Q: My husband will reach full retirement age in October of this year and would like to collect Social Security retirement benefits, even though he plans on continuing to work. We have two sons, age 13 and 16. Will they also be able to collect benefits? A: Yes, dependent children qualify for Social Security benefits […]
2013 COLA: Social Security Benefits to Increase 1.7%
Social Security recently announced that beneficiaries will receive a 1.7% benefit increase in 2013. Update: No Social Security increase expected for 2016 People collecting SSI benefits will receive their increase in December 2012; people collecting Social Security will see their increase in January 2013. Annual increases to Social Security and SSI benefits are to help […]
Q&A: Do Social Security Benefits for Children Include Grandchildren?
Q: When can a grandchild qualify for Social Security benefits based on his grandfather’s earnings? A: Good question. In today’s society, more and more grandparents are raising their grandchildren and there are certain circumstances when grandchildren can qualify for Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security website, a grandchild may qualify for benefits on […]
Q&A: Can a Homemaker Collect Social Security Benefits?
Q: My wife has been a homemaker our entire marriage for 35 years. Will she be eligible for social security when she reaches the age of 65, even though she did not have a paying job outside of the home? A: Yes, non-working spouses can collect Social Security. Homemakers can qualify for Social Security spousal […]
Q&A: Can I Collect Spousal Benefits First, Then Switch to My Own Benefit Later?
Q: My husband and I will be 66 in the same month and will each be able to draw Social Security on our own records. My full month amount is equivalent to my drawing one-half of my husband’s monthly benefit. Can I opt to draw one-half of his until I am 70, thereby increasing my […]