Q & A
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…
Will my eligibility for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs be reviewed and, if so, how often?
Answer: If you get the Extra Help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This reassessment will ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and you are receiving all the benefits you deserve. Annually, usually at the end of…
What is the Special Retirement Supplement and Why Is it Important?
Answer: A full career FERS employee with 30 or more years of Service can retire at their minimum retirement age (MRA) which is between the ages of 55 and 57, depending on the year in which the employee was born. FERS…
Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: Social Security provides only long-term disability, so we can only pay benefits after you have been disabled continuously for a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your…
Is there a time limit on how long you can get Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved, and you cannot work. We will periodically review your case to determine if you continue to be eligible. If you are still receiving disability benefits…
Social Security: Can You Claim Spousal Benefits After a Divorce?
Answer: Even if you’re divorced, you may still be entitled to a spousal benefits from the Social Security Administration. To qualify, however, four things must be true.First, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years. Second,…