Fraternity-Testvériség, 1959 (37. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1959-08-01 / 8. szám
i 8 FRATERNITY PROBLEMS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY Question: My problem involving social security is as follows: My wife’s mother and father are both still living. Her mother worked under social security and is drawing her benefits. Her father never worked under social security. My wife is their only child, and neither of them has a will. Will both of them receive a death benefit? If so, how much and to whom will it be paid? If either makes a will, how will this affect the death benefit? Answer: A lump sum death payment can be made only on your wife’s mother’s wage record. This will be three times the amount of her monthly benefit, and will be paid to her spouse or to whoever has paid her burial expenses. A will has no effect on the lump sum. The maximum lump sum is $255.00. Question: My wife and I both work under social security. If she were to die while our children are under 18, would they be eligible for any benefits? Answer: If your wife had worked for six quarters (or Wi years) out of the last 13 quarters (or 3j4 years) before her death, monthly benefits would be payable on behalf of the children until each becomes 18. In addition, you might be eligible for a lump sum death payment as the surviving spouse. Question: My uncle, who is 55, became disabled in January 1958 while working as a landscape gardener. Would he be able to collect disability benefits, while he hires three men to carry on his business? Answer: He might be, but there are too many factors to take into consideration to give you a definite answer. He should get in touch with his local office to learn if he is eligible. Question: My father, who is 68, has been covered by social security since it started. He would like to retire this September but has made over $3,000 this year. Will he be entitled to draw social security for the rest of the year or will he have to wait until January?? Answer: No matter how much your father has already made, if he doesn’t work for more than $80 in any month from now to the end of the year, he will be entitled to a benefit for that month. Question: A couple has been separated for some years. Is there any specified or regular amount which the husband must have contributed to his wife’s support in order for her to collect social security after his death? Answer: As far as monthly benefits are concerned, the wife or widow is entitled to benefits at 62 as long as she is the legal wife or widow. This is because of a 1957 amendment. However, as far as the lump-sum death payment is concerned, the amount and regularity of contributions in a case like this would determine her eligibility. Question: How often should I check my social security account? Answer: It’s a good idea to check your account every three years since there is a limit to the period within which certain corrections can be made.
