Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | BAM - Maximize My Social Security

Displaying 3601 - 3610 of 10063 questions.

Do I Qualify For My Ex-Husaband's Social Security?

I was married 6 days short of 10 years. My husband decided he didn't want divorced and moved home the same week. The judge said we had a year to change our mind. Do I qualify for his social security benefits?

Hi,

It doesn't sound like you would. You'd need to have been married for at least 10 years to the day to qualify for divorced spousal benefits. So, if you didn't change your mind about staying married and your divorce was final anytime prior to your 10th anniversary, then you likely won't qualify.

That said, states laws vary with regard . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jun 22 2020 - 8:31am

Can I Collect Spousal Benefits Now?

I took my social security at 62. My wife won't be 62 until 2023. Can I collect on spousal benefits know or do I have to wait until she is 62 or older.

Hi,

The earliest that you could qualify for spousal benefits is when your wife starts drawing either Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 5:43pm

Can My Husband Get A Retirement Benefit?

Im turning 67 next month. Cim planning to retire. Mu husband was not working here. Can he get also a retirement benefits?

Hi,

Your husband would need to be at least age 62 and have at least 40 quarters of Social Security credits in order to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Or, he might be able to qualify for spousal benefits when you start drawing your benefits, but only if he's at least age 62 or has a child in his care who's eligible for benefits on your record.

You and you husband may want to strongly consider using our . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 5:37pm

Do I Qualify For Any SS Benefits Other Than SSDI?

Hi Larry, I worked in a reputed bank for 5 years and I contributed to SS and Medicare. While working and I had a Thyroid deace that I can't work under high air conditioning areas I need to wear a coat but the bank environment rules cannot wear anything other than what you wearing therefore I have to leave the job under medical ground. Since Are you left I did not go to any work, I depends on my husband's wage. Do I qualified for SS Benefits other than SSDI or how can I get a SS benefits.

Hi,

At a minimum, I'd need to know your age and whether or not . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 5:26pm

If I File Now How Do I Figure Out What My Wife's Spousal Rate Would Be?

Hello

I am 62 & 3 months and my wife is 65 & 3 months. She has been on SS disability for 25 years gets a pretty small check. I make enough that if I file but keep working I will not keep any of my benefit but I understand that it just goes back to my account. If I file now how do I figure out what my wife’s spousal benefits would be. Thanks

Hi,

Your wife's unreduced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her primary insurance amount (PIA) from 50% of your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 5:11pm

Do I Pay Social Security Tax on My Social Security Benefits?

Do I pay social security tax on my social security benefits once I start receiving them

Hi,

You wouldn't pay Social Security taxes on the benefits you receive, but you may be required to pay income taxes on part of that income. For more information, refer to the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html.

Best, Jerry

Category: Taxation Of Benefits
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 5:05pm

Why Can't I Draw My Own SS If I Receive Widow's Benefits?

I receive widows benefits,why can't I draw my own SS. I am 75. I paid in for over 50years. What happens to my money?

Hi,

You can draw your own Social Security benefits, but you can't draw both your own benefits and a full widow's benefit at the same time. The most you can be paid is either your own benefit rate or your widow's rate. The reason for that is simply that it's stated that way in the Social Security law that congress passed into law.

If you're drawing your own benefits and your spouse dies before you, you can only be paid the . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 4:07pm

Shouldn't I Be Getting A Higher Benefit Rate?

NEED ANSWER QUICK. MUST SEND REQUEST TO SSA BY 6/24!!!! Divorced Nov. 2018 after 60 years of marriage. (Not remarried) Ex receives maximum SS benefits based on his work record. I receive exactly what I received when married (with cola $740 / month) and was told that is all I'm entitled to because I started taking my benefits at 62. This doesn't seem right, considering all my years of marriage, during which my husband didn't want me to work. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE RESPOND ASAP. Thanks in advance, Phyllis

Hi Phyllis,

I don't know what type of request . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 3:26pm

If I Draw At Age 62, May I Draw Against My Husband's Benefits?

In September my husband will begin taking SS at 62. He will draw 1895 per month. I am 60 years old. According to my SS report, I will only draw about 700 a month at 65.
If I draw at 62, may I draw against his retirement?
If so, will I receive 1/3 or 1/2 of his SS?
If I draw mine at 63, may I change and draw against his when I turn 65 (which will be more $).

Hi,

No matter when you file for either your own benefits or for spousal benefits, you'll be deemed to be filing for both benefits. If your spousal rate is higher than your own . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 12:28pm

Is It True That I Could Qualify For Survivor Benefits Because I Was My Mother's Caretaker?

Hi Jerry, Thank you for your column.
My mama died on May 12th, approx six weeks ago. She was 89 and I am 61. I have been her only and full time caretaker for more than 7 yrs.

I have full POA and am the executor of her estate. (even though there is no estate to be executor of)
We lived on SS, she drew SS from my deceased father's benefits and I receive SS disability. I knew that if mama passed away before me that my $943.00 a month disability wasn't going to pay our mortgage and utilities every month and that I would have to do something.

I didn't do . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Jun 21 2020 - 12:11pm

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