Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

Displaying 3571 - 3580 of 10063 questions.

Can A Person Reduce Their Benefit Rate Voluntarily Or By Refiling Effective With An Earlier Month?

I help Medicare beneficiaries apply for Extra Help and Other benefits. Sometimes they are just a few dollars a month over the allowable limits. Is there any way a beneficiary who filed at age 63 for instance, can ask SSA to either reduce their monthly benefit or refile at such earlier date that would reduce their monthly benefit so as to qualify for the Extra Help?

Hi,

Sorry, but the answer's no on both counts. If a person chooses to apply for Social Security benefits, they can't opt to be paid a lower benefit rate than the amount that they're . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 25 2020 - 12:21pm

Is There A Time Limit To File For Burial Benefits?

My parents died a number of years ago. I never filed a burial benefits. Is there a time limit to file ?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Social Security doesn't really pay a burial benefit, but there is a one-time death benefit of $255 that can be paid to certain survivors. However, the death benefit can only be paid if an application is filed within 2 years of the deceased person's death (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.15/handbook-1517.html).

The only survivors who . . . Read More

Category: Lump sum
Posted: Jun 25 2020 - 12:05pm

How Do I Get A Social Security Card?

I have been in incarcerated for 22years and 6 months I have no social security card all I have is a federal I'd and my birth certificate I need a social security card to get proper I'd how do I get it?

Hi,

The following Social Security website explains how to go about applying for a Social Security number and card: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.

Best, Jerry

Category: Social Security Numbers
Posted: Jun 25 2020 - 8:33am

If You Change Your Name Will Your Previous Name Show Up On Background Checks?

If you change your name, will your previous name show up on background checks? If you change your name, do all SSN databases that background checks use change that information too?

Hi,

I can only tell you about Social Security records. If you change your name on on your Social Security card, your previous name history still shows up in Social Security's computer records. However, in rare cases in which a person is issued a new Social Security number (e.g. a new identity for someone in the witness protection program), their previous name does not . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 25 2020 - 8:12am

If I Go On Disability Can I Collect My Disability And Still Get Widow's Benefits?

I am 64 years old and collecting my deceased husband's social security while working part time. If I were to go on disability due to hearing loss could I collect my disability and still get his social?

Hi,

You couldn't be paid both benefits in full. If a person becomes entitled to Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits after they start receiving widow's benefits, they can only be paid the higher two benefit rates. If your SSDI rate is higher than your widow's rate, your widow's benefits would stop. If your widow's rate is higher, you'd be paid . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jun 24 2020 - 4:21pm

Can I Draw SS From My First Husband?

My question is I was married for 27 yrs before divorcing my ex but remarried and now we are getting a divorce which will be finalized in November. Can I drawn SS from my 1st husband and what kind of paper work do I need. My age is 66 and planning to retire soon.
Thank you for your time.

Hi,

My answer assumes that your first husband is still living. You could potentially qualify for divorced spousal benefits on your first husband's record as early as the month that your divorce from your second husband is final. You can only qualify, though, if . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 24 2020 - 10:00am

Do I Have To Wait Until I'm Age 60 To Collect Survivor Benefits?

Hello Larry,
My wife passed in April 2016 she was 53. I am 59 now. Do I have to wait until I am 60 to collect Survivor benefits ?
Thank you

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

The only way that you could qualify for widower benefits prior to age 60 if a) you're disabled or b) you have a child in your care who is either under age 16 or disabled, and the child is eligible for benefits on your wife's record.

Best, Jerry

Category: Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Jun 24 2020 - 9:52am

What Do I Do Next?

Hello my question is my husband passed away may31,2019 his age 55 he was disable had 3 amputations and passed under heart surgery may 31,2019,and I am 59 yrs.old I will be 60 in September,I would like to know will I qualify for his social security benefits?I was his payee couldn't work I took care of him til his passing on,recently found a job,my health isn't the best these days I am planning on quiting my job because of my health and I don't know what to do because I like my job,what are my chances can I do a few hours or how much is widow benefits?my husband was on SSI and Social . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 24 2020 - 9:30am

Is It Correct That My Wife Can File For Her Own Benefits At FRA And The Get 50% Of My Benefit Rate When I File At Age 70?

Hi. I actually bought the software today, thank you! Now I will load my history.

In a previous answer you seemed to be saying that if my wife (who is approx. same age (65) as am I ) files at her FRA of 66 and gets her benefit of say $800/month and if I wait til 70 to file and get $3,000/month, then even though her benefits may only go up very little, say 1% per year, over the 4 years til she is 70, and at that point her benefits are say $840 per month, that her benefits then suddenly jump to $1500 a month (50% of mine) at that time (when she turns 70)?

If so, she . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jun 24 2020 - 8:09am

Do You Think I Can Qualify For Benefits?

Hi..My husband passed away20yrs ago and about 10yrs ago I got married and that marriage lasted for 3yrs..I do have a full time job . Do you think I can qualify for benefit...Thanks

Hi,

It sounds like you could probably qualify for widow's benefits as early as age 60, but your benefit rate will be reduced for age if you apply prior to your full retirement age (FRA). Also, Social Security has an earnings test that applies until you reach FRA, so if you're earning too much your benefits may need to be fully or partially withheld.

It sounds like . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jun 24 2020 - 8:01am
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