Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | Maximize My Social Security

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Will My Ex Be Able To Claim A Divorced Spousal Benefit Even Though I Became Eligible For Social Security After We Divorced?

Hi Larry,
I worked for the government most of my life. I married (over 10yrs) and then divorced. After the divorce I retired from the government and began to work in the private sector. I was able to earn the last of my 40 credits for a social security benefit at that time.
I understand that any social security benefit to me will be offset by my pension. I am 62 and plan to wait to file for social security at 70. My question is:
Will my ex be able to claim a divorced spousal benefit based on my work record even though I became eligible for social security long . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jul 19 2019 - 8:01am

Is Taxable Income Limited When A Person Receives SS Survivor Benefits?

Is taxable income limited when a person receives SS Survivor benefits?

Example: Husband passes away at 40 with a 35 year old spouse and 3 kids. If the spouse begins working, will she lose her survivor benefit payments at a certain dollar amount?

Thank you for your time! This is a question that comes up frequently in a financial group I'm a part of and no one can find an answer online.

Hi,

Yes, in your example if the surviving spouse is under full retirement age and she works and earns too much, then her benefits could be withheld as a . . . Read More

Category: Earnings Test
Posted: Jul 19 2019 - 7:48am

Can My Husband Ever Be Eligible For Spousal Benefits?

I am 66 and started collecting my benefits. My husband is 67 but worked for the post office for 40 years so is not entitled to benefits. Can he ever be eligible for spousal benefits?

Hi,

Probably not. Assuming that your husband is receiving civil service retirement (CSRS) benefits based on his earnings that were exempt from Social Security taxes, any Social Security spousal benefits for which he would otherwise be eligible would likely be offset by 2/3rds of the gross amount of his CSRS pension. So, unless 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) . . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jul 19 2019 - 7:34am

Is My Wife Entitled To Any Benefits From My Record?

I am a disabled veteran drawing SSBI since 2006. I'm now 62. How does this effect my wife, shes 64, working, not drawing social security. Is she entitled to any of mine?

Hi,

I'm assuming that SSBI is a typo and you meant to say that you're receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. In that case your wife could potentially qualify for spousal benefits from your record, but only if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than your wife's own PIA. SSDI benefits are normally paid at 100% of a person's PIA, by the way.

. . . Read More

Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jul 19 2019 - 7:21am

Is There A Maximum Reduction When The Windfall Provision Applies?

Hi Larry. I retired from the USPS I understand there is a windfall but my question is Is there a maximum or is it a straight 50% for under 20 years work under social security by the way if I wait to 70 I will have 22 years with substantial contributions will that put me at 40% thank you

Hi,

There is a Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) guarantee that limits the amount of reduction resulting from WEP to no more than 50% of a person's non-covered pension. The WEP guarantee is only used, however, if it results in less of a reduction to a person's . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Jul 19 2019 - 6:52am

Does Social Security Still Pay When A Person Dies But Is Owed The Previous Month's Amount?

When a person dies but is still owed the previous month's amount of benefit because he was still alive to social security still pay?? And if there is no living widow because she is deceased also what happens to the one time $255 payment

Hi,

Yes, if a person is due benefits that weren't paid prior to their death, those benefits can be paid to eligible survivors as an underpayment. There is a specific priority order that determines who is entitled to receive an underpayment, which is explained on the following Social Security website: . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Jul 19 2019 - 6:40am

Am I Getting This Right?

My husband, born 12/28/53, will reach FRA (66) in December 2019. He will still be working. His PIA is currently estimated at $1864 per month at FRA and $2589 per month at 70. Some of his 35 highest earnings records are "0", so I am assuming his PIA will increase as long as he continues to work for a few more years at least. I am currently 60 (DOB May 1959) and was thinking about filing for retirement benefits early at age 62 in 2021 at which time my husband could apply for Spousal Benefits which will allow his benefit to grow and then at 70 he can switch to his retirement . . . Read More

Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Jul 18 2019 - 4:00pm

Can You Explain My Sister And Brother-In-Law Are Getting The Benefit Rates They Receive?

My brother-in-law receives $700 a month from his own social security benefits plus $300 spousal benefit. My sister receives $1000 a month from her own social security benefits. They won't tell me how they accomplished this. Can you explain to me how this is done?

Hi,

Assuming that you're referring to a couple, the comparative benefit amounts you mention aren't possible unless part of your sister's benefits are being withheld for some reason. In order for your brother-in-law to be eligible for an excess spousal benefit of $300 in addition to his own . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jul 18 2019 - 3:43pm

Is It Correct That My Wife Would Get The Full Benefit I Was Receiving At The Time Of My Death?

Larry,
I waited this year until I was age 70 to maximize the amount of Social Security that my wife will get when I die, as on her own she will receive 30% less than I receive. She is only age 63. If she waits until she reaches FRA at 66 + 4 months, and I die after that, can you confirm that she will receive the current amount that I am receiving at the time, the DRC (delayed retirement credit). If you talk or chat with an agent, they always talk about the FRA, but I read the regulations, and although not very clear, it says that she will get the greater of either her benefits at . . . Read More

Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jul 18 2019 - 3:27pm

What Can I Send A Change Of Address Request?

I need to change the mailing address as we have moved. What address can I send the change to? I hate online forms and always mess things up and just want to send a simple letter with a change of address. HELP!

Hi,

Social Security doesn't have a specific form to use for requesting an address change. You could mail a change of address request to your nearest Social Security office, but it would probably be better to call them instead at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security would prefer that you use their online service ( . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Jul 18 2019 - 12:25pm

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