Ask Larry

Filing For Benefits

When Should I Apply For My Own Benefits?

Hi Larry, I'm currently receiving spousal benefits on the second Wednesday of each month. I will turn 70 at the end of May, 2022. What month/date should I apply for benefits on my own record so that there is a clean break from spousal benefits, and my own retirement benefits start when I’m considered to be 70, and not before that? Is there a grace period they give to do this? Thank you.

Posted: 
Monday, January 31, 2022 - 15:27

How Do I Apply For Widow's Benefits If Social Security Offices Are Closed?

My husband died 15 mo's ago. I applied for the VA Disability & am collecting this. I wasn't aware I could apply for his SS BENEFITS. I'm 69yo. He was 72yo when he died. We were married 12 yrs. How do I apply? Due to Covid, offices are closed. And how is the Amy. determined? I've heard various WRONG info. I would appreciate help. Thank you,

Posted: 
Sunday, January 30, 2022 - 08:37

When Should I Apply For Social Security?

Birthday 8/25/1955
I will be 66 and almost 9 months May 20, 2022 when I plan to retire. When should I apply for Social Security?

Hi. You can apply for benefits up to 4 months prior to the month that you want your benefits to start. So, if you want to claim benefits effective with May 2022, you can apply anytime between now and May 31 2022.

Posted: 
Monday, January 24, 2022 - 15:04

How Can I Get My Application Filed?

I have been trying to get my social security retirement benefits for 4 weeks 4 weeks I have been lying to on the phone I on the phone I've been sent the wrong passcodes to try to get in the Internet now I'm completely locked out and I can only can do it via phone which they tell me somebody will call me and nobody has it's been a month and I have gotten nowhere

Posted: 
Sunday, January 16, 2022 - 07:41

Can My Wife Apply For Spousal Benefits If My First Benefit Payment Is Pending?

This is regarding Spousal benefit application
I got approved for my benefit from Jan 2022. I will get 1st check in the 4th week of Feb 2022.
My wife got approved, prior to me, for her benefit from Feb 2022 and will receive her 1st check in the 3rd week of Mar 2022). This is based on her earnings record.
Based on my rough calculations, she may be able to get more thru spousal benefit because of my higher PIA/FRA.

Posted: 
Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 17:22

When Should I Apply In Order To Make Sure That Social Security Uses My 2021 Earnings?

I had to quit working the end of 2021 (although not due to official disability) and need to apply for Social Security benefits in 2022. I will be applying 2.5 years before full retirement age. In order to make sure SS will know and will count my work earnings/contributions from 2021 (a higher-earning year) in figuring my benefits, what month should I apply? I have received conflicting information from SS.

Posted: 
Monday, January 10, 2022 - 13:04
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