My regular readers know that sometimes I can get a little long-winded in my answers to questions about various Social Security issues. But that's because there are so many "ifs, ands or buts" associated with Social Security rules and regulations that I feel I am not doing my job if I don't cover all the variables. However, today I am going to do one of my infrequent hodgepodge columns where I provide "quick and dirty" answers to as many questions as I can squeeze into this limited space.

Q: I signed up for Social Security shortly before I turned 62 on May 22. How come I have to wait two months to get my first Social Security check?

A: All Social Security checks are paid one month in arrears. For example, the Social Security payment for May would be sent to you in June. But there is an extra twist for folks who sign up at age 62. The law says you aren't due any benefits until you have been 62 for an entire month. June is the first month you will be 62 for the whole month, so that's the first payment you are due. And the June payment is sent to you in July.

Q: I get Social Security disability benefits. My son has also been getting checks on my account. But he is turning 18 this month, and his checks will stop. When they do, will my benefits go up?

A: No they won't. The money paid to your son is an add-on benefit. In other words, they didn't take anything away from you in order to pay him. So when his checks stop, there is nothing left to give back to you. You will just continue to receive your normal Social Security benefit each month.

Q: I am getting SSDI. I want to try working again. Will the income I make jeopardize my disability checks?

A: I will assume that you are actually getting SSDI (Social Security disability insurance) and not SSID (Supplemental Security Income disability). Many people confuse the two programs. The former is Social Security. The latter is welfare. If you are getting Social Security disability benefits, then the rules say you get a nine month "trial work period" during which you can make as much money as you can without impacting your monthly checks. But, after that nine months, if you are still working and making more than about $1,000 per month, then your disability checks will probably stop.

Q: I am a 45-year-old separated woman with two children. I work full-time. Their father, who was physically abusive to both the kids and me, hasn't been part of our lives for many years. I just learned that he was shot during a robbery attempt and is in the hospital and not expected to survive. We were not married for the required 10 years, so does that mean we will not get any of his Social Security if he dies?

A: There is no length of marriage rule for kids. So assuming your husband has worked and paid Social Security taxes for the required amount of time (how long depends on his age), then the children will definitely qualify for monthly Social Security benefits on his record if he dies. You are potentially due benefits, too. But your earnings will probably prevent you from getting anything. The 10-year duration of marriage rule you mentioned applies only to divorcees. You said you were just separated.

Q: I am a divorced woman. I was married to my ex just one month shy of the 10 year rule for getting Social Security. Will I be able to get his benefits?

A: I don't think so. The way I read the rulebook, it says your marriage must have reached its 10th anniversary before the divorced in order for you to be eligible for benefits on his record. But I need to make one additional point: You have every right in the world to file for divorced widow's benefits on your ex-husband's Social Security record. I'm sure your claim will be denied, but that way you will have a legal decision, and not just my opinion.

Q: I plan to take my Social Security when I turn 62 in six months. I am worrying myself sick about doing this. I am afraid I will make a mistake and do the wrong thing. When should I file? How do I do this? Do I need a lawyer?

A: I know that filing for Social Security benefits is an once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. But it's really no big deal. In most cases, you fill out a form that asks you a few dozen questions — and that's it. A couple weeks later, you'll get an "award letter" informing you about your benefits. You should start the process about two months before you turn 62. You don't need a lawyer and you certainly shouldn't worry yourself sick about this. You can file online at www.socialsecurity.gov or file via phone or in person (at your local Social Security office) by calling 800-772-1213. And after you file, you have six months to change your mind. In other words, if within a half-year of filing for your Social Security, you decide it was a mistake, then you can withdraw your claim, repay the benefits you received, and file again at a later date. But I wouldn't even think about that if I were you. My wife and I both signed up for Social Security at age 62, and we've been sitting back and relaxing and watching the checks roll in ever since.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at [email protected]. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.