Q & A
I understand that to get Social Security disability benefits, my disability must last at least a year or be expected to result in death. But I’m disabled now. Does this mean that I must wait a year after becoming disabled before I can receive benefits?
Answer: No. You do not have to wait a year after becoming disabled. If you’re disabled and expect to be out of work for at least a year, you should apply for disability benefits right away. It can take months to…
What are the requirements for receiving disabled widow’s benefits?
Answer: You may be able to get disabled widow(er)’s benefits at age 50 if you meet Social Security’s disability requirement. Your disability must have started before age 60 and within seven years of the latest of the following dates: the month…
I am 65 and my wife is 62 and receiving spouse’s benefits. When will she qualify for Medicare benefits?
Answer: Most people must wait until age 65 to qualify for Medicare benefits. Some people can get Medicare at any age, including those who: • Have been getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or more; • Have kidney failure…
What type of information will I need to provide if I’d like to apply online for Social Security retirement benefits?
Answer: Whether you apply for retirement benefits online, by phone or in an office, we suggest that you have the following information at hand when you do it. It will make completing the application easier for you. You will need: •…
I noticed that my date of birth in Social Security’s records is wrong. How do I get that corrected?
Answer: To change the date of birth shown on our records, take the following steps: • Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5); • Show us documents proving: U.S. citizenship (if you have not previously established your citizenship…
My grandfather, who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 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…
I lost my Social Security card, but I remember my number. Do I really need a new card?
Answer: No, probably not, but it is important to know your number. The only time you may need the Social Security card is if your employer asks for it when you get a new job. If you do decide to get…
Does the CPI used for calculating Social Security COLAs take into account package shrinkage?
Full Question: When the federal government calculates inflation in the cost-of living adjustment for various programs, such as Social Security and the consumer price index, do the number crunchers adjust for product “downsizing” without a price increase? Prices have not decreased…
What can I do about the higher marginal tax rate I hit when I begin taking RMDs from by deferred income accounts?
Full Question: I have concerns about Social Security and my income taxes. By the time I turn 70, my 401(k) will likely be worth well over $2 million. When I turn 70½ and begin the mandatory withdrawals, my income will be large,…
Tricare Help: Working past age 65 and TFL: the facts
Full Question: I am a 67-year-old military retiree on Tricare for Life. My wife will turn 65 this year and become eligible for Medicare, but will not retire and start collecting Social Security until she turns 66. At the moment, she’s…