Q & A
I think my husband’s ex is taking my spousal benefits…
Complete Question: My husband and I have been married for six months. He told me that his ex-wife is getting Social Security spousal benefits. Can she do that? Will that affect my spousal benefits? Answer: YES, she is allowed to…
I want to work while receiving Social Security benefits. Will I be penalized?
Complete Question: I am currently getting Social Security benefits, but they aren’t enough to pay the bills so I want to get a part time job. However, I’ve heard that if I work, my benefits could be reduced. Is this…
How does foreign travel affect Social Security and Medicare?
Full Question: I am 75 years old and have the opportunity to travel toFinland this spring. I want to take about two months to visit my Finnish relatives, but I am wondering how this travel will affect my Medicare and Social Security…
I want to apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Can state agencies also help with my Medicare costs?
Answer: When you file your application for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug (Medicare Part D) costs, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs — state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. When you…
My Social Security benefits are reduced because I receive a government pension. I started benefits at age 70. My wife worked in a private sector job and started Social Security at 66. If I pass on would her Social Security survivors benefit based on my account be reduced because of my government pension? She is not eligible for benefits from my pension. My current benefit is $1,320.00 versus about $1,842.00 without the penalty.
Answer: Your Social Security benefits are affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). It affects people who have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and other jobs in which Social Security taxes were not taken out of your pay —…
Can I Collect a Survivor’s Benefits on My Ex’s Record at 62 and a Delayed Retirement Benefit at 70?
Full Question: I was married for 17 plus years. My former husband died. I am currently 53. Can I retire at 62, collect his Social Security and then switch to my Social Security at the age of 70, if I live…
Can I Suspend at 63 or Repay Benefits to Avoid the Earnings Test?
Full Question: I’m 63 and collecting Social Security. I had to get a job to support myself. Next year, I will make more money than they allow. Can I stop Social Security and collect when I reach the proper age? Do…
Is It True That I Can Completely Avoid the Earnings Test at 65 and Two Days?
Full Question: I have been told that I can earn unlimited income two days after my 65th birthday. I’m skeptical. Exactly when can someone earn unlimited income and not be penalized by Social Security? Answer: The first day of the month in…
I started taking my reduced Social Security benefits based on my own earnings. My husband will most likely defer his benefits until 2017 when he will be 70. At that point, can I receive half of his benefit instead of my own or in addition to my own?
Answer: Your husband can file right now for his retirement benefit and suspend its collection. This won’t change what he’ll collect starting at 70. It will, however, let you apply for your excess spousal benefit, which will equal the difference between…
After taking an early reduced retirement benefit, is the spouse’s benefit received in addition to, or instead of, the reduced retirement benefit.
Full Question: Today’s question asks if, after taking an early reduced retirement benefit, the spouse’s benefit benefit is received in addition to, or instead of, the reduced retirement benefit. The answer explains how filing and suspending may allow one spouse to…