For the record - Aug. 7, 2012

Social Security: The Money Talk column in the Aug. 5 Business section said money withheld from Social Security benefits because of the so-called earnings test — a determination that the recipient earned more than a threshold amount — is a penalty and not returned. In fact, when the recipient reaches full retirement age, his or her benefits are increased to reflect the money that was withheld. The exception is spouses and survivors who receive benefits because they have minor or disabled children in their care. These recipients do not receive increased benefits at full retirement age if benefits were withheld because of work.

Paul Ryan: An Aug. 5 article in Section A about Ohio Sen. Rob Portman as a potential GOP vice presidential candidate said another Republican, Rep. Paul D. Ryan, is from Minnesota. He is from Wisconsin.