SOCIAL SECURITY Q & amp;A

Q: Is there a maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
A: A person who retires at his or her full retirement age in 2004 and who has paid the maximum Social Security tax for at least 35 years will receive a "maximum" benefit of $1,825.
But the term "maximum" can be deceiving, because people who continue to work beyond their full retirement age can add to their Social Security benefit with each additional year of earnings.
Q: My husband was married to another woman for more than 20 years before his divorce. She never remarried.
Will the Social Security she gets on my husband's record reduce any benefits that I would be due?
A: Any Social Security benefit that we pay your husband's ex-wife based on his earnings record will not affect the benefits that we can pay you.
Q: Can I draw Social Security on my deceased wife's record? She died three years ago at age 61. I am 55. She was not a citizen, but a permanent resident of the United States and had a Social Security Number since the 1960s. She worked and paid Social Security taxes most of that time. I have not remarried, and we do not have any minor children.
A: Generally, you would have to be age 60 to qualify for widower's benefits on your wife's Social Security record. But you could get those benefits now if you are disabled. A disabled widower (or widow) can get benefits as early as age 50.
The fact that your wife wasn't a citizen is not an issue. As long as she was living here legally, and worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years, then you're potentially eligible for widower's benefits. If you are also due retirement benefits on your own record, one of our representatives can explain how we coordinate benefits on two Social Security accounts.
Q: My neighbor is on Social Security disability, and I know he is working. How do I report him to Social Security investigators?
A: Before calling the investigators, you should know that people who get Social Security disability benefits are encouraged to try working, with a long-range goal of becoming financially self-sufficient once again. In fact, there are many incentives built into the disability program intended to help people with disabilities to re-enter the workforce. However, if you really believe there is some wrong-doing, call our fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271.
XThis column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213.