Q & A
How do I apply for disability benefits?
(Source – Social Security Administration via www.islandpacket.com) Q: I was hurt on the job and can’t work. How do I start my application for Social Security disability benefits? A: If you have a disability that qualifies, you can apply online…
How do Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments differ?
Answer: The two programs are financed differently. Employment taxes primarily finance Social Security retirement, survivors and disability insurance benefits. Generally, we pay Social Security benefits to eligible workers and their families, based on the worker’s earnings. Meanwhile, general taxes fund the SSI program, which…
If I file and suspend but choose not to take a lump sum before my benefit maxes out at 70, what happens to those funds? What happens to those funds if I die before 70?
Complete Question: You’ve been writing about the “file and suspend” option that allows you to delay taking Social Security while still reserving the ability to get a lump sum if you later change your mind. If I file and suspend but choose…
What are the Social Security Trust Funds?
Answer: The Social Security Trust Funds include: The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund; and The Disability Insurance Trust Fund. The Department of the Treasury manages these funds. The law requires us to invest trust fund assets we don’t need to…
I receive Social Security retirement. My wife is approaching the Medicare age of 65, has not worked enough to receive her own SSA retirement and does not want to start receiving monthly benefits as a spouse through my record yet. Can she get Medicare through my work record at age 65 without applying for monthly Social Security benefits?
Answer: If a person is receiving Social Security benefits, his or her spouse can file for Medicare through their record at age 65 without filing for monthly cash benefits. Medicare Part A (Hospital) does not have a monthly premium. Medicare Part…
Will my spousal benefit affect my husband?
Complete Question: I just read your Q&A that told a stay at home mom not to worry because her husband is a doctor and she can get a spousal benefit. I’m in a similar situation. I haven’t thought much about…
I only worked while my husband was in medical school. What will happen when I retire?
Complete Question: My husband was my high school sweetheart. We’ve been married for 19 years and together for 30. Since he is a successful doctor, I only worked part time during high school and college, and then full time while he…
WHAT IS SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (SGA) ACCORDING TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION?
Answer: To be eligible for disability benefits, a person must be unable to head shot of Lesly Quin engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount (net of impairment-related work expenses) is…
My ex-wife is on full disability, has been for years, but will not have reached full retirement age when I do. My question: Since we were married for more than 10 years and have been divorced for more than two years, can I file for a spousal benefit when I reach full retirement at age 66?
Answer: If your ex-wife weren’t disabled, she would need to be at least 62 and you would have to have been divorced for two years or she would have to be collecting her retirement benefit for you to be able to…
I retired last year, started Social Security, and expect to work part-time this year on a fill-in basis. If I reach the retirement earning limit amount for the year, is it my responsibility to notify Social Security? Are benefits reduced for work immediately or resolved at years’ end. I am 63.
Answer: Yes, it is your responsibility to contact Social Security. Report your estimated earnings for the calendar year as soon as you think your earnings will exceed the annual limit for your age. You can provide updated estimates during the…