Fraternity-Testvériség, 1959 (37. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1959-12-01 / 12. szám

FRATERNITY

11

Question: I have frequently read that people applying for social security payments should bring proof of their recent earnings. Why is this? I thought my employer sent in reports of what he paid me.

Answer: While it is true that your employer sends in reports of your earnings every three months in most cases, it requires a little time for the Internal Revenue Service to process these reports, and a little time for our accounting office in Baltimore to credit those earnings to your account. Therefore, there is a time lag of about six months from the time your employer reports until your account is credited. If you are self-employed, the time lag is longer because you report self-employment income only once a year.

Question: Is there any way to speed up my claim for social security payments when I come in to make a claim next month?

Answer: Yes, you can speed up the processing of your claim by bringing proof of your age with you. Frequently, proof of age is needed before your claim can be sent in for payment, and if you will obtain this proof now, it will save time later. Old documents, such as birth certificates, marriage records, insurance policies, etc., can be used. So look around to see what you have.

Question: What proofs about my recent earnings will I have to bring when I retire and file for my social security benefits in the near future?

Answer: If you work for wages, it is a good idea to bring a copy of your last year’s W-2 withholding form which your employer gave you. If you are self-employed, you should bring a copy of last year’s Income Tax Return (1040) and Schedule C or F, and the cancelled check or receipt showing you paid the social security tax.

Question: If I begin receiving social security benefits at age 65, will they continue for my entire lifetime or will they stop after a short time?

Answer: They will continue for your entire lifetime.

Question: My neighbor, 75 years old, got a social security card for the first time this year. She has paid into social security for a couple of months now, caring for an invalid. How long must she work before she can draw benefits?

Answer: She will have to work for a total of six quarters or about a year and a half. She must be paid at least $50 in each quarter.

Question: I am a widow, age 66, and have a single son, age 28, at home who carries me as his dependent. Could I draw any of my son’s social security?

Answer: If your son contributes 50% or more of your support, you may be entitled to a monthly benefit in case of his death.

Question: When my friend was 65, he drew social security for a while, and then went back to work for three years. He is now retired. Why is he getting the same amount as before?

Answer: Although your friend earned additional money, his wages were not high enough to increase his average monthly wage, on which his benefit is based.