Q & A
Beware: When did Social Security start sending emails to people asking them to create a “my Social Security” account?
Full Question: When did Social Security start sending emails to people asking them to create a “my Social Security” account? I have never provided my email to Social Security. Answer: The email you received is not from Social Security. Be warned that…
This year I will turn 62 in July and I want to know when can I sign up for my benefits?
Answer: You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you will receive a reduced benefit if you retire before your full retirement age. For example, if you retire at age 62, your benefit would be…
Disability and deferred retirement question
Full question: I am a FERS employee with the Defense Logistics Agency and have 22 years of service. I turn 50 on Sept. 30. I am considering deferred retirement when I turn 50. What penalties would be applied if my minimum…
How does a previous marriage impact Social Security income?
Full question: I volunteer at a small subsidized elder housing in our rural town. Several women have asked me questions about Social Security benefits when they have been divorced or widowed. Most of our residents are living on very limited incomes.…
What do I do if my Social Security number has been compromised?
Full question: I am a widow who lives in Westerly. Recently, I received a call from someone who claimed to be from Social Security. The caller claimed that Social Security was updating its records and needed to verify my Social Security…
How does “government service” affect Social Security pensions?
Full question: I am 66 years old, which is my full retirement age. I worked from 1966 to 1970 for the federal government. I was in CSRS. My credit was three years and 11 months. I stopped working in 1970 to…
I have children at home, and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security payments after I retire?
Answer: Your children may get monthly Social Security payments if they are: unmarried and under age 18; age 19 and still in high school; or age 18 or over and became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled.…
How long do I need to work to become eligible for retirement benefits?
Answer: Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement benefits. You can earn up to four credits per year, so you will need at least 10 years of work to become eligible for…
Can I use the metal or plastic versions of Social Security cards that some companies make?
Answer: We don’t recommend it. There is no need to have a replica of your card. In most cases, the only time you may need to produce your Social Security card is when you apply for employment. At other times, we…
Should I use my IRA to pay off my mortgage?
Full question: I’m single, recently retired at age 65 and have approximately $450,000 in my IRA. My Social Security and a small pension total $2,000/month, and I can meet all my expenses with this amount of money except for my mortgage.…