Ask Larry

Filing For Benefits

Can I Apply Online For My Spousal Benefit?

I am receiving benefits on my own Social Security account and my husband is receiving benefits on his own account. We both filed for our benefits online. I believe my spousal benefit on my husband's account will exceed the amount I receive on my own. Having previously filed online for my own benefit, can I now also file online to apply for my spousal benefit or is there a different application process for that? I am 68, my husband is 70, I began claiming on my account 9/2021, he began claiming on his own account the month he turned 70, 7/2022.

Posted: 
Friday, November 4, 2022 - 13:40

When Should I Apply For My Benefits?

Hi Larry. When should I apply for SS? I’m waiting until Age70. I will be 70 years old on Aug8 2024 and am single. Also, you’ve recommended to write SSA to officially decline retroactive lump sum payments; what SS office do I write to, local or federal, or can I do so online? Thanks for a great column, so helpful.

Posted: 
Thursday, October 20, 2022 - 18:29

Will My Wife Automatically Switch To Spouse's Benefits When I File For My Benefits?

We have not filed yet. Plan on filing online. My wife reaches FRA in December and I reach 70 in January. We want her to file in December, then switch to 50% of mine in January once I file. Few related questions: (1) Will the switch happen automatically once I file in January. (2) Does she have to manually update her filing in January once I file (if yes, can this be done online). (3) Can she let them know when she files in December that she wants to switch to 50% of mine when I file. Thanks. I am a subscriber to your service.

Posted: 
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 - 18:11

Will I Lose Benefits If I Don't Complete The Application I Started In March 2022?

I turned 71 in Aug 2022 and have submitted my application for social security benefits because I continued to work and had employer health insurance. I separated from the company in March of 2022. zi started my online application on March 17 2022 but didn't complete it. The online application told me I would lose benefits if I didn't complete it by September 18. What diez that mean. Also, zi am stuck prior to submitting my application as to when I want to start receiving benefits.

Posted: 
Thursday, September 15, 2022 - 13:10

Can I Start A New Application If I Allow The Previous Application I Started To Lapse?

I started an online application on March 12, 2022. It states I must complete it by September 12, 2022. It states I must start receiving benefits by December 2022. I don’t want to start drawing benefits until March 2023. If I let this application lapse can I start a new application and still receive full benefits or am I penalized?

Posted: 
Sunday, August 28, 2022 - 12:02

Can I Apply Online For Social Security?

My railroad retirement tier 1 is now less than my social security benefit when I turn age 70. Can I apply on-line for social security or do I have to directly make an office appointment?

Hi. My expertise doesn't extend to the Social Security website. All I can tell you is that collecting Railroad Retirement benefits isn't listed on Social Security's website as one of the exceptions to online filing. In any case, I don't think it could hurt to try filing online. I assume the website will give you instructions if you run into a problem.

Posted: 
Thursday, August 25, 2022 - 11:17
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