Can I File For My Benefits At Age 62 And Receive Unreduced Spousal Benefits At Age 66?
Dear Larry, I have read too many sites re: my question, and now I'm really confused. My ex filed at age 70 in 2012, I will be filing this year at age 62. I understand my payments will be reduced permanently, ($900) my question is: can I file for spousal benefits at age 66 and receive an un-reduced spousal benefit of $1500, or will I reduce my spousal benefits, as well, by filing this year?
Thank you for your help.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
No. Since you were born after January 1 1954, regardless of when you file for either retirement . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Mar 29 2018 - 4:20pm
What Should Be My Mother's Next Course Of Action?
Jerry,
I wrote to you in January regarding my mother's situation.
"My mother is entitled to 6 months of retroactive payment from Social Security due to the RIB-LIM rule. My father had taken Social Security 3 years early, so my mother should have taken her payment immediately after he died in December 2016. However, she thought she had to wait until her FRA, and I didn't know about RIB-LIM until I came across your website."
My mother did not receive 6 months of retroactive payment, and we went to file a former reconsideration request as you suggested. . . . Read More
Category: Filing An Appeal
Posted: Mar 29 2018 - 3:59pm
How Will The WEP Provision Affect My Husband's Benefits?
I am a currently employed with US Govt- year 36- - under CSRS retirement and currently qualify for full retirement(30 years 55 yoa) but am still employed and currently 56 years of age. I have heard that it may make sense for my husband is almost 62 now to collect his SS early at 62 because of the Windfall Elimination Provision? Is there any truth to that. I think I understand that I won't receive any spousal benefits until I reach my full retirement age which is 67 - but how will that affect the WEP and his SS? Thank you!
Hi,
The Windfall Elimination . . . Read More
Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: Mar 29 2018 - 7:04am
Can I Collect My Deceased Husband's Social Security?
I have a state retirement. Can I collect my deceased husband's social security. He was in military 20 years.
Hi,
I can't answer your question without a lot more information. You may qualify for widow's benefits if and when you meet all of the requirements for entitlement (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html), but if your wages were exempt from Social Security taxes on your state government job then your widow's benefits would likely be . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Mar 29 2018 - 6:46am
Can I File For Railroad Spousal Benefits At Age 64 And Switch To Social Security At Age 66?
My husband is retiring at 65 this year. I am going to continue to work. My question is when I retire at 64 (another year away) can I start with RR spouse and then switch to Social Security at 66 for the higher benefit?
Hi,
You wouldn't exactly 'switch', but assuming that you meet all of the requirements for both benefits you could potentially file just for Railroad spousal benefits initially and then later file for your Social Security benefits. I can't say whether or not that would be your best strategy, though. That would depend on your potential . . . Read More
Category: Railroad Retirement & Social Security
Posted: Mar 29 2018 - 6:28am
Can I Draw Benefits From My Deceased Husband's SSDI?
I was receiving my own SSDI before my husband died in 2015; he was also receiving SSDI. Can I draw from his SSDI if his is larger than mine? I do receive widows benefits but its not a whole lot.
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
No, if you're already receiving widow's benefits based on your husband's record you wouldn't be eligible for any other type of benefits from his account. If someone is already receiving disability benefits (SSDI) on their own record when they become eligible for widow's benefits, their widow's rate is calculated by . . . Read More
Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Mar 28 2018 - 2:27pm
Why Can't I File My Application Online?
I am turning 62 in July, I have a disability appeals council decision pending. I was told I could apply for early benefits this month starting in July. When I fill out the application it kicks me back to the disability claim and will not allow me to apply.
Hi,
I'm not very familiar with Social Security's online application process, but it sounds like the problem may be due to the fact that you previously filed for disability benefits. If it isn't that, my guess is that it could be due to the fact that you may be trying to file too soon. Unless you . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Mar 28 2018 - 1:59pm
How Can A Child Receive A Higher SSDI Rate Than I Do?
Hi. I am 64 with multiple sclerosis and recieiving SSDI mof $1,041 this current year. I just watched a TV court show involving a 21 year old woman who had been (her mother as guardian) receiving SSDI since the girll was age 5. The monthly sum was $1700. What? How does this happen when I worked over 30 years and get no more than the $1041? I don't believe there is anything I can do about my monthly amount but it sure gives me leaven for complaint.
Hi,
In order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) you must be insured, which . . . Read More
Category: Child Benefits
Posted: Mar 28 2018 - 6:19am
Can You Give Me Any Advice?
My husband passed away a month ago. I have gone to Social Security twice to apply for survivors benefits. The first time I was told my daughter will get a check every month but if I go back to work and make more then $17000 I will get penalized $1 for every $2 I earn over. The woman at Social Security said maybe see if I can lower my hours to stay below the limit. I decided that I'd go back to work and just take the penalty. So, the next week I went back to Social Security to tell them that I was going to return to work and would be earning $32000. I got a different woman this . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Mar 27 2018 - 2:50pm
Will I Be Eligible For A Spousal Benefit If My Son Receives Disability On My Husband's Record?
Hi. My husband is waiting until his full retirement age before applying, but I have a question. We have an adult disabled child who was deemed disabled before age 22. I have not worked since my son was born and have cared for him full time. I understand he will be eligible for SSDI when my husband retires, but will I also be eligible for a sposal benefit? Also if we are able to receive both SSDI and a sposal benefit, what is the maximum benefit allowed? I ask because this will unfortunately be our only income. My husbands estimated SS at full retirement is $1,850.00. Thank you . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Mar 27 2018 - 2:13pm
