Can I Collect My Deceased Husband's Social Security And My Railroad Retirement Benefits?
I am 56 years old. I have worked at the railroad for 20 years, and plan on retiring with full pension at the age of 66, because that is when I'll have my 30 years in. I am a widow, my husband died 13 years ago, and he paid into social security. I have not been remarried. My question is: How do I collect his social security? Can I do it before age of 66? Can I collect while I'm still working for the railroad? Can I collect social security and RRB benefits?
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
You could file for Social Security widow's benefits as early . . . Read More
Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Dec 14 2018 - 6:53am
If I Start Drawing Benefits And Return To Work, Would It Benefit Me To Stop Receiving Payments?
I turned 65 on 12/3 this year. Presently unemployed. Full retirement age is 66. If I start receiving social security in February and would go back to work in May, would it benefit to stop receiving benefits in June and restart after I stop work? Can I repay what was paid to me and receive a higher benefit when I reapply for benefits?
Hi,
There are too many variables involved to be able to give you a definitive answer to your question as to whether or not it would benefit you to stop receiving benefits In June 2019 if you go back to work. In any case . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Dec 12 2018 - 3:18pm
Does The Fact That My Wife And I Are Raising Grandchildren Affect Our Benefits?
I am 74 and my wife is 69 - both of us are receiving social security benefits. We also have been raising our two grandchildren and I wonder if that affects benefits. Please advise! Thanks, Gary
Hi Gary,
The fact that you're raising grandchildren wouldn't have any effect on your or your wife's Social Security benefits. Grandchildren can qualify for Social Security child's benefits on a grandparent's record in some cases, but only if both of the grandchild's natural parents are deceased or disabled, or if the grandchild is adopted by the grandparent. . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Dec 12 2018 - 9:57am
Will I Be Forced To Apply For Benefits When My Wife Files?
Hi Larry: My wife is 8 months older than I and she will be applying for her own benefit in 2020 (not spousal) on January 24 when she turns 66. Regarding deeming, will I be forced to apply as well because she applied on her own record? I have your great book but am confused about this deeming thing. My plan is to wait until age 70 to apply on my own record, but, like your book says, don't trust everything the folks at Social Security tell us. Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi,
No. Regardless of when your wife files for her benefits it won't have any . . . Read More
Category: Deeming
Posted: Dec 12 2018 - 9:28am
Can I File A Restricted Application Now?
I am confused regarding restricted application. I am retired and 67, and planning to defer my social security til 70. My wife is 61 and still working. Can i file for restricted application now? Or would i have to wait til my wife reaches full retirement age (66.5), or even 62? Or not eligible at all?
Hi,
Filing a restricted application refers to the process of applying for one type of Social Security benefit without also applying for other types of benefits. This is necessary in certain circumstances because most Social Security application forms are . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Dec 11 2018 - 9:29am
How Do I Know If I Got Credit For My Army Service On My Social Security Benefit?
How do I know if I got credit for my Service in the Army (1967-1969 Vietnam) on my Social Security Benefit?
Hi,
There's really no simple way to verify that you received credit for your military service. What you should have received credit for are deemed military wages (DMW) in addition to your actual military wages for the periods of time that you served on active duty (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.09/handbook-0953.html). The combined amount is then . . . Read More
Category: Deemed Military Wages
Posted: Dec 10 2018 - 11:33am
Does My Plan Sound Crazy?
Hi,
my husband started collecting social security last spring at 66 (his full retirement age) and we got married last month. He's 17 years older than I. And I am wondering if it makes sense for me to pay my husband to stop his benefits and pay back what he got and pay him myself what he would have collected, so that he when 70 can get his highest benefits - and therefor me when I reach my full retirement age - 67 (I was always a low earner). I've heard about a resent study that suggests this might be a good idea, and I have an inheritance to cover this.
So does . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Dec 10 2018 - 7:22am
How Can I Get Social Security To Process My Payments?
Dear Larry,
I filed for SS at a local office when turned 65, but was denied as the clerk was unaware that my 20+ years of work in Canada can be added to my 6 US credits. I filed an appeal online, but was ignored even though I got a confirmation that it was received. Then I sent another appeal with all the paperwork to a PO Box in Maryland. Once again, no reply. It has been 3 years since I was supposed to get my SS. How can I get them to reply and process my payments? The phone contact is beyond dysfunctional.
Thank you
Hi,
When you say . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Dec 10 2018 - 6:53am
Will My Benefits Off Of My Ex-Husband Be Reduced If I Start Drawing At Age 62?
My exhusband will be 66 which is his full retirement age in a year and a half. I was wanting to draw off him at 62 . Will I get reduced benefits off him because I wont be at 66 and 10 months?
Hi,
Yes, if you start drawing divorced spousal benefits any time prior to your full retirement age (FRA) your benefit rate will be reduced for age. Furthermore, whenever you file for divorced spousal benefits you'll be deemed to also be filing for your own retirement benefits if you have enough work credits to qualify for those benefits. In that case you'll . . . Read More
Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: Dec 9 2018 - 5:51pm
Will I Automatically Start Drawing My Own Higher Benefits When I Turn Age 70?
I filed for social security at age 66 but deferred receiving benefits and instead received spousal benefits for a couple of years. When my husband died last year, I was automatically switched to survivor's benefits.
I want to receive benefits on my own record when I turn 70 in a year, since these will be higher than the survivor's benefits. My question is whether this will happen automatically, or if I have to do something.
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
No, you won't automatically be switched to your own record when you reach age 70. . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Dec 9 2018 - 10:03am
