My husband and I were both born in 1957. He wants to retire at 62, while I plan to continue working until 70. I have worked enough quarters to qualify for Social Security (est. benefit $1155 at FRA), but am currently working at a state govt. job and don't pay Social Security. My husband was born and worked in Australia until 2006, when we got married and he moved here. He was in the newspaper business in Australia, but has only been able to find part-time retail work here, which is why he wants to retire early. It pays so little it's barely worth his time.

My husband suddenly passed away at age 64 while he was still working. I am 64 and retired however have been living off him and his income and haven't taken any benefits up to this point. I am uncertain if I can wait until age 66 to reach my FRA to pay for our real estate and living expenses, etc. In addition, based on my health it is uncertain if I will reach life expectancy or longer. I think the best is to take his ss benefits now and if I'm lucky, take my ss benefits at 70 (as the less paid). Can I do that?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hi, My husband died at age 64 last year, he would have turned 65 four months ago. I am 60, worked clerical type stuff for 25 years. Am now self employed, but pay income tax, he was the breadwinner...I went to social security, was given the amount spreadsheet, and I am aware that I can start collecting his when I wish. However, I am confused - my own ss is a lot lower (400/month) and I was wondering if I can collect any of that when I am 62, then switch over to his benefits. Thank you!!

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I am receiving about $2300/mo disability payments, minus medicare expenses ($160+), aged 63. My wife (62) supports us (3 dependents) earning about $24K/yr. I have 2 rentals that net us about 66K/yr. She would like to know how much her spouse support payments would be now, and if they would be 'significantly' higher if she waited until 66. Her concern is she may make too much currently, to make taking benefits now vs. at 66, desirable. Her benefits at full retirement are small, about $380/mo. Thanks!

Hi,

I will be age 66 (FRA) in 2019 and age 70 in 2023. My wife will be age 66 and 8 months (FRA) in 2024, one year after I begin receiving retirement benefits. Our retirement benefits will be similar.

She will be eligible for spousal benefits and we would like to maximize those payments. The strategy that seems to make the most sense is as follows:

2023: I begin receiving retirement payments
2024: She reaches FRA and begins receiving spousal payments
2028: She begins receiving retirement payments

My wife passed away in 1996. I turn 60 in Sep 2018. I was told by SS that my widower's/survivors benefit would be $1615/month in Sep 2018. My wife's contributions were: $15159, $23737, $28758, $33363, $40010, $36988, $36346 from 1990 to 1996, respectively. My own benefits will be $1716 (at 62), $2381(at 66, 8 months), and $3016 at 70. In fact my benefits will be slightly higher than the amounts shown above after considering 2017 contributions.

My wife turns 66 this July 4th and she wants to freeze her benefits until she reaches 70 and collect half of my benefits. What happens if I die before she reaches 70

Hi,

First off, your wife doesn't need to 'freeze' her own benefits. She simply wants to not file on her own record until age 70, and instead file a restricted application for spousal benefits only at age 66. She may want to run the maximization software available on this website in order to make sure that this is her optimal strategy.

My wife will be 62 in September 2017 and does not work outside of the home. She does have a modest amount of Social Security benefits coming from old employment. I am 59 and still working with a high paying job. I believe she should begin taking her benefits at 62 and if I retire at 62 myself, which is possible, I could file and her benefits would go up as well as a percentage, not 50% I understand, of my benefits as her spousal benefit.

Me:
B: 02/15/58
Collect SS in 2018 after 60
Will marry in 2018 at 60 yrs.old
Data entered in system
Scenario calculated forward me is collect widower ben. At 60 and worker Ben. At 70.

Deceased Spouse:
B: 7/6/54
D: 3/2/15
Data entered in system

Fiancee:
B: 9/25/50
Started SS at 62.
1180/mo - at full retirement now.

I will reach FRA in August 2017. My wife will reach it in May 2019. I am working full time and plan to continue to do so well past age 70 if I am able (i have no reason to think I will be not be able). We have some credit card debt that we are unable to pay off and are only able to pay minimum payments on at the moment. If I were to take my SS payments in August 2017 and then suspend them after 12-14 months, how would that affect my benefit at age 70? Thanks!

Hi,