Fraternity-Testvériség, 1965 (43. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1965-12-01 / 12. szám
6 FRATERNITY PROBLEMS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY Question: My husband started getting his social security back in 1961 at age 65. I want to start receiving wife’s benefits at age 62. How much will I receive at 62? Also, the only proof of age I have is my son’s birth certificate dated March 15, 1918. Will this be sufficient proof of age? Answer: Your benefit as a wife at 65 is one-half of your husband’s rate. At age 62 you will receive 25% less than one-half. Your son’s birth certificate should be sufficient proof of your age, if your age was recorded on the record at the time of your son’s birth. Question: Please explain the rule, “How you can get a check when earnings are over $1200.00.” Answer: When you earn $1200.00 or less in a year, you get all your benefits. If you earn more than $1200 in a year, $1.00 of your benefits (or your family benefits) may be withheld for each $2.00 you earn, from $1200 to $1700. For every $1.00 you earn over $1700, $1.00 in benefits will be withheld for each $1.00 of earnings. Question: Does a widow of a railroad machinist get full benefit of his railroad retirement and also her own social security? Answer: The widow would be entitled to both benefits. However, the Railroad Retirement Act provides for a different method of computation in a case of this type. Question: My husband was a mail carrier. After his death I began receiving $130.18 per month. He also paid in social security. What I want to know is, will I be entitled to social security at age 62 even though I am receiving a pension of over $1500.00 per year? Answer: If your husband has worked under social security long enough to qualify, you can also receive a widow’s benefits under the Social Security Act, even though you are receiving a pension of over $1500.00 a year. Question: I am 44 years old and have no children. If my husband dies before I am 62, can I collect his social security? Answer: You will receive only a lump sum payment for burial expenses, which may not exceed $255.00. Then when you reach 62, you will be entitled to widow’s benefits, provided you have not remarried. Question: I am a widow 63 years of age. I get $40.00 social security benefits as a widow. My husband just made his last quarter before he died. Am I entitled to more? Answer: No, your benefit rate will always be the same — $40.00 a month. Question: I plan to retire this year at the age of 66. I have paid in the maximum taxes since the beginning. What will my benefit be? Answer: Assuming you are paid $4800 this year, your benefit will be $125.00.
