Are There Any Laws That Stipulate I Must File For Disabled Adult Child's Benefits If I Receive SSI?
Hi.
My mother has just filed for Social Security. I am living with her, and have been blind since birth. I have now been put on a mandatory child adult disability benefit. I was told if I did not apply, I would be no longer eligible for supplemental security income. Are there any laws that stipulate this in writing? Also, I cannot find anywhere on the Internet that says what the Sga earnings are for someone who is blind, and now is on child adult disability benefits. Thank you very much for your help.
Hi,
Yes, there is a requirement in the . . . Read More
Category: Supplemental Security Income
Posted: Jul 12 2020 - 9:58am
Will My Wife's Spousal Benefits Be Affected By Her Canadian Pension?
My wife receives a small Canada pension plan payment. She has no W-2 earnings after living in the USA for over 25 years.
I just applied for Social Security and she applied for her spousal benefit at her full retirement age. Will her spousal benefit be affected by her Canada pension plan payment. (Does the windfall elimination provisions apply).
I am not collecting any CPP payments. Thank you
Hi,
No, your wife's spousal benefits won't be affected by her Canadian pension. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) only applies to Social . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jul 11 2020 - 12:09pm
How Do I Handle This Situation?
I applied for divorced spouse benefits in early 2015 when I was 68 after receiving notification that I could be entitled to this benefit. I told Social Security I did not want this benefit if it affected my account in any way. I was subsequently approved for this benefit and received a lump sum payment in late 2015. I submitted a request to end this benefit and start receiving retirement benefits from my own account effective June 2016 when I was 69. During the time I was receiving divorced spouse benefits Social Security suspended my retirement account. I am now being told . . . Read More
Category: Social Security Overpayments
Posted: Jul 11 2020 - 10:50am
If I Begin Collecting Survivor Benefits Before FRA Will My Rate Include My Husband's DRCs?
Hello Larry,
My dear husband passed away in 2018. He was receiving Social Security which included his Delayed Retirement Credits. I turned 60 in 2020 and understand that if I begin collecting Survivor's Benefits now they will be reduced at 71.5% beginning in 2020 and slowly increase each month until I reach full-retirement age at 67. My questions are: "If I begin collecting Survivors Benefits before my FRA, will the Survivor's Benefits include my late husband's Delayed Retirement Credits or only his PIA? Also, if I elect to begin collecting Survivor's Benefits before FRA . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jul 11 2020 - 10:16am
Can I Change My Part B Medicare Start Date?
I'm 65 and was planning to work until I turn 66 in December, however, after being furloughed from my job in April I felt there was a strong possibility I would be laid off so I applied for Social Security retirement in May 2020. when I was asked when I wanted Medicare Part B to start I said July 1st.
I was correct to be concerned about being laid off because it happened on July 8. I called Social Security to see what I need to do and found out that my Part B start date was entered as 07/01/2021. I explained what happened and asked how to get this corrected I was told to . . . Read More
Category: Medicare
Posted: Jul 11 2020 - 9:50am
Am I Entitled To Survivor Benefits?
My wife passed away january 2017 AT THE AGE OF 87. HER MONTHLY RETIREMENT OF AFTER MEDICARE DEDUCTIONS $1159.00 WAS MORE THAN MINE WHICH IS $1041.00. i AM 86, AM I ENTITLED TO SURVIVOR BENEFITS?
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
Provided that your wife's own benefit rate before any withholdings was more than your benefit rate before any withholdings, then yes you should be eligible for survivor benefits. However, if you're receiving a government pension then it's possible that any widower's benefits you could qualify for would be offset due to the . . . Read More
Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Jul 10 2020 - 10:22am
Why Isn't My Mother-In-Law Receiving Spousal Benefits?
Hi Larry: My mother in-law who is now in her early 80’s has never collected social security. My father in-law does collect his, I’m wondering why she didn’t get a spousal benefit or up to 1/2 of my father-in-law portion. She does get a small pension working as a school librarian, Andy she didn’t pay social security. Regards
Hi,
A possible reason that your mother-in-law isn't getting benefits is because of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision. If a person files for spousal benefits and they're receiving a pension based on their own earnings . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jul 10 2020 - 10:08am
What Are Your Thoughts About Filing At Age 62?
Hi Larry,
I would like your thoughts on collecting Social Security at 62 to preserve my assets. I am 59. My thoughts are that my grown children cannot inherit my Social Security. Instead of drawing down my funds I would supplement my pension and required distributions from an inherited IRA by collecting Social Security.
Thanks for your comments.
HRH
Hi HRH,
I answer questions submitted to this forum, but Larry Kotlikoff is the expert on economics and finance. If you're considering filing for your Social Security benefits at age 62 . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jul 8 2020 - 9:50am
How Should I Answer The Application Question Asking What Month Benefits Should Start?
The question on the social security application reads Benefits should start in ? Options are 1/20 through calendar until 11/20 no 12/20. My birthday is 10/23/1950. If I answer 11/20 will I receive a check in November. My understanding Is for social security purpose I am considered 70 on 10/1/20 and should receive my first check in November
Hi,
When you answer that question you should choose October 2020 in order to receive your full age 70 rate. Your payment will then be scheduled to be paid in November. For benefit calculation purposes, Social . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jul 8 2020 - 9:40am
If A Person Doesn't Qualify For The 'Hold Harmless' Law, Does It Affect Their Future Medicare Premium Amounts?
Concerning the "Hold Harmless" law. If a person was subjected to higher Medicare Part B premiums in 2021, due to not qualifying for this provision, does this affect their future Medicare premium amounts in 2022, or future years?
Assume there is no cause for "Hold Harmless" in those future years, only in 2021. Thanks for any replies!
Hi,
I'm not sure I understand your question. 'Hold harmless' is a commonly used reference for the variable supplementary medical insurance (VSMI) premium provision, and supplementary medical insurance is the proper . . . Read More
Category: Medicare
Posted: Jul 7 2020 - 10:41am
