Q & A
I was hurt on the job and can’t work. How do I start my application for Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: If you have a disability that qualifies, you can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. There are several advantages to applying online for disability benefits. You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment. You…
My husband is 60 and works as a professor at a state university. His plan is to retire from full-time work when he turns 66, draw his pension and only work part time for perhaps four more years. He wouldn’t need Social Security until he turns 70. He will have at least 31 years in full-time work (as he moved here from the Netherlands). I am 64, and my work has been sporadic and at a lower income. Social Security projects only about $300 per month for me. Should I apply for spousal benefit at 66 and just forget about my own Social Security? We both come from families with longevity into the 80s and 90s. I plan on living to be at least 100.
Answer: You can’t collect your spousal benefit — which sounds like it will exceed your own retirement benefit — until your husband files for his retirement benefit. If you can take it when you are 66, your spousal benefit will be…
I have been receiving Social Security disability benefits since 1995. I am now 63 years old. I know that when I turn 66 my Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) will automatically roll over to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate. Here is my question: Since I’m eligible for early retirement, can I make the switch from SSDI to regular Social Security without a penalty? If the rollover is at the same rate at age 66, it seems like the same would hold true earlier.
Answer: Your disability benefit will just change names and be called your retirement benefit when you reach full retirement age. It won’t be changed. You can, however, choose at full retirement to suspend your retirement benefit and restart it at 70…
Should my husband take Social Security benefits at his full-retirement age and use it to pay down credit card debt? Should he wait until age 70 with $25,000 credit card debt and try to continue with monthly payments? Do we have any options with student loans?
Full Question: My husband is 66. I am 58. We are employed as teachers. My husband is healthy and still has energy for this job. We have a ton of credit card debt, plus loans for two children going through college…
My husband and I separated but remained married even though he lived with another woman for the last decade. He died recently. Can I receive Social Security benefits as his widow even though we have been apart for years?
Answer: If monthly Social Security survivor benefits are payable, they would be paid to you as the legal widow. Since you were not living together, a one-time payment of $255 to help offset funeral costs is usually not payable. Survivor benefits based…
If you are divorced spouse, can you receive Social Security benefits on the record of your ex-spouse (even if he/she has remarried)?
Answer: If you are divorced spouse, you can receive Social Security benefits on the record of your ex-spouse (even if he/she has remarried) if: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer; You are unmarried; You are age 62 or older; Your…
Is Citizenship Required for Social Security Disability or Retirement Benefits?
Answer: Many believe that American citizenship is needed to receive Social Security benefits. But that’s not true. Resident aliens (or “green card” holders) may qualify to receive Social Security payments, as long as they meet some additional guidelines, such as having…
My husband and I separated but remained married even though lived with another woman for the last decade. He died recently. Can I receive Social Security benefits as his widow even though we have been apart for years?
Answer: If monthly Social Security survivor benefits are payable, they would be paid to you as the legal widow. Since you were not living together, a one-time payment of $255 to help offset funeral costs is usually not payable. Survivor benefits based…
What are the Social Security death benefits for a divorced spouse?
Full Question: I have heard conflicting information about Social Security death benefits for a divorced spouse. We divorced after 18 years and I have not remarried. What percent of his benefit is available to me? My own Social Security is…
Why should I sign up for a my Social Security online account?
Answer: my Social Security gives you a personal online account you can securely use to check your Social Security information and do business with us. With a my Social Security account you can: – Keep track of your earnings and verify…