Q. I called the phone number to request the booklet, “Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know,” and was told that booklet is no longer available. … So I was wondering if there was anything else you could advise me. …

J.G., Warwick, R.I.

A. Lots of readers called with the same question. Here’s the deal:

I recently recommended the booklet you mentioned. It explains how a woman’s Social Security benefits may be affected if she becomes a widow, disabled or divorced.

I also told readers they could get a copy – at no charge – from the Federal Citizen Information Center. But when readers phoned the center, they were told the booklet wasn’t available.

So what happened? “Unfortunately, at some point we temporarily ran out of that publication,” said Judi Mahaney, spokeswoman for the center.

However, she told me recently, “We do have (the booklet) back in stock, and if your readers should call now, they should receive it. I apologize for the inconvenience and for the confusion over this.”

So call the center again, toll-free, at (888) 878-3256 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time business days, or write: Federal Citizen Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. (In either case, ask for Item 519K.)

You may also get a copy from the agency’s Web site: www.pueblo.gsa.gov.

The Social Security Administration also has copies available.

Visit your local Social Security office, call the agency toll-free at (800) 772-1213, or see the agency’s Web site: www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q. I will be 701/2 in September and I’m not sure: Do I withdraw in September on my IRA, or in December?

It’s a traditional IRA … I’m a widow, and I’m really not too sure what I’m doing here. … Also, do I have to withdraw what the government says, or can I withdraw a little more than what they say?

G.L., Lincoln, R.I.

Here are the answers in a nutshell:

n To avoid federal penalty, you must withdraw at least a minimum amount from your traditional IRA each year. You must make the first such withdrawal by April 1 of the year following the year in which you turn 70-1/2.

You said you’ll turn 70-1/2 in September. So you must make that first withdrawal by April 1, 2004.

But keep in mind that, because of the way the oddball rules work, you’ll also have to make your second minimum-annual withdrawal by Dec. 31, 2004.

Those two withdrawals, bunched together in the same tax year, could bump you into a higher tax bracket in 2004 .

So, to lessen the tax impact, you may want to make that first withdrawal by Dec. 31 of this year. (Remember that each withdrawal is generally subject to federal income tax.)

n You must withdraw the minimum amount to avoid penalty. But you can always withdraw more if you like.

Neil Downing is a Journal staff writer and author of ” The New IRAs and How to Make Them Work for You.”

If you have questions about your money matters, call us at 1-401-277-7484 or 1-888-697-7656 and leave a message. (When calling toll-free, please ask for ext. 7484.) We can’t reply personally; as many questions and issues as possible will be addressed in this column.)

—

(c) 2003, The Providence Journal.

Visit www.projo.com, the online service of The Providence Journal at http://www.projo.com

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

AP-NY-05-23-03 0611EDT