Q & A
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…
What’s the Max Strategy if Single, Never Married with No Kids?
Full question: Why always divorced, widowed or married SS questions? How about some single, never-married and childless ideas for when to collect? We do exist, you know… Answer: Single, never-married childless people need to optimize their Social Security, too, so I’m glad…
How do I know if I meet the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). You must also have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Social Security considers…
How do I appeal a decision on my application for disability benefits?
Answer: When Social Security makes a decision on your application, it will send you a letter explaining its decision. If you don’t agree with the decision, you can ask for another look at your case, or appeal it. You must appeal…
What Can I Do at the Social Security Website?
Answer: There are many things you can do on Social Security’s website. You can conduct most of your Social Security business online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. You can get an estimate of future benefits, find out if you qualify for benefits now and…