Benefits suspended by prison sentence

By Martin Coffey

Correspondent

Q Ms. B asks: “I was wondering if someone goes to prison and they are drawing Social Security, do they keep drawing it? Also, if a spouse is drawing, how will it affect them?”

A Benefits for the beneficiary are suspended if he/she is convicted of a criminal offense and confined to a penal institution for more than 30 continuous days. However, payment continues to a spouse or children receiving benefits on the same record.

Q Ms. S writes: “I am now 64 as of Aug. 7, and at age 62 I took my Social Security of $344 a month. My husband will be 63 in September and will try to work till 2012. Can I draw off my husband, and if so at what rate? I think he will get $1,500.”

A Without the opportunity to review your individual Social Security records, we are unable to give you specific information. However, if you are age 66 (your full retirement

age) when your husband retires, you would be eligible for 50 percent of his full age 66 benefit minus your full age 66 benefit. This amount would be in addition to the amount you are already receiving on your own Social Security record. If you are under age 66, there would be a reduction based on age.

Q “If I receive Social Security disability, when will I have medical insurance?”

A You will get Medicare coverage automatically after you have received disability benefits for two years.

Q “I’m already getting Social Security but I’m getting ready to turn 65, so don’t I get an increase?”

A Full retirement age now is age 66, so if you decided to take your retirement prior to this or if you receive Social Security disability benefits, then you will not receive an increase at age 66.

Note: The Social Security office will be closed Monday for Labor Day.

Submit questions to local Social Security Director Martin Coffey by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com.