...Unless you 1.) live with 6 other people in a small flat, 2.) live on the street in a cardboard box, 3.) live with parents at age 65. Sure, all that makes perfect sense, now doesn't it?
Everyone advised me to apply early; don't wait until full retirement age; the money will come in handy now. Well, at least that last part would have been correct. It seems the rules have changed.
Problem is if gross income exceeds
- wait for it -
$1180.00 monthly, you apparently get nothing.
I have answered 3 questionnaires since applying in May, expected a check in July, only to receive another questionnaire at the end of August. WTF?
The May questionnaire asked for my approximate income for 2011. I did a bit of math using last year as a guide and returned it. The August one demanded the exact gross income for 2011 and a projected gross income for 2012. WTF, again! That one was mailed back today and I don't expect to see any money until after my birthday in 2012.
Nothing extra for basic TV service, or pocket money for a little fun, and nothing for a short getaway this Fall.
I am sick of talking about money (or the lack thereof) and tired of making excuses when asked to join co-workers for a Happy Hour drink at a local pub. They just don't understand and don't ask anymore.
It is what it is and there is nothing within my power to change it. I'm sorry that I was misled into believing that things would be different if I applied early. I should have waited and saved myself all this aggravation.
I cannot complain; I have an apartment, a job I love, food for the table, and only a year before I can collect SS benefits without a catch. I hope.
I smell olives - at least 2!
And so it goes.
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Time to work "under the table". And I'm not talking dirty!
ReplyDeletem.
You missed one good reason for applying early. That is if you are receiving a pension or monthly payments from investments. Perhaps all those who suggested applying early fall into this category.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
DM