Social Security benefits

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32636, 18 June 1971, Page 8

Social Security benefits

Sir,—l am a working

widow and own my own home. I planned on retiring in four years, when I would qualify for universal superannuation. Now, at 61, through ill health, I may have to stop work, and investments, including a matured life insurance, would give me a gross income of $940. Could you tell me: (1) would I be eligible for any age benefit? (2) If so, how long would I have to wait to receive any? (3) . Would my earnings for the last year, which bring my income to $l2OO affect it in any way?—Yours, etc., SIXTY-ONE. June 8, 1971.

[The Registrar of Social Security (Mr E. S. Henzel) replies: “(1) On the information given an age benefit of approximately $634 per annum could be payable from the time of ceasing work; (2) the benefit should be paid about three to four weeks after the application is made, depending bn .[he extent of

the inquiries necessary to confirm age and income; (3) earnings up to the date of retirement would not affect the amount of benefit payable. The correspondent should ring or call at this office for any further information she may require.”]