Social Security benefits for dependant children

by moshe 28 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Band on the Run

  Precisely! Imagine if I knew a U.S. Senator personally. Pat Moynihan could not even bother to respond. I am very grateful to the staff person who brought the inaction to the Senator's attention. I practiced for a global corporate firm that did wonderful work. A lot of pro bono work is done by large firms b/c it gives associates a chance to litigate before they normally would and the press coverage is good. Recently, I volunteered for a public service group and the difference in quality was astounding.

  I don't see how there can be justice unless both sides compete on a level playing field. The system rewards repeat players with access to money and to services.

  Also, I was annoyed by Civil Procedure in law school b/c I wanted to learn substantive law. Now I realize procedure is the main event.
• 

  moshe

  Now I realize procedure is the main event.

  You can tie up a case in knots, if the courts allow procedure to be abused to the detriment of the defendant.
• 

  Snoozy

  I can't tell you how many people I talked to at SSA after my hubby died. He had just been collecting SS for 6 months when he was diagnosed with terminal caner..we were advised to go to SS and sign up for Disability for him. He received it with the next check and got a retro check for 3 months. They said that was as far as they could backdate the cancer.

  BUT..after he passed away I talked to several of the people at SS. I was told how much I would get if I started collecting when I turned 62. I could collect mine or his (would be more).

  It was only one person (out of many) that told me that if I wait I could collect my hubby's FULL disability at 65. I was told I could collect on mine from 62 till I was 65 and then switch to his full pay.

  If I hadn't talked to that one person I would have taken the SS right away and lost out on over $800. a month extra..

  I was able to do it as I was able to collect his retirement for 3 more years..

  I would recommend talking to several people there before making a decision.

  Thank you for posting this as many should be encouraged to at least ask (and keep asking)..many really don't know what is available to them.

  Snoozy
• 

  moshe

  Good for you Doozy. SS is constantly changing it's rules- it does pay to educate yourself.
• 

  Snoozy

  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan/ww&os2.htm#divorce

  Who is eligible for survivors benefits

  Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:

  • A widow or widower -- full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60
  • A disabled widow or widower -- as early as age 50
  • A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits
  • Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children.
  • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.
  • Dependent parents age 62 or older

  Note:If you are divorced, you may still qualify for survivors benefits.

  Our Benefit Calculators can help you figure how much your benefits will be.
• 

  wha happened?

  Moshe hve u decided whatu want to do through your retirement?
• 

  Snoozy

  I heard that you have to be married for at least 10 years to collect on a spouses SS. I found out there are other circumstances where they can still collect if you are not married that long.

  I would urge any who lost a spouse (or is divorced and getting ready to retire) to really dig for answers and don't take no lightly.

  A lot depends on if you have a minor child etc.

  Snoozy
• 

  mamalove

  Interesting, thanks for the tip! It won't ever help me unless I have more children much later in life, but you never know! Glad you were able to figure this out.
• 

  wha happened?

  I know when my Father passed away, they gave my Mother his benifit as it was the max, and she was only receiving the minimum as she had stopped working, well before retirement age