Fraternity-Testvériség, 1961 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1961-09-01 / 9. szám
18 FRATERNITY PROBLEMS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY Question: I was 61 last April and have worked in the factory since 1951 at the following earnings: $1951 — $2,661.00; 1952 — $3,179.00; 1953 — $3,196.00; 1954 — $3,658.00; 1955 — $4,039.00; 1956 — $4,212.00; 1957 — $2,700.00. If I do no more work at the factory, because of poor health, but farm a little for the next 3 years, will this reduce my pension? How much will I get? Answer: In figuring your average earnings, you may drop out the 5 years in which your earnings were lowest. Assuming these are the years, 1951, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960, you would be eligible for $99.10 at age 65. If you continued to work and earn more than in the years 1952-1956, your benefit would be increased accordingly. If you are severely disabled, you should inquire at your nearest social security office about disability benefits and the disability freeze. Question: I am 68 and my wife is 64 years old now. One year from now I will be retired, but we want to move to my son’s farm in Wisconsin. Will we get our social security benefits from Illinois or Wisconsin? Answer: Social security is a federal program, so you may receive your benefits wherever you move. Question: My social security check did not arrive on schedule this month. It is now 14 days late. What is the proper procedure to follow under the circumstances? Answer: Report it promptly to your nearest social security office. Question: I was born January 25, 1897, and worked in 1952 from May through December, all of 1953 and 1954, January of 1955, and from May through August 1956. Will I be eligible for benefits at 62? Answer: You need 16 quarters of coverage to receive benefits at 62, and you have only 14. Question: My husband was born in July 1898 and has been paid maximum wages since 1942. If he isn’t able to earn the maximum in the next few years until he reaches 65, through unavoidable circumstances, what difference would there be, if any, in his social security benefits? Answer: Since there would be a decrease in his average monthly wage, there would also be a decrease in his benefit. The amount would depend upon the length of time he was unemployed. If he stops work because of a total and permnaent disability, there would be no decrease. Question: I am retired, and my wife and I both draw social security. In 1953 and part of 1954 I earned $4823.29. Am I eligible for more social security? Answer: That would depend upon several factors. If you have not already contacted your local social security office about this, please do so, as they have all the necessary information to answer your question. Question: Do I have to have earned the necessary quarters of coverage after 1951? Answer: No. Quarters of coverage may be acquired in any order. They do not have to be earned one after the other.
