Q & A
Ask Rusty – Widow’s Benefit if Spouse Dies Before Applying
Dear Rusty: I was born in 1951 and have not yet applied for my Social Security benefits, and I know that when I reach my full retirement age this year I will be able to get 100% of the benefit…
Ask Rusty – Ex-spouse benefits – When you don’t get
Dear Rusty: I am very confused about where I stand with Social Security. I have been divorced twice. First husband is 79; I was married to him for 10 years. He is remarried and collecting Social Security. Second husband is…
Ask Rusty: WEP – Substantial Earnings Test
Dear Rusty: I turn 62 this June. I collect a State Teachers Retirement and have been told I face a windfall reduction in my SS benefits if I have less than 30 service years in SS. Social Security claims that…
Ask Rusty – Working & Social Security
Dear Rusty: I recently turned 62, and have not yet filed for Social Security benefits. At this point my benefit based on my own record would be about $1,000 per month, but since I still work I know I would…
Ask Rusty – Child Benefits Stopped at 18
Dear Rusty: I received my Social Security payment for February but not for the month of March. I’ve seen rumors about how they might cut Social Security checks from people in general, and I really hope that’s not why I…
FAQ: Hospital Observation Care Can Be Costly For Medicare Patients
(By Susan Jaffe for Kaiser Health News) Some seniors think Medicare made a mistake. Others are stunned when they find out that being in a hospital even for a couple of days doesn’t always mean they were actually admitted. Continue reading…
What is the Ticket To Work Program?
Answer: The Ticket To Work Program can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, save more money, and become financially independent, all while they keep their health coverage. Ticket to Work…
What are Compassionate Allowances?
Answer: Compassionate Allowances are Social Security’s way of quickly identifying severe diseases and other medical conditions that qualify a person for disability benefits without waiting a long time. Compassionate Allowances permit Social Security to target the most obviously disabled individuals…
If I get Social Security disability benefits and I reach full retirement age, will I then receive retirement benefits?
Answer: Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries reach full retirement age. In most cases, the payment amount does not change. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits simultaneously…
How do I get a replacement Medicare card?
Answer: Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare insurance. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account. If don’t already have an account, you can…