NOTE: All Social Security questions are best answered by the Social Security Administration, do not depend on the information below, which is general in nature, to answer questions in your individual case. You need to speak with an SSA representative.
Up until 2007 rises in cost of MEDICARE were not supposed to be greater than the amount of Social Security increase in a given year. This changed in 2007. There will be a scale of contribution range to MEDICARE based on income. The target income threshold for 2007 is 80,000 dollars. Also, for consideration is that some individual pay into MEDICARE Part D (prescription drugs). This contribution also adds to the cost of MEDICARE premiums for individuals enrolled in Medicare Part D.
The following is an overview of benefits with 2006 dollar amounts. You need to check with Social Security for current amounts.
Widow - Currently there is a $255 dollar lump sum payment upon death of a spouse. Other monthly payment is dependent on age, work history and other conditions.
Working - You are covered by your own Social Security plan. Retirement age and needed quarters of work is gradually increasing. Check with your company or Social Security for you target amounts and date of eligibility.
In cases were the husband worked and the wife was non-working, Social Security is based on the husband's work record. The following categories apply:
Non Working Women - You can receive benefits on spouse's record if.
1. He gets retirement payments and you are 62 or older
2. Receives payments because of disability and your are 62 or older
3. Receives retirement or disability payment and you regardless of age are caring for spouse's under age 16 (or disabled) child who is entitled to benefits.
Widow With Young Children - You can receive a widow's benefit at any age if you are caring for a (deceased's) child under age of 16, older if disabled, who is entitled to benefits. Your unmarried children under the age of 18 (19 if in high school) can receive monthly benefits also.
Remarried Widow - If you receive widows or widower's benefits, checks are no longer terminated or reduced if you remarry at age 60 or above. A disabled widow may remarry at age 50 with no change to benefits. This is relatively new in the law.
Divorcee - If you are divorced at 62 or older, you can receive benefits on your spouse's Social Security record for the next year provided that you have been married for at least 10 years.
Divorcee who's Ex Husband Dies: If you are the surviving divorced spouse benefits can start as early as age 60 or 50 if disabled. Again, the 10 year rule is in place.
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