Q & A
If My Income Is $40,000 Per Year, Can I Still Receive A Retirement Benefit At 62?
Full Question: Can a person be working full time, making about $40,000 per year and still start receiving Social Security benefits at age 62? I know there will be a reduction in the monthly benefit from what it would be if…
Is There Any Hardship Allowance after Caring for an Ill Parent?
Full Question: I was an account manager in the building supplies industry, but was laid off in 2008. At the same time, my mother fell very ill with multiple sclerosis and required a lot of help. As her only son, and…
Can I File on My Ex’s Record while on Disability?
Full Question: I get disability of $1,603 monthly. My ex just retired and is remarried. We were married for 21 years. He is 65 and I’m 63. Do I qualify for any of his SS? He retired as a major on…
How might a government pension affect your Social Security?
Full Question: In a previous article, you wrote about a Social Security program referred to as Government Pension Offset. This particular program should not affect me, but I may be affected by its sister program referred to as the Windfall Elimination…
Can income hurt benefits?
Answer: You may be counting on Social Security as a mainstay of income in your looming retirement. But when you take those benefits and how long you continue to work are both factors that can shrink that monthly check. When you receive…
What types of retirement planning tools does Social Security offer?
Answer: Social Security’s Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law. It also points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. At www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2 you can: — Find your retirement…
I am 63, married and we are both working. My wife is two years younger than I am. I want to retire at 65. When should I start taking my social security?
Answer: The Social Security Administration is a great place to start. It will answer your questions, help you make sure your credits are correct and, with the help of your financial adviser, plan your distribution strategy. Check your Social Security statement…
Is it true 10,000 people a day are retiring? What’s the easiest way to avoid the crowds?
Answer: Yes. As the baby boomers reach their retirement years, Social Security is handling about 10,000 claims each day. You can avoid the crowds by filing online. You can complete your retirement application in as little as 15 minutes. It’s safe,…
Can I receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits at the same time?
Answer: You may be able to receive SSI in addition to monthly Social Security benefits if your Social Security benefit is low enough for you to qualify for SSI. Whether you can get SSI depends on your income and resources. Resources…
This summer, I’ll turn 65 and, 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 I have a friend who said he might help support me. Is this true?
Answer: If your friend helps support you, it could have an effect on whether you get SSI and on the amount you would receive. If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI. However, if…