Dear Jerry,

Thank you so much for your quick and helpful response.

This does lead me to wonder about the purpose of Q 24 (b) on the Social Security Application. If I am making less than $16,290 next year do I need to answer it?

I understand 24 (a) "How much do you expect to earn next year?" For me, the answer is $14,000.

However, I expect to be paid $3500 in March, May, October and December

But since I expect to be making less than $16,290, do I need to answer 24 (b) looking for how much I expect to make each month? If I do need to answer this, then I expect that the exempt months for me are Jan, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Nov. and thus I place an 'X' by each of these. True??

Again, your assistance is appreciated.
Ann

Hi Ann,

Since you intend to earn less than the $16,920 exempt amount in 2017, it really won't matter how you answer the monthly earnings question. However, if the only months in which you will earn more than $1410 (i.e. 1/12th of $16920) next year are March, May, October & December, then it would be accurate for you to enter an 'X' in the other 8 months.

Best, Jerry