
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