I just applied for S.S. benefits. I am 48 and my wife who was 50 has recently passed. We have a 7yr old son. When applying the agent told me my son's benefits would be paid right away but my benefits would be held back for the first 5 months. Why is this?? Can you further elaborate on this please.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My guess is that it's due to your earnings. The Social Security earnings test would require withholding of $1 of your benefits for each $2 that you will earn in excess of $17040 this year (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html). Social Security withholds benefits based on your estimated earnings, so if they withhold too much or too little they will settle up with you after verifying your actual 2018 earnings when the year is over.

Best, Jerry