Q & A
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…
I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Can my children receive benefits because I receive SSI?
Answer: No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. There are no benefits payable to spouses, children or survivors as there are with Social Security benefits. For information, see Supplemental…
If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability, what is the effect on my benefits when I take seasonal work?
Answer: Even a small amount of earned wages can cause a deduction in your SSI payment. However, it takes substantial work to make your benefits stop. In 2013, a person who receives SSI can earn up to $1,505 a month and…
Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying your Medicare premiums?
Answer: Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles, and co-insurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources that apply. Contact your state or local…