Ask Larry

Do I Have To Reapply Now To Receive Full Benefits?

I am receiving 1/2 of my husbands ss. I applied for them at 66, and he was receiving benefits already. I just turned 70. Do I have to reapply now to receive full benefits. I am still working part time in the operating room and plan to still work.

Hi,

Assuming that you filed just for spousal benefits only at age 66, you would need to file a new application in order to become entitled to retirement benefits on your own record. However, you can only receive the higher of a) your own retirement rate augmented by delayed retirement credits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/delayret.html) or b) your spousal benefit rate. Therefore, it would likely only benefit you to apply for benefits on your own record if your benefit rate would be higher than what you currently receive as a spouse.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 15 2018 - 10:44am
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