Q: Mrs. S of Ringgold asks: “I recently visited the Social Security office in Chattanooga, and I heard someone say that the office hours will be changing. Please tell me if that is the case and what the new hours will be.”
A: The office hours will change on June 14 in all of the Chattanooga District offices: Chattanooga, Athens and Cleveland. The new hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
Q: Mr. E of Ringgold writes: “I have a question regarding Social Security benefits for my wife. I retired at 62 when my wife was 57. She will now be 62 this month. When she applies for Social Security benefits, she will draw off my Social Security. Since I retired early, I can’t find any explanation of what she will receive when she retires. I’m sure others will have the same following questions: 1) If she retires at 62, will she receive 35 percent of what I would have received at full retirement age (at 66 had I waited) or 35 percent of what I presently receive or 35 percent of what I started receiving when I retired at 62? And 2) if she retires at full retirement age (66 in her case), will she receive 50 percent of what I would have received at full retirement age (at 66 had I waited) or 50 percent of what I receive at the time of her retirement or 50 percent of what I started receiving when I retired at 62? Any help would be appreciated.
A: Your spouse will receive one-half (50 percent) of your full-retirement age benefit (age 66 in your case) unless your spouse begins collecting benefits before her full-retirement age. In that case, the amount of her spouse benefit is reduced by a percentage based on the number of months before she reaches full-retirement age. For example, based on your full-retirement age of 66, if your spouse begins collecting benefits:
* At her Full Retirement Age, the benefit would be 50 percent of your full-retirement age benefit;
* At 65, the benefit amount would be about 46 percent of your full-retirement age benefit;
* At age 64, it would be about 42 percent of your full-retirement age benefit;
* At age 63, 37.5 percent of your full-retirement age benefit; and
* At age 62, 35 percent of your full-retirement age benefit.
Further reference for this question and many others can be found at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov under the Questions segment in the right column. Select “Benefits”, then hit GO. Search by keyword.
Q: D.J. asks: “I cannot find my Social Security statement for calendar year 2009. I turned 65 in October 2009 and had the Medicare deduction starting at that time. I have a reimbursement account that will pay back the $95 (or $96?) per month if I can provide a statement showing the deduction. I’m having trouble finding this on line and would appreciate your help. Thank you.”
A: We are sorry to learn of your lost or misplaced benefit statement, but pleased to see your interest in our online services. To obtain a replacement copy of your 2009 benefit statement, simply access the Social Security Homepage at www.socialsecurity.gov. On the left side of the Homepage you will see a link “Already Receiving Benefits.” By accessing this link and scrolling part way down the next page you will find a link “Get a Form 1099/1042S–Social Security Benefit Statement.” By accessing this link and following the instructions you will be able to order a replacement copy of your benefit statement. However, should you encounter problems you can always speak with one of our representatives by calling 1-800-772-1213 or through visiting your local Social Security office.
Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from the Social Security District Director Martin Coffey. Submit questions 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.