Join AARP
Get exclusive member benefits & effect social change. Join Today
Social Security Expert
Stan Hinden
— Michael JN Bowles
Stan Hinden is a financial writer and author of How to Retire Happy: The 12 Most Important Decisions You Must Make Before You Retire. He wrote the popular Retirement Journal financial column for the Washington Post, where he worked for 23 years.
Ask a Question | View Social Security Mailbox Archive
the
latest
May 23, 2012
Will Getting a Pension Lower Your Benefit?
No, but it may make more of your monthly check taxable. read
getting
STARTED
Can Your Social Security Payments Be Garnished?
Businesses can't seize your benefits, but in some cases the government can. read
How Do I Apply for Disability?
You’ll need to document your condition — and possibly wait a long time to hear back. read
Social Security Website Easier to Use
Its "Get Help With Your Situation" page covers many specific topics. read
Retired at 57. Will My Benefits Be Affected?
Yes, and you may have to pay taxes on Uncle Sam's check. read
Top 25 Social Security Questions
Get answers to your questions about Social Security benefits and how to claim them. read
What's the Best Age to Claim Benefits?
Here's how your Social Security benefits are affected if you continue to work. read
How to Maximize Your Benefits
'Claim and suspend' lets your payment grow until you're 70. read
When Should I Begin Social Security Benefits?
The longer you wait, the bigger your monthly check will be. read
divorce/
SPOUSAL BENEFITS
Can My Wife Get a Check if I Don’t?
No. A worker must begin benefits first, but a spousal claim can follow. Read
Will Remarrying Reduce My Benefits?
How long you are married affects your eligibility for survivor benefits. Read
Early Retirement and Spousal Benefits
Plus: At 66, can I work without an earnings penalty? read
I'm Divorced. Can I Collect Benefits From My Ex-Husband?
To qualify for benefits on the record of an ex-spouse, you must have been married for at least 10 years. read
Can I Get My Ex's Benefit?
You need to be married for 10 years, but in some states a common-law marriage counts. read
Will My Wife Benefit If I Wait Until 70 to Take My Social Security?
Rules differ for spouses and survivors. read
Can My Wife Claim Half My Benefit?
Not if she took her own benefit early — there will be a penalty read
survivor
BENEFITS
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Social Security Death Benefit?
The lump sum of $255 could go to a surviving spouse or child. read
Understanding the 'Family Maximum'
Can a layoff get you Social Security before age 62? read
Does a Widow Lose Benefits If She Remarries?
What survivors get often depends on age. read
Social Security Survivor Benefits
What are the rules for widows, widowers, children — and survivors with their own benefits? read
How Do Widows' Benefits Work?
A wife who hasn't worked outside the home wants to know. read
Earning Limit
TAXES
If I Work While Receiving Benefits, Do I Still Pay FICA Taxes?
Yes, for as long as you stay on the job read
Do States Tax Social Security?
Some do, some don't. Check with your state revenue agency. Read
Paying Taxes on Social Security
Readers get answers about withholding taxes on monthly benefits. read
Collecting Benefits While Working
But do I have to 'retire' first? read
Unemployment and Social Security Benefits
Can you collect both? read
Avoiding the Earnings Penalty
After full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want. read
Can I Beat the Social Security Earnings Test?
There's 1 answer to 3 members' ingenious ideas: No. read
veterans
BENEFITS
Do Veterans Get Special Credit for Social Security?
The armed forces and Social Security have a special relationship; here's how it works. read
Social Security and
Medicare
Can I Forgo Medicare Part B If I Have VA Medical Coverage?
You can, but think long and hard about whether you should. read
Penalty for Delaying Medicare Sign-up
Plus: Should a veteran keep Medicare Part B? read
I'm Not Retired. Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare Part B?
If I collect Social Security at 66, can I still work full time, and does what I earn affect my benefits? read
miscellaneous
ISSUES
Can I Work Overseas, Collect in U.S.?
Agreements address needs of those who've worked abroad. read
Are Social Security Numbers Reused?
No, but many people used Hilda Whitcher's number. Here's why. read
How Can I Replace a Lost Card?
And get one for an adopted child? read
Do Young Children Get Benefits?
Some do, when a parent retires. Here are the qualifications. read
Can I Get My Social Security Benefits Abroad?
Generally you can, but there are complex exceptions. read
Discounts & Benefits
Members save on Geek Squad services with Geek Squad® Tech Support & Guidance for AARP® Members.
Members get 15% off eligible products/services. 5% off UPS shipping at The UPS Store.
Members can receive lifetime renewability with AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford.
LifeTuner, an AARP-sponsored website about being smart with money.
Follow us on 
Featured
Groups
The Water Cooler
Expand your job network, find new leads and share tips for getting ahead. Discuss
Entrepreneurs
Find the start-up resources and advice you need to be your own boss. Discuss
Networking
Connect with others who are seeking employment. Join
Watch
Experts
Blog
Tools
Newsstand
Mobile
Community
Sitemap
AARP on YouTube
