Q & A
How does WEP work with Social Security benefit adjustments?
Complete Question: I am 65 years old and have been informed that because of my government pension, my Social Security benefits will be reduced due to the Windfall Elimination Provision. I’ve already retired from my job and started getting my…
Do I have to pay taxes on my benefits?
Full question: I’m gathering everything I’ll need to file my taxes this month. Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits? Also, where can I get a replacement 1099? Answer: Some people who get Social Security must pay federal…
Can I get spousal benefits instead of my own Social Security benefits?
Complete Question: My husband and I have been married for 38 years. He started collecting his Social Security at 62. After we saw what a big reduction he had to take for doing that, we thought it would be better…
How to Collect Child Support From an Ex’s Social Security Benefits
Q: “Can I collect unpaid child support from my ex-husband’s Social Security?” — Carol A: That depends on the kind of benefit your ex receives. If it’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re out of luck. But if he collects any…
I recently read a comment about Social Security and I want to know if it’s true…
Complete Question: Everyone is affected by the potential bankruptcy of Social Security – it’s all over the news. The disabled, the elderly, and those retiring in 20 years. I saw someone make a comment that I found disturbing. Since it…
I filed for Social Security 3 years ago, but now I don’t need it. Is there anything I can do?
Complete Question: I filed for my Social Security benefit at age 64 and now I’m 67. Obviously I had my benefit reduced and now, like many people, I had to get a job to supplement my income. To my surprise,…
My situation isn’t covered in Social Security’s Listing of Impairments…now what?
Complete Question: I was going to file for disability and found out that my issue is not on the Listing of Impairments that Social Security uses to determine whether or not you’re disabled. I know applying for disability is a…
How do I know if I qualify for ex-spouse benefits?
Complete Question: I’m 64 years old and not married, which I’m finding out limits my Social Security filing options. However, I recently found out that I could get ex-spouse benefits since I’m divorced. There’s one thing that concerns me, though.…
Can an ex-spouse get widow’s benefits?
Complete Question: Right now I’m getting ex-spouse Social Security benefits. I just found out that my ex-husband died a couple months ago. Is it possible for me to get widow’s benefits? I thought I’d ask first because I don’t want to…
Why is my Social Security benefit so low?
Complete Question: I will be 66 in a few months, but I went ahead and filed for Social Security. I figured my benefit wouldn’t be reduced very much by filing only a few months early, plus I retired from my…