Q & A
What’s the best scenario for spousal benefits?
Full question: I am 60 years old with a USPS pension (CSRS). I have earned 40 credits with side jobs to collect Social Security at age 62. My wife is 56. Can I get Social Security using her work record to…
My dad receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. He soon will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?
Answer: Yes. He should report any change in his living arrangements within 10 days. The change may affect his benefit amount. Also, we need his correct address so we can send correspondence when needed, even if he receives his payments electronically.…
My daughter is 19 years old. In her senior year of high school, she had an accident that paralyzed her. It doesn’t look like she will be able to work in the near future, and since she has never worked she hasn’t paid Social Security taxes. Can Social Security still help her?
Answer: Your daughter may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is a needs-based program paid for by general revenue taxes and run by Social Security. It helps provide monetary support to people who are disabled and who have not…
Last year, I started working as a self-employed Web page designer. What must I do to get credit for my income with the IRS and Social Security?
Answer: You report your net earnings for Social Security when you file your federal income tax return. Net earnings for Social Security are your gross earnings from your trade or business, minus all your allowable business deductions and depreciation. If your net…
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…