Q & A
Can I switch from my own benefit to spousal benefits?
Complete Question: I’m 62 years old and I started collecting Social Security, which is $900 per month. My husband is 70. He started his benefits at full retirement age and at that time, his benefit was $2,500. After I filed…
Can you get your Social Security benefits while living in another country?
Complete Question: I saw an article online about retiring abroad and it mentioned people getting their Social Security benefits while living in another country. Is it really that easy? Can my wife and I just pick up and move to…
Social Security said my wife can’t get spousal benefits…but why?
Complete Question: I turned 66 in January 2015 and my wife is going to be 63 in April. After looking into Social Security filing options, we kept hearing about “file and suspend” and thought this would be a great option…
Can I just “opt-out” of Social Security and Medicare?
Complete Question: I’m in my 20’s and I’m not happy with the current Social Security situation, not to mention the state of healthcare in the US right now. I don’t think it’s right that I should have to pay FICA…
How long does someone have to work to qualify for Social Security Disability?
Complete Question: I know there are a lot of requirements for disability, but there’s one thing that I don’t understand. I’ve heard that there are two different types of Social Security Disability – one based on income and one based…
What exactly is the Social Security benefit for surviving spouses?
Complete Question: I’m currently trying to plan for the best time to file for my benefits. I’ve been told to think about my wife because the timing of when I file will affect her widow’s benefit. When I tried to…
I’m receiving Social Security…do I still have to pay Social Security taxes?
Complete Question: I am 68 years old and I have been taking my Social Security benefit since I was 62. I’m not on disability or receiving any form of government “assistance”. The benefit payments I’m getting are based on my…
COLA was 0% in 2009 and 2010? I thought it was 2010 and 2011?
Complete Question: The other day you answered someone’s question about whether or not COLA can be 0%. In your answer, you mentioned that COLA was recently 0% in 2009 and 2010. I’m 72 and have been on Social Security for…
Is it possible for COLA to be 0% or even a negative amount?
Complete Question: The government says COLA is based on the increase in costs of consumer goods and services. But it seems so low. Is it ever possible for the COLA to be 0%? Or even worse, could Social Security ever claim…
I don’t want to file for Social Security when I’m 65…what happens with my Medicare?
Complete Question: As far as I know, I’m entitled to Medicare because I’m entitled to Social Security. I’ve always been told they go hand-in-hand – if you get Social Security, you get Medicare. I’ll be 65 in a few months and…