Q: Mrs. M, of Sale Creek, writes: I’m writing concerning the article you wrote in the paper Nov. 6. A woman asked about drawing her ex-husband’s Social Security. I was married to my ex-husband for about 20 years and had five children who are grown. When I was 62 I begin to draw Social Security. I draw $886 and I worked some of the time.

“The Social Security woman who I talked said I couldn’t draw from him until he was deceased. I married him back and then about one more year I divorced him again.

“I worked and supported myself until I had to retire. I get a check for retirement of $180. I have COPD. I had to take retirement early before I came to 65. When I retired, I had debts that exceeded my income so I took bankruptcy.

“By the time I pay my trustee I don’t have enough to live. So I live with my ex. He feeds me and helps me some. We do not live as husband and wife, if that matters.

“So I would like to know if there’s any way that I could draw more by being married to him over 10 years first. I have a friend who draws off her first husband. She married again and lived with her husband about 14 years before divorcing him.

“I will be out of bankruptcy in about 15 months.

“I retired in January 2004. I don’t get out much anymore except to go to the doctor. I have had a lot of surgery, but thanks to God I have survived. I want to thank you for your article every week. I hope you can help me. Have a nice day. P.S. I don’t use the computer. I talk hoarsely, too, so you can’t understand me a lot; some people do, some don’t.”

A: You indicated that you are receiving $886 in Social Security retirement benefit. The maximum benefit payable to a divorced husband or wife is 50 percent of the benefit the worker would receive at full retirement age.

So, if your ex-husband is receiving more than $1,772 a month, you might be eligible for benefits on his record. If, however, his amount is less than $1,772, you would not be eligible. In the event of his death, you should call our toll-free number at 800-772-1213 to inquire about surviving divorced widow’s benefit.

Q: Mrs. S, of Chattanooga, writes: “Just as the man wrote on Nov. 5 about his wife’s not receiving her check, I have not received mine. I was told it would be next year before I got it. Next week I will get my second disability monthly check. Can you look into your records and see if you can help me also? I could really use it before the weather gets too cold.”

A: Good news. Your check should be in your account by the time this column is published.

Q: Mr. T, of Chattanooga, writes: “Thank you for answering my letter. Taxes on benefits of over $25,000 a year, is this earned income from public job or all income? I have retirement from U.S. Pipe and the military. Is this counted toward the $25,000 a year. If so, it will cause me to think about leaving my public job, after my benefits start next year. I have also been told it was figured on earned income.”

A: Some people who get Social Security will have to pay taxes on their benefits. Less than one-third of our current beneficiaries pay taxes on their benefits. You will have to pay federal taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000.

If you file a joint return, you will have to pay taxes if you and your spouse have a total income that is more than $32,000. For more information, call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-3676 and ask for IRS Publication Number 915, “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits.” People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the IRS toll-free number, 800-829-4059.

Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from Social Security District Manager Eleanor Jones. Submit questions to her attention 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.

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