The Benefits Blog

The VA has determined that I am now entitled to disability benefits as a result of my service in Viet Nam. My question is how these new benefits will affect my current payments of Social Security Benefits.  Currently my monthly benefits are;  Social Security monthly payment $3,600.90...

It’s been several years since I’ve had a divorcee! Since the rules changed regarding spouses where one cannot file and suspend and must file for benefits for the other to file on their record, does the same hold true for ex-spouses? Are there any other requirements that I should know...

A woman who is about a year out from collecting Social Security had a problem of her own making when she was a young girl. When she was in school, they handed out the forms in Catholic Schools to apply for a Social Security card. Her parents had never given her a middle name, and having gone to...

I have a client who began her benefits in September, with her first check being this month. Prior to receiving SS benefits, she was paying for Medicare via check. She paid for her November benefits this month but received her statement from Social Security and they are withholding Medicare...

Client – I’m trying to figure out when we should think about Katie starting to draw a social security. I’m now 70 and have started drawing (I delayed until I reached 70) and she’s now 64 (Date of Birth: 8/18/1959). If she were to file at her full retirement (which would be...

A client of mine was told she had to have taxes taken out of her SS.  I don’t think the source of information was very reliable and wanted to ask you.    She started receiving widow benefits in February which is when she reached her FRA.  She receives a small pension and...

I was asked a question that I need clarification on.  Husband and wife born in 1965.  Wife has 40 credits and is eligible for Social Security to earn $600 at age 62.  She has been a stay-at-home mom for many years.  Husband has 40 credits and will qualify for $3,500 at age...

One of my FA’s has a client who started taking Social Security benefits at age 62. Her Full Retirement Age is 66 years and 8 months. She was born in 1958 and is currently age 65. She is receiving 1099 income that she is referring to as “deferred comp” from when she was working...

Do you have knowledge or experience in dealing with someone who is a citizen of multiple countries (in my client’s case USA, Switzerland, and Italy) that can collect both US Social Security as well as Swiss Social Security? I have documentation for both and am trying to think through the...

When a SS beneficiary passes away, what are the rules for the benefit paid in the month of death?

An individual must survive the entire preceding month to receive a Social Security benefit for the current month. If a beneficiary passes away in March, they will not receive a benefit for April. The...