Q & A
What are Social Security mother and father benefits?
Answer: These are Social Security survivor benefits to a surviving spouse or surviving divorced spouse based on having a child of the deceased in their care. Mother and father benefits may be paid to a surviving spouse or surviving divorced spouse regardless…
I miss working. If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: No. Social Security has several work incentives to help you ease back into the workforce. You may be able to continue receiving benefits during a “trial work period”, and in most cases your medical coverage will continue after you begin working.…
Will my Social Security disability benefit increase if my condition gets worse or I develop additional health problems?
Answer: No. We do not base your Social Security benefit amount on the severity of your disability. The amount you are paid is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. If you go back to work after getting disability benefits, you may be able…
If a widow, age 60, is getting a survivor benefit on her husband‘s Social Security, can her wages reduce the Social Security benefit?
Answer: Lita Epstein, author of the “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Social Security and Medicare,” said the following: Yes, as long as the widow is younger than full retirement age, her wages will reduce the social security benefit temporarily. The reduction is $1…
I am a federal retiree with only 16 quarters paid into Social Security. I know I am not entitled to monthly Social Security benefits when I soon turn 65, but I want to know how I can get a refund of money that was deducted from my salary? It was taken without asking me and is money I earned and feel I am entitled to. My first husband paid into Social Security for 31 years but died at the age of 56. He never got a cent of his money.
Answer: There is no provision in law that would allow you to get a refund. Source: Federal Times – August 31, 2013 Notice: The opinions expressed in these postings are the viewpoints of the original source and are not explicitly…
How much to save for retirement?
Answer: Dimensional Fund Advisors, a Texas-based investment management firm with more than $281 billion of assets under management, recently released a study that shows that the vast majority of retirement savers are not saving enough for their golden years. Results of…
What are the circumstances under which children can receive Social Security benefits?
Full question: Did you know that children can receive Social Security Benefits under certain circumstances? Because Social Security is social insurance, at times children can receive benefits. When? Answer: According to SSA publication # 05-10085, To get benefits, a child must have: A…
I am applying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs. Can state agencies help with my Medicare costs?
Answer: Yes. When you file your application for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs — state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. When you apply for…
I pay my monthly premium directly to my Medicare prescription drug plan provider. Why can’t I also pay my income-related monthly adjustment amount directly to my Medicare prescription drug plan provider?
Answer: By law, we must deduct your income-related monthly adjustment amount from your Social Security payments. If the amount you owe is more than the amount of your payment, or you don’t get monthly payments, you will get a separate bill…
Will my wife qualify for Social Security Disability and Medicare based on the fact she is now disabled?
Full question: My wife never worked outside the home. She is 52 and recently had a stroke. She is making progress. However, she is not going to be driving; nor will she be able to do many of the “routine” activities…