Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 3371 - 3380 of 10063 questions.

How Do I Apply For Spousal Benefits Only?

Hello Larry.

I am 67 1/2 planning to begin benefits at 70. My wife will reach FTA on 11/3/20. My PLAN is to have her file for benefits NO EARLIER THAN DEC 2020, then I will file for restricted filing claiming half her benefits till I hit 70 (her benefit is 2070/month) QUESTIONS.
1.) Do I need to wait until she RECEIVES her first benefit check OR when she is approved to file my claim? My thought was to wait till she rec. her check which would be in Dec/Jan.
2.) When I file my claim, what do I "say" so they know I am going to be filing for my benefits at age 70 . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Aug 7 2020 - 11:38am

Can A Common-Law Spouse Apply For Medicare Under Their Spouse?

I noticed that the question are: marital status on the SS APPLICATION provides a voice for Common Law status. Can a common law spouse apply for Medicare benefits under their spouse and what credentials are required to evidence common law status? Thank you

Hi,

Yes, a legally recognized common-law marriage is treated the same as a traditional marriage for purposes of Social Security benefits and Medicare. Common-law marriage laws vary from state to state, as does the evidence necessary to establish a common-law marriage. I can't outline all of the . . . Read More

Category: Medicare
Posted: Aug 7 2020 - 8:17am

When Would It Be Best For Me To Collect SS?

Larry I’m 62 will be 63 in October making 35-40k a year no savings know I will have to work till the end. When would it be best to collect ss

Hi,

That depends on a number of factors you haven't mentioned, but in general if you can afford to wait it's usually best to start drawing Social Security retirement benefits at age 70. You never know how long you'll be able to continue working, and waiting until age 70 to start drawing your Social Security retirement benefits would provide you with your highest possible monthly benefit rate.

However, . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Aug 7 2020 - 8:06am

If You Receive SSDI Do You Need To Tell Social Security If Someone Moves In With You?

On ssdi you have some move in with you do i need to report it

Hi,

If all you receive is Social Security disability (SSDI) or any other type of Social Security benefit, then no. A person's living arrangements have no bearing on their Social Security benefits.

However, living arrangement changes can affect a person's eligibility or payment rate for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), so if you receive SSI benefits and if someone moves in with you you need to report that fact to Social Security.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Aug 7 2020 - 7:56am

Can My Husband Get Benefits Now?

My husband has worked, but also self employed and has not paid much in to it. Now he is tired and 63 and is ready to quit. I work for the government and have for about 37 years but I do not have the age to retire im 54. Can he get his social worker now and what issues my he encounter by doing so.

Hi,

I assume that you're asking whether or not your husband can get Social Security benefits now. If your husband has at least 40 Social Security quarters of coverage (QC), then he would be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits based on his own . . . Read More

Category: Retirement Benefits
Posted: Aug 6 2020 - 11:36am

How Far In Advance Should I Apply For Social Security?

I turn 70 on November 21st. How far in advance should I apply for social security? I will still be working until I turn 72.

Thank you.

Hi,

You can apply for benefits up to 4 months in advance, to you could apply now. You don't really have to file in advance since you would be allowed to claim benefits up to 6 months retroactively, but if you want to be paid timely you should probably plan on filing sooner rather than later. My understanding is that Social Security's appointment schedule is backlogged, so unless you're able to file online you' . . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Aug 6 2020 - 11:23am

How Much Can I Work And Earn If I've Reached Retirement Age?

i have reached my retirement age how much can i earn if i still work full time

Hi,

If you mean that you've reached your full retirement age (FRA), then you could work and earn an unlimited amount and still be paid all of your Social Security benefits. However, if you file for Social Security benefits and you're under FRA, at least some of your benefits may need to be withheld if you earn more than the Social Security earnings test exempt amount. The current exempt amounts can be found on the following Social Security website: . . . Read More

Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Aug 6 2020 - 11:13am

Do Unemployment Payments Affect Non-Disability Social Security Benefits?

I read your answer about ssdi not being affected by unemployment and $600 a week payments. does that also apply to non diability ssi retirement income as well?

Hi,

Unemployment insurance, including the temporary $600 weekly payments, have no effect on any type of Social Security benefits.

However, just to be clear since you typed in SSI, SSI is the abbreviation used for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs based benefit administered by the Social Security Administration. SSI benefits are not Social Security benefits, and they . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Aug 6 2020 - 10:55am

Should My Benefit Rate Go Up Now That My Husband's Ex-Wife Has Died?

My husband was divorced after33 years. Of marriage. We were married 15 years when he passed. His exwife and I both received a percentage of his social security. She has since passed away. Does that affect the amount of social security I receive? Does my amount increase?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

The answer to your question is no. Auxiliary and survivor benefits paid to a divorced spouse are not counted toware the family maximum benefit (FMB) that can be paid on a worker's record. Therefore, divorced spousal and divorced survivor benefits . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Aug 6 2020 - 10:42am

If I Collect Some Of My Ex-Husband's Benefits At Age 62 Will It Affect My SS Benefits When I Turn 70?

My ex husband is 71, I am 60. We were married 13 years. I have never remarried again.
If I collect some of his SS benefits at 62 till I turn 70 is this going to affect my SS benefits when I turn 70? Can I still collect my full retirement benefits.
Thank you Larry

Hi,

Since you were born after January 1 1954, you could never file for divorced spousal benefits on a living ex's record without also being required to file for your own benefits at the same time. So, to be clear, as long as your ex-husband is still living there is no way that . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Aug 6 2020 - 10:28am
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