I am a "Maximize" purchaser. I will turn 66 on September 9th this year and plan on applying for my Spousal Benefit. My wife (68) is already collecting her SS. My question is, when would be a "safe" date for me to apply? I know that I can apply (up to 4 months?) early, but I don't want Social Security to start it before I turn 66, thus reducing my payments.

Thank you,
Bert

Hi Bert,

Are there any pitfalls when filing a restricted application for SS. I will be filing on-line in about a year from now and I was wondering if the process for filing a restricted application is fairly transparent. I am concerned that the process could be a gotcha and my benefits will start full retirement and not for spousal benefits when I'm 66

Hi,

Unfortunately, Social Security doesn't allow non-applicants to view the online applications. As a result I can't give you much specific help with regard to the online application process.

Turning 67 July 23, 2017.
Waiting to take SS until I turn 70 on July 23, 2020
My question is do I file on April 1 2020 or April 23, 2020
to get my 1st check on the 4th Wed of Aug 2020?
OR
Do I file on May 1, 2020 or May 23, 2020
to get my 1st check on the 4th Wed of Aug 2020?

Hi,

When I turned 62 I set up an account online with SS so I could monitor my monthly increases while I waited to reach my "Full Retirement" age of 66. At the same time I filled out an application for benefits but I never filed it. I just let it sit in the server until it expired after 3 months. I got concerned, after reading your book, that SS may use that to set my benefits at my age 62 level instead of my full retirement level at 66. The difference between the two age levels is substantial and I don't want to loose money.

I will reach full retirement age shortly and intend to file a restricted application for
spousal benefits only. I wish to file my application on line but do not see where to
make this physical selection. Please direct me. Thank you very much.

Hi,

I just turned 66, born 6/9/1951. I was married for over 10 years and did not remarry. I was not a high earner. My former husband was a (very) high earner. He is still alive (born in 1935). I want to claim divorced spouse benefits and wait to claim mine until I reach 70. I cannot do this online - too confusing. But I am TERRIFIED that if I go into my local Social Security Office they will try to cheat me and somehow manipulate me into taking my own Social Security Retirement Benefit at my current age instead of the divorced spouse benefit and wait on mine.

My wife and I would like to apply for social security at the same time. She will be 66 next month, and I will be 68. She will apply for half of mine, and I will apply for my own. Can this be done online, or would you recommend we go into a social security office since we're both applying the same day.

Thanks, Wally

Hi Wally,

If your wife will be applying for spousal benefits on your record, it would probably be better to file in person if you're planning to file on the same day.

My wife filed for her SS at age 62, taking a reduced benefit. I am 4 years older, and at the same time she applied, I also filed and "suspended" my own SS, but filed for spousal benefits on my wifes SS. I turn 70 in August this year (2017) and want to claim my own SS benefits. Do I have to do something, or will SS automatically shift me over to full benefits for me?

Hi,

Re: Retroactivity automatically applied to benefit applications filed after FRA unless claimant expressly rejects or restricts it (obtain in writing, signed & dated copy of application) - Does this automatic retroactivity apply to all who initiate retirement benefit applications ? Does the claimant have to state a basis for rejecting or restricting this automatic retroactivity ? Is there anything else to be done to insure we get our full benefit (with only Medicare premiums & tax withholdings) deducted ? thank you for your kind assistance in this matter

I was born in 1956 so my full retirement age is not for 6 more years. I am in good health and would like to work until at least age 70 to increase my benefit. Should I file for my benefit once I reach full retirement age and then suspend it? How does should I do this?

Hi,