Ask Larry

Do You Have Any Recommendations For Us?

I think we have a complicated situation and am trying to understand the best strategy for my husband and I. My husband will be 70 in 2 weeks. He recently was upgraded to VA Individual Unemployability rating and soon we should hear about 100% disability rating from the VA. He filed for his social security at 64 because he couldn't work - he was denied SSDI at that time, he didn't know he could appeal. I was planning on waiting until 70 to file for my SS benefits- I am currently 64 and self employed as a tutor. I appreciate any recommendations you can give us. Thank you.

Hi,

Since you were born prior to January 2 1954, your best strategy may be to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only at age 66. That way, you could draw spousal benefits for 4 years while letting your own benefit rate grow until age 70.

That just a guess based on the limited information in your question, though. Your actual best strategy depends on a number of variables, including your and your husband's relative benefit rates. You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 15 2017 - 9:46am
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