Q & A
Why does Social Security make it a point to ask about current and past marriages when a person applies for their own benefits?
Social Security will look at all possibilities to make sure you receive the maximum benefit possible. This includes spousal benefits. Social Security can be an important financial asset for married couples when the time comes to apply for retirement benefits. If…
How does a divorced spouse qualify for benefits?
Answer: A person can receive benefits as a divorced spouse on a former spouse’s Social Security record if he or she: Was married to the former spouse for at least 10 years; Is at least age 62 years old; Is…
How do I appeal the medical decision if my Social Security or SSI disability application or reconsideration was denied?
Answer: If you were denied Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for medical reasons, you may request an appeal online. Read more… Source: Social Security – The Official Website of the U. S. Social Security Administration (http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov) …
Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?
Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits? Answer: The law states Social Security disability benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Social Security…
Is there a time limit on how long I can receive Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. Social Security will periodically review your case to determine whether you continue to be eligible. If you are still receiving disability…
I will be 62 in December and plan on drawing my Social Security while working as a consultant. My wife is 30 and not working. Can she ever get benefits through me? Should we have a baby? Adopt?
Answer: Your wife can receive spousal benefits before age 62 if she has your child (either via natural birth or legal adoption) in her care and if you have applied for and are receiving your retirement benefit or if you…
I started drawing Social Security at 62. I drew on it for 16 months then went back to work. Would there be a value in paying back what I received and waiting until 66 to restart?
Answer: You only have one year to pay back your benefits, inclusive of any Medicare premiums paid out of your Social Security check, and then reapply at a later date for higher benefits. So you’re out of luck on that…
I am 63 and am eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). My wife is 64 and needs to work four more quarters. I may receive $1,000 per month from a State Retirement Plan. Should I hold off on taking SSDI?
Answer: You can’t lose from taking your SSDI. At full retirement age (66 in your case), it will convert to your Social Security unreduced retirement benefit. But at 66, you can withdraw your retirement benefit and wait until 70 to…
How can I find out when my ex-husband, to whom I was married for 17 years but with whom I’m no longer in contact, does anything regarding his Social Security benefits?
Answer: Unfortunately, Social Security’s privacy provisions are in conflict with the reasonable rights and needs of divorcees to have access to their ex’s past covered earnings records. When you near age 62, the Social Security Administration will give you an…
Is It Worth Taking Social Security Early And Investing The Benefits?
Answer: [sic] Not Recommended. Any higher return you can expect to earn — relative to the relatively high safe return Social Security pays from waiting to collect — comes with significant risk. So evaluating investments in the market, be it…