Filing For Benefits

according TO MAXIMIZE my social security, I have applied for my benefits (age 64) oct 2017. we have a 13 year old. it has recommended that I apply for mine and I should receive child benefits and that my wife ( 60 ) should apply for child in care ...how do we do that ? is it based off my application or does she have to go thru her SS . When I applied online I show no area that indicates child in care , and she does not want to open her SS and mess things up.

Enlighten Me Please....

Hi,

I began collecting my reduced Social Security retirement benefit at 62. A few months later, at his FRA, my husband began receiving a spousal benefit on my record.
Now, he is nearly 70, has retired, and decided to file for his own Social Security benefit beginning in January of 2018. At that time, I will be of FRA, and will file for my excess spousal benefit, if any.

I will turn 70 on Dec. 8, 2017. I am currently receiving a spousal benefit based on my wife's full SS benefit, which started in Feb., 2017. What is the procedure for switching my spousal benefit to my full benefit on Dec. 8, and for switching my wife's current benefit to a spousal benefit based on my full benefit, which will be higher than her current benefit?

Hi,

Dear Mr. Kotlikoff,

I subscribed to your SS maximizing website service several years ago, and had successfully persuaded my wife that I should wait until I turned 70 to take my Social Security benefit. I'm now going on 68 (January 10th, 2018), and Trish (my wife) is going to be 63 on January 16, 2018. I've also purchased and read both editions of the book you wrote with Philip Moeller and Paul Solman.

My husband and I are both working at age 67 and 66 respectively. He decided to apply for his social security benefit based on already qualifying for maximum $ benefit.
When he did so on the telephone, the agent said: I see your wife has not applied and is still working. She advised that I apply for spousal benefit while I continue to work (my benefit is not at the maximum but may be after another 4 years of contributions).

I have been receiving a widow's Social Security benefit for many years, and have a question about switching to my own work record. I am trying to delay the switch as long as possible to maximize my benefit, but funds are tight and I might not make it to age 70. It might be closer to age 69; I am evaluating it month by month. Do you recommend doing the switch on the Social Security website, over the phone, or in person in the Social Security office? When I started the widow's benefit back in 2010, the only option I was given was to go into the office.

I will be 70 on April 14th, 1918. I want to start drawing, but not sure when to file for benefits. What do you recommend so I don't get shown as beginning at age 69?
Also my wife is currently drawing her benefits, but half of mine would give her a raise. Can she apply for half of my benefits once I start drawing.

Hi,

You simply need to specify on your application that you want to elect benefits starting with the month you reach age 70, or April 2018 in your case. You can file your application up to 4 months in advance of that.

Hi,
My husband is a disabled firefighter and recieves income from PERS - tax free. He draws some SS but is offset due to his profession.
I am a retired teacher and want to start drawing SS - now 65. I submitted my application. The letter stated I would get a small payment due to my offset on my SS number. However, I got another letter a couple of days later and it stated I would get 0- submitted under spousal SS number.
Both of us are affected by GPO and WEP - but both of us have 40 quarters from jobs outside our profession -- you know to pay the bills!!

My husband, the higher earner, will be at FRA during 2/18. I will be 62 during the same month. He intends to file a restricted application and obtain his spousal benefit as soon as possible after I collect my reduced benefit at 62. I plan to apply for my benefits during 11/17, to commence 2/18.

My Wife (68 in Oct) filed and suspended before the deadline.
I will be turning 66 in October.. When and how do I file for restricted "spousal benefits?"
Can I file this Online?

Hi,