Hi Larry - I am currently receiving SSDI benefits and have a part time job that is right "under the radar" of Substantial Gainful Activity income. I am due for a raise. I also contribute to a retirement fund which I don't plan on touching for another 20 years. My question is this - does Social Security look at my net income cap as the salary allotment or that income minus the amount that I contribute toward my 401K? For example, 2017's salary cap is $14,040 and my salary would be $14,200, but the amount after non-taxable retirement contribution is $13,000. Which do they count?

I'm completely lost as to how this process works. I have a decade and change of documentated mental health treatment, inpatient, partial care, and outpatient, dating back to when I was 16. I attempted suicide during my junior year of high school, at age 17, and an IEP was implemented. I spent the majority of April to the beginning of October at various psychiatric institutions voluntarily. I was told I will be eligible to collect $764.25 a month, with only a small amount given for the approximate period of June to November.

My fiancee is on ss disability and has been for 4 years. He draws 934.00 month and is 49. He wants to go back to work. Will this increase or decrease his regular ss benefit when he retires. How will it affect his monthly eligibility amount?

Hi,

I was very grateful to have heard of your book in a Paul Solman Newshour piece and bought it in 2014 (regrettably, I was unaware of the changes made to the filing rules in 2015) in order to help me make the best decision possible for my brother, brain injured at birth and mentally disabled, and his mentally disabled wife. They met at work and both retired early (against their families' advice) and so have a meager pension - a total of $500 monthly between them - and it's been a struggle to help them financially.

Why was my social security disability income withheld this month of December 2016.

Hi,

Sorry, but I have no idea. If you haven't received a notification in the mail, you'll need to report the missing payment to Social Security and ask them for an explanation.

Best, Jerry

I was receiving 1400 a month when I was approved for ssi and ssd. After the second month they said my disability kicked in now I receive 684 for disability and 72 dollars for ssi. I was told this is the most ssi pays for and I couldn't appeal? There are people I know that still receives the same benefits like I was receiving in the beginning. I just turned 62 and I was working I stopped working to too both disabilities when I was 60 going on 61. Am I entitled to more benefits?

Hi,

I'm turning 62 in February 2017 and have been on SSI FOR 5 years what happens then and do I need to do anything .I presently receive 1818.00 a month is there any way this would ever rise at all I'm having a hard time getting by with medical bills I'm on medicare thanks for any help

Hi,

I am a financial planner, had an infection in my spine in 2008. Left me disabled, I qualify for two of my own separate disability policies, including not being able to perform two of my daily activities. I have substantial pain, I have a pain pump implanted in me, and take tremendous amount of pain control medicine. My spine was fused, still have substantial issues with both the spine and sciatic nerve, plus additional complications.

I'm only 50, but it's becoming more difficult to work full-time. Unfortunately, I still have to. I have a lung disease (COPD), and I have hard time. Can I draw on my social security now?

Hi,

Dear Larry, I am on Social Security now, but my condition has gotten worse since I started receiving benefits. I want to know if I can apply for Social Security Disability instead of Social Security retirement benefits?

Hi,