Q & A
What is the Experian verification process you use to set up a “my Social Security” online account?
Answer: From Social Security – You must give us your identifying information and answer security questions to pass verification. First, we match the personal information you give us with the data we have in our records. Then, we use Experian, an…
What is a Non-service connected disability pension?
Answer: If you are a veteran who is 65 years old or older, or “permanently and totally” disabled, you may be eligible for the VA Non-service Connected Disability Pension (NSC). The VA NSC pension is a program that provides financial support to…
Can my Social Security disability benefits be garnished for child support?
Answer: Yes, we can withhold Social Security benefits to enforce your legal obligation to pay child support, alimony or restitution. State laws determine a valid garnishment order. By law, we garnish current and continuing monthly benefits. We do not make retroactive…
I had additional earnings after I retired; will my monthly Social Security retirement benefit increase?
Answer: Each year (Social Security) reviews the records for all working Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase their monthly benefit amounts. If an increase is due, (Social Security) will figure a new benefit amount and pay the…
What is the special rule about earnings in the first year of retirement?
Answer: Sometimes people younger than full retirement age retire in the middle of the year and have already earned more than the yearly earnings limit. There is a special rule that applies to earnings for one year, usually the first year…
What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable?
Answer: The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2014, your maximum benefit would be $2,642. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2014, your maximum benefit would be $1,992. If you retire at age 70…
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…