Ask Larry

File and Suspend

Is There Any Reason Why I Should Register For My Benefits And Suspend Them Before Age 70?

I am employed full time and turning 69 in September. I have not registered for Social Security and don't intend to start collecting until age 70. Is there any reason why I should register and suspend before then?

Hi,

Not unless you have some special reason to do so. You'll receive the same amount of delayed retirement credits (DRC) whether you file for and suspend your benefits until age 70, or if you simply wait until age 70 to apply.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 10:23

Can You Confirm This?

Can you please confirm the Social Security (SS) strategy called “File and Restrict” is A). Is a different strategy than “File and Suspend”, the latter no longer permissible; B). File and Resyrict is still available. Two sources inform me File and Restrict is still available: They include 1). A SS agent in person during an on-site meeting & 2). an AARP SS expert who responded in writing. Two other sources inform me it is not available both were SS personnel, one on the phone & one st the front window of a SS office. Thank you.

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, May 18, 2018 - 12:26

Can My Father File And Suspend So That My Mother Can Start Collecting Spousal Benefits Now?

My mother is 69 this year (1949) and father is 65 this year (1953). My mother applied for early benefits at age 62. Since my mother is older than my father she was unable to claim spousal benefits which would have been a greater benefit than receiving benefits based on her earnings. My father plans to retire at age 66. I just learned about file and suspend - possibly a bit too late. Can my father file and suspend so that my mother can start collecting spousal benefits now? Or should they just wait to file until my father reaches full retirement age next year?

Posted: 
Thursday, March 8, 2018 - 10:39

Is There Any Reason To File And Suspend At FRA Instead Of Waiting Until Age 70 To File?

Hi Larry,

I have read your very informative book but still have one question. I am turning 66, was married less than 10 years, and have no dependents. I have the resources to delay taking my SS benefits until I turn age 70. Is there any financial or other advantage to doing that over filing and suspending at age 66? Conversely, is there an advantage or benefit conferred by filing and suspending at age 66 over filing at age 70? I understand about the effect on Medicare payments.

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, December 14, 2017 - 16:12

If I File For & Suspend My Benefits At FRA, Could I Later Claim A Lump Sum Back To My FRA?

Let's say I am single and file and suspend for SS benefits at full retirement age. If I'm diagnosed and given three months to live at age 68.5, can I receive a lump sum benefit back to my FRA? or is the lump sum only payable back 6 months?
Thanks,
Walt

Hi Walt,

Posted: 
Monday, November 20, 2017 - 16:03

Can I Start And Stop My Benefits Any Time?

Larry,

I am originally from Nebraska, however have lived in California for a number of years. I was born in 1949. I have estimated my monthly SS benefit to be about $2500. I have read your information online and I value your input in response to my questions.

Can I start my SS benefit now and order it stopped anytime? ...can I then start it up again at anytime? What if creditors have tapped into my benefits?....can I still stop it and start again at anytime?

Posted: 
Thursday, November 2, 2017 - 08:57
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.