Q & A
What Qualifies as a Disability?
Answer: Medically speaking, there are countless types of disabilities. Educationally speaking, the number disability categories is much more limited. What sometimes causes confusion and frustration for parents and school personnel alike is that the definition of disabilities under state and federal laws differs from the…
What are some tips for calculating quarterly tax payments?
Full Question: I recently retired and started my own consulting business, which is doing very well. My question is on taxes. I have been told that I must pay quarterly taxes, but I have no idea if I will make $10…
How Does Maternity Leave Affect Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Answer: Insurance policies can seem very technical and overwhelming to a policy holder or plan member for a group insurance plan. When making a claim for long-term disability benefits, it is important to review the policy for many reasons, to know…
I am getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can I get other kinds of help?
Answer: You may be able to get other assistance. For example, in most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. You should contact your medical assistance office. Also, SSI recipients are sometimes eligible for social services provided by the state, city, or…
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…