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

Displaying 51 - 60 of 10063 questions.

Can A Person Receive SSDI and CPP Disability Benefits?

I am a dual citizen who worked in both usa (30 yr+) and canada (10+ yrs). I am 64 years old and live in canada now. I receive USA SSDI now (10years approx) due to multiple sclerosis MS. I worked enough years to qualify for CPP but am wondering about dual country disability benefits.can a person receive SSDI and CPP Disability benefits? Would my USA SSDI be lowered if i qualified with enough work years for CPP Disability in Canada? What about a SSDI and CPP(not CPP Disability )? What is my best option to maximize benefits?

Hi. My expertise is limited to U.S . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: May 2 2023 - 11:40am

Can My Wife Receive Spousal Benefits Now That I'm Collecting My Benefits?

Hi Larry. I was born in 1953 and just started collecting my SSA benefit at age 70. I married over one year ago. My spouse also just turned 70. She has been collecting on her own benefit since she was 65. Can she now receive spousal benefits on my record since I am now collecting and if they are greater than her own benefit? If so, would they be based on my FRA amount or my age 70 amount. Thank you for your insight.

Hi. Possibly, but your wife will only qualify for spousal benefits if your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as her PIA . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: May 1 2023 - 1:27pm

Is It Better To File For Benefits Online Or In Person?

Hi Larry, and thank you for your informative column and website.

In order to avoid problems, is it better to file for social security online or in person? I plan on avoiding applying by phone.

Hi. It really shouldn't make any difference. Filing online when possible is more convenient, but if you'd be more comfortable applying in person then that's fine, too. Nor is there anything wrong with filing for benefits by phone. If you do decide to file in person or by phone, though, you should first call Social Security to make an appointment.

. . . Read More

Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Apr 30 2023 - 6:44pm

How Will Social Security Calculate My New Monthly Benefit?

I accidentally applied for benefits at age 65 instead of at 66 or my FRA. When I realized my mistake, I had already received several months of benefits. On the day I turned 66, on September 6 to be exact, I sent a letter to suspend my benefits which they received in December. Therefore, I received a total of 10 months of benefits instead of 7 if they had suspended my benefits the month after I made my request. I should be resuming benefits this coming September when I turn 70. How will they calculate my new monthly benefit?

Hi. You'll retain a reduction for . . . Read More

Category: Benefit Amount
Posted: Apr 30 2023 - 6:22pm

Are Social Security's Online Estimates Incorrect?

I am very very much a numbers guy and think I have uncovered a SERIOUS flaw in the social security calculator on MY SocialSecurity.com. My numbers prior to full retirement look correct, FRA looks correct, age 70 looks correct, but the numbers it is projecting for age 67, 68, 69 are flat wrong. If you go into system and key in something like age 66 and 6 months and then 67 and 1 month, it projects the same amount. It is not changing on a monthly basis. this can impact peoples decisions.

Hi. I have no way of knowing if your benefit estimates on Social . . . Read More

Category: Benefit Amount
Posted: Apr 29 2023 - 9:29pm

How Will My Benefit Be Calculated If I'm Approved For Disabled Widow's Benefits?

Ok my husband pass last year of June 9 iam going to apply for widow dwb and iam on disability will I get a higher pay are how do they do it

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Since you're planning to apply for disabled widow's benefits (DWB) I assume you are between 50 and 60 years old (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.05/handbook-0513.html).

If you're already drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, you won't qualify for additional DWB unless your . . . Read More

Category: Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Apr 29 2023 - 12:00pm

Once I Pass Will My Wife Be Able To Collect Both My Government Pension And Survivor Benefits From Social Security?

I receive a government pension and social security, once I pass will my wife be able to collect both my pension and survivor benefits FROM SOCIAL SECURITY?

Hi. I don't know whether or not your wife will be able to collect your government pension, but assuming that she qualifies for widow's benefits from Social Security then she can be paid those benefits even if she's receiving your government pension. The requirements to qualify for Social Security widow's benefits are outlined in the following section of Social Security's handbook: . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Apr 28 2023 - 10:58am

Can I Still Work Part-Time Without Losing My Benefits?

I am 71 years old. I am currently receiving Louisiana teacher retirement and spousal social security benefits. Can I still work part-time without loosing my benefits?

Hi. At least as far as your Social Security benefits are concerned, since you are over your full retirement age you can earn any amount of money without losing your benefits. My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, though, so I don't know if your teacher retirement has any work restrictions.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Apr 27 2023 - 6:20pm

If My Wife Starts Out Drawing Disability Benefits WIll Those Benefits Convert To 50% Of My Benefit When She Reaches Age 67?

Hi Larry, I am 66 and currently drawing my social security. My wife is 62 and self employed cleaning an office, however with back issues involving shots and surgery she still cannot perform her work, She is considering claiming disability and my question is will her benefit convert to 50% of mine when she reaches 67?
Thank you,
Bill

Hi Bill. Not exactly. Your wife's Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits would never automatically convert to spousal benefits. Instead, when your wife reaches full retirement age (FRA) her SSDI benefits would . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Apr 27 2023 - 1:40pm

Shouldn't I Be Entitled To My Deceased Ex-Spouse's Higher Benefit Amount Instead Of Mine?

Hi Larry, I don't think I phrased my prior question correctly. I am currently drawing social security benefits based on my work record. I am in my 70s. My former spouse who I was married to for more than 10 years recently passed away. I never remarried. I am applying for divorced spousal survival benefits and since he maxed out social security contributions for almost 35 years his social security check is much higher than mine, I believe I am entitled to a benefit amount equal to his higher social security benefit in place of mine. Social security claims as a former spouse I am . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Widow(er) Benefits
Posted: Apr 27 2023 - 12:33pm

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