Fraternity-Testvériség, 1963 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1963-12-01 / 12. szám
16 FRATERNITY PROBLEMS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY Question: My grandfather died 15 years ago. My grandmother, who is now 72, never received a lump sum or any benefits, although I know he worked under social security for quite a while. Is she eligible for anything now? Answer: She may be eligible for monthly benefits on his account now. If she contacts her nearest Social Security office, with his account number or information as to his date and place of birth, his parents’ names, etc., her eligibility can be checked. Question: My father died in April 1959. At the time of his death, he and my mother received $88.00 per month. Since his death my mother receives only 50% of this amount. I have been advised by friends that a widow is entitled to receive 75% of the amount formerly receivede by both. Is this true? Answer: A widow is entitled to 82V2 % of her husband’s benefit. Question: My mother-in-law is 68 years old and never worked under social security. Her husband died 15 years ago and had been working for the City. Is she eligible for any social security? Answer: His work for a local government would not have been covered by social security. Unless he had had some work covered by social security, there would be no benefits payable to his widow. Question: My husband was born in January 1905 and worked under social security from January 1937 to October 1939 and from June 1956 to August 1961. He has been unable to find work. Will he be eligible for benefits if he does not work again? Answer: Yes; he needs 19 QC or almost five years, and he has more than that. Question: I will be 65 in September 1963 and expect to start collecting benefits that month. Do I have to include my 1963 earnings in arriving at my average annual earnings or can this year be dropped? Answer: The year of 1963 would not be included unless it was a high year and increased your average annual earnings. Question: My husband died last September. I am 57 and unable to get work because they tell me I am too old. Am I entitled to any widow’s benefits on his account? Answer: You would be eligible for a lump sum payment if you were living together when he died. Unless you have children under 18 or a child who was disabled prior to 18, you would not be eligible for monthly benefits until you are 62. Question: Is there a limit to earnings for a widow drawing benefits for herself and a child? If she received checks she was not entitled to because of her earnings, how does she pay the amount back? Answer: A widow may earn up to $1200 without losing any benefits. If she earns more, she may lose some or all of her checks. If she is overpaid, the amount can be repaid by withholding future checks for herself and the child, or by making refund.
