Q & A
I understand that to get Social Security disability benefits, my disability must be expected to last at least a year. Will I have to wait a year to receive benefits?
Answer: No. You do not have to wait a year after becoming disabled to receive disability benefits. In fact, you should apply for disability benefit as soon as you become disabled. It may take months before a final decision is made…
Will Private Policy Reduce Disability Benefit?
Full question: I’m thinking about getting disability protection from a private company. If I become disabled and have a private policy, would it reduce my Social Security disability benefit? Answer: No. Having private insurance does not affect your eligibility for Social Security…
My grandfather, who is receiving Supplemental Security Income, will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?
Answer: Yes. An SSI beneficiary must report any change in living arrangements before the 10th day of the following month. If you do not report the change, your grandfather could receive an incorrect payment and have to pay it back, or…
How can a divorced wife get benefits on the husband’s record before the current wife?
Full question: have been a stay-at-home mom all my life. I am 63, and my husband is 62. We have been married for 20 years. He doesn’t plan to take his Social Security until he is 66. But I’d like to…
What are the Social Security award rules on re-marrying the same spouse?
Full question: I was married to my husband from March 2001 until April 2009. Then we divorced. I then married the same man in November 2010 and divorced him a second time in January 2014. So we were married more than…
How are Social Security spousal benefits allocated in a divorce situation
Full question: I was married to my husband for 35 years before he divorced me and married a much newer and better-equipped model (if you get my drift). They have even had a child together! I’m 62 and my ex is…
What are the differences between “Original Medicare” and “Medicare Advantage” plans?
Answer: People with medicare can get their health coverage either through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s a look at the differences between these two options. Read more… Source: Medicarerights.org Notice: The “Read more…” link provided above connects readers…
How are Social Security Taxes handled on vacation payouts?
Full Question: If I retire near the end of the year, is my vacation payout going to be subject to Social Security tax if I have already reached the upper limit for payments under FERS? And if I retire at the…
How do FERS and TSP affect my Social Security calculation?
Full Question: I’ve read about the Social Security reduction if your income is above a certain amount. Does the calculation for that amount include the FERS pension and TSP annuity payments? In other words, does the SSA consider my pension and…
Who Really Benefits from Social Security’s Cost-of-Living Index?
Answer: Budget battles in recent years have thrust politicians and budget wonks into heated debates over how to adjust Social Security benefits for inflation. This may seem a dry matter, but once the initial level of monthly benefits is determined, the inflation…