Q & A
I have children at home and I plan to retire soon. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security payments after I retire?
Answer: Your children will get monthly Social Security payments if they are: unmarried and under age 18 (age 19 if still in high school); or age 18 or over, and became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled.…
I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability. Why are my husband’s wages reduced by the monthly amount I receive?
Answer: Although administered by Social Security, SSI is a very different assistance program for people with low income if either are over age 65 or are disabled, including disabled children. Your husband’s wages are important because monthly SSI amounts are partly…
How do I reconcile my earnings history correctly when comparing tax returns against the Social Security statements?
Full question: I understand that Social Security reviews your highest 35 years of earnings in determining your benefit at retirement. But what does Social Security consider “earnings” for the purpose of determining these benefits? I have most of my tax returns…
When having to pay back $1 for every $2 due to earnings prior to full retirement age, is a pension included in what they consider earnings?
Answer: If you’re under full retirement age for the entire year, the Social Security Administration will deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit, says William “BJ” Jarrett, a public affairs specialist with the…
What happens to Social Security benefits after a guardian dies?
Full question: I am 75 years old and guardian of a 7-year-old girl, whose father is disabled. Social Security now pays her $777 per month. What should I do to make sure that the girl will continue to receive her Social Security benefits…
I will be turning 62 next year and would like to begin collecting early Social Security benefits. Am I penalized once I turn full retirement age of 66 for the amount I would receive then? Or does it revert to the amount on my Social Security yearly statement?
Answer: Generally, if you choose to begin receiving Social Security benefits before your full retirement age, yes, you will permanently reduce your monthly benefit. The reductions are designed to make your benefits actuarially equal no matter when you start them if…
How Do IRA Withdrawals Affect My Social Security?
Full question: I am brand new to reading your column. I am interested in the effect that withdrawing money from my IRA (taxable income) will have on my Social Security benefits. Is it best to withdraw money from the IRA until…
How can I become a representative payee?
Answer: If you know someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and who needs assistance managing his or her payments, contact your local Social Security office about becoming his or her representative payee. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/payee for more…
How do I sign up for Medicare Part B if I already have Part A?
Answer: If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, call Social Security’s toll-free number (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Or, contact your local Social Security office. To learn more about Medicare, visit our website…
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. We consider an…