Ask Larry

Filing For Benefits

How Will The Switch From Widow's Benefits To My Own Benefits Work?

When my husband died I began to receive his SS benefit. Upon turning 70, I am going to apply for SS. How will this work? Thank you.

Hi,

You'll simply need to file an application for retirement benefits with Social Security. You can do so up to 4 months in advance of the month you turn age 70, and you can file either by phone or in person at a Social Security office. Then, assuming your retirement benefit rate is higher than your widow's rate, the latter benefits will stop.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Saturday, January 27, 2018 - 07:26

When Should I Cancel My Spousal Benefits And File On My Own Record?

I am 69. My birth date is 12/27/1948. I will be 70 on 12/27/2018

I have been married for 18 years. My wife started getting social security payments last year. She makes/made more money than I do. She started taking her Social Security benefits before she was at full retirement, because of an expensive illness.

I have not applied for my social security, but I have filed for spousal benefits and.
when I started getting getting monthly spousal benefits in September 2017, I also got a one time pay out of $5,000+.

Posted: 
Friday, January 26, 2018 - 16:18

How Is This Possible?

I started my SSI application on my 62nd birthday and have not completed or submitted my application. Recently I read further into the letter and found disturbing verbiage that states:
"We may use 7/27/17 as the official date of your application. In order to use 7/27/17, we must receive the signed application by 01/28/2018 or you may lose Social Security benefits." How is this possible, if I am still trying to determine if I want to take early benefits or wait , when I haven't even submitted a completed application?

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, January 26, 2018 - 13:17

How Do I Notify Social Security To Make Sure My Benefits Start Appropriately?

I plan to retire Dec 31 2019 at the age of 66 - my birthday being Dec 31st. My month amount of SSN is $2000. 1st question when do I notify my employer and Social Security to make sure my benefits start appropriately. 2nd How much can I make a year working part time with out losing any my full monthly benefit?

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, January 25, 2018 - 07:01

Can I File My Applications At The Same Time?

Hello:
We have run the possible scenarios through the Maximize My Social Security application. My wife will be 65 in March 2018 and I will be 66 in September 2018. The best scenario presented was for her to file now and me to file and suspend in September and apply for Spousal benefits. Some questions concerning the process:
Can I file/suspend and apply for spousal benefits at the same time this September or should they be done separately? We intend to complete all applications online (per your recommendation).

Posted: 
Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 10:44

Should I File Now Or After My Birthday?

My wife and I are grandfathered under the previous Social Security law. Following the advice of your Get What's Yours book and software, my wife filed and suspended in April 2016 shortly after she reached her full retirement age and will begin claiming her benefits on reaching age 70. I reach my FRA in April 2018 and am trying to determine when I should file the restricted application for my spousal benefit.

Posted: 
Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 10:30

When Can My Wife And I File Our Applications?

My wife will turn 67 on May 21st this year and plans to take her social security. I plan to take my spousal benefits at the same time. I will be 67 on June 3rd. and will let my full benefits accrue until age 70.. We are unsure of the timing . Do we need to file 3 months before her birthday and also can I file at the same time she does ( 3 months before my birthday) or does she need to be getting her checks before I can do so. Are there any deadlines we have to watch out for?

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 10:15

Did I Use The Correct Wording?

Larry, I will turn 70 on February 1, 2018 and I purchased the "Maximize my Social Security analysis. The collection strategy recommended that I file in Jan 2018 for my retirement benefits.
I started the application process on line and stated in the "Remarks" section that I do not want retroactive benefits but I want my benefit to commence on Feb 1, 2018. Do I have the wording correct or should ask I request to receive my benefit on March 1, 2018?

Posted: 
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 - 06:43

When Should My Wife Start The Process Of Filing For Benefits?

I filed and suspended my Social Security benefits until 70 at age 66 before the April 2016 deadline. My wife will be eligible for spousal benefits the coming April. When should we start the process? In addition, it is my understanding she should request spousal benefits only, and not file for her own Social Security benefits until age 70--correct? Last, can she stay on spousal benefits of it is greater than her own at age 70?

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 - 17:23
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