Q & A
I retired from the military with a 40-percent VA disability. I am now a government employee under FERS. If I buy back my military time and then retire under FERS, will I still receive my VA disability payments and, if so, will the VA payments be deducted from my FERS retirement in the same way as they are deducted from my military retirement today?
Answer: While you would have to waive your military retired pay when you retire from your civilian position, you wouldn’t have to waive your VA disability payments. They would have no affect on your FERS annuity. Source: Reg Jones, FederalTimes.com, 8/28/2014…
What are my overseas options under Tricare?
Full question: My husband and I recently decided that we want to move to Ireland. He’s a medically retired soldier using Tricare for Life. My son and I have Tricare Prime. Are there U.S. military bases in Ireland? If not, how…
How do I enroll in Medicare when working past 65?
Full Question: I’m 69, retiring from my job soon and never enrolled in Part B because I was working with great company benefits. I don’t want to make a mistake and am not sure what I need to do. Can you…
Can A Debt Collector Come After My Social Security?
Answer: If you’re facing financial struggles during what was supposed to be one of the best times of your life, or while collecting disability checks, you may be wondering whether not debt collectors can access your social security account. Laws Protect…
How are premium adjustments on Medicare Part B calculated?
Full Question: A recent “Taking Charge” column referred to the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) coverage as $104.90. My monthly Part B premium is higher. I also pay a higher premium for my Medicare Part D (prescription…
Understanding your annual benefits statement
Question: How do I interpret the information presented in the annual benefits statement I receive from th Social Security Administration? Answer: The Social Security Administration will be mailing annual benefit statements for the first time in three years to some American workers. That’s…
Can my Social Security benefits be reduced for an unpaid student loan I co-signed?
Full Question: I co-signed a student loan for my child. My child, unbeknownst to me, was not able to pay the payments after graduation from college and the loan is in arrears. The loan is a federally guaranteed student loan. Now…
I got married and I need to change my name in Social Security’s records. What do I do?
Answer: If you change your name due to marriage, or for any other reason, you’ll need to report the change and get a corrected Social Security card with your new name. You will need to fill out form SS-5. You can get…
Will My Medicare Part B Premium Be Higher Because of Income?
Answer: People who are age 65 and over get Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part B charges a premium and will charge you more based on how much you make. For most people, the premium for Part B…
How Much Will You Get from Social Security When You Retire?
Answer: Have you ever wondered how much money you’ll get from Social Security when you retire? You can find out now — online. “People can go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount,” says Mark Hinkle of the Social Security Administration. It takes about 10 minutes to sign up. Once…