Fraternity-Testvériség, 1961 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1961-12-01 / 12. szám
FRATERNITY 17 PROBLEMS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY Question: Did the recent Social Security legislation increase benefits for all people receiving Social Security checks? Answer: No, there is no provision in the latest amendments for an over-all increase in benefits. However, there is an increase for people receiving minimum payments, as the minimum benefit is $40.00, which became effective August 1961. Checks to aged widows have been increased about 10% and this increase also has applied in cases where only one parent is receiving benefits based on a deceased son’s or daughter’s work under Social Security. These increase in benefit checks have been made automatically. There is no need to visit the Social Security office. Question: Is it now possible for men under 65 to claim Social Security retirement benefits? Answer: Yes. Effective August 1961, men may now choose to have their old-age benefits start as soon as they reach 62. However, just as in the case of a woman-worker, a man who decides to take his benefits before he is 65 will get less per month than he would have been paid if he had waited until age 65. Question: Did the 1961 amendments raise Social Security taxes? Answer: Beginning January 1, 1961, the Social Security tax rate for employees and employers will go up by 1/8 of 1 per cent — from 3 per cent to 3 1/8 per cent for each. Question: Is there a deadline for applying for Social Security disability benefits? Answer: The 1961 amendments give workers with long-standing disabilities until June 30, 1962, to apply for benefits. Workers who have been disabled for several years and who delay their applications beyond June 30, 1962, may lose all rights to present and future benefits for themselves and their dependents. Question: I am 67 and have been getting my Social Security benefits. If I earn over $1200 in a year, will I receive any of my checks? Answer: Under the new law $1.00 will be withheld for each $2.00 earned from $1200 to $1700, and $1.00 withheld for each $1.00 earned over $1700. Question: I am disabled and have not worked since 1935. I am now aged 63, and my wife is getting her Social Security benefits. When can I apply for dependent husband’s benefits? Answer: Under the 1961 amendments, the age at which benefits can be paid to dependent husbands and widowers of women workers has been lowered from 65 to 62, effective August 1961. You may now apply for benefits, but a dependent husband who takes his benefits between 62 and 65 will not get quite as high a benefit as he would get at 65. '
