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Hernando Today

The Limits Of Social Security Benefits

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By ADON TAFT, Life to the Fullest

Hernando Today

Published: November 17, 2008

QUESTION: I am 68 but working and receiving Social Security normal retirement benefit payments. I recently have become disabled to the point where I no longer can perform my job.
Since I already am receiving Social Security, does this mean I am not eligible for anything additional?

A.G.
Long Island, N.Y.

ANSWER: When you already are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you cannot receive disability benefits (which are the same amount as your retirement benefits). You only receive disability benefits if you are younger than retirement age and are no longer able to work because of some incapacity. The disability payments are intended to tide you and your family over until you reach retirement age when those payments automatically become retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.
You cannot receive more than one Social Security benefit for which you are eligible. You only may receive the largest of the two or more for which you might qualify.

QUESTION: My wife died recently and, at 75 years of age, I am not in good health. My step-daughter receives Social Security disability benefits and is on Medicare.
If I give her my house trailer and the lot on which it stands, would that cause her to lose her Social Security benefits or her Medicare?

L.B.
Brooksville

ANSWER: If you are sure that your step-daughter is receiving Social Security benefits and Medicare and not Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, your gift to her would not impact her benefits. There are no assets limitation on Social Security or Medicare. There are some income limitations on disability payments.
However, there are limitations on both assets and income to qualify for S.S.I. and Medicaid benefits.

QUESTION: Having read your column regularly, I wonder if you could clear up a question for me?
While I am 73 years of age and married, I began taking Social Security benefits when I was 62. The amount is 45.3 percent less than what my husband receives.
Should he die before me, would I then be eligible for a spousal benefit in the amount my husband now is receiving?

B.N.
Brooksville

ANSWER: It is not clear whether your current benefit is based on your own work record or it is a spousal benefit based on your husband's work record.
Nevertheless, should your husband die, you would be entitled to a widow's benefit, which would be the same amount as what your husband now receives. Technically, your benefit would be increased to the amount your husband currently is receiving.

If you have a question about any issues connected with aging, except medical conditions, please write to Life to the Fullest, Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34613, or send e-mail to adontaft@yahoo.com. Please include your name and address.

Adon Taft is a resident of Brooksville.

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