Fraternity-Testvériség, 1964 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1964-02-01 / 2. szám
6 FRATERNITY or disability benefits to a worker who is only currently insured. Ask your nearest social security office for a copy of Booklet No. 35, “Your Social Security”, for more details. Question: I’m over 65 and run a small grocery store. Do I have to give up my store to collect social security retirement payments? Answer: You don’t have to sell it, if that’s what you mean. If you turn the operation and management of the business over completely to a paid manager, you’d be considered completely retired from the business and eligible for all of your monthly benefits. Sometimes a man will turn the business over to his wife or other relative on paper, but only on paper. In that case, he isn’t really retired. Keep in mind, however, that even if you don’t retire from the business, we might still be able to pay you some of your retirement checks. It would depend on your business profit. For example, suppose you continued to run the store full time, but had a profit for the year of only $1700. We could pay you all but $250 of your social security retirement benefits for the year. Since there are so many different situations possible, anyone over 65 should visit the local social security office, even if he’s still working. Give us the facts and let us tell you exactly where you stand. Question: I am 56 years old and still working, although I have arthritis and asthma. I find it very hard to work full time. Would I be eligible for disability if I stop work now? Answer: The law requires your disability must be so severe you are unable to do any work. There is a six-month waiting period after you have to stop work before you would be eligible for any benefits. Question: I’m 72 years old and still working. I may retire at the end of this year. How soon after retirement can I file for social security? Answer: You should file a claim for social security benefits right away, because you can be paid for the month you reach 72 and for later months, no matter how much you work or how much you earn. However, your total earnings for the year are used in deciding what, if anything, is due in benefit payments for those months of the year before your 72nd birthday. Question: I’ll be 62 next December, and want social security benefits to start then. Can I apply now? Answer: Your claim cannot be taken earlier than 3 months in advance. This allows plenty of time to complete your claim, and in this way your first check can be issued without delay. But you can come in to the office earlier than this to find out just what proofs might be needed to support your claim. Quite often some evidence is needed to prove your age and sometimes it may take a little while to find an acceptable document. If you check ahead of applying, the Social Security Office can help you take care of these details well in advance of the starting date for your checks. Question: My maid works for me one-half day a week and I pay her $4.00 a week. Do I have to pay social security taxes on her wages? Answer: Yes, if you pay her $50 or more cash wages in a calendar quarter. If she works every week in a calendar quarter, she would be paid $52.00 for 13 weeks of work.
