Will be 72 in Feb, 2023 and I’ve requested a lump sum payout for pension, commencement January 1, 2023, due to the rules of turning 72. In reading different article updates for 2023, (Secure Act 2.0) it looks like 401Ks, IRAs, pensions, etc., has been extended to 73yrs of age. To be honest, I had no idea that 401K, pension, etc., has age limits and thought I could cash out in my much older age for living care. Yes, I know, very ignorant!

My mom is 76 and is collecting her own SSA of $872.00 per month. My dad just passed recently but they have been divorced for 45 years and she was married to him for 12 years. We received a letter from SSA that her benefits will now increase by $931.00 on top of her $872 for a total of around $1700. This new amount will disqualify her for the special assistance she is receiving for an assisted living facility. Can we deny the extra benefits for ex spouses?

My friend applied for social security retirement benefits since he is turning 65 and has no money. He has paid into social security for over 40 yrs and has his card. He is being asked for a birth certificate for proof of date of birth and does not have a birth certificate. He was born on an airforce base in the UK and will have to file for a copy of his Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), which according to the State.gov website, may take over four months to receive the document. He needs to start receiving his benefit checks as soon as possible without having money.

I am an American, my wife is British living in the U.S. since 1985. Debbie wants to return to her home, can I collect social security living there.

Hi. Yes, any U.S. Social Security benefits for which you're eligible can be paid to you even if you're living in Britain.

Best, Jerry

My Husband died unexpectedly in October at the age of 49. I applied for survivors benefits for our 8 year old child and the $255 death benefit. How long does it usually take to be approved and to start receiving benefits?

I had heard that if you start collecting SS benefits too early (ex. early retirement, age 62?), that you can outlive the benefits, that they will end at some point if you live into your 90s. That's why the timing for starting SS is so crucial. Is this true?

Hi. No. Social Security retirement benefits continue for as long as a person lives regardless of the age at which they started drawing benefits. But, if you start drawing your benefits at age 62 you'll be stuck with your lowest possible monthly benefit rate for as long as you live.

How do I get in to make a appointment in the office I need to come in I have call 4 times and not getting a good answer I send paper work back and still have head back

Hi. My understanding is that Social Security offices have now reopened to the public, at least in a limited capacity. If you're unable to make an appointment or handle your business by phone, you may be able to walk in to your nearest Social Security office without making an appointment.

Best, Jerry

What is meant by "real estate dealer"?

Hi. This is what Social Security's operations manual states about real estate agents/dealers:

"To be considered self-employed, a real estate agent must:

a. Be licensed;
b. Derive substantially all remuneration directly from sales activities, rather than the number of hours worked;
c. Perform under a written contract stipulating the individual is not an employee."

I just sold my home. I receive SSI and SSI benefits. Do I have to report

Hi. Yes. Selling a home doesn't have any effect on Social Security benefits, but it could have an effect on your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is a needs based program, and people receiving SSI can't have more than $2000 in countable assets. A home in which you live does not count toward the asset limit, but proceeds from the sale of a home do count unless the proceeds are used to buy a new home within 3 months of the sale of the former home.

I started collecting partial ssi retirement @ age 4 months after my 62nd birthday. I am working part time and only bring in 873 from ssi retirement. Should I stop my ssi and just go back to work full-time until age 67 or later? I never worked long enough to receive substantial retirement benefits in my life time and then what about healthcare come full retirement age?