Q & A
I plan to apply for my Social Security benefits in September. When can I expect my first check? And, is direct deposit my only option for receiving my monthly payment?
Answer: Generally, Social Security retirement benefits (as well as disability and survivor benefits) are paid in the month after the month they are due. So, if you apply for your Social Security benefits in September, you will receive your September benefits…
I am in my early 30s. While I certainly hope Social Security is around when I retire, I keep hearing doom and gloom about the program’s future. Do most younger workers feel pessimistic about Social Security?
Answer: It appears there is a general pessimistic opinion about Social Security’s future among today’s younger workers. Consider a recent post by Kathy Stokes, the director of the American Savings Education Council. Recent analysis from the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute, also…
What does the Social Security Advisory Board do?
Answer: Advise the President, the Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security on Social Security (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) policy. Read more… Source: Social Security Advisory Board Notice: The “Read more…” link provided above connects readers to the full…
When is a Person Considered Disabled by Social Security Disability?
Answer: Social Security evaluates disability according to a long list of laws and regulations; there is no simple answer. What constitutes disability? For Social Security disability or SSI purposes, to be considered disabled, individuals must have an impairment, either medical, psychological, or psychiatric…
Where else can I find answers to Medicare questions?
Answer: Medicare has online resources for you. Register at MyMedicare.gov to: Create and print an “On the Go” report that lists information you can share with your providers. Add or update your health information, like medical conditions or allergies. View or…
If you opt out of Medicare, because you are working can you sign up later?
Answer: Yes, you can. If you have insurance through your own or your spouse’s current employer, you can delay Medicare enrollment until you/ your spouse who insures you retires. This Special Enrollment Period to enroll into Medicare lasts the entire time…
Social Security: To Draw or Not to Draw? That Is the Question
General Discussion: I have just turned 66. All my friends, family, colloquies, and people in line at Walmart tell me I should apply for benefits since now I can draw “Full” benefits and keep working, which is the boomer generations equivalent…
Social Security: Can You Claim Benefits If You’re Divorced?
Answer: It can be a little complicated, but you can claim retirement benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings — called the “spousal benefit” — if you meet a few guidelines. First of all, you can’t claim at any time, and the…
My Medicare claim number is based on my Social Security number and through my own Social Security retirement. If I eventually receive benefits through my husband’s Social Security record, will my Medicare claim number change to show his SSN?
Answer: No. Even if you begin to receive Social Security through his record, your Medicare claim number will remain based on your own SSN. If your Medicare coverage was through only his record, then your Medicare claim number would be…
Is there a way to speed up the disability application and approval process?
Complete Question: I’m only 25, but I’m writing on behalf of my mom. She’s only 50. She’s been having difficulty at work and lost her job. After frequent visits to the doctor and watching her mental capacity decline, it was…