Past Social Security Q&A

Q:  I heard that delaying my Social Security could increase my benefit as much as 8% a year. Is that true?

A:  Yes, it is. After your Full Retirement Age, it increases 8% per year, not including any COLA. Prior to your Full Retirement Age, it increases, but at a slightly lower percentage.

Q:  I have about 35 years of paying into Social Security but have some years in the Canadian Retirement System. Would any of those years apply to my United States Social Security benefits?

A:  Possibly. It’s really a question for the Social Security Administration to help you answer. The United States has “totalization agreements” which are like treaties that have been negotiated with about 25 to 30 different countries, but each one is slightly different and you’ll really need to rely on Social Security to sort it out. When you call Social Security, make sure you have your paperwork available from the Canadian Retirement System.

Q:  I am 63 and I started Social Security in April of 2023. I stopped my full-time job on March 31. Will my wages in April count towards the earnings limit? I have also worked some since April making about $6500 total. My full year earnings will be about $21,000 I believe.

A:  If you earned more than $1770 in any month after starting benefits, your benefit for that month will probably have been withheld. Social Security may be contacting you after your earnings are reported to them.

Q:  I just turned 62 and I was going to take my own benefit of $600 and then switch to my husband’s Survivor Benefit when I’m 65. I believe that would be about $2700 per month. Social Security told me I could not do that anymore, and that I had to take the higher of the two benefits, so they gave me the current Survivor Benefit of around $2000 per month. Is this right?

A:  No, it is not. It’s really is never a good idea to tell SSA workers about planned multi-step claiming strategies. The agents do not know all the rules. You should really have applied just for the retirement benefit online and not told anyone at SSA that you plan to go back at a later date and claim your Survivor Benefit. I suggest you contact SSA and cancel or withdraw that application. You don’t have to give a reason, other than you changed your mind. Once the application is withdrawn for Survivor Benefits, you can go online and file for your own retirement benefit.

Q:  I was married for 30 years and got divorced about five years ago. I am currently 63 and was a homemaker for the majority of my married life. I have little to no Social Security benefits on my own. My ex-husband has gotten remarried but I have not. What Spousal benefits am I entitled to on my ex-husband’s benefit? I don’t know if he has filed for Social Security yet.

A:  You’re entitled to 50% of his primary insurance amount (PIA) if you start the benefit at your Full Retirement Age. If you start earlier, the benefit will be reduced. The best way to find out his PIA is to ask him. Many times, that’s not possible. If that’s your case, you can estimate his PIA somewhere between $3000 and $3800 depending on whether he was a moderate or high wage earner. Social Security will give you the exact amount when you apply for the benefit. Since you were divorced more than two years ago, it doesn’t matter whether or not he has claimed his benefit.

Q:  I am a widow. If I begin my Surviving Spouse’s benefit at age 60, will that impact my own benefit when I reach Full Retirement Age?

A:  No. They are two separate benefits, the claiming age of one does not affect the other.

Q:  I am turning 70 on February 11, 2024. I want to get the max benefit I’m entitled to. Should I choose a payout made for February or March of 2024 to get that maximum amount.

A:  You should specify a February start date. Your first check will more than likely come the third Wednesday in March.

Q:  I am younger than my Full Retirement Age and I’m thinking about claiming benefits. I’m a realtor and I’m wondering if the $21,000 earnings limit is on my gross earnings or on my net earnings.

A:  It’s on your net earnings, which is the net income as reported on your schedule C. You should also know that sometimes Social Security Administration scrutinizes self-employed people more closely and also look at the time spent working. If you spend more than 45 hours a month working in the business, you will be considered “not retired” and your entire benefit will be withheld. There is some variation across offices and social security agents as to how strictly they administer the earnings test.

Q:  Not actually a question: All eyes were focused on the Consumer Price Index CPI last week, not just for its bearing on the economy and the markets, but because this September report determines the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2024. The CPI-W, which is the index used by SSA, was up 3.6% on an annualized basis, resulting in a 2024 COLA of 3.2%. The exact calculation can be found here.

Q:  This question is more about Medicare than Social Security. I turned 65 in August of this year, 2023, and I understand I’m eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. I also have service in the military, both active and reserve, and I’m collecting 100% disability from the military. I plan on continuing to rely on the Veterans Administration health care system for my healthcare in the future and not sign up for Medicare. What are your thoughts?

A:  Although I’m not a Medicare expert, that is a good question. I believe it would still be to your advantage to enroll in Medicare. Here’s a good article on the subject that may help. Your enrollment period will end in November.

Q:  I am 71 and never bothered to file for my Social Security Benefits when I turned 70. I really kind of forgot. I tried filing online now, but they want me to make an appointment at our local office. I’m not sure why they want me to come in. Would you have any idea?

A:  I haven’t heard of this. It could be for verification. It may also be due to some confusion about your start date. They will go back six months, but no more than six months. I would call the 800 number or the local office and ask if the application can be processed without requiring an appointment in the office.

Q:  I am 51 and divorced from my ex-husband who is 70. We were married for over 10 years and I have primary custody of our minor children who are 12 and 14. My ex-husband pays child support and has recently begun his retirement benefit. I have now remarried. Under what circumstances can I receive benefits on my ex-husband’s record for taking care of our minor children.

A:  You are not entitled to a Child-in-Care Benefit because you have remarried, it is technically a Spousal Benefit.

Q:  My husband is deceased. I am 61 years old and will be retiring in February 2024 at the age of 62 and be claiming my deceased husband’s Social Security. If I claim on my deceased husband’s Social Security and then get married a year later, will I be able to keep that benefit until I turn 70 or do I lose it?

A:  Since you’ll be over 60, when you remarry, you’ll be able to keep receiving the Survivor Benefit from your deceased husband.

Q:  I am 65 and retired at the end of May. I recently got a letter from Social Security asking what my wages will be in 2023. When I retired, I got paid out for the balance of my unused sick leave. Do I include that in my 2023 wages? Also, why would Social Security send me a letter asking what my wages will be? I started receiving Social Security Benefits the first month of my retirement.

A:  Sick pay received within six months of retirement does count for the earnings test and should be included in your estimate for 2023 wages. I believe this is a standard letter sent to everyone under Full Retirement Age and they need to determine where you would potentially fall for the earnings test.

Q:  I am 67 and have been married since 2022. My husband applied for his Social Security Benefit at his Full Retirement Age. I adopted a baby when he was 2 months old in 2006 when I was single and I began receiving a monthly Social Security Benefit at the age of 62. I also received an extra benefit for the child who now just turned 17. Can you tell me when the Social Security Benefit for the child will end?

A:  The child’s benefit will end on his 18th birthday.

Q:  I found out I have a short life expectancy of 1.5 to 3 years. I am 62 and my wife is 70. If I were to die early or now, what is the benefit to my wife?

A:  If you die before claiming your benefit, the Survivor Benefit to your wife will equal the amount that you would have received if you had lived to claim at your Full Retirement age of 67. This is your Primary Insurance Amount or PIA. If you claim now, or any time before your Full Retirement age, your benefit will be reduced for early claiming. Should you die, the Survivor Benefit to your wife will equal this lower amount, the amount you are receiving at your death. In other words, it will be very important for you not to claim this benefit in order to maximize the Survivor Benefit for your wife.

Q:  I am a retired pastor, age 71, and my wife is 72.

Since I’ve been a pastor, I have not participated in Social Security, although I have 31 credits towards Social Security from other employment.

My wife receives $549 per month as a benefit. Is it possible for me to get a Spousal Benefit? Is there any chance I would qualify for my own benefit? If she passes before I do, will I receive her benefit?

A:  You are not eligible for an earned benefit as you haven’t earned 40 credits. You are eligible for a Spousal Benefit and I suggest you file immediately and backdate the application as far back as possible, which is six months. That will allow you to maximize your benefit.

Your first payment will be for the last six months and then you’ll start receiving a monthly benefit equal to 50% of your wife’s Full Retirement Age benefit.

If your wife predeceases you, you will be entitled to a Survivor Benefit, which should be the amount your wife is currently receiving, provided this amount is at least 82.5% of her Full Retirement Age benefit.

Q:  I am receiving a Survivor Benefit from my deceased spouse’s state pension. Is my Social Security benefit subject to the government pension offset?

A:  No. As long as you’ve never worked in a noncovered job, you can receive a Survivor Pension from your husband’s noncovered job without it affecting your own Social Security retirement or Survivor Benefit.

Q:  My husband has become very ill and may not have long to live. He’s 65 and has not yet filed for Social Security. I understand he should probably file now? Is there also an option to receive a six month back benefit?

A:  Possible Survivor Benefits should play a factor in this decision. Normally, high earning spouses with short life expectancies should NOT file in order to maximize the Survivor Benefit for the surviving spouse. In the long run, filing sooner rather than later, will potentially hurt the surviving spouse. However, if you want to file now, you may only receive benefits going forward. Retroactive benefits may not be paid for any period prior to your Full Retirement Age. Since you’re 65, if I assume you were born in 1958, your Full Retirement Age is 66 and 8 months.

Q:  I’ve been divorced for a number of years, and I believe I qualify for benefits from my ex. The problem is my ex won’t give me any information. What should I do? Can I get information from Social Security?

A:  Yes. Social Security can normally look your ex up on whatever information you’re able to give them: name, birth date, state of residence. If you have an old copy of a joint tax return, you might be able to find his social security number on it, but it’s not necessary to have his social security number. You also need to present your divorce decree.

Q:  I am 60 retired and I’m wondering if I would be affected by something called the Social Security Windfall Provision.

A:  If you have ever worked in a job that did not pay into Social Security, there’s a possibility you would be affected.

Q:  How does drawing Long-Term Disability through my employer possibly impact my Social Security benefits?

A:  Your Disability Benefits paid through your employer do not impact Social Security benefits. The receipt of Social Security, however, might impact the payment of your Disability benefits. You should check your policy.

Q:  What are the Social Security rules regarding same sex marriages and Spousal Benefits?

A:  Since June of 2016, the rules for Spousal Benefits for married, same-sex couples have been the same as for any married couple.

Q:  I can’t find a definitive answer on this question: When is someone considered to be at their Full Retirement Age? Is it the month that I turn my Full Retirement Age, or is it the first full month after that? My birthday is July 15, and will I reach my Full Retirement Age on July 15 or the month after? If I want my benefit to be at my Full Retirement Age, should I apply for benefits to begin in July or August?

A:  You are considered Full Retirement Age on the first of the month that you have your birthday for Full Retirement Age. In your example, you would ask for benefits to start as of July 1. Your first check would be paid in August.

Q:  I am 72 and receiving my Social Security benefit. My husband just got approved for Full Disability. Should I contact Social Security and begin drawing off of his benefit as a spouse? I believe it would be substantially more that way – or do I need to wait until his Full Retirement Age?

A:  You do not need to wait until his Full Retirement Age. Now that he is receiving Disability benefits, you are entitled to a Spousal Benefit. If it’s more, you should claim it. You should call Social Security Administration and apply.

Q:  I hope to be retiring soon. I have paid into both Social Security and Civil Service throughout my career. I’m not sure if I’ll get hit with the pension offset or not? Someone at Social Security told me I would likely have about a $1400 deduction, but they weren’t able to give me any concrete information. Is that correct?

A:  There could be some offset. It depends on how long you worked in the Civil Service job. It won’t be $1400. The maximum WEP reduction is around $600. If you would be claiming Spousal or Survivor Benefits, they would be reduced by two-thirds of your pension amount under the GPO. GPO is Government Pension Offset and WEP is Windfall Elimination Provision.

Q:  I will be 60 in February 2024. I plan on retiring March 1, 2024, and my gross pay is $15,000 per month or projected to be $30,000 for 2024 in total. My deceased wife would have received about $2800 a month as her Social Security benefit. The Social Security person told me since I would make over the earnings test amount for 2024 that I would not receive a benefit until January of 2025. I thought that even though I could defer the majority of my 2024 income into my 401(k) and that it doesn’t avoid the earning test, that I would still only lose about half or about $4500 of the benefit above what would be the 2024 threshold amount. Is that true?

A:  I would recommend that you apply for your Survivor Benefit in March of 2024. That way, your January and February earnings will be behind you. If you have no earnings in any month after starting benefits, there will be no withholding regardless of how much you earn prior to the month that your benefits started. When you apply, you should make it clear that you have stopped working and will have no earnings going forward. If they should try to apply the earnings test to the January and February earnings that you mentioned, you should ask to speak to a supervisor.

Q:  I am 64 and I’m looking to get a divorce from my husband who is 66. I have been receiving Social Security and part of my benefit, I believe, comes from him. I was told that if I get a divorce, I have to wait two years to receive any amount of his benefit, and I’m thinking my total amount will be reduced during that two year time. Is this true?

A:  No. If “part of your benefit comes from him” it means you are receiving a Spousal Benefit, and your husband must be receiving his own benefit in order for you to get that Spousal Benefit. The two year rule following divorce only applies if your husband had not filed for his benefit. In other words, your benefit may continue as is. You should call Social Security to report the divorce, but the benefit amount should not change.

Q:  I am 75 and filed at age 70 for Social Security. My wife of 40 years is 73 and has not filed for Spousal Benefits yet. Can she file for benefits retroactively? We were not aware that Spousal Benefits were available.

A:  Your wife should file ASAP. However, Social Security generally will not pay more than six months of retroactive benefits.

Q:  I filed for Social Security Disability at 61. It has not been approved yet. I recently turned 62 and I want to file for my regular Social Security Benefit. If I do that, will it affect my application for Social Security Disability or benefits in any way?

A:  No, your Disability application will continue to be processed. If you file for your reduced Retirement Benefit at 62 and are later approved for Disability, you’ll be switched to the higher Disability benefit. If not, you will continue with the permanently reduced Retirement Benefit.

Q:  I’m wondering if I could qualify for an Ex-Spouse Social Security Benefit. I know you’re supposed to be married 10 years and wondering if being legally separated counts toward those years. I was married for eight and a half years and then legally separated for two years until the divorce occurred. How do they view legal separation when it comes to these benefits?

A:  A period of legal separation prior to divorce does count towards the marriage. The Social Security Administration looks at the date the divorce was final. In your example, it sounds like your marriage would meet the 10-year marriage requirement.

Q:  My husband recently passed away and his Social Security benefit was larger than mine. Is it automatic that his payments will continue or do I need to apply. If I need to apply, can I do it online?

A:  You need to apply and it must be done in person. You should call Social Security Administration to make an appointment at (800) 772-1213.

Q:  I was born in 1956 and filed for Social Security last year. I just recently missed the opportunity to stop and repay my benefits because I was just outside of the 12 month period. Can I still suspend my benefit and will it grow by the 8% until I reach 70.

A:  As soon as you hit your Full Retirement Age (if you haven’t already), you can voluntarily suspend your benefit and build the 8% annual delayed credits until age 70.

Q:  I am receiving a lump sum Social Security payment. How will the payment be taxed if collected in March 2023 but I received 6 months of back payments? Will there be 3 months of taxes for 2023 and 3 months of taxes for 2022?

A:  The entire lump sum payment is taxed in the year of receipt. In this case 2023.

Q:  When can I claim Divorced Spousal Benefits on the earnings record of an ex-husband who is 4 years younger?

A:  As soon as the ex turns 62 — under the usual rules for Divorced-Spouse Benefits (i.e., YOU must claim your own benefit first and can only receive a Divorced-Spouse Benefit if yours is less than 50% of his).

Q:  I am 73 with $2097.00 gross monthly benefit, after Medicare and taxes $1,643/ month. My wife is 63, born in Russia but US Citizen. We’ve been married for 17 years. She has no Social Security earned as was paid cash, or no withholding. Is she eligible to receive Spousal Benefits, with no Social Security of her own? If so will it benefit her to wait until 65, or older to collect Spousal Benefits?

A:  Spousal Benefits were made for people with no Social Security credits of their own. Since she is over 62 and you have claimed your benefit, she can go ahead and file for her Spousal Benefit now if she wants. It will be reduced for early claiming, about 38% of your PIA rather than the 50% she would get if she claimed at her FRA. Since her benefit will be based on your PIA and not your actual benefit amount, I can’t say exactly how much she will receive. SSA will help her.

Q:  Which months are included in the earnings test for the year I reach FRA? Does it exclude the actual month I reach FRA?

A:  There is no earnings test for the month the applicant reaches FRA.

Q:  How does remarriage after 60 affect Survivor Benefits? The Survivor Benefit is due to death not divorce.

A:  A person who remarries after age 60 may receive a Survivor Benefit based on the deceased spouse’s record.

Q:  I am 75, divorced and unmarried now.  I collected my own Social Security benefit at age 62. I have a former spouse who recently passed away (we were married over 10 years). I believe I am entitled to a Widow Benefit now. However, is that reduced since I collected my benefit early at 62 or will I receive my former spouses’ full benefit?

A:  Claiming your own benefit at 62 will not cause the Survivor Benefit to be reduced. Since you are over Full Retirement Age now, you should get the full amount.

Q:  My husband is receiving Social Security Disability and I have reached Full Retirement Age. Can he apply for Spousal Benefits and let his own benefit continue to increase with plans to take it at 70?

A:  No. The rules changed in 2015.

Q:  Does Social Security Disability Income ever stop? I have been receiving disability income for years (currently age 59), and I am curious if/when it would cease.

A:  When you turn Full Retirement Age the disability benefit will convert to a retirement benefit and the amount will stay the same. The only difference is that it’s coming out of a different fund within Social Security.

Q:  Is the Earnings Income Limit of $21,240 for a couple filing jointly or is the earnings limit per person or for both?

A:  The earnings test applies to the individual earnings of the beneficiary only. If that individual is under Full Retirement Age and works, the benefits paid to that individual — as well as any benefits paid off that individual’s record (e.g., spousal) may be withheld.

Q:  As a widow, what do I need to do to switch from my benefit to my husband’s benefit which is higher? Do I notify Social Security that he passed away and they will automatically increase my benefit?

A:  If you were receiving a Spousal Benefit off his record, the switch to the Survivor Benefit will be automatic. But if you were receiving your own benefit, you will have to make an appointment with Social Security Administration to file for the Survivor Benefit.

Q:  My husband passed away after only 2 months of marriage. We were together for the previous 12 years, had a child together, owned a home together, etc. Is there any loophole around common law marriage that might qualify me for Survivor Benefits?

A:  I’m not aware of any.  It’s always worth a try. You should make an appointment with Social Security Administration.

Q:  I was married for 29 years and now divorced. I am 62. My ex is 63. I want to file for Divorced Spouse Benefits. He has not yet filed. Is it true that if the ex has not filed yet or is not at Full Retirement Age that I can’t file for Divorced Spouse Benefits?

A:  Unfortunately, you will have to wait until the sooner of 1) he files for his own benefit 2) two years after the divorce is final or 3) he passes.

Q:  My husband turned 70 in July and switched from a Spousal Benefit to his own. He was receiving a Spousal based on my benefit that I began at 63 (I will be 66 in March). My own benefit is now less than my Spousal. Can I switch to a Spousal on his record? If so, can the request be made online or by phone?

A:  Yes, you will need to apply for a Spousal add-on. It won’t be automatic. You can start the process online. You should ask for six months of retroactive benefits.

Q:  I’m thinking about doing a Roth conversion and I don’t want it to affect my Social Security benefits. I know there’s some type of income limit.

A:  The Social Security earnings income limit is only for earned income. A Roth conversion has zero effect on the income limit.

Q:  I am turning 62 this year and my wife died in 2014 after only six years of marriage. I briefly remarried in 2015 and divorced in 2016. I know there’s a 10 year rule. Am I able to claim a Survivor Benefit from my first wife?

A:  You are eligible for a Survivor Benefit based on your deceased wife’s earned benefit.

Q:  I am 68 and a divorced widow receiving a Widow’s Benefit. I’m now planning on getting remarried. Will this affect my current Social Security benefits?

A:  Yes possibly. The general rules are:

• If you remarry before age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability), you cannot receive benefits as a surviving spouse while you are married.
• If you remarry after age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability), you will continue to qualify for benefits on your deceased spouse’s Social Security record.

• • However, if your current spouse is a Social Security beneficiary, you may want to apply for spouse’s benefits on their record. If that amount is more than your surviving spouse’s benefit, you will receive a combination of benefits that equals the higher amount.

Q:  If I file for benefits at age 62 and 6 months, can I receive a benefit retroactive to age 62 through a lump sum?

A:  No. Retroactive benefits are limited to six months and are never paid for any period before Full Retirement Age.

Q:  I am currently receiving Disability Benefits. I am about to receive a settlement of between $200,000 and $300,000. Will this affect my SS Disability Benefits?

A:  No, the settlement will not affect your Social Security Disability Benefits.

Q:  I turn 70 on 3/17/2023. I would like to begin benefits at that time. When I logged on to sign up, SS only allows me to pick a month/year start date…i.e., March 2023. If I pick March 2023, will I have any reduction at all since I don’t turn 70 until March 17? Should I choose April if I don’t want to lose even a small amount?

A:  You are considered age 70 on the first day of the month that you turn 70. You should specify a March 2023 start date. Your first check (for March) will come in April.

Q:  I am 62 and have an 8 and 9 year old I’m considering claiming. Is there any benefit to claiming now to receive benefits for me and the children? I expect to receive $2089 per month.

A:  If you claim, you will be locking in a permanently reduced benefit. Also, if you work, both your benefit and the children’s benefits, would be possibly withheld for the earnings test.

Q:  What do I have to do to switch to my own benefits from the Survivor Benefit?

A:  As you are already receiving benefits (Survivor Benefits) you cannot apply online. You should contact your local SSA office and set up an in-person or phone appointment to switch to your Earned Benefit.

Q:  I have just turned 65. I was married for 26 years and divorced. I remarried and the second time I was married for three years and divorced. Can I claim Spousal Benefits on my first husband’s earnings? My second spouse is on Disability, and he is 60.

A:  You are entitled to Spousal Benefits on your first husband’s earnings.

Q:  I am 62 and only have 39 of the 40 credits that I need under Social Security. Can I draw 50% of my husband’s benefit prior to him claiming?

A:  No. It is not ever possible to draw a Spousal Benefit before the worker/spouse claims.

Q:  I have not worked at all, but my husband did. We are both 63 and he just applied for Social Security Disability.  Am I able to get Spousal Benefits on my husband’s work record since he applied for Disability Benefits?

A:  Yes. His receipt of Disability Benefits qualifies you for Spousal Benefits under the usual rules.

Q:  If a husband dies at 65 and his Full Retirement Age is 67, is the Spouse/Survivor Benefit for the wife reduced?

A:  If he dies at 65 and has not yet started his benefit, the Survivor Benefit will be equal to the amount he would have received if he had claimed at Full Retirement Age.

Q:  I turn 70 this December. I have applied to SS to have my benefits begin with the first payment arriving next January. Will my benefit be increased by any COLA adjustment announced this year?

A:  Yes, your first check (for December, arriving in January) will include the COLA.

Q:  I understand the COLA each year is set in October for the quarter ending 9/30. Does Social Security calculate the CPI-W on a full year or just the quarter (3 months)? In other words, is it based on 12 months ending 9/30 each year or is it just based on Jul-Sep?

A:  It’s based on the 12 months from 10/1 through 9/30. But the calculation is slightly more complicated than that. It will be released soon (no specific date given other than the month of October). Hint: watch for it about October 13. Many financial analysts are still predicting a Social Security increase of at least 8.7% — the highest since 1981, when the COLA was 11.2%. You will see the increase in your January checks.

Q:  What’s the best way for a child, acting as an attorney in fact on behalf of his mother, to report her husband’s (my father’s) death so my mother can begin to receive her Spousal Benefit? My initial call to the SSA did not go well as I wasn’t able to answer some of the questions posed by the SSA representative.

A:  It’s not usually up to the family to report a death. Deaths are usually reported by funeral directors. It is likely that the decedent’s death has already been reported and SSA has him on file as deceased. Now the question is how to get Survivor Benefits to the widow (your mother). She should call SSA and make an appointment. If she is unable to do so, you can ask to be named Personal Representative.

Q:  I found uncashed Social Security checks from the 1980s in my mother’s house. What would have come of these monies? Are they just surrendered due to the time lapse, did Social Security automatically issued new checks after a certain period, or should Social Security be contacted to determine a status?

A:  Social Security checks are void after one year. New checks are not automatically issued. You will need to call SSA. Here are your options.

Q:  After signing up for Medicare plans A and B, I requested that plan B be dropped because I was still working and had medical coverage from my company. I felt that plan B was redundant for me and why pay over $500 a month for that. Now that I am retiring, I need Plan B reinstated. I looked online and see that after leaving my job I have 8 months to reinstate plan B through the Special Enrollment period. My question, is this information correct for my situation and is form CMS-40B the correct form to fill out? Do I need to get my employer involved?

A:  The Special Enrollment period does extend 8 months beyond the date of termination. But the more important matter is coverage. Most people enroll in Medicare a month or two prior to leaving employment, asking for an effective date that coincides with the termination of the employer plan. The only reason to take advantage of the 8 months might be if the company offers COBRA and offers to pay the premiums.

You can apply online. The employer will need to sign Form L564 saying you’ve had employer coverage.

Q:  Is earned income beyond my Full Retirement Age used in the Social Security Benefit Calculation if I have not yet started Social Security?

A:  Yes. As long as you work and pay into Social Security, the earnings record will be updated — even after benefits have started.

Q:  I just turned 62. I have been divorced for 9 years and remarried for 9 years. My ex-husband is retired and drawing his Social Security – can I qualify for a benefit based off our previous marriage (34 years)?

A:  No. A divorced spouse must be currently unmarried to collect Divorced-Spouse Benefits.

Q:  I’m under Full Retirement Age and wondering if 401K contributions, HSA contributions and other deductions can offset the Social Security earnings test?

A:  No. They consider gross earnings for the earnings test.

Q:  I am 71 and still working. My income for the last 10 years is much higher than it was before that and continues to grow. I started collecting SS at 70. Will my benefit increase because of my higher earnings, or do they not recalculate after one starts taking SS benefits?

A:  Your earnings record will continue to be updated as long as you are working and paying into Social Security. If it results in a benefit adjustment you’ll see it around October, retroactive to January.

Q:  I lost my job at the end of May this year. My YTD earnings are $31,650. I am 64 and 3 months. Can I take my SS benefit now without reductions ($1 for every 2$ earned) if I make less than $19,650 income limit for the rest of the year?

A:  You will be under the monthly earnings test during the rest of the year. If you earn less than $1,630 per month, your benefit will not be withheld. If you earn more than that in any month, they’ll withhold $1 for $2.

Q:  I received a letter this week from SSA stating that I made too much money last year, $38,000 and that I owed them $9,700 in repayment of deceased husband’s Social Security checks that I have been getting. I am now 61. From what I read on the website originally this was not the case, but the site has been updated and said that spousal benefactors cannot make more than $19,600 a year. If so that changes my budget for the next few years by about 10%. Is there now a limit on how much income a survivor can make before part of Survivor Benefits are taxed? 

A:  Survivor Benefits are subject to the earnings test if under Full Retirement Age. $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 earned over the threshold, which is $19,560 this year.

Q:  I am 63 and living abroad permanently but debating on applying for Medicare at 65 in case I move back to the US later in life. I have coverage and will continue to have healthcare coverage by this country while living abroad. Is it worth applying for Medicare in the US if I have no intention of moving back to the states at this time? I’m assuming I would want to apply for Part A coverage (if free) but potentially hold off on Part B. Do you agree? What costs are incurred if I hold off on applying for Part B?

A:  This can be a tough decision until you can decide where (and when) your future residence will be. If you do not apply for Part B, and you come back to the U.S. and want to apply for Medicare, you will be charged a 10% late-enrollment penalty for every 12 months you went without Part B. But if you do apply, you’ll be paying for health insurance you can’t use. It really depends on the likelihood of your coming back, how long you will have been gone after age 65 (i.e., how many 12-month periods for the penalty and how many years of paying premiums for insurance you can’t use?), and how long you live (the penalty is for life). This is a math problem with lots of variables. The Part B premium is $170/month this year and will probably stay the same next year. After that it’s expected to go up by about 6% a year.

Q:  I began taking SS at FRA of 66. I am now 69 and I want to repay what I have received to delay SS to 70. (I think I made a mistake by not waiting.) Can I repay what I’ve received to this point and claim at age 70? Will SS determine the amount to repay? Is there any consideration for taxes paid on SS received?

A:  You have missed the 12-month window for application withdrawal. However, you can suspend your benefit and build delayed credits going forward.

Q:  I am on Social Security Disability. My Full Retirement Age is 67. Do I continue to receive Disability, or does it change?

A:  Your Disability benefit will automatically convert to a Retirement benefit when you turn 67 (your FRA).  The amount will stay the same. At that point you can suspend it if you want to build delayed credits (if you’re willing to forego the income).

Q:  I receive $2034 a month from Social Security and have a $500+ monthly deduction because of Medicare. $170 is due to the standard Medicare premium, $374 is because of “Medicare Part B IRMAA, and $71 because of part D IRMAA. My tax preparer says IRMAA has to do with the AGI from our joint income tax return, which is over $400,000 because my wife still works. How does my wife’s income affect my Social Security and/or Medicare benefits?

A:  For a person who is married filing jointly, the IRMAA is based on the joint income reported on the tax return. That’s just the rule. It’s a stealth tax. It’s a surprise to many folks who haven’t worked through tax planning and strategy.

Q:  I was married 8 years when my husband passed away two years ago. SS Dept told me I wasn’t entitled to any of my husband’s benefits because we weren’t married 10 years. I know there is a 10 year requirement for Divorce Spousal Benefits, but I read somewhere that wasn’t the case for a widow. I am now 62. Can I do anything?

A:  You are definitely entitled to a Survivor Benefit. The marriage requirement, when a spouse dies during the marriage (i.e., not after divorce), is only nine months. You should make an appointment with SSA. If they tell you you’re not entitled to a Survivor Benefit, you should ask to speak to a supervisor. Here are the rules for survivor benefits which you can show SSA, if necessary.

Q:  I understand that if a spouse (wife) is collecting Spousal Benefits, is under FRA and chooses to work, she will be subject to the earnings test. Will that impact the worker’s benefit at all?

A:  No, it will not.

Q:  I am currently taking my Spousal Benefit… I am going to be 70 in Nov … will it automatically switch to my own working record? Or do I need to call and when?

A:  In October, you can go online and file for your retirement benefit specifying a November effective date. Or you can call, however getting timely appointments with SSA has been challenging.

Q:  Where can I find my PIA on ssa.gov. I have an account but I don’t see anywhere that tells my PIA? I’ve heard about it but I can’t seem to locate it on my statement or on the website.

A:  Just in case you don’t have an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and open an account. Download your latest statement. Your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) is the benefit amount if you claim at your Full Retirement Age.

Q:  I am 62 and filing now for my benefits. I have an 8-year-old child. Will my daughter receive 50% of my early (reduced) benefit I will receive, or will she get 50% of my Full Retirement Age amount? I don’t have other children and my wife is 55 and won’t be filing any time soon.

A:  The child will get 50% of your Full Retirement Age amount.

Q:  I have very strong opinions in regards to our government. I am 64 and want to opt out of Medicare completely, but I want to collect my survivor benefit from my deceased husband. Can I do that?

A:  It is not possible to waive Part A if receiving Social Security benefits. See this reference. (HI is for Hospital Insurance and refers to Part A.) Yes, Part A is free as the spouse of a covered worker. You can opt out of Part B, but you may have trouble finding private health insurance once you’re over 65. The health insurance system in this country is built around Medicare and assumes that everyone will have Medicare after age 65 unless still working.

Q:  If an amended tax return is filed for a prior year, which results in a higher earnings amount for Social Security purposes, will the SSA adjust the prior year’s earnings record automatically, or should I contact SSA to make the adjustment?

A:  SSA *should* make the adjustment automatically. But you should check your earnings record in a year or two to make sure it was done. I’ve seen SSA miss earnings adjustments when extensions were filed or returns were amended. Then it’s just a matter of correcting the earnings record. But definitely give them a couple of years to catch up.

Q:  We are both 67. My wife claimed at her full retirement. I am about to claim and I was told by the SS rep that my wife’s spousal portion will be based on my current benefit rather than my benefit at full retirement. Which is correct?

A:  Her spousal add-on will be based on your PIA — that is, your full retirement age benefit without delayed credits. Social Security benefits are calculated by SSA’s automated systems. Agents and customer service reps often have no idea how benefits are actually calculated (but they talk as if they do).

Q:  We are both born in 1956 and my husband is looking to retire this year. I don’t work and don’t have a Social Security record. If my husband waits to file at 70, does that mean I can’t get my Spousal Benefit until 70 as well?

A:  You can’t claim your Spousal Benefit until he files for his benefit. If he’s delaying to age 70, you’ll have to wait. Most of the time it’s still better for him to delay. His delayed credits are generally worth more than a few extra years of Spousal Benefits for you.

Q:  I understand that benefits are taxed in the year they are received? I am considering delaying claiming my benefit until January 2023 and at that time requesting my benefit back to my age 70 which occurs in August 2022. I am confirming this benefit will be taxed in 2023, correct?

A:  Yes. Benefits for 2022 received in 2023 would be taxed in 2023.This is an excellent tax strategy for some.

Q:  How does someone go about getting their SS statement corrected? My statement shows three years with zero earnings in which I actually earned over $75k each year. I can prove the income.

A:  See this link for instructions: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf

Q:  Regarding the timing of my Social Security benefits. I turn 70 on August 18th of this year. Do I apply to receive benefits beginning September 1st? August 19th? If I apply for benefits beginning August, do I receive a reduced benefit?

A:  To maximize delayed credits you should ask for an August start date. Your first check will be issued in September.

Q:  I want to work 1/2 this year and will make $50,000. My birthdate is 09/03/1958 (64). Would I face any penalty for starting my Social Security benefit at my birthday?

A:  If you have no earnings after starting benefits there will be no withholding.

Q:  My wife thought she read that she is entitled to collect some form of social security benefit due to our son’s disabled status now, and that at her full retirement age (Feb 2024), she can “transition” to half of my benefit. Is this true?

A:  If you as father have started receiving your benefit, a disabled adult child may be entitled to a benefit equal to 50% of your PIA. Your wife may be entitled to a child-in-care benefit. These benefits would be subject to the family maximum.

Q:  We file joint tax returns. If my wife files at age 64 and is not working, will her benefits be reduced because of my income?

A:  No. The earnings test considers the individual earnings of the beneficiary only. However, her Social Security income may be subject to taxation. The formula for determining if 85% of benefits are taxable considers joint income.

Q:  I just downloaded my SS Statement. On the “Your Estimated Benefits” section it gives the monthly income at various years up to 70. Are these estimated dollar amounts future value? For example, if I am three years from 67 does it include future increases for possible inflation?

A:  No. The estimated benefits on the Social Security statement are always in today’s dollars.

Q:  I am receiving $3100/mo from SS Disability. I am 62. My wife is 62 and wants to take her $1500 benefit on her own record. If I pass away, would she get my $3100?

A:  If you were to pass away tomorrow, the “original” survivor benefit would be set at $3,100. This is the amount she would receive if she claimed it at her FRA. If she takes it before FRA it will be reduced.

Q:  When a spouse passes away, what steps does the surviving spouse need to do so the Survivor Benefit kicks in?

A:  Call SSA (Social Security Administration) at 800-772-1213.

Q:  A friend’s husband passed away in 2022, age 40. She is approximately the same age with 3 dependent children ages 17, 6, 4. If her earnings exceed maximum to receive Widow Benefits, does that eliminate Dependent Benefits?

A:  No. Her earnings will not affect the children’s entitlement to Survivor Benefits.

Q:  I am divorced. I was married in excess of 10 years. I am 58 years old. My ex-husband just passed away. I have never re-married. Can you help me sort out Survivor Benefits and what I can do?

A:  Yes. You will become eligible for a Divorced-Spouse Survivor benefit when you turn 60 (for a reduced benefit). It will be important to coordinate this with your own retirement benefit. Note that all benefits received before Full Retirement Age (FRA) are subject to the earnings test. We can help further if we know the details of benefit.

Q:  My wife recently passed at 57. I am 67, working and have not claimed my benefits. Can I apply to claim her benefits until I begin claiming mine at 70?

A:  Yes, absolutely.

Q:  Are there notifications from SSA requiring one to begin or reminding them to file for retirement benefits at age 70? I kept working after age 70 and 13 months later I realized that I left a sizable amount of benefits on the table. What recourse do I have to collect any benefits not taken after age 70?

A:  No they do not send any notification. I’ve seen this before. There is no recourse except for six months of retroactive benefits. Request those when you apply.

Q:  I am applying for SS retirement at 62. I am a farmer and will no longer farm and discontinue my operations. I am selling my farm equipment. Will these proceeds count as income and reduce my SS retirement benefits?

A:  The selling of the farm equipment is not considered earned income so it will not affect your Social Security retirement benefit.

Q:  Can I cancel my Social Security retirement claim if they have sent me 2 checks and I made the claim 2 months ago? I’ve found a good job and I am going to continue to work.

A:  You will need to complete form SSA-521 and pay back the money received. By the time the withdrawal request is received and processed you will probably have received more monthly benefit payments. Social Security will bill you for the correct amount after it processes the application and stops your benefit payments.

Q:  I am 60 and I receive $750/month from my ex-spouse’s state pension. Will this affect my benefit when I begin to claim? I’ve read about WEP and GPO but I’m not sure how to apply those to my situation.

A:  The answer is no because this pension was not based on your earnings. The WEP and GPO will have zero effect on your Social Security Benefit.

Q:  I received some inheritance and I’m concerned I will lose SS and Medicare benefits. Will I? Does the inheritance affect my combined income for Part B premiums and/or SS taxes? The proceeds are currently in cash.

A:  No. Assuming it’s a straight income tax free inheritance and doesn’t involve taxable RMDs from an IRA, it will have no impact on your Social Security or Medicare benefits, will not be taxed, and will not raise your Medicare premiums.

Q:  Is there a limit on how many ex-spouses can collect on one person’s record?

A:  No. Each ex-spouse who was married to the worker for at least ten years can collect. It’s possible that one record could have multiple spousal benefits being paid at the same time.

Q:  My husband recently died at 67. I am currently 57. What portion of his Social Security would I be eligible for now? My husband had not started Social Security when he passed.

A:  I’m sorry for your loss. Unless you are caring for his child under 16, you will have to wait until you turn 60 to be eligible for Survivor Benefits.

Q:  How many months in advance should I apply for Social Security?

A:  You can apply three months in advance however two months is usually more than enough time. On your application you will specify an effective date of the first of the month you want your benefit to start. Your first check, for that month, will be issued the following month.

Q:  Am I correct in assuming that if we work and collect benefits before reaching Full Retirement Age, it makes no difference whether that income is self-employed income or if I’m an employee? I own a small business and my wife is a RN, but plans to retire soon. Ideally, neither of us would like to tap SS until FRA, but given the state of the world, we just want to know our options.

A:  SSA looks at Schedule C net income. However, they have a different standard for self-employed individuals. Because it’s easy for such people to manipulate their income to get around the earnings test, they look at the amount of time worked in the business. If it’s more than 45 hours a month, they are considered “not retired” and ALL of their benefits will be withheld. The extent to which SSA scrutinizes self-employed people varies by office location and even the whims of the individual agent. To avoid the hassles, we recommend that anyone who is under FRA and works (especially if self-employed) apply for benefits at FRA or later.

Q:  I was just diagnosed with ALS. I’m 57. They’re giving me a max of 5 years to live. I’m planning on taking Social Security Disability next year. My statement shows the payment amount at $1692. Will one year make much difference if I wait? How can I tell?

A:  There is no reason to wait. If you can qualify for SSDI now, you should take it. If you are able to work (i.e., if that’s why you’re planning to wait a year), we can calculate the effect one more year of earnings will have upon your benefit. Either way, it’s likely it won’t have much of an effect.

Q:  I was born in 1952, divorced, never remarried and my marriage did last over 10 years. Is there anything special I can do to get more benefits?

A:  Yes. Since you were born before 1954 you can file a restricted application for your divorced-spouse benefit and receive 50% of your ex’s benefit (PIA) while your own benefit builds delayed credits until age 70.

Q:  I am a widow. How do I find out what my deceased husband’s benefit is so I can plan? I don’t have his records. Phone call, letter, online?

A:  You can call the SSA at 800-772-1213.

Q:  I started drawing my SS in 2019, when I was 63. I had lost my job and had significant expenses. In late 2019 or possibly early 2020, I got another job and withdrew my application within 12 months of my original application. I eventually paid it all back, but it took many, many months for me to get it all paid back. I never received a 1099 from SSA for 2019 and I never reported it on my taxes. I just got a notice from the IRS stating it was taxable. Is it taxable even though I eventually paid it all back?

A:  No. If you paid it back it is not taxable. That’s why you didn’t get a 1099. You’ll need to write to the IRS and explain that you paid it back. I would also send proof of the payments.

Q:  I want to file for my Survivor Benefit when I retire in January and defer my own benefit until 70. Can I do this on-line, and if so, is there any special verbiage I should use on my application?

A:  To file a Survivor Benefit, it must be done directly with your local Social Security office. It cannot be completed online. Make sure you ask specifically for the Survivor Benefit, and not let the Social Security representative convince you to begin your earned benefit if the earned benefit is higher. I’ve seen this happen before.

Q:  I am 69 and I applied for restricted benefits in November of 2019 but now I received a letter saying that my wife, 63, earned too much. So now I owe and my wife owes some of the benefits back. In 2019 when we made this decision, we were sure that she would earn less than the earnings test amount. Is there anything more that we can do so that they don’t owe?

A:  The earnings test is clear. The only way to avoid withholding is to earn less than the threshold at $18,960 in 2021.

Q:  Can a widow/widower continue to receive a deceased spouse benefit if he/she remarries?

A:  Yes if the remarriage takes place after age 60.

Q:  If I claim my social security and have minor children at home, am I entitled to receive social security benefits for the children?

A:  Yes. Each child can receive 50% of the parent’s Primary Insurance Amount, not to exceed the family maximum. The benefits would be paid to the child, received by the parent as representative payee.

Q:  I am 64 and receiving Survivor Benefits and I have no other reportable income. If I decide to take a job well over the income threshold for the second half of the year, if the benefits received are more than what I should have received, will I need to pay them back? If so, would that be expected after filing my tax return?

A:  Yes, there would need to be withholding. If you don’t notify SSA of your earnings, they’ll do the adjustment after your employer reports your earnings in January or February. SSA will then reduce your monthly benefit until they’re paid back.

Q:  I have a question regarding determining my ex-spouses benefit so I can know when and how to claim. How can you determine what my ex-spouses SS benefit would be to help determine which of our benefits would be better? Is that possible?

A:  This is a continual quandary. SS won’t give out your ex-spouse’s benefit until death. The best way to find out is to ask the ex to look at their statement and share the amount with you. If that’s not possible, we can ballpark the benefit based on an estimate of their previous earnings. Your spousal benefit would be 50% of that. If your own benefit is higher, you would not be entitled to a spousal benefit.

Q:  I am a pastor and I opted out of SS years ago. I believe I paid in for 40 quarters. I am 61 this year. I believe my benefit will be $496 at Full Retirement Age according to my most recent statement in 2020. My wife is 60. Her most recent statement shows a benefit of $971 at Full Retirement Age. What would be the best way for us to maximize our benefits when we decide to file?

A:  With no other information my recommendation would be for both of you to maximize your earnings if possible — that is, to work and earn as much as you can in a Social Security covered job in the years you have left before filing. With so few years of earnings more Social Security covered work may greatly enhance one or both benefits. Otherwise, it would be the usual advice to delay claiming to age 70 to get the highest amount. (Spousal benefits are not a factor here since both benefits are more than 50% of the other spouse’s benefit.)

Q: I believe my wife and I will both qualify for maximum SS benefits by age 67. We’re 60 & 59 now and plan on waiting till age 67 for each of us. I expect the amounts of like $45,000 for me and her (about the same for each of us). My question…is there a household limit? Are these numbers really going to be accurate?

A: There is no household maximum. You can each receive your full earned retirement benefit. In fact, if you are both maximum earners and apply at 70 instead of 67, each benefit will be around $4,000 a month (not including COLAs between now and then). That’s $8,000 per month ($96,000 per year) for the household. Like you, most people are surprised to see that Social Security benefits have turned out to be this high. Of course, 85% of that income will be subject to federal income tax.

Q: I am 64. I plan to work until age 75. Currently, 50% of my ex-spouse’s Social Security is more than my benefit. If I start taking SS at my Full Retirement Age based on his benefit, and as I continue contributing, my benefit increases to more than 50% of his benefit, how is that addressed by SS?

A: When you file for Social Security you will be paid your own benefit first, plus a spousal add-on equal to the difference between your PIA and one-half of your ex-spouse’s PIA, bringing the total up to 50% of his PIA. As you add to your earnings record, your benefit will be automatically increased, and the spousal portion will lessen. Once your benefit exceeds 50% of his PIA, the spousal add-on will drop off and your benefit will consist entirely of your own benefit, which will continue to increase as your earnings record improves.

Q: My father-in-law recently passed away. His spouse does not participate or benefit from Social Security because her pension excluded her from Social Security. Can you explain what we should expect from Social Security for her other than the $250? He received $1830 per month in 2020. We’re trying to assist her as much as possible.

A: Her Survivor Benefit will be reduced by two-thirds of her pension amount under the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Q: I am a recent widow and am 64 and earning $90,000/yr. My husband passed last month. He was 66 years old when he passed and his benefit was $2,151/mo, which he started collecting at his Full Retirement Age of 66. Can I start collecting on my husband’s benefit now, while I am still working and let my benefit grow until I am 70?

A: Your Survivor Benefit would be subject to the usual earnings test: $1 in benefits would be withheld for every $2 you earn over $18,960. Given the amount of your earnings, this would cause your entire benefit to be withheld. You should wait until you turn FRA or stop working to file for the Survivor Benefit.

Q: When both parents die will the adult disabled child currently on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) collect one (the higher) or two checks if the adult child is the beneficiary on both?

A: The adult disabled child will be able to receive a survivor benefit based on the higher-earning parent’s work record (not both).

Q: I worked for 32 years for one company and paid Social Security. I retired and took a teaching job where I didn’t pay Social Security and will have a pension from it. Is there a penalty for not paying or do I get my normal Social Security?

A: With 30+ years of substantial earnings, your own Social Security retirement benefit will not be reduced for the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Q: I am 60 and recently widowed. If I start my Social Security widow’s benefit will the inherited assets make my benefit taxable?

A: I’m sorry for your loss. No, inherited assets do not affect the taxability of Social Security benefits. However, your earned income may cause your benefit to be taxed.

Q: I am a widow age 56 and I was married more than 10 years. I’m planning on remarrying. If I wait until 60, can I collect as a widow? And, would there be a choice of collecting from my account, or my deceased husband, or my future husband?

A: If you wait until age 60 to remarry, this will allow you to receive a Survivor Benefit based on your first husband. Of the three benefits you’ll be entitled to:

1. your own retirement benefit;
2. 50% of your new husband’s PIA;
3. 100% of your deceased husband’s PIA,

The Survivor Benefit (#3) is likely to be the highest. And yes, you can coordinate benefits. You can start your own benefit at 62 and switch to the survivor benefit at FRA, for example. But only if you remarry after age 60.

Q: I am 55 and may be going on SSDI. If I do when do I get Medicare benefits?

A: You will qualify for Medicare after receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months.

Q: I’m a pastor. I know I can opt out of Social Security and I don’t think it’s a good investment. Before I opt out, I would like to know your thoughts. Should I?

A: For most pastors and ministers it’s probably not a good idea to opt out. In actually not all pastors may qualify. If you opt out of Social Security you pay also lose potential disability benefits, payments to a surviving spouse or dependents and Medicare coverage at 65. See Guidestone for some helpful resources.

Q: I am 64. I just qualified for SS disability. I was told by the SS office that if I start SS disability payments my regular SS at full retirement age will stay the same as my SS disability payment. I want to know if I should skip the SS disability payments and just wait and apply for regular benefits at FRA. What is best?

A: The reason your disability benefit is lower than your Full Retirement Age retirement benefit estimate is due to the lack of earnings between now and FRA. If you stop working now, your retirement benefit at FRA will be the same as your disability benefit. In other words, it’s not the receipt of the disability benefit that lowers the retirement benefit, it’s the lack of earnings. If you can qualify for disability benefits (assuming you can’t work), you should take them.

Q: I was married to a doctor that paid social security for 35 years and got divorced. I remarried a veteran for last 7 years…. if I divorce him can I claim social security from my first husband?

A: Yes, that marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, the divorced-spouse benefit (i.e., 50% of the doctor’s PIA) must be higher than your own PIA.

Q: My DOB is 2/15/55 and I plan to file soon for my benefit. I know I can file now with an effective date of 4/01/21 so it would be my Full Retirement Age. It’s the 1st of the month you put as the date for the month you are filing, correct? But honestly, I just don’t trust the system and want to wait until after 4/15 to file. Is this okay?

A: It does not really matter. If you want to start benefits in your FRA month, your effective date will be 4/1/21. Social Security always starts on the first of the month. Your first check, for April, will be issued in May based on the day of the month you were born. Whether you file now or after 4/15, you’ll get the same amount of money and probably around the same time or a month later.

Q: I heard a recent presentation on claiming Social Security benefits and the presenter stated there were over 500 different claiming scenarios for a married couple. That is so high, how could that be correct?

A: From my experience 500 is far too low. Our calculators look at each month for each spouse from the earliest possible starting age to the latest.  Earliest is 62, latest is 70, a range of 96 months, so the maximum number of simple scenarios is 96 * 96 or 9,216.  Within each simple scenario, the calculator also looks at if it would be valid to claim spousal, claim restricted, or suspend & resume.  It only counts valid scenarios, so in some passes through those 9,216 simple scenarios it’s possible to add 2 (18,432) or 3 (27,648) additional ones. The calculator will look at each of the 4 scenarios in each pass, so technically the maximum is 36,864. However, most of those are invalid.  As far as valid scenarios for a married couple a reasonable average number is 18,000. As we chose the best calculator resource, we wanted to be sure we were checking every possibility. This money decision effects the rest of your life and your spouse’s life.

Q: I turn 70 on September 2 this year. I’m doing my cash flow projections and I’ve seen conflicting statements about when I am eligible to start benefits. Some indicate my eligibility starts in October. One says that eligibility starts in September. In any case payments start the following month. But which is it? Should I expect payments in October, November, and December from September eligibility. Or should I expect payments only in November and December from October eligibility? So confused.

A: Turning 70 on September 2, your effective date will be September 1. Your check for September will come on October 13 based on this schedule of payments.

Q: A young couple in their 40s. The husband (our son) just passed due to an illness. Prior he had been in the work force and worked at least 10 years in a job where he paid FICA. She is in jeopardy of losing her job and has a young child (below the age of 4). Can the child qualify for 75% benefits and is the widow eligible to get any of her deceased husband’s benefits?

A: Yes. The child and the mother can each get 75% of the father’s PIA. Her benefit is called a child-in-care benefit. She should contact SSA right away to apply for benefits. Note that her benefit will be subject to the earnings test if she works.

Q: My husband is a retired California state employee. Is he eligible for any of my spousal benefit? If I were to die would he be able to receive my Social Security benefit?

A: If he is entitled to a pension from a noncovered job (i.e., the state paid into an alternate retirement system instead of Social Security), any spousal or survivor benefits he might be entitled to would be reduced by two-thirds of his pension amount under the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Q: I have a friend whose mom passed away the day she got her last stimulus check. Does that belong to her estate or do her children need to send it back?

A: Sorry, I would not know the answer to this. I’m not sure of the rules for stimulus checks.

Q: I’m claiming benefits off my spouse’s benefit and waiting until 70 to begin my higher benefit. Is there any easy way to get the benefit amount I will get from SS at age 70?

A: You can call SSA: 800-772-1213. That would be the only way as statements are longer available on the website. Or else refer to a prior statement.

Q: I have applied online for my own benefit and I’m waiting for approval. Can my wife start an application and select benefits on my account, or does she have to wait for approval?

A: I recommend waiting. There’s no reason to rush; when she does apply, she can choose the same effective date as you did, so she won’t lose any benefits. If she applies before your application is processed, it will just get delayed on the other end, and could introduce an unnecessary glitch.

Q: I was married to my first husband for 7 years with 2 children. I divorced him in 1975 and remarried my second husband 1988 and divorced him in 1997. What are my claiming options?

A: There will be no divorced-spouse benefit off the first husband because the marriage lasted only 7 years. As for the second marriage, you may have just missed the 10-year mark. But check the divorce decree. Sometimes the actual date of divorce is later than you remember. If the marriage did last over 10 years, you may be eligible for a divorced-spouse benefit, but only if 50% of the ex’s PIA is more than your own.

Q: I turn 70 on 3/31/21. I am applying now online to start my benefit. When it asks which month would I like to start benefits, should I select March or April?

A: You should put a start date of 3/1/21.

Q: I am almost at Full Retirement Age and ready to claim my Social Security benefits. I will continue to have K-1 income and would like to know if the K-1 income will affect my benefit?

A: If your K-1 income is purely passive income, then no. This link may help https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0302505240.

Q: How have the Social Security earnings test limits changed for 2021?

A: The limits for 2021 are $18,960 prior to Full Retirement Age (FRA) and $50,520 in your FRA year.

Q: I am currently taking a Spousal Benefit and am going to switch to my own benefit when I turn 70 in 2021. My wife will then switch to her Spousal Benefit. Can this be done on-line, or do we have to go into the Social Security office?

A: You should be able to do it online. You should apply for your Retirement Benefit first. Once your application is processed and you have received the Benefit Verification Letter, your wife can apply for her Spousal Benefit. I would start the process 3 months before your 70th birthday.

Q:  I called to suspend my social security. I am 67 (still) and I started drawing at 67. The agent told me they were familiar with the strategy, but he had already crossed the “point” by which his benefit will not grow on suspension. Is this correct?

A:  No. If you suspend your benefit it will continue to build the 8% credits until age 70. These are automatic adjustments. SSA workers often do not know how the automatic adjustments work, but you can be confident you will get the correct amount. I would make sure you suspend if that is the strategy you plan on using.

Q: I am 60 and my husband just passed away. He was receiving his Social Security benefits before he passed away. Can I get the same amount that he was getting as a survivor benefit at age 60 and then let mine continue to grow until full retirement age? Does the receipt of the survivor benefit affect my own benefit? How long can I collect on the survivor benefit before I have to switch to my own benefit?

A: If you start the survivor benefit at 60, you will get 71.5% of the full amount. If you restrict your application to the survivor benefit, you can receive that benefit only and let your own benefit grow to age 70. Claiming the survivor benefit will not affect your own benefit. Normally, you would switch to your own benefit at 70, but you could switch any time before then.

Q: I am 67 and have not claimed my Social Security which is currently about $3,100 per month. My wife is deceased and passed away in 2006 at the age of 52 and her benefit would have been about $800 a month. I am now past my Full Retirement Age and have not filed for Survivor Benefits. Can I file and collect retroactively? Will I get her amount adjusted over time after her death? I want to let my benefits continue to grow until I turn 70.

A: You should contact Social Security Administration right away and file for Survivor Benefits on your wife’s record. Usually retroactive benefits are limited to six months. You will need to provide her death certificate and proof of your marriage.

Q: I am currently 72 years of age. When I reached my Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 66 I applied for benefits on my ex-spouse’s record which was allowed at that time and I met all the eligibility requirements. I received half of what his full benefit would have been at his age 66. After one year I switched over to my benefit and have been collecting on my record since that time. My ex-spouse passed away in March 2020 at which time I had a phone appointment with the Social Security office and they told me since he collected his prior to his FRA I would only get his reduced benefit and my benefit is slightly more than his reduced benefit. My question is why when I drew on his record at my age 66 did I receive 50% of his Full benefit even though at that time he was receiving a reduced benefit but now that he is deceased I would only receive his reduced benefit? This does not make sense to me.

A: It is a good question, and there is no answer. That’s just the way it is. Spousal benefits are 50% of the worker’s PIA regardless of when the worker claimed. Survivor benefits are based on the worker’s actual benefit and do depend on when the worker claimed. The formula for calculating survivor benefits is quite complicated.

Q: Is alimony considered provisional income for Social Security?

A: As of January 1, 2019, alimony is no longer taxable. So, it would not be included in provisional income for the purpose of determining if Social Security benefits are taxable.

Q: I own an S Corp as a sole owner. Are profits from my S Corp (not wages) on which no FICA is paid count towards earned income for purposes of the annual earning test? I am currently 64.

A: As long as you are under Full Retirement Age (FRA), they will ask how much time you spend working in the business. If it is more than 45 hours a month, Social Security will withhold your benefit regardless of how much income you report in wages. You should wait until at least FRA to apply.

Q: I’m not sure this is a Social Security question. How do you earn quarterly credits for Medicare part A? Is it by quarter or amount of income for the year? Is there a minimum amount per period required?

A: It is actually the same as for Social Security. In 2020 the amount is $1,410 per credit, or $5,640 to earn four credits in a year. The income does not have to be distributed throughout the year. A person can earn $5,640 in one quarter and get 4 credits for the year. A total of 40 credits are needed for free Part A. If a person has fewer than 40 credits, they can get Part A but will have to pay a premium for it. It is also possible to qualify for free Part A as a spouse.

Q: I am 40 and my husband died 5 years ago. We have 3 children together, now aged 7, 8, & 11. I may remarry. Are there any changes to my current Social Security benefits if I do?

A: Probably not. If all three children are receiving Survivor Benefits, you would be at the family maximum. If you are now receiving a Child-in-Care Benefit (so the family max is split 4 ways), and if that stops, the same amount would be split 3 ways.

Q: As a father (age 62) can I draw my benefit now and have my children also qualify for benefits? My children are 10 and 6.

A: Yes, but it may not be a good idea. Claiming at 62 would reduce the Survivor Benefit for your wife. Also, the earnings test would apply if you are working.

Q: I am 60 and want to draw my survivor benefit from my deceased wife. I am no longer working.  If I draw the survivor benefit until I’m 70 can I then take my benefit and will I be required to submit a restricted application at full retirement in order for my benefit to get the delayed credits and grow until I’m 70?

A: If you start the survivor benefit at 60 you would restrict your application to the survivor benefit at that time. At 70 you would apply for your own retirement benefit. Nothing need be done at your Full Retirement Age to keep delaying the retirement benefit.

Q: I am 46 and my husband is 66 and in poor health. He has not claimed his Social Security yet and probably will not survive for more than one to two years. How will my Survivor benefit eventually look if he passes without claiming? Well I get his Full Retirement Amount as my Survivor benefit or something else?

A: You will receive the amount he would have received at his death — that is, his Full Retirement Amount plus any delayed credits that had accrued prior to his death. This is why higher earners with short life expectancies should delay claiming. Each month they delay adds to the Survivor Benefit.

Q: My husband recently applied to begin receiving his Social Security benefits for December 2020. How long do I have to wait until I can apply for Spousal benefits? Can it be the same month that my husband’s benefits begin?

A: You can start your Spousal benefit the same month he starts his benefit. However, I recommend that you wait until his application has been processed before applying for your Spousal benefit. You won’t lose any benefits; you can put the same effective date on your application regardless of when you actually submit it.

Q: I am 60 (11/29/59) and my husband passed away in 2006. I was told I can’t receive 100% of the Survivor Benefit until I am 66 and ¾. Is this true? If so, what % would I be able to receive right now at my age?

A: If you claim now at age 60 you would receive 71.5% of the full Survivor Benefit. You’ll receive 100% at 66 and 10 months.

Q: I am trying to decide if it’ll be more beneficial to file Disability or for my Social Security Benefits. My DOB is 3/28/1955. My Full Retirement Age benefit is $1,641.

A: It is usually better to go with Disability Benefits if you can qualify. If you file now, your retirement benefit would be reduced for early claiming. If you can qualify for disability you would receive your Full Retirement Age benefit. There is a five-month waiting period, though. By the time you get through the disability application process and waiting period, you will be nearly Full Retirement Age at 66 and 2 months. From a practical perspective, it might just be better to start the retirement benefit now if you cannot wait for Full Retirement Age or beyond.

Q: I heard you can receive six months of retroactive benefits when you file. Can I do this before my Full Retirement Age?

A: No. And, after your Full Retirement Age it’s not always a great idea.

Q: I am turning 70 next year. I’m considering taking my benefit now because I keep reading “Congress will cut benefits,” etc. Can you tell me what will happen to benefits in the future when Social Security will not be self-sustaining as projected?

A: Here is the current view from the Congressional Research Service: What Would Happen if the Trust Funds Ran Out? However, it’s long and can be confusing. You may find the one-page summary helpful.

Bottom line: If the trust funds run out before Congress acts to restore solvency, either full benefits will be paid on a delayed schedule, or partial benefits will be paid. If partial benefits are paid, all benefits would be cut by 21% across the board. This would start around 2035 (maybe a couple of years earlier). There would be no grandfathering. It would be an across-the-board cut. And, of course, the higher your benefit is at the time, the more you will keep after the 21% reduction.

But Social Security reform is moving to the front burner. And this was before Trump started talking about permanently rolling back the payroll tax if he is reelected. This by itself has elevated the Social Security conversation. I think the system will be reformed long before 2035 as we have other deficit issues that will need to be addressed by 2030. My advice is still the same, maximize benefits by claiming at 70.

Q: At what age can a divorcee claim on an ex’s benefit without having their own Social Security payments impacted?

A: You can’t — unless you were born before 1954 and file a restricted application. The strategy of taking a spousal benefit while your own benefit builds was eliminated by the Budget Act of 2015. People born before 1954 were grandfathered.

Q: I will be turning age 70 this November and I’m currently collecting Spousal Benefits and will be switching to my own benefit in November. Is there an optimal month to initiate the switch or do I wait until after my birthday?

A: Your effective date will be 11/1/20. I would recommend going online and applying around the latter part of September. Your first check will be in December.

Q: I am still working with an income of about 60K / year. My wife is retired. We are both 62. Does the earnings test apply to only MY earned income, or the Household earned income? Can my wife, not working, claim Social Security early without a reduction due to the earnings test?

A: Yes, your wife can claim her own benefit and there will be no withholding for the earnings test if she is not working. Your earnings will not be considered for the earnings test. (However, it will be considered on your tax return for taxation of her benefits.)

Q: My DOB is 11/18/1955 and I was previously married to my 1st husband for 32 years. His birthday was 01/25/1950. He was a teacher and principal passing away on 11/10/2009. I remarried on 05/28/2011 and my 2nd husband’s DOB is 04/13/1945. My PIA is $855, and my current husband is drawing Social Security now at $1850. My first husband was put on Social Security disability for a few months and the payments stopped at his death. Can I collect on my previous husband?

A: No. Since you remarried before age 60 and you are still married, you cannot collect divorced-spouse survivor benefits.

Q: I will turn 62 in August and I’m still working. My husband recently passed away at age 63 and was not collecting SS. Can I receive survivor benefits? Thank you!!

A: Yes, but as long as you are under your Full Retirement Age and work, your survivor benefit will be subject to the earnings test and your benefit potentially reduced.

Q: Will My Stimulus Check Increase the Tax on My Social Security Benefits?

A: Great question. Any additional taxable income will increase your adjusted gross income, which then increases your provisional income for Social Security tax purposes. If your provisional income goes up enough to move you from the 0% to the 50% bracket, or from the 50% to the 85% bracket, then you’re looking at a tax increase. So, the key question is whether your stimulus check will boost your taxable income. Stimulus checks are actually advance payments of a new ‘recovery rebate’ tax credit for the 2020 tax year. As such, they aren’t included in taxable income. So, your stimulus check won’t increase your AGI, or your provisional income. And if your provisional income doesn’t go up, the tax on your Social Security benefits won’t either.

Q: I was able to apply for spousal benefits on my wife when she applied. I am now 70 and hoped to go online (vs the long wait) to convert to my benefit. Since I am receiving spousal benefits my online account no longer has a sign-up option to apply for my own benefit. Is it required that I call or visit or is there an online method available?

A: It would seem that SSA would provide a better solution for this. In this situation, there is no online option for you to sign up for your benefit. I recommend you call the local office.  Or, you can complete a physical application and mail it to your local SSA office.  Scroll down to form SSA-1-BK from the SSA Forms page to download the fillable pdf.

Q: I was married over 30 years, divorced, never got remarried and claimed my retirement benefit, and also my spousal benefit (which was higher than mine). I am 87 and my husband was 88. He recently died. I called Social Security to claim my full survivor benefit and they told me I was maxed out and not eligible. I always thought I would get his full benefit as a survivor since I never remarried. Which is right?

A: Based on the information you provided, you are absolutely entitled to a survivor benefit. Did you call your local office, or the national 800 number? Generally, I’ve found people at the local office are better trained. Either way you will need to call again and have your record reviewed again. I suggest you speak to a supervisor if needed.

Q: I just turned 65 and I’m expecting my first Social Security check any day now. I just received “Covid-19 unemployment” back pay and need to know if I am able to collect unemployment alongside my Social Security benefit?

A: The answer is yes. Additionally, unemployment income isn’t considered earned income for the Social Security Earnings Test. Of course, you will have to meet state unemployment eligibility requirements.

Q: If I take Social Security before Full Retirement Age and take a distribution from my 401(k), does that count towards the annual earnings test? Also, if I get deferred comp and taking Social Security, does that count towards the annual earnings test?

A: The 401(k) distribution definitely does not count as earnings for the earnings test. Deferred comp is not so clear-cut. This reference may help.

Q: I am 64 years old and married twice. My first marriage lasted 11 years (she is 9 years older than me). The second marriage lasted only 2 years. I am currently on Social Security Disability. At my Full Retirement Age, can I collect from my first wife’s Social Security if it is larger than mine?

A: Your divorced-spouse benefit would be 50% of your first wife’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). If that amount is more than your Disability Benefit you can add that difference to your own benefit.

Q: I was born in Japan and am a US citizen. I am planning to marry and retire to Japan in seven years. Will my Social Security survivor benefits pass to my future husband?

A: Yes, since Japan is on the list of countries with whom the U.S. has a Social Security totalization agreement.

Q: We are both age 62, at present neither of us receives Social Security benefits. I am retiring before my husband. Can I take half of my husband’s benefit and delay mine?

A: You cannot do that. That strategy was eliminated for everyone born after 1953. When you file, you will be paid on your own benefit (reduced if filing before Full Retirement Age). If it is more than the spousal benefit, you won’t receive a spousal benefit.

Q: I am 58 (almost 59) and a widow and now engaged to remarry. My husband died in 2016 and had good Social Security benefits. My future husband is 72. How does this effect my future benefits?

A: The survivor benefit is a valuable resource that you will lose if you remarry before age 60. You could start the reduced survivor benefit at 60 and switch to your own maximum benefit at 70. That may be your best maximum-benefit scenario. I realize it may not be your best lifestyle decision.

Q: I am 64 and have a 13 year-old son at home. Someone told me if I apply for Social Security benefits now, my son will also receive a benefit. Both of us are healthy. Is that true?

A: It is true. If the you claim your Social Security benefit your son will be entitled to 50% of your benefit (actually PIA) until he turns 18. Keep in mind that the earnings test applies while you are under FRA, so if you work, both your and the child’s benefits may be withheld. This is a strategy but may not be your best long-term strategy.

Q: I was working and taking Social Security and now I’m receiving unemployment. Is unemployment compensation considered earned income for the earnings test?

A: No, it is not.

Q: I’m 69, turning 70 on 1/30/2021. I plan on applying in November 2020. Would my first check be in February 2021?

A: Yes. Your first check (for January) would be paid in February.

Q: We have recently moved to Colorado and I have taken a teaching position and will be receiving PERA benefits. We will be here 3-4 years. I heard that not paying into Social Security will stop me from receiving future Social Security benefits. Is that true?

A: As a PERA employee, it will affect your future Social Security benefits. However, if you are in the PERA system for only 3-4 years, it will have little effect and not stop you from receiving benefits. The WEP provision will not come into play if you have 30 or more years of substantial earnings under Social Security from your other employment. See this resource Windfall Elimination Provision.

Q: I am 63 and I started Social Security about six months ago. At the time, it looked like my best option. Now my pay from my ‘part time’ job is going to be over the threshold limit. Should I stop Social Security? What are my options?

A: Since you are less than your Full Retirement Age and your income will exceed the $18,240 threshold, your Social Security will be withheld $1 for every $2 you exceed that amount. Your options:

• Stop your Social Security benefit and pay back all that you’ve received from Social Security. This option is only available in the first 12 months.
• Take the additional income and don’t worry about the reduction in Social Security. In the long run, you’ll make more and probably be happier working. If some of your retirement benefits are withheld because of your earnings, your monthly benefit will increase starting at your Full Retirement Age to take into account those months in which benefits were withheld.

You’ll also find a complete answer in this brochure How Work Affects Your Benefits.

Q: I read an article on Social Security in Kiplinger’s this month. The article stated that the amount deducted from Medicare premiums of any kind is considered part of your Social Security benefits and may be subject to tax. I know SS benefits can be subject to tax, but can you explain how the Medicare premiums may be subject to tax.

A: The Medicare premium itself is not subject to tax. Only the Social Security income. Say your Social Security is $1,000 and the Medicare premium is $100. The net check is $900, but the full $1,000 is subject to taxation. Medicare is like any other bill you would pay, but instead of writing a check, it’s withheld from the benefit.

Q: Is it best to file online, by phone, or in person?

A: I recommend the online option for the strategies that it’s available for (which are most filings). Here’s the link to ssa.gov/my account. Just follow the prompts. It’s self-explanatory.

Q: How long does a couple have to be married to use the spousal and survivor benefits?

A: Spousal benefits, one year. Survivor benefits, nine months (some exceptions exist).

Q: I called Social Security and they say I cannot take my own Benefit at 63 and my Survivor Benefit at Full Retirement Age (FRA). They say only the highest Benefit now if applying now. Is this right?

A: No. I would hang up and call back. It is more common (and I generally recommend) to take the lower Benefit now and switch to the higher Benefit later. You can choose which Benefit to take and would file a restricted application for that Benefit. But there are cases (where the decedent filed at 62) where the maximum Survivor Benefit can be obtained by filing at 63 — that is, it doesn’t pay to wait until FRA.

Q: I’m thinking I may have filed too early. I understand that when you claim your SS retirement benefit, I can have one redo within 12 months to cancel and then I send all the money back? If I do the redo, will I be required to not only send back my own benefits, but the benefits others are taking based on my account? Will they need to consent to this? What about divorce benefits? Will I need an ex-spouse to consent to sending their money back?

A: Yes, if the application is withdrawn and benefits are repaid, the auxiliary benefits must be repaid too. And yes, the family members must consent. See this: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/withdrawal.html. Good news. Divorced-spouse benefits are an exception. It is not necessary for the ex to be receiving benefits in order for a divorced spouse to take a spousal benefit, so if the ex withdraws, divorced-spouse benefits may continue.

Q: Is there a calculator to determine how much I might lose if I’m still working but want to claim Social Security now? My salary is about $85k and reach full retirement age in September 2020.

A: No calculator is needed here. If you apply before FRA, you will not receive any checks at all in the months leading up to your FRA month. That’s because you would be under the first-year, FRA-year monthly earnings test. If you earn more than $4,050 in any month after starting benefits, your benefit for that month will be withheld. Since you will be earning $7,083 per month ($85,000 ÷ 12), all of your benefits will be withheld until you reach FRA. You should just wait until September to file.

Q: My husband is still working and covered under a health plan with more than 20 employees. I am also covered under the plan. We are both 65. If I collect Social Security now, that automatically signs me up for Part B of Medicare. So why would I want to pay the premium for Part B?

A: You can decline Part B. When you start Social Security and automatically enrolled in Medicare, the notice tells how to decline Part B. You must take Part A if you are receiving Social Security.

Q: We are both 63 years old. I have never earned enough income to qualify for Social Security. My understanding is that for me to claim my spousal benefit my husband must be claiming. Is there any way that I can begin claiming my spousal benefit now?

A: You cannot start your spousal benefit until he claims his benefit. That’s a hard and fast rule. Since many times I advise higher earning spouses to file at 70, you as the lower earning spouse have no choice but to wait. There are times that couple have unique circumstances that I recommend differently.

Q: My husband has passed away. If I start my survivor benefit at 60, but then get married at 61 (or sometime later), will I no longer get the survivor benefit when I remarry?

A: Remarriage after age 60 does not affect survivor benefits. If you start the survivor benefit at 60 and remarry at 61, you can keep receiving the survivor benefit.

Q: My husband is 71, I am 49 and we have a son who is 5. My husband has already claimed his SS benefit and my son receives a benefit too. Is there a benefit I can claim too?

A: You should be able to claim your child-in-care benefit now. It will be subject to the earnings test if you are working.

Q:Does the amount from a Roth Conversion count as Earned Income for the earnings threshold for my Social Security Benefit? Thank you.

A: No. Roth Conversions do not and will not lower your benefit. They could however effect whether your benefit is taxable.

Q: I am 65 and divorced. I have not remarried. My ex-spouse has just passed away. Am I able to file for a widow benefit now and let my benefit grow until 70?

A: Yes, if your marriage was longer than 10 years.

Q: I’ve read some articles and I understand the File and Restrict method of filing is going away in 2019. Can you still File and restrict an application in 2020 if you turned FRA and are age 66 in 2019?

A: The restricted application strategy is not going away in 2019. Anyone born before Jan. 2, 1954 can file a restricted application anytime up until the age of 70 — that is, until the end of 2023.

Q: My husband and I were married in our 30’s for 7 years. While we were married, he passed away at age 38. I remarried at age 40 then divorced 2 years later. Am I still entitled to my deceased husband’s benefit when I turn 60?

A: Yes, providing your husband died during the marriage and you are unmarried at the time you file for the survivor benefit.

Q: I am a widow collecting SS but I am under the earnings test, so I only get about $6,000 per year. I have 2 children (ages 16 and 15) that are receiving Survivor Benefits. Can I stop my benefits and have the children receive higher benefits?

A: That’s a creative idea. However, you can’t voluntarily suspend your benefit before FRA. I don’t think suspending your benefit would affect the children’s benefits anyway. If each child is getting 75% of the father’s PIA, they are getting the most they are entitled to (i.e., not reduced by the family maximum).

Q: If I want Social Security to have both Federal and State taxes withheld from my check will they do that?

A: No. They will only withhold Federal taxes.

Q: I am 59 and retired when I was 55. Before retirement I had 25 years of contributions into Social Security with almost the maximum amount every year. When I go to collect Social Security at 67 will my benefit be reduced because I won’t have added into the system for the last 12 years?

A: Your benefit won’t be ‘reduced’ but you also won’t receive the maximum benefit because you don’t have 35 years of maximum earnings. Every year of earnings will be counted (the highest 35) including high school and college years. If you chose to work over the next 8 years you may be able to raise your benefit depending on the amount that is reported and whether one of your highest 35 years is replaced.

Q: I am 62 and have filed for early retirement benefits and disability. If approved for disability will my wife’s survivor benefit be based on my early retirement benefit or my disability benefit?

A: It will be based on the disability benefit.

Q: My husband passed away last year. My husband claimed his benefit at his Full Retirement Age. When he died his benefit was $1,742. I am currently 65. Will my benefit be this amount?

A: If you claim the survivor benefit at your Full Retirement Age you will receive $1,742. If you take it now it will be about 95% of that.

Q: I will receive a government pension. I do not have enough credits to receive Social Security at all. My wife has enough credits to receive Social Security. My pension is $3,800 a month. Her Social Security is $2,300 a month. If I pass away, my pension is setup 100% to my wife. Will her Social Security be reduced if I pass and she gets 100% of the pension or does she get both fully?

A: Your wife’s Social Security benefit will not be affected by her receipt of your noncovered pension.

Q: If I continue to work past age 70, is it possible that my retirement benefit will increase even though I am already collecting my benefit?

A: Yes.  As long as a person works and pays into Social Security, their earnings record will continue to be updated and if it results in a higher benefit you will receive that higher benefit.

Q: What if you don’t want to draw your Social Security benefits ever? I have heard that the Social Security will automatically enroll you at 70, but I have also heard that you can never draw them if you do not want them? Which is right?

A: You must apply to get benefits. The only people whose benefit starts automatically at 70 are those who earlier filed and suspended. At 70 it’s actually a resumption of the suspended benefit. If a person never applies, they will never receive Social Security benefits.

Q: My question is about Survivor Benefits. I am 65. My wife passed away on 07/16/2019. She was 63. Neither of us has taken our Social Security benefit. My benefit is $2,618 and my wife’s is $850. Will I receive a survivor benefit in addition to my own benefit? For now, I am planning to start my own benefit at age 66, which is next month. I would also be open to delaying until age 70.

A: More than likely you are better to start the Survivor Benefit now and switch to your own maximum benefit at 70. You can’t receive both benefits at once.

Q: I understand that Social Security will not accept normal Power of Attorney (POA) forms and requires their own form. Will they accept this from the POA in the case of a client who’s unable to sign for themselves? If not, what is the process to designate the SSA POA? Our estate planning attorney said there isn’t a way to set this up in advance of incapacity.

A: The attorney is right. Once a client has been declared incapacitated, SSA will name a personal representative (usually a family member if one is available to step in).

Q: I am 62 and want to file for Social Security. My husband is 63 and will continue to work with income of $100k+. If he continues to work will his income count against my earnings test?

A: No. The only effect your husband’s earnings will have will be on the taxation of our benefits. Your benefits will not be reduced due to his income.

Q: Can a husband put into the divorce decree (married in 1996 for 33 years) that his ex-wife can’t collect Social Security off his record unless he dies?

A: No. That is illegal. Lawyers and judges know that’s not possible. Maybe the husband needs to be reminded that his ex-wife’s receipt of a divorced-spouse benefit won’t affect his own benefit or that of any other wives or ex-wives he may have.

Q: I was born in 1953, married for more than 10 years and now divorced in April 2018. Can I file now on my ex-husbands record?

A: Since you’ve been divorced less than two years this means your ex-husband would need to be receiving his benefit in order for you to be entitled to the divorced-spouse benefit. If he is receiving his benefit, you can go ahead and file now (and possibly a restricted application). If not, you will need to wait until he files or until the two years are up in April 2020.

Q: If a person works for a company with more than 20 employees and he turns 65 but chooses not to enroll in Medicare for whatever reason, does he have to notify the Medicare folks of his decision so that he is not penalized when he finally enrolls?

A: I usually recommend that clients call SSA when they turn 65, explain their current health insurance situation, and confirm that they will not be charged a late-enrollment penalty when they enroll in Medicare at a later date. Some say this is overkill and not needed when it’s clear that the client is covered by an employer plan and will qualify for a special enrollment period. The important thing will be to provide CMS Form L564 upon Medicare enrollment. This is the form that the employer signs to verify that the employee has had continuous health insurance since age 65.

Q: I am taking Spousal Benefits and I no longer get a Social Security statement. How do I make sure my employer is reporting my earnings correctly?

A: You have two options. 1) Call Social Security Administration (SSA) and they will give you the earnings reported for the years in question. 2) Assuming you will switch your benefit to your own earnings record in the future, you can check with SSA at the time you file and be sure it’s correct. If you will always be taking a Spousal Benefit, then your own earnings record will not impact your future benefits.

Q: I turn 66 in September 2019. Is it okay to start my application now in August since the filing date will be before I turn 66 in September? I want to make sure it doesn’t start before my Full Retirement Age and I don’t have a penalty.

A: Yes, you can file now. There is a question on the application that asks for desired start date. You can put in September 1, 2019. You should apply no later than the month in which you want your benefits to start. You can file up to four months before that, which gives Social Security ample time to process your application.

Q: I just received a robo call on my cell phone. The caller said that due to recent suspicious activity on my SS# that my SS# has been suspended. Press 1 to hear additional information. I Hung up… have you heard of this. Would SS call me as they have my cell # now for security purposes.

A: This is a huge scam. I received a similar call. Hang up if you get this type of call. Social Security will not call you except in connection with a benefit application.

Q: I am a 56-year old widow and plan to wait until age 70 to take my deceased husband’s benefit (he was 65 and on SSDI when he passed). Will I only receive his Full Retirement Age (FRA) amount, or will his benefit increase to what it would have been at age 70 if I wait?

A: The survivor benefit will not increase beyond your FRA. Now that he is deceased, your survivor benefit has been set at the amount he was receiving when he died. If you claim the benefit at your FRA, you will receive the full amount. It will not build delayed credits, so there is no reason to claim it at 70.

Q: If I have never worked, am I eligible for any SS benefits?

A: You may be eligible to collect spousal or survivor benefits from your spouse or ex-spouse even if you have never worked or have not worked enough to qualify for your own retirement benefits.

Q: I am 65. I was married twice (10 years each) and both marriages ended in divorce. Husband #1 is living, husband #2 is deceased. I remarried last month. Can I file a restricted application on my deceased ex-spouse prior to reaching Full Retirement Age?

A: Yes, you can. Because you remarried after age 60 and the ex is deceased, you can start your survivor benefit at any time. But you should coordinate your survivor benefit with your own retirement benefit and (generally) take the higher benefit last.

Q: My husband died early. I will be 60 later this year. I heard that I could take my survivor benefit and still work without any penalty. Is that correct?

A: I’m sorry for your loss. The earnings test DOES apply as long as you are under your Full Retirement Age (66 and 10 months). $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 earned over $17,640.

Q: I read recently that “for those that were born before January 2, 1954, there is a limited amount of time to use what is referred to as a ‘restricted application’. This is an opportunity to tell the Social Security Administration that you want to limit the benefits available to you as opposed to applying for all benefits…. expires for most people on January 2, 2020.” Is that true?

A: Partially. The reason it “expires for most people” is that everyone grandfathered for the restricted application will have turned their Full Retirement Age (FRA) by the end of 2019. But some people are not able to file a restricted application as soon as they turn FRA because their spouse will not have filed yet. There is no deadline on the strategy. Anyone born before January 2, 1954 should look at their filing options now and determine their optimal strategy.

Q: I am about to turn 62 and I’m contemplating taking Social Security early. I am retired. My wife is 63, isn’t taking Social Security, and is still working. If I take Social Security early, am I subject to the income threshold? In other words, since my wife makes more than the $18,000 threshold and we file taxes together will Social Security withhold amounts from my check?

A: No. The earnings test looks at the individual earnings of the recipient only. Your wife’s earnings will not cause any of your benefits to be withheld for the earnings test. In 2019, the annual earnings limit for those under full retirement age (FRA) is $17,640. Your Social Security income will probably be subject to income taxes, however, as the taxation formula looks at your AGI on the joint return. You may also have some other more attractive Social Security options that we should investigate.

Q: Do I have to be unmarried at the time to collect spousal benefits on my ex-spouse’s work history? If I have been divorced twice, can I collect spousal benefits on both ex-spouses’ work histories?

A: Yes. You must be unmarried when you apply for spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work history, and if you have been divorced twice, no, you are entitled to collect on only one record, but the Social Security will pay the highest benefit.

Q: I just received an interesting letter from the Social Security Administration. It says, “You get monthly benefits as a survivor. If you apply for retirement benefits on your own social security number, our records show you may get higher benefits.” What should I do?

A: They are probably correct. But don’t be fooled. They don’t know what’s best for you. If your goals or life expectancy have changed this may be a better option. If you’re goals and life expectancy have not changed, I would normally recommend staying with your original strategy. To be sure I would need to review each of your options and confirm your best strategy.

Q: I am a widow and I started social security at 67. I make enough and really don’t need it. Can I stop taking it until 70? Also, my husband died last year at 67 and was taking social security. He started his at 62. Can I get his benefit?

A: You can suspend your benefit and let it build delayed credits to age 70. However, you cannot receive a survivor benefit while your own benefit is in suspension. To get a survivor benefit while your own benefit grows, you would have had to NOT ever applied for your own benefit.

Q: Do I need to wait until Full Retirement Age (FRA) to begin collecting spousal benefits?

A: No, age-reduced spousal benefits could be available as early as age 62. Additionally, if you are caring for a child under age 16 (or any age if disabled before age 22), you are eligible for spousal benefits even if you have not yet achieved retirement age. If you are currently working, your benefits may be subject to withholding based on your wages.

Q: I will be 62 on July 3rd. My first marriage of 30 years ended in 2005. I remarried in 2011 and will be getting divorced this year. My current husband is collecting Social Security. Can I file and then divorce? Will I get to collect from my first husband (if it is more) after I am divorced from current husband?

A: If you file at 62, first understand that you will be paid your own reduced benefit first. You will only be entitled to a spousal benefit if your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is less than half of your current husband’s PIA. If that’s the case, and you start receiving your own/spousal combination benefit, and if you and your husband divorce, the spousal add-on will stop because you will not have been married 10 years. At that point, because you will be unmarried, you can file for your divorced-spouse benefit based on your first husband. The difference between your PIA and one-half of his PIA will be added to your own reduced retirement benefit. (First husband must be at least age 62; he does not need to have filed for his benefit because you’ve been divorced over 2 years.) You may have other more attractive options also.

Q: If I start collecting prior to Full Retirement Age (FRA), will my benefits be adjusted when I reach FRA?

A: No. Reductions due to collecting early are permanent.

Q: It’s time for me to file for Medicare. I’ll be holding off a little bit longer on Social Security. They want me to file for Part D but I don’t take any prescriptions. And honestly, I don’t plan to in the future. Do I have to sign up for Part D?

A: Medicare Part D is for outpatient prescription drugs. It is optional. There may be other appropriate substitutes (current employer coverage, Tricare, Veterans) but many will not have substitutes available. If you choose to not sign up now there may be a penalty later when you want the coverage. The only way to avoid the penalty is to have other creditable coverage in the interim. Enrolling late, without creditable coverage, may cause you to pay a higher premium. The penalty is 1% of the “national base beneficiary premium” times the number of months you were without coverage. The current national base beneficiary premium is $33.19. Once you sign up for coverage, you’ll be paying the additional penalty for the rest of your life (unless Congress changes the law at some point).

Q: I am receiving a teacher’s pension from the state of Maine and also getting a very small Social Security benefit ($157/mo). My spouse is collecting a full Social Security benefit of around $2,500/mo. If my spouse who is collecting his full Social Security benefit passes away, how much will my pension affect my new spouse benefit?

A: Your survivor benefit will most likely be reduced by two-thirds of your pension amount under the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Q: Do spousal benefits continue to increase beyond FRA like individual benefits do?

A: No. Spousal benefits do not receive delayed retirement credits. Therefore, they are at their highest at FRA.

Q: I am widowed, age 66. I worked in a county position and am receiving $5k/month pension benefit. I did not pay into Social Security during those years. My husband worked until his death 12 years ago. I have been told twice by SS that I do not qualify for any of his benefit under the widow provision, but I want to make sure there are no exceptions. Is this true?

A: I can’t think of any circumstance that would allow you to receive that survivor benefit. As a rough rule, it would be reduced by two-thirds of your pension amount under the Government Pension Offset (GPO) rule. Two-thirds of $5,000 is $3,333, which is more than the survivor benefit.

Q: If I am collecting survivor benefits and remarry, do I lose the survivor benefits?

A: No

Q: If I am already collecting benefits, do I still need to pay the SS payroll tax?

A: Yes. Everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay the SS payroll tax also known as FICA tax. There are narrow exceptions that apply at any age, such as an individual who qualifies for a religious exemption.

Q: What will happen to my benefits if I collect but continue to work beyond FRA?

A: The SSA will automatically recalculate your benefits each year you continue to work. If your current income is greater than one of your previously calculated “best 35 years,” your benefits will be automatically adjusted upward.

Q: I am 53 and retired military, 26 years, receiving my full pension. I am also a wounded vet with Parkinson’s disease and a service dog. Is there any reason for me not to apply for Social Security disability benefits (assuming I am eligible) now as opposed to waiting until I turn 62?

A: No. If you are unable to work due to a disability you should apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Q: I will be 70 in May. Social Security told me my benefit would be $3,597. I was also told that instead, I could choose to receive a lump-sum of $23,903 and my benefit would be $3,427 going forward. Is this right? What should I do?

A: This is common and accurate. But not a good idea. The whole reason I advise clients to claim at 70 (when best) is to get the highest possible benefit going forward. By offering the lump sum they are setting your benefit back six months, as if you had applied at 69 1/2. If you think you’ll live longer than age 81, you should not take it. Here’s how I figure the simple math: The difference between $3,597 and $3,427 is $170. Divide $170 into $23,903 and you get 140.6 months or 11.7 years. This is the number of months/years it would take to break even on the lump sum deal, not counting possible COLAs.

Q: Can I start collecting benefits and change my mind?

A: Yes. If you start collecting benefits and change your mind, you can file a “Request for Withdrawal of Application” form with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the request is granted, you need to repay the SSA all of the payments, including those received by any family member(s), that have been collected based on your work history. You can subsequently refile. The SSA restricts withdrawals to within 12 months of filing for benefits and will only allow one withdrawal per lifetime.

Q: What happens if I retire at age 60 but do not start collecting until full retirement age (FRA)?

A: Since your benefits will be based on your best 35 years of employment and the Social Security statement assumes your current earnings will continue through FRA, the benefits you actually receive could be lower than the amount reflected on your statement. We can provide a more accurate estimate.

Q: I retired at the end of 2018 however I received one paycheck in 2019. I applied for benefits and will be getting my first Social Security check in February for $1,587. I turned 63 on January 14. Will my check be going up based on my earnings for 2018 and 2019? If so, how will it be paid?

A: Earnings are posted once a year in January or February, and benefits are adjusted around March. Your earnings for 2018 will be reflected in your check around March 2019 (if not already included). Your earnings for 2019 will be reflected in your check around March 2020. But given how the formula works, one months of earnings will have very little if any effect on your benefit.

Q: I do not qualify for Social Security benefits based on my own work history. However, I was married for a short period of time and my husband died when we were married. I have heard recently that I might be able to get benefits on his Social Security. We were only married for nine months.

A: We will need to look at the exact dates of your marriage and your late husband‘s death. The marriage requirement for survivor benefits is nine months except in case of an accident. If he died by accident you should qualify for survivor benefits on his record. Or, if you were married for more than nine months you will qualify.

Q: I currently make $12,000 at my job and receive $7,000 in pension. I will apply for Social Security in a few months when I turn 62. Does my pension money count towards the earnings limit?

A: No. Only earned income counts.

Q: As a teacher I am covered by Colorado PERA. I’m wondering if I take my benefit in a lump sum, rather than as a pension, and roll it into my IRA will I still have to take a reduced benefit if I claim my spousal benefit?

A: Yes. When a person takes their non-covered pension as a lump sum, Social Security figures it as an annuity and calculates the reduction based on that amount.

Q: I am 65 years old and continue to work and I plan to delay my Social Security to age 70. I have been previously married twice. The first was for 21 years and the second for 11 years. Can I file for divorced spousal benefits on only the most recent former spouse? I believe he has the higher benefit. The first spouse is 65 and the second spouse is 58. Both of them are still alive.

A: Normally a divorced person can choose the higher of two divorced-spouse benefits, regardless of whether it’s off the first or second spouse. Since your most recent husband is under 62, that benefit would not be available to you. With the difference in age’s your best choice may be to file on your first spouse’s record rather than waiting.

Q: I am 63. I applied for my regular Social Security benefit which will start this January. I plan to retire early in 2019 after I have reached the retirement earnings exempt amount of $17,640. Am I right that no benefits will be withheld?

A: During your first year, if you earn more than $1,470 in any month after starting Social Security, your benefit for that month will be withheld. Any earnings prior to your application are not considered. The next year you will be under the regular annual earnings test.

Q: I just turned 50 and received an offer from my Aetna disability policy. They are offering a lump sum benefit of $129,000 in lieu of my current gross monthly benefit of $1500 per month before taxes. The disability payment is for a back issue and I am also collecting SSI for a condition of depression. If I elect the lump sum from Aetna will this in any way jeopardize my monthly SSI payments? Also does the $129,000 offer seem low for the 15 years of remaining payments I would otherwise have?

A: First confirm what kind of Social Security you are getting. SSI is Supplementary Security Income, and it is means tested, so the lump sum would put you over the assets and income limitation and it will affect your benefit. However, you are probably getting SSDI, Social Security Disability Income, which is not means tested. The lump sum would not affect that benefit.

Q: Does Social Security recognize common-law marriages?

A: The Social Security Administration defers to each state on common law marriage. Since Colorado does recognize common-law marriage you may each have potential spousal or survivor benefits available.

Q: I am planning on retiring early next year. I will be 63 in April 2019. Once I retire, I want to claim my survivor benefit and wait on my personal benefit until I’m 70. Do the income earning restrictions apply to survivor benefits? If so, will the income I turn before retiring count toward that? And, how long before my retirement date should I apply?

A: In 2019 you will be under the first-year monthly earnings test. Any earnings prior to your application won’t count, but if you earn more than $1,470 in any month after applying for benefits your benefit for that month will be withheld. You need to apply about a month before retiring, although you can apply up to three months early. Currently it’s taking about 2-3 weeks to process applications.

Q: I am a divorced female and was married for over 25 years. If my ex-husband took social security before Full Retirement Age what would I receive from social security as a survivor benefit upon his passing?

A: If you are over Full Retirement Age when you start the survivor benefit, you will receive the amount of his benefit. (If you are under Full Retirement Age, it will be reduced.) The exception is if he is receiving less than 82.5% of his PIA (i.e., he claimed his benefit at age 62 or 63). In that case you will receive 82.5% of his PIA as your survivor benefit.

Q: I am 68 and have been receiving my Social Security benefit for five years. I no longer need the benefit. Can I suspend it until 70 and start it again at that point?

A: You can suspend at anytime and the delayed credits will be prorated monthly.

Q: If I make a contribution to my IRA will that reduce my income for the year under the Social Security earnings test?

A: It will not. Social Security uses gross earnings.

Q: I am over 70 and still working. I’m in my highest earning years. Will my Social Security ever go up at this point?

A: If your earnings over age 70 exceeds one of your previous 35 highest years you will get an increase. It happens around March of each year.

Q: Is filing a “restricted application for spousal benefits” still an option or is this no longer available?

A: Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and began phasing out this valuable strategy. Some however may still take advantage of it. While this strategy has begun being phased out, there are those who will be reaching full retirement age (FRA) over the next two years who are still able to take advantage of it. If you (or someone you know) were born on or before January 1, 1954 and we have not discussed this strategy it should be reviewed as an option. Call me and we’ll determine if you can benefit from this before it’s gone for good.

Q: I am 60, divorced and collecting my government pension of $5,000 per month.  After the government offset my Social Security is only $256 per month. I was married for 15 years and have been divorced for 20 years. Will I ever be allowed to collect based on my ex-husband‘s record? Are there any circumstances that I could be able to collect more on my own?

A: The pension rules surrounding Social Security are never fun to deal with. They are confusing and always seem to lead to less money.

You’re divorced-spouse benefit will be reduced by 2/3 of the $5,000 under the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which brings it down to zero.

I can’t think of any circumstance that would give you a higher Social Security benefit other than to work more than 20 years in a covered job, which would reduce the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduction and give you a slight increase in your benefit.

Even if your ex-husband were to die, the GPO reduction would exceed the maximum survivor benefit. So that’s not a solution either.

Q: I am 66 years old and plan on continuing to work. I will make about $50,000 in 2019 and may work beyond that. Since I’m past my Full Retirement Age, if I continue to work, will my Social Security benefit be locked in or will it still change?

A: As long as you work and pay into Social Security, your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) will continue to be adjusted annually if it causes an increase (it will not go down). If a new year of higher earnings replaces an older year of lower earnings the PIA will be adjusted upward. Then the cost of living adjustment (COLA) and the 8% credit for that year will be based on that year’s new PIA.

Q: I decided to start taking my Social Security at 62. My husband is turning 65 next month and is planning to work two more years. When he turns 67 can I apply for spousal benefits? I’ll be 65 then and I’m thinking I could get 50% of my husband’s Social Security which will be about $500 more than I’m getting now.

A: I’m sorry you will not get 50% of your husband‘s benefit because you filed early. By filing at 62 you are getting about 75% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). When you add on the spousal benefit you will get the difference between your PIA and one-half of his PIA added to your existing reduced benefit. If you were still under your Full Retirement Age (FRA) when you apply for the spousal benefit that difference will also be reduced. This is one of the many reasons I normally recommend waiting to file for benefits.

Q: I am 64 years old and my wife is 49. We have 2 children who are 13 & 11 years old. We would like to know if I should start benefits and allow my minor children and wife to receive benefits? Or is it best to wait until his age 70 for the higher Social Security benefit for me?

A: I have begun to see this more and more with second marriages and adoptions. There are many factors to consider in a scenario such as yours. Without your exact numbers and a little more information I cannot make a recommendation. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Although it seems getting benefits for a spouse and two children may be attractive now, you may substantially reduce your lifetime benefit.
2. Filing early will limit the survivor benefit she may possibly receive at your death.
3. If you are working, as long as you are under Full Retirement Age, both your own benefit and all benefits paid off your record are subject to withholding for the earnings test.
4. In the end I’m an advocate of knowing all the numbers so we can make an informed decision. We don’t always choose the solution that would give us the highest Social Security benefits or payout.

Q: I understand the income level of $17,040 for 2018 is used for the earnings test.  Is that each individual’s income or is it joint income?

A: It’s each individual’s W-2 or net Schedule C income.

Q: I am a public employee in Colorado and I don’t pay into Social Security. I am also a widow. My husband paid into social security. Can I collect his benefit while I am working and avoid a reduced benefit? If so, can I get paid for some unclaimed years?

A: These answers are never what you are hoping for because no one likes to hear their benefit will be reduced. If you are over Full Retirement Age (FRA, so the earnings test doesn’t apply) and not yet retired (so you are not yet eligible for your pension), you can receive his full survivor benefit. Once your pension starts you must report it to SSA and they will subtract two-thirds of your pension amount from the survivor benefit under the Government Pension Offset (GPO). As far as unclaimed years, six months of retroactive benefits is the most they will pay. You may have other options to leverage his and your benefits. Those will become clear if we run a Social Security Maximization report for you.

Q: I’ve been married and divorced twice.  First ex is 63 second ex is 75 and I was married to both for over 10 years. I have not remarried and am currently 62. What options do I have?

A: If you file today you will receive a reduced earned benefit with an ex-spousal add-on. As both ex-spouses are alive you may claim the higher of the two divorced spousal benefits to use in this calculation. You will be affected by the earning test if you plan to work. Although you have options it may be better still to wait due to the reduced earned benefit. Without your exact numbers I can’t tell. Later if either of your ex-spouses pre-decease you, you can then switch to the survivor benefit (assuming it is higher than your earned benefit).

Q: I was born in 1950 and started Social Security at 62. I now see the value of waiting longer. Can I suspend my benefit and file for spousal until I’m 70?

A: No. You’ve missed that opportunity.

Q: I am 65 (DOB 11/8/1952) and my husband recently passed away at age 66 (DOB 12/3/1951). I am currently receiving my Social Security benefit. My husband hadn’t started his before he passed away. What are my choices at this point? Will his benefit continue to grow until he would have been 70?

A: When he died the survivor benefit was set and the benefit he would have received no longer builds delayed credits.

You will get the maximum survivor benefit if you take it at your Full Retirement Age. Since you will be 66 in November, you can make an appointment with SSA now and tell them you want to start your survivor benefit starting in November. If the survivor benefit is higher than your own benefit, they will pay you the difference.

Q: I have a friend born in 1951 and is currently 66, his wife is age 51 and working. Their daughter is 19 and going into her 2nd year of college. He was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago and is battling through the chemo and is likely to survive but in tough shape now. He is getting disability payments from his employer’s disability plan. Would there be any Social Security benefits available to his wife or daughter?

A: I’m sorry there are not. The daughter is too old (over 18) and the wife is too young (under 62).

Q: I am 58 and recently lost my husband at age 62. I understand I am now eligible for a Social Security survivor benefit?

A: You will become eligible for a reduced survivor benefit starting at age 60. You will want to be sure to coordinate your widow’s benefit with your own retirement benefit.

Q: I am a business owner and I am wondering if the amount of earnings reported to Social Security is gross earnings or net earnings with expenses taken out?

A: It’s schedule C net earnings. You can look at your tax return and see the amount on Schedule SE.

Q: Will my survivor benefit be subject to the income test of $17,040 if I am still working and take my survivor benefit at age 60?

A: Yes. All benefits received before Full Retirement Age (FRA) are subject to the earnings test.

Q: Does the date of birth of my ex-spouse affect filing a restricted application for me? I understand that she doesn’t have to have filed herself for me to claim but does her date of birth make a difference?

A: Your ex-spouse needs to be at least age 62. If it’s been more than two years since the divorce, the ex-spouse does not need to have claimed her own benefit.

Q: Is there any real benefit to me to claim permanent disability to collect Social Security benefits if I’m already of retirement age (I’m 64)?

A: Absolutely.  A 64-year-old who is disabled should definitely file for disability benefits, not retirement benefits. Because you are still under full retirement age (66), your retirement benefit would be reduced — that is, you would receive a percentage of your full, age 66, benefit. By claiming disability benefits now, you can receive your full benefit now. Then, when you turn 66, the disability benefit would convert to a retirement benefit and the amount would remain the same.

Q: I am 59 and have two previous marriages. One ended with my husband’s death and the second in divorce. Which husband should I file for Social Security benefits? Can I get benefits from both?

A: You may be able to get benefits from both. But, not at the same time! If you remarry you don’t have these options. I don’t have quite enough information to provide a definite answer. If the marriage that ended in divorce last more than 10 years you have the opportunity to file under his record but not until age 62. For the marriage that ended by death you may be able to file as early as age 60. Both options will need to be analyzed and reviewed for the best strategy. It will depend on the earnings record for both husbands and your earnings record.

Q: I am 63 and a widower. I am currently receiving Social Security income on my wife’s record. I heard that if I remarry I could lose that income? If I remarry can I continue to draw on my deceased wife’s Social Security?

A: Yes you can. Survivor benefits may continue if remarriage occurs after age 60.

Q: I am 70 and just started claiming Social Security. My wife is 65. She started claiming on her record approximately five months ago. I’ve heard maybe she shouldn’t have filed that early. Can she pay back the five months of benefits on her record and file a Restricted Application at Full Retirement Age?

A: Yes. She should get the ball rolling as soon as possible. It takes them awhile to process these application withdrawals.

Q: I just turned 62. My ex-husband is 60. Do I have to wait until he is 62 years old to be eligible for a divorce benefit, or can I take it now?

A: You are not eligible for an ex-spousal benefit until the ex-spouse turns 62. And, at that point although you can take the benefit it may not be the best solution for you. Be sure that you have us prepare a Social Security Maximization report to find your best strategy.

Q: I may open a small business. Will I pay more in Social Security Taxes than I did when I worked for someone else?

A: A self-employed person pays twice as much as an employee pays. However, because the employer pays a matching amount, the combined rate paid by the employer and the employee is equal to the self-employment tax. But there are special tax credits you can take when you file your tax return that are intended to lower your overall rate.

Q: My DOB is 7/7/53 and I want to retire next year and collect Social Security at my Full Retirement Age of 66. When I spoke to Social Security they told me I can collect at my Full Retirement Age starting on 1/1/2019 since that is the calendar year of my 66th birthday. And, they said there wouldn’t be any earnings test. Is that correct?

A: No. Starting benefits in the year of your Full Retirement Age the earnings test threshold goes up, but it is not eliminated. If you apply in 2019, you will be under the monthly earnings test. If you earn more than $3,780 in a month (this is the 2018 amount, or whatever the COLA-adjusted amount is for 2019), your benefit for that month will be withheld.

Q: I took my benefit at 62. My wife took her benefit at her Full Retirement Age of 66.Her benefit was higher than mine. My wife has passed away. Can I get her higher benefit even though I filed early?

A: Yes. Filing early does not reduce the survivor benefit. If you are at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) or older when you take the survivor benefit, you’ll get the full amount.

Q: Will my survivor benefit be subject to the income test of $17,040 if I am still working and take my survivor benefit at age 60?

A: Yes. All benefits received before Full Retirement Age (FRA) are subject to the earnings test.

Q: I am age 67 and receive a SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) benefit. Is there a time frame when I have to switch to my own personal working benefit?

A: Since you are 67, your benefit has already been switched over to your personal retirement benefit. It happens automatically at your Full Retirement Age and the amount doesn’t change. The only difference is that it is coming out of the Old-Age and Survivors fund instead of the Disability Insurance fund.

Q: Should I start my Social Security this summer when I turn 62? My husband waited until 66 and they asked him, if he got something like Social Security from Switzerland and the answer was yes since he turned 65. With that, they cut his Social Security in half. As a woman, I get my Social Security from Switzerland when I turn 64. Would Social Security know that and then cut my Social Security in half at that time!?

A: When a person qualifies for benefits from another country, there is an offset to the U.S. Social Security benefit to avoid “double dipping.” When you apply for Social Security, they will ask if you qualify for benefits from another country. You must tell the truth or you risk being hit up later for an overpayment. Sorry you don’t get 100% of both. The U.S. has similar agreements with many countries.

Q: Do I have to pay income taxes on my Social Security benefits?

A: The answer is “maybe.” Some people who receive Social Security will have to pay taxes on their benefits. You may have to pay taxes if you file an individual income tax return as an “individual” and your total income is over $25,000. If you file a joint return, you may have to pay taxes if you and your spouse have a total income of more than $32,000. There may be ways to avoid this. Make sure you check with us.

Q: What’s the best way to get an accurate estimate of my Social Security benefits?

A: Request a Social Security Statement through the Internet at https://www.ssa.gov/mystatement/. Once you receive your statement be sure to send it to us for a Social Security Maximization report. If you’re married be sure to send a statement for your spouse also.

Q: What is the maximum Social Security I can be paid if I retire at age 66?

A: The maximum benefit depends on the age a worker chooses to retire. So, a worker who retired at age 66 in 2013, the amount was $2,533. This figure is based on earnings at the maximum taxable amount for every year after age 21. Of course, waiting until age 70 makes it higher.

Q: I am 68 and my wife is 67. My benefit at my full retirement age is $990 per month and hers is $2,504 per month. My question is this. I started taking Social Security at age 66. My wife is not collecting and wants to wait until age 70 to allow her credits to build. Can I change to a spousal benefit now to get the higher amount AND she can still earn delayed credits (until she begins at 70)?

A: No, but SHE can file a restricted application for her spousal benefit and receive 50% of the $990 while her own benefit grows to age 70. You can’t take a spousal benefit because she hasn’t filed yet. Once she files at 70, you can add on your spousal portion, normally the difference between $990 and half of $2,504.

Q: While reading about social security, I discovered that when I apply for Medicare at the age of 65, the monthly premiums are based on your last three years of tax returns. If a married couple has a MAGI above $170,000 then their premiums are much higher. And this will last a life time. Is this accurate?

A: No. They look to tax returns two years prior — 2018 premiums are based on 2016 MAGI. You can appeal if you’ve experienced a life changing event, such as stopping work. Even if you do get hit with the higher premium, it is not for life. Each year your tax return from two years prior is examined. If your income falls, your Medicare premium will drop.

Q: My wife and I both worked under Social Security. Her Social Security Statement says she can get $850 a month at full-retirement age and mine says I would get $1,450. Do we each get our own amount? Someone told me we could only get my amount, plus one-half of that amount for my wife.

A: There may be other ways to maximize your Social Security benefits. I suggest you look at various possible strategies before you file. However, in general, since your wife’s own benefit is more than one-half of your amount, you will each get your own benefit. If your wife’s own benefit were less than half of yours (that is, less than $725), she would receive her amount plus enough on your record to bring it up to the $725 amount. 1-689562

Q: When should I file for my Social Security? What will I need when I file for Social Security?

A: Normally, you should file for Social Security three months before you receive benefits. You will need:

1. Your Social Security card
2. Proof of your age
3. Tax forms from the previous year
4. Marriage certificate/divorce documents, if any
5. Death certificate, if applying for survivor benefits

Call your Social Security office for further details prior to visiting the office, or else log onto the Internet at www.ssa.gov.

Q: We are retiring this year and planning on moving. My husband was planning on taking benefits next year at his full retirement age of 66. However, there is a chance he may be able to do some consulting work in the next year or two. Must he suspend benefits within a year after first filing for them? Will he build delayed credits if he takes the benefits at 66 but suspends them at age 67 and 68?

A: He can suspend anytime between his filing age and age 70. The one-year limitation applies to application withdrawals. Between the date of suspension and the date of resumption (usually age 70 but doesn’t have to be) he will build 8% annual delayed credits, prorated monthly.

Q: I am collecting my social security and my wife is getting a pension from a school district. If I die will my wife get a survivor’s benefit? Or is it subject to the WEP?

A: It is actually subject to the Government Pension Offset. Her survivor benefit will be reduced by two-thirds of her pension amount.

Q: I have retired from teaching in Texas. If my TRS pension account is rolled over to an IRA, would I qualify for full social security benefits at Full Retirement Age and eliminate the Government Pension Offset?

A: No. When your TRS account is received as a lump sum, they figure it as if it were being received as an annuity.

Q: I was born in 1958 and need to know my options with social security. I was married for 20 years but divorced in 2005. Am I eligible for spousal benefits, my own benefit, or both?

A: When you apply for benefits they will compare your own benefit to the spousal benefit (50% of your ex’s PIA) and pay you the higher of the two.

Q: I recently read a Q&A with Jane Bryant Quinn in the January-February 2018 issue of the “AARP Bulletin.” My understanding from reading her answer to a question about someone my age (I was born in 1951) qualifying for spousal benefits then being able to collect personal benefits when I turn 70 is that, I may qualify to do both. Is she correct? Do I qualify for spousal benefits now and if I claim them, will I be able to file for my own benefits when I turn 70? My husband is 70 and already receiving benefits.

A: Yes you are correct! You are grandfathered for restricted application for spousal benefits. Since your husband is already receiving his benefit, you are entitled to your spousal benefit.

Q: I heard my Social Security benefit was going up this year by about 2%. I received my first check, and it was not even close to 2% higher. What happened?

A: This has never been very clear. It’s promoted that your benefit is going up 2%, but then it doesn’t seem to happen. Yes, Social Security benefits are 2% higher than last year, boosting average retirement benefits by about $27 per month and maximum benefits claimed at full retirement age by about $100 per month. But depending on your income, most of that benefit hike may be wiped out by higher Medicare premiums and in some cases, result in a net decline in Social Security benefits in 2018. It’s a complicated formula that applies differently depending on your income (and other factors). I know it can be confusing AND frustrating.

Q: I’m taking Social Security and working. Will the new tax laws affect the taxes I pay on my work income?

A: The new tax bill doesn’t change it directly. However it does change in 2018. As you probably know this is known as the Social Security earnings test, and there are two different versions of the test, depending on your age.

• If you will reach full retirement age after 2018, $17,040 in earnings ($1,420 per month) will be excluded from consideration. Beyond this threshold, your retirement benefits can be reduced by $1 for every $2 in excess earnings.
• If you will reach full retirement age during 2018, $45,360 in annualized earnings ($3,780 per month) are excluded. Beyond this threshold, your retirement benefits can be reduced by $1 for every $3 in excess earnings. For this test, only the months before you reach full retirement age are considered.

Q: I am currently 65. My first husband is deceased and we were married 18 years. My second husband is also deceased and we were married 6 months. I was 60 when I married my second husband. Can I collect a survivor benefit on my first husband?

A: Yes. You could have claimed as early as the death of your second husband. You may also want to wait until age 66 to receive a slightly higher benefit.

Q: I am 61 and have begun receiving Social Security Disability benefits. I understand I am not able to work until age 65. Is this correct or do the typical retirement rules apply?

A: People receiving disability benefits are not supposed to be able to work at all. That’s SSA’s definition of disability. However, they do allow a small amount of earnings before the benefit is taken away. In 2018 that amount is $1,180 per month ($1,170 in 2017). Once you reach Full Retirement Age the disability benefit will turn into a retirement benefit. Then there will be no earnings restrictions.

Q: I am divorced and born in 1951 and at my Full Retirement Age (66). My ex is 62 and when she went to apply for her restricted benefit she was told that since her benefit is more than half of mine she is not eligible for divorced spouse benefits. I am not sure if this is true?

A: Good guess. It is not true. Your ex may file a restricted application for her divorced-spouse benefit. She is grandfathered under the Budget Act. Unfortunately, she cannot do this online. Divorced-spouse benefits must be applied for in person. In case you need it to show the SSA worker the citation is: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204020. See section D(1)(b) on deemed filing.

Q: I am self-employed and turning 68 this month. I don’t currently need my Social Security benefit to pay expenses. If I take SS now my benefit would be $2,900 per month. I would like to know if I continue to work and my income maxes out the SS limits, would my benefit increase each year until 70 if I collect now? Or would it make the most sense to wait to collect the max at 70 when I fully retire?

A: The Social Security Administration will continue to update your earnings record as long as you work, even if you are receiving Social Security. To put it another way, two factors will influence your benefit between now and age 70: 1) delayed credits, and 2) continued earnings. If you claim now, the continued earnings will still be a factor, but the delayed credits will stop. But you should also be aware that after a full career of high earnings, continued earnings will have little effect.

Q: I am age 61 and retired from the Army in 2008. I have Social Security estimated benefits of $2,666 at age 66. My second wife of four years (age 57) is an Argentine citizen with no U.S. earnings record. We both reside together in the U.S. Is my second wife eligible for Survivor benefits? Will she be eligible for Spousal benefits at her Full Retirement Age of 67?

A: As long as she is a legal resident she can receive spousal and survivor benefits under the usual rules.

Q: My ex-wife (age 64) filed on my Social Security record a few years ago. We have been divorced 13 years and were married for 23 years. Her original benefit was only $485 so she filed on my record and was receiving $913. She recently died three weeks ago from an accident. Neither of us has remarried. Am I (age 66) allowed to file on her record and allow my benefit to grow?

A: Yes! You should be eligible for a divorced-spouse survivor benefit. Since you are passed your Full Retirement Age it should not be subject to the earnings test. You want to be sure to file for your own benefit at age 70 if not sooner.

Q: I am a widow age 63. If I take my survivor benefit now, would I continue to earn the delayed retirement credits on my personal benefit if I wait to switch when I am 70?

A: Yes, you can do that. You must be careful to specify when you file for the survivor benefit that you DO NOT want to take your own benefit at this time.

Jeopardy Style

A: What is 2.0%.

Q: The 2018 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase by this amount. That’s right, monthly Social Security benefits for more than 66 million Americans will increase by 2.0% in 2018, the largest increase in retirement and survivor benefits for workers and their families since 2012. The higher payments will begin in January.

Annual cost of living adjustments, which have been automatic since 1975, when inflation warrants an increase, are designed to help Social Security beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power. COLAs are based on increases in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earned (CPI-W).

Sadly these adjustments never seem to keep pace with our clients who are enjoying their 2nd Half!

Q: My mother died August 31, 2017. She receives her Social Security check on the 1st of each month. Social Security said she was not entitled to her 9/1/2017 check due the next day. As Social Security pays a month in arrears, is this correct?

A: That is correct, unfortunately. A person must be alive for the entire month in order to be entitled to a check for that month. It’s too bad the date of death and the date the check was issued were so close. Usually there is more time for Social Security to record the death and stop the check. When the check does go out, the funds must be repaid to Social Security.

Q: We are married and have yet to file for our benefits. We are both a year or so past Full Retirement Age. We were born before 1954. If we apply now, can one of us file restricted? Can we receive back benefits? When will they begin receiving benefits if they apply now?

A: Social Security will pay up to six months of retroactive benefits. I recommend that the spouse who will be taking his/her own benefit file online first, specifying an effective date six months in the past (or back to Full Retirement Age (FRA) if they are less than six months past FRA). Once that application is processed, in 2-3 weeks, the other spouse can go online and file a restricted application specifying the same effective date.

Q: I am 63 and recently became a widow. My husband had filed for his Social Security when he was 62 and was receiving $1,700 per month. I was told I can file for widow’s benefit at 82.5% of what he was getting (about $1,400) or I can file for my own benefit now at age 63 and it would be $1,693 (higher than filing for widow’s benefit). Social Security said I should take my benefit at $1,693. Is that right?

A: This is a common problem. They are giving her incomplete information. SSA workers are trained to offer people the highest benefit they are entitled to right now. They do not do long-term planning. If you can afford to, the better strategy would be for you to take the reduced survivor benefit now and switch to your maximum retirement benefit at 70. This allows your personal benefit to continue to grow. To do this, you would have to file a restricted application for the survivor benefit.

Q: I currently receive my deceased husband’s Social Security payment of $1,830. I am not sure how to calculate what my personal Social Security would be if I get married? The man who I may marry is currently receiving $2,005 from his deceased wife’s Social Security. He thinks his own Social Security when he takes it in October 2018 will be $3100.

A: Since you are over age 60, remarriage will not change your benefit. You can keep receiving the survivor benefit and it is probably higher than the spousal benefit you would get off your new husband. But, you will need to report the marriage to SSA and if you want can make an appointment to discuss your options.

Same goes for your possible intended. If he is over 60 when he remarries, he may keep receiving the survivor benefit until he switches over to his own benefit at 70.

Q: I just turned 60. My plan is to take my own benefit at 62 then switch to the survivor benefit, which is higher at my full retirement age. Does taking my own benefit at 62 result in a reduction in the survivor benefit?

A: Good news! No. You will be able to receive the full survivor benefit even if you start your own reduced benefit at 62.

Q: I was married for 22 years and then divorced. I have been remarried for four years. After how many years of marriage will I be eligible to receive spousal benefits with my new marriage? Does it matter if the spousal benefits are greater in my current marriage than my previous marriage?

A: You need only be remarried one year.  You are already eligible for spousal benefits from your current spouse. Since you are married, you are no longer eligible for divorced-spouse benefits from your first spouse.

Q: If I am collecting Social Security at age 66 and I continue to work, how long will I pay into Social Security? Even past 70? And, will it affect my benefit?

A: Good news. As long as a person works, they will have Social Security taxes withheld from their paycheck. Their earnings record will continue to be updated and if it improves, the benefit will go up. Many times this may not be the case as the current earnings may not be larger than the highest 35 years of earnings that Social Security is using.

Q: Can a widowed spouse still collect a survivor benefit now (I’m  62) while allowing my personal benefit to delay. Then can I claim my higher benefit later at my full retirement age or at 70? Or was this changed by the new legislation in 2015?

A: Survivor benefits were not affected by the legislation in 2015. In the case of a widowed spouse it is still possible to file a restricted application for the survivor benefit as early as age 60 and switch to the maximum retirement benefit as late as 70. This is a valuable claiming strategy.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.