Q & A
If I elect to “file and suspend,” must by benefits be re-paid?
Full Question: I will be 66 at the end of this month. I will receive my first Social Security check in January. I’m single, never married. When I went to Social Security to sign up, I asked if I could suspend…
How do you report possible Social Security Fraud?
Full Question: Someone I know receives Social Security disability and is working part-time. How can this be looked at without me providing my name? Answer: Social Security takes potential fraud very seriously. I will write about that in a moment but first…
How are Social Security annual increases calculated?
Answer: Some topics are a lot more controversial than others. But I was amazed when my October 1, 2014, article that correctly predicted next year’s 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits several weeks before the official announcement triggered more than…
WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?
Answer: Some people are under the misconception that Social Security benefits are always free from federal income tax. However, depending on how much income you have from other sources, you may have to report up to 85 percent of your benefits as…
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…