SOCIAL SECURITY

Q: I am going to retire at age 62 in July of this year. I know there is an $11,520 limit on my earnings. Does that apply to the whole year or just after I go on Social Security?
A: It applies to the whole year. The law says we must withhold $1 from your Social Security benefits for every $2 you make more than $11,520. But a second part of the law provides a special rule that can be applied to your earnings for one year. For most people, it's the first year of retirement. During that year, you will receive a payment for any month you earn less than $960. So even if you earn a lot more than $11,520 before you turn 62, you'll receive a Social Security payment after you retire.
Q: Do I need to get a copy of all my medical files if I plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits?
A: It could speed up the processing of your claim if you bring your medical records. But don't delay filing while you try to assemble all those records. We have special procedures for obtaining medical files. Just bring along a complete list of every doctor, clinic and hospital where you've received treatment, and we'll go after the records for you.
XThis column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213.
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