Q & A
Why can’t I get on my mySocialSecurity account? Is the website always down?
Complete Question: I keep hearing that the best way to “do business” with Social Security is to do it online and you should first create a mySocialSecurity account. Great! I’m fine with that because I work 2nd shift and it’s…
Should I file for my own benefits or spousal benefits?
Complete Question: My husband and I are both 64 years old. We are currently working, but not at the same income level we used to so we thought it would be beneficial for one of us to start taking a…
Can I get increased benefits for filing at age 71?
Complete Question: My parents told me that they waited until they were 70 years old to file for Social Security so that they could increase their benefit amount. From what I hear, 70 is the maximum age to do this.…
Can you help me understand how the disability program functions?
Complete Question: Social Security disability is all over the news. I keep going back and forth in my own opinions about this situation. Are people taking advantage of the system? Does Social Security give disability to just anyone, and that’s why…
Can I file for widow’s benefits online?
Complete Question: My husband just passed away two weeks ago. I’m doing my best to keep myself together (physically and mentally) to handle his death. I’ve been so wrapped up in everything going on between the funeral preparations and dealing…
What is the real reason for the government choosing 65 as the retirement age?
Complete Question: As the “full retirement age” as defined by the government creeps up to age 67 (and who knows what it will be for my grandkids) it makes me wonder where the original retirement age of 65 came from.…
I’ve been “self-employed” most of my life…am I going to get Social Security?
Complete Question: I’ve been told that you need to work the equivalent of 10 years in order to get Social Security. But most of my life I’ve worked odd jobs – like landscaping, painting, construction, etc. I’ve had a few temporary…
How do I get a benefits statement from Social Security? I haven’t gotten one in the mail in years.
Complete Question: I kind of remember getting an estimated benefits statement from Social Security in the mail every year, but I can’t remember when I got the last one. Should I be concerned? I heard I might be able to…
I signed up for Social Security. When will I get my first check?
Complete Question: I finally got all signed up to start my Social Security benefits for my 66th birthday, which is on February 5th, 2015. So when will I get my first check and how often will I get paid? I…
I was denied for Social Security benefits and I’m shocked! What should I do?
Complete Question: I will be 66 years old this March and here I thought I was doing a good thing by waiting until I was full retirement age to file for my benefits. I even got a statement that estimated…