Q & A
How do I know if I’m getting appropriate and accurate advice?
Complete Question: I will be 66, or full retirement age, at the end of the year. My wife is 63. We are both still working but we’ve had a lot of discussions about whether or not we want to keep…
How can a representative help me with my Social Security claim?
Answer: You may appoint a qualified person to represent you when doing business with Social Security. Use Form SSA-1696-U4, Appointment of Representative to tell us in writing about the person you appoint. Sign and date the document and send it…
How do I become a representative payee for someone receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
Answer: If you know someone receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits who needs assistance managing their payments, you should contact your local Social Security office about becoming their representative payee. See When People Need Help Managing Their Money for…
When Must I Repay Benefits to Withdraw My Application?
By – Laurence Kotlikoff, via Forbes Social Security Q&A Page – Full Question: I began receiving Social Security at age 63 in January of 2015. In April, I decided to work part time an extra year. I will end up over…
What Do I Report if I Get SSI Payments?
Question : What do I need to report to Social Security if I get Supplemental Security Income payments? Answer: You need to report any changes that may affect your payment amount. This includes changes in your income or resources. You…
I’m retired, and the only income I have aside from my Social Security retirement benefit is from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Are my IRA withdrawals considered “earnings?” Could they reduce my monthly Social Security benefits?
Answer: No. The Social Security Administration does not count non-work income (such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits), and this non-work income will not affect your Social Security benefits. Also, most pensions will not affect your…
I will turn 65 in a few months. Because of my financial situation, I thought I’d be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But my neighbor told me I’d probably be turned down because a friend has offered to support me. Is this true?
Answer: If you have low income and few resources, you may qualify for SSI. However, if your friend helps to support you, it could affect whether or not you will get SSI or the amount you would receive. Any amount of…
I’m planning my retirement. What is the maximum Social Security benefit I might receive?
Answer: The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire and how much you earned in your lifetime. For example, if you retire at age 62 in 2015, your maximum benefit will be $2,025. If you retire at full retirement age…
My same-sex partner and I recently married. Will we qualify for Social Security benefits?
Answer: You may be eligible to apply for Social Security benefits. Many factors affect your eligibility for benefits, including how long you worked and your age.Social Security is now processing more claims in which entitlement or eligibility is affected by a…
I’ve only been working for a few years, and I’m wondering how I earn Social Security benefits. What are credits and how many do I need to qualify for benefits?
Answer: The Social Security Administration uses your total yearly earnings to calculate your Social Security credits. “Credits” are the units used to measure whether you qualify for Social Security benefits. The amount needed for a credit in 2015 is $1,220. You…