Ask Our Experts
By: Compiled by Carole Fleck; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2006-04-06 12:53:00-04:00
The AARP Bulletin 's Ask Our Experts column provides answers to important questions affecting older Americans. Read below for this month's column, or review our archive of previously published questions and answers sorted by topic. (Note: Recent news or changes to regulations may affect the guidance offered in this previously published column.)
Submit your own question to the Ask Our Experts column via our easy-to-use online form.
Q. I am a married woman who has never been in the paid work force. I chose to stay at home to raise our children. Since I've never received a paycheck from an employer, can you tell me how my Social Security benefits are calculated?
A. You can receive spousal benefits based on your husband's work record, assuming he has worked long enough to have 40 credits (about 10 years' worth) and is old enough to receive benefits.
In general, if you are at full retirement age, your benefit is 50 percent of your husband's benefit. You may start collecting as early as age 62 (early retirement age), but your benefits will be reduced. For more detailed information, go to the Social Security Administration's website at www.ssa.gov.
Remember that the traditional full retirement age of 65 is gradually moving toward 67 for those born after 1937.—Expertise provided by Laurel Beedon
Q. My husband was not in his right mind for some time before his death. He left me a list of serial numbers of savings bonds that I have not been able to locate. Is there a way to find them and to learn if they have been cashed?
A. Your situation is not uncommon. More than $13 billion worth of savings bonds have matured and remain unredeemed.
Here's what you should do. If you have only the bond serial numbers, write to Bureau of the Public Debt, P.O. Box 7012, Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012. Describe the bonds as fully as possible—approximate issue date, address or any other information you may have—and request a search of U.S. Department of Treasury records. The department will replace your savings bonds if they haven't been cashed.
You can also try a "Treasury Hunt" at the Treasury Department's online database. To start a search, you will need either your Social Security or employee identification number or your husband's. (You also can find out what your bonds are worth by using the site's calculator.)
Once you have received your replacement bonds by mail, you can redeem them at most financial institutions if you are listed as an owner, co-owner or beneficiary. You will need proper identification. Because your husband is deceased, you will also need to show a certified copy of his death certificate.—Expertise provided by Naomi Karp
Q. I filed an age discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. What are my options if the claim is dismissed?
A. Even if your claim is dismissed by the EEOC, you can still move forward and file suit. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) requires that you file a claim first with the EEOC in order to preserve your right to sue. Under this law, unlike other federal employment discrimination laws, you don't have to wait for the EEOC to issue a "right to sue" letter. The ADEA allows you to sue after 60 days have elapsed from the date you filed your claim. If you get a letter from the EEOC saying that it has dismissed your claim and you still wish to sue, you must do so within 90 days.
To learn more, visit www.eeoc.gov.—Expertise provided by Tom Osborne
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