Q & A
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…
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…