Q & A
How can I get a form SSA-1099/1042S, Social Security Benefit Statement?
Answer: If you get Social Security benefits, (Social Security) mails Form SSA-1099 to you each January. It shows your total benefits for the previous year. If you are a noncitizen who lives outside of the United States and you got or…
Who can get a lump-sum death benefit?
Answer: (Social Security) will mail your card as soon as your documents have been verified. You should receive your card within 10 business days from the date on your receipt. Your replacement card will have the same number as your previous…
How do I check the status of a pending application for survivor benefits?
Answer: If you applied for benefits, you can check the Status of Your Application online. Your application status shows: The date we received your application; Any requests for additional documents; The address of the office processing your application; and If a decision has been…
I saw the report that 65-year-old couples will need more than $200,000 for health care costs during retirement. Why is the amount so steep, and what can I do to lower these costs?
Answer: Fidelity’s annual retiree health care cost estimate found that couples retiring this year at age 65 will need $220,000 for health care costs during retirement (the same figure as last year’s study). The cost assumes the couple has traditional Medicare and pays deductibles…
What is “original Medicare” vs “traditional Medicare”?
Full Question: I am turning 65 in December and retiring because of my health. I had a triple by-pass September 2013 and last week I talked with the office manager at my cardiologist’s office about me getting on Medicare and what…
I recently divorced after 25 years of marriage. My ex-wife is seven years older than me. She is currently 65. I am going to be 58. At age 62, may I receive her Social Security benefit? Is it advisable to do so?
Answer: You can start collecting reduced spousal benefits at 62. But you will also be forced to take your retirement benefit early. A better strategy may be to a) wait until you reach full retirement age — 66 in your case…
I am not yet 65, but I am receiving Social Security benefits. I qualify for Medical Assistance, or Medicaid, and I am enrolled in the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island through HealthSource RI, under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. What, if anything, will change when I turn 65?
Answer: According to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, you are one of more than 56,000 people who signed up for health insurance based on expanded Medicaid eligibility available to Rhode Islanders under the Affordable Care Act,…
What’s required to register a student in school? Can schools require birth certificates and Social Security numbers? What if a student doesn’t have them?
Answer: Four different proofs are required to register a student: of health-related exams, immunizations, age and residency. Proving health exams and immunizations is done through forms signed by official “health care providers.” Proving age and residency can be done in a variety…
Can You Double Up on Spousal Benefits?
Answer: Of all the issues related to Social Security, few are as complicated as the rules surrounding marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In fact, if you weren’t careful about reading them, you’d be excused for thinking that some people are able to…
I am a federal employee, 66 years old, planning to retire Jan. 3. I now have full coverage under Blue Cross Blue Shield for me and my husband. I understand that when I retire, I must sign up for Medicare Part A, but I am not sure about part B. If I elect to take Medicare Part B, and have BCBS as my supplement, may I still purchase my prescriptions through CVS Care Mark after I retire? Can you tell me the monthly cost for my spouse and myself to continue with full coverage under BCBS?
Answer: Whether or not you enroll in Medicare Part B, you can continue to order your prescriptions from your FEHB provider. The premium rates for non-Postal Service retirees are the same as they were when employed. Postal Service retirees pay more…