You may have seen the headline “Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Lack Basic Social Security Knowledge” or something similar to it, or you may have experienced firsthand the bewildering maze of rules and regulations facing someone aging into Social Security eligibility. Or perhaps you may know someone who has sailed through the Social Security application process without understanding the decisions being made (yes, this is unfortunately a fairly common occurrence).
In any event, you are probably aware at least at some level of the simple reality that Social Security, with it’s 2700+ key rules and regulations, and it’s tens of thousands of pages of cryptic documentation “explaining” these rules and regulations, is a daunting subject area. That’s really why the AMAC Foundation three years ago launched it’s Social Security Advisory Program, and that’s why our five certified Advisors are so dedicated to lending a hand to folks struggling to make informed decisions on an area that significantly impacts their lives.
Our Advisory Program is aligned with our basic mission of “Supporting and Educating America’s Seniors,” and one of the activities we undertake with the program is to periodically conduct workshops about Social Security and its many nuances. On November 15, our Advisors conducted a briefing for local residents on Social Security’s “Hot Buttons,” those basic items everyone needs to understand when it’s time to make key decisions. And since we have a national audience, we took steps to record the session and make it available through the Foundation’s website for on-demand viewing. For those wanting an overview of these critical basics, take a look at the recording on our “Videos” page, and note that you can download a copy of the slides we used right from the video page.
After you’ve had a chance to check out the video and slides, feel free to contact our Advisory Service and get answers to any questions you may have about your individual situation. Instructions for contacting us are found on the “Services” page of this website. And while you’re on the website, you might want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter…it’s a very brief update on key Foundation activities (upcoming seminars, future projects, etc.) Just scroll to the bottom of any page and hit the “Subscribe” button. In a few keystrokes, you’ll join the list and will be kept up to speed on what’s happening at the AMAC Foundation!
Hi, Rusty! My optometrist told me last month that he is seeing the early stages of macular degeneration in my eyes. I had begun noticing a difficulty in focusing when reading, especially on a computer screen. He told me that he would refer me to a macular specialist when I was ready. My question? I know that people can claim Social Security and Medicare early if they meet the government’s standard for disability, even if they do not meet the usual age requirements. Can you explain to me how this works?
We just found out about spousal benefits where my wife can claim up to 50% of my SS earnings monthly. Due to a low income earnings during her working years her monthly SS earnings was very low. Starting in Jan of this year we started to ask about her getting the spousal benefits. After about two months we finally got an agent at the SS office to process her claim. In May this agent came back stating that she did indeed qualify for the increase plus back pay from Nov. 2022 when she turned the qualifying retirement age. We received a letter on June 3rd. stating that she would receive the increase and the back pay was being reviewed. We have called a couple of times since then to the 800 number to check on the status and have been told that she was going to receive the monthly increase stating in July(which she did) and that the back pay was approved and being calculated manually by the SS staff but since they are short handed it would take a little time. Back in May the agent that worked on the case actually read off to us the monthly amounts of back pay that would be paid. The total is a large amount and we have been waiting for this to be deposited but as of this date no deposit. The amount is something we would could desperately use to pay some bills. Is there someone we can contact that could tell us when this back pay is coming? Each time we call the 800 number we get a different person who states that it is due us and is being worked on and just put us off and says it should just be a couple more weeks. Pleas advise Thanks
Greetings: Thank you for contacting the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service.
I am sorry to report that benefit adjustments that require manual processing by Social Security can take up to 90 days to get processed. Here is how I would recommend you proceed. I would encourage you to call Social Security at (800)772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment with a representative at your local office. At the time of your appointment the representative will be able to review your wife’s pending spouse’s claim and provide you with a better timeline as to when she could expect to receive the retroactive spouse’s benefits due her. I have no doubt your wife will receive all the benefits that are due her. Unfortunately, claims that require manual processing often take a longer time to get processed.
One final point. Avoid calling the 800 number to obtain a status. I encourage you to limit your contacts to your local office as they are better suited to provide your wife with accurate information relating to when your wife can expect to receive her retroactive spouse’s benefits.
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience if we can be of any further assistance to you.
Mark Hendelson
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
http://www.amacfoundation.org
(888) 750-2622
I wanted to know on Social Security can a person claim both SSDI and Social Security or are they considered the same? Also what is the age for a person in my situation for drawing Social Security if I can? I have been getting SSDI since December of 2007. I am classified as totally disabled and can’t work.
Greetings Douglas: Thank you for contacting the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service.
No, a person cannot receive both a SSDI benefit and a retirement benefit. Your SSDI benefit is based on the full 100% retirement benefit you would be eligible to receive when you attain your Full Retirement Age(FRA). Once you attain your FRA, your current SSDI benefit will convert to a retirement benefit. There will be no change in your monthly benefit amount since your current SSDI benefits equal your FRA retirement benefit.
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience if we can be of any further assistance to you.
Mark Hendelson
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
http://www.amacfoundation.org
(888) 750-2622
Hi Rusty –
I am 56 years old. My husband was 62 when he started drawing his SS and he died last year, still 62. I am obviously too young to claim survivor benefits but understand that I can when I’m 60. I’m still working (rebuilding my financial situation because his death wiped everything out) and don’t plan on drawing my own until I’m at least 67, possibly even 70. How will claiming those survivor benefits interact with whatever I’m earning and will it penalize my own benefits? I could AI this but seeing as you’re a human being, that might a nice change.
Greetings Hannah: Thank you for contacting the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. Let me start by paying you my condolences on the recent passing of your husband. I truly am sorry about your loss.
To qualify for a widow’s benefit, you must have attained age 60(age 50 if found to be 100% disabled), and you must be unmarried. If you remarry at the age of 60 or later, you will still qualify for a widow’s benefit.
If you have not done so, you need to contact Social Security at (800)772-1213 to schedule a telephone appointment to file an application to receive the one-time $255 lump sum death benefit as the surviving spouse.
One popular filing strategy you might want to consider is filing for your widow’s benefits first, and if eligible for a higher retirement benefit, delaying the receipt of those benefits until you attain the age of 70. Your retirement benefits increase 8% a year from your FRA until age 70. If your FRA is age 67, your retirement benefits at age 70 will be 24% higher compared to the retirement benefits you are eligible to receive at age 67.
Filing for widow’s benefits first will in no way negatively impact the amount of Social Security retirement benefits. Your retirement benefits will be based on your age when you begin receiving these benefits and your work and contributions to the Social Security system. The longer you work and contribute the higher your Social Security retirement benefits will be when you begin receiving those benefits.
If you are working, it is important that you understand the Annual Earnings Test(AET). The AET places a limit on what you can earn from employment while receiving a Social Security benefit. In 2026, the AET limit is $24480 in gross wages and net earnings from self-employment. If you exceed this limit, you will lose $1 for every $2 in your benefits you exceed this limit. Once you attain your Full Retirement Age(FRA), there is no annual limit on your work and earnings. If you were born 1/2/1960 or later, your FRA is age 67. Beginning with the month you attain age 67, you can work and earn an unlimited amount of earnings and you will not lose any of your Social Security benefits.
In the year you attain your FRA the AET rules change. To illustrate this, if you were attaining your FRA in 2026, the AET limit is $65160 in gross wages and net earnings from self-employment. If you exceed this limit, you will lose $1 for every $3 in your benefits that you exceed this limit. Only your earnings for the months before you attain your FRA count towards this limit.
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience if we can be of any further assistance to you.
Mark Hendelson
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
http://www.amacfoundation.org
(888) 750-2622
Hi Rusty arm this is the file for slipped off social support disabled denied and waiting for something to happen only getting 238 a month till January 27th according to what Medicare told me I turned 65 in October they said they’re taking money out for Medicare but when I talk to Medicare Medicare or not social services can you give me an idea of who I need to speak with in the social security office to get a resolution to my problem here I can’t live on 238 till January I’m so far behind in bills right now it’s not even funny I’m 4 months behind from the day that I filed and for the spousal support the day that I filed for that they told me that I told them I did not want to reapply for SSI I did not say anything like that that woman took it upon herself to do what she did as far as counseling my SSI it shouldn’t have been done and plus on top of it the disability should not have been taken off at 62 because I’m still the same why I’m not getting what I’m supposed to be getting it’s a mystery to me then you know
Hi Pamela,
I’m sorry to hear of your ongoing issues with getting some sort of resolution about your benefits with the Social Security Administration. Based on the information you provided us with, it does sound like there’s a lot of information to digest and go through in order to assist you. As AMAC Foundation Social Security advisers, we take great pride in answering almost every question we receive regarding Social Security and Medicare issues and topics. We unfortunately do not have access to any SSA records nor their personnel to make inquiries about your questions. SSA does have strict privacy regulations in order to prevent anyone from accessing your private records and that we totally understand and respect.
My recommendation, based on your request of whom you need to discuss your complaint with at SSA, is to contact your local SSA Field Office and ask to speak with a supervisor or manager in that office. You may also call SSA’s national phone line at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. It is imperative that you mention your financial situation and dilemma so they can give you some priority time and effort in assisting you. Depending on the issue and notices you should have received regarding reductions or cuts in your benefits, you may also have appeal rights that you may be able to exercise.
We are hoping that this information may serve you well and provide you with the assistance you are seeking.
Ken Baron
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
http://www.amacfoundation.org
(888) 750-2622
Hi Pamela,
I’m sorry to hear of your ongoing issues with getting some sort of resolution about your benefits with the Social Security Administration. Based on the information you provided us with, it does sound like there’s a lot of information to digest and go through in order to assist you. As AMAC Foundation Social Security advisers, we take great pride in answering almost every question we receive regarding Social Security and Medicare issues and topics. We unfortunately do not have access to any SSA records nor their personnel to make inquiries about your questions. SSA does have strict privacy regulations in order to prevent anyone from accessing your private records and that we totally understand and respect.
My recommendation, based on your request of whom you need to discuss your complaint with at SSA, is to contact your local SSA Field Office and ask to speak with a supervisor or manager in that office. You may also call SSA’s national phone line at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. It is imperative that you mention your financial situation and dilemma so they can give you some priority time and effort in assisting you. Depending on the issue and notices you should have received regarding reductions or cuts in your benefits, you may also have appeal rights that you may be able to exercise.
We are hoping that this information may serve you well and provide you with the assistance you are seeking.
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience if we can be of any further assistance to you.
Mark Hendelson
I have a govt pension as a firefighter in a town in Illinois. I feel I’m getting less because of it more than I should be !
A essential service for seniors! Having certified advisors to translate complex Social Security guidelines into actionable choices makes a massive difference in retirement confidence.
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Hi Rusty I am 61 years old turn 62 in January my question I was cut to 3 days a week due to my heath and in 25 I broke my arms and one of them is 40%and want get no better .I applied for disability and they said no I don’t understand they didn’t even look at my medical record I need health insurance thats why I am still working .Thanks
Thank you for contacting the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service.
I am sorry to hear about your health challenges. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI) benefits, you must be found to be 100% disabled, with a medical condition expected to last at least a year and keep you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity(SGA). SGA is considered employment of $1690 a month in gross wages. If you are working 3 days a week and earning over $1690 a month in gross wages your SSDI application would have been denied due to your work and earnings. Social Security does not make a medical determination when an individual is working at an SGA level. If your monthly gross wages exceed $1690 you are performing SGA and you do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
If you were born on the 1st or 2nd day of the month you can qualify for your Social Security retirement benefits in January 2027. If you were born on the 3rd of the month or later your first month of eligibility to your retirement benefits will be February 2027. Social Security allows an individual to file for their benefits up to 4 months in advance of the month their benefits will begin. If you decide to begin receipt of your retirement benefits at age 62 your benefits will be reduced about 30% compared to your 100% unreduced retirement benefit payable to you when you attain your Full Retirement Age(FRA) at age 67.
If you continue to work, it is important you understand the Annual Earnings Test(AET). The AET places an annual limit of what you can make from employment. In 2026, the AET limit is $24480 in gross wages and net earnings from self-employment. If you exceed this limit, you will lose $ 1 for every $2 in your benefits that you exceed this limit. Once you attain your FRA, there is no limit on your work and earnings. Beginning the month you attain age 67 in January 2032 you can work and make an unlimited amount of earnings and you will not lose any of your Social Security benefits..
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience if we can be of any further assistance to you.