Social Security Q&A: Benefits to Kids After Retirement
Question: I have two minor children at home and I plan to retire soon. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits after I retire? Answer: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if: ■ They are unmarried and under age 18; ■ Age 18 or 19 and still in high school; or ■ Age 18 or older, became disabled before age 22, and continue to be disabled. Children who may qualify include a biological...
Social Security Q&A: Can I Apply for Benefits Online?
Question: My neighbor said he applied for Social Security retirement benefits online. Can you really apply for retirement without traveling to an office? Answer: Yes, you can. It’s the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits. Social Security’s secure website makes it simple, allowing you to apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. You can get started now at...
File-and-Suspend Strategy Eliminated
Washington — Married couples have no shortage of options for deciding when to collect Social Security benefits. But the budget deal President Obama signed into law Monday gets rid of one of the key strategies that has increased lifetime Social Security benefits by up to $60,000 for some high-earning couples. The strategy is known as file-and-suspend, in which one spouse could file to receive Social Security retirement benefits and...
Social Security Q&A: Will Other Support Disqualify Me for SSI?
Question: This summer, I’ll turn 65 and, because of my financial situation, I thought I’d be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. But my neighbor told me I’d probably be turned down because I have a friend who said he might help support me. Is this true? Answer: If your friend helps support you, it could have an effect on whether you get SSI and on the amount you would receive. If you have low income and few resources, you may...
