Ask Larry: Questions and Answers

my part b medicare starts june 1,2020.I would like to change it to april 1 of 2020 or if not to may 1. How do I do that

Hi,

I can't give you a specific answer because I don't what type of enrollment period you're in. Whether or not starting your Part B of Medicare coverage sooner is even an option for you depends on the type of enrollment period you're in. if you're just turning age 65, you'd be in your initial enrollment period (IEP). IEPs begin with the 3rd month prior to the month a person turns 65, and runs through the 3rd month after they turn . . . Read More

Hi Larry.

My question is about when delayed retirement credits and cost of living adjustments are credited. Based largely on information in your book, "Get Whats Yours" I had decided to wait until age 70 to apply for my benefit. That will be in May, 2021.

Recently I am considering applying a little early, in December of 2020. As I understand it my December benefit would be paid in January, 2021. Would that January check include both the accrued delayed retirement credits and cost of living adjustment through 2020?

Thank you.

Hi,

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Do I qualify for the COLA? I receive my deceased husband's benefits now.

Hi,

Yes. Social Security cost of living increases (COLA) apply to all types of benefits issued by the Social Security Administration, including widow's benefits.

Best, Jerry

I JUST APPLIED AND WHEN I CHANGED MY CHECKING ACCT NUMBER, IT SAY IT WILL START IN, JUNE I NEED IT TO START IN APRIL, NOT JUNE IF ITS IS NOT CHANGED MY FIRST DEPOSIT WILL BE SENT BACK FOR HAVING WRONG ACT NUMBER.

Hi,

I don't know what to tell you, except that it takes time to process changes to a person's address and/or direct deposit account. Social Security cautions people not to close the bank accounts where their payments are being deposited until after their payments have started going to their new account.

Social Security does not . . . Read More