The Benefits Blog
The Benefits Blog provides expert insights, updates, and strategies on Social Security and Medicare, tailored for financial professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and better serve their clients. Stay informed with the latest developments and tips to maximize benefits for your clients.
Is Kidney Failure with Dialysis an Automatic Qualifier for Disability?
Sep 05, 2022
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We have a client receiving kidney dialysis. He needs to apply for Social Security Disability. He still works but can barely work anymore. We understood that if someone has renal failure and is on dialysis it’s an automatic qualifier for disability. Are we incorrect?Â
Kidney failure with dialysis ...
Which Months Are Withheld If a Worker Exceeds the Earnings Limit?
Aug 19, 2022
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If a worker is receiving benefits and they are over the earnings limit, which months would be withheld? Let’s say SSA needs to withhold two months. January and February or November and December or something else??
SSA holds benefits at the earliest point or as soon as they receive an estimate of ea...
How SSA Determines Earnings Limits for Early Social Security Benefits
Aug 10, 2022
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I have a client that is 62 and wants to draw benefits early and continue to work. When he is issued his W2, will SSA look at box 1 (wages, tips, other comp) for his earnings limit or box 3 (social security wages). I question this because if they are only looking at box 1, he wants to put enough mone...
Understanding Spousal Benefits After Divorce and the Deemed Filing Rule
Aug 09, 2022
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I have a potential client who is 61 and will be 62 in October. She is currently divorced and has not drawn any Social Security benefits. Am I correct in stating she can reach out to SSA and draw off her ex-husband’s record given they were married for 10 years, as long as his record his higher than h...
Social Security Benefits for a Disabled Child: Choosing the Right Parent's Record
Jul 08, 2022
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The husband is FRA but plans to continue working as an orthodontist and is eligible for the max benefit based on his income. He has a 20-year-old disabled child with Down Syndrome. His spouse has been talking with the Social Security Administration and was told the child is eligible for $680 month. ...
Should a Client Apply for Disability After Starting Social Security Retirement?
Jun 08, 2022
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I have a client that took his Social Security Retirement benefit at age 65, and his Full Retirement Age is 66 and 8 months. He did not take the Medicare Part B as he is still on his wife’s employer plan. He is diabetic and had his leg amputated below the knee. Since he is already taking his social s...
Receiving Social Security Benefits While Living in Colombia
Jun 06, 2022
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We have a client that is filing for his SS. He is also moving to Columbia, South America. He is a U.S. citizen. What, if any will be the repercussions?
As a U.S. citizen, your client will continue to receive Social Security benefits after moving to Colombia, South America, without any issues. The S...
Child-in-Care Benefits vs. Survivor Benefits: What Should a Widow Choose?
May 26, 2022
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Situation arose this afternoon, I am looking for some guidance. Husband died in 2021 at age of 64 and had already begun his Social Security benefit. 26 year old child is on SSI and is disabled. It sounds like she (mom, widow) is currently receiving child-in-care benefit. She is about to turn age 60...
Impact of WEP on Spousal Social Security Benefits
May 11, 2022
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If Roger (born 09/01/1950) has a non-covered pension and drawing less in SS because of WEP , does that affect Ann’s SS? I am thinking Ann (born 08/07/1956) should take hers at FRA which is 66 & 4 months and would receive 50% of Roger’s unadjusted SS. Do you agree? And what date should she use when ...
When to Apply for SSDI with a Severance Package: What You Need to Know
Apr 25, 2022
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