Filing Options

I was born in 1959. I've been married for 1 year and 2 months. My husband collected Social Security benefits at that time. My husband passed away and after 6 years I re-married. I'm still working, but I consider retirement because of my health issues and according to SS website, my benefits would be really low because my income was low in the past and then I fell sick fighting for my life, missed work. My question is: can I claim Social Security benefits on behalf of my current husband now and when I reach 67 to claim on behalf of my 1st late husband?

I am 74 and claimed SS benefits at 70. My wife was born 3/26/1958. If she files for spousal benefits at age 62 + 1 month (reduced amount, I know), when she files for her regular benefits at her FRA, will those benefits also be reduced because of the early filing for spousal benefits?

Hi,

I turned 62 in August of 2019. I just applied for early retirement in January 2020. I was told by a friend that they would go back to August and start my benefits but January of 2020 was my option to start. Can you please clarify for me?

Hi,

I am 62 & my husband is 68. He plans to delay taking social security until he is 70. Can I take social security now based on my own earnings & then switch to taking half of my husband's benefit (based on his earnings) when he begins taking social security benefits at age 70? Is my benefit then based on what his benefit would have been at his full retirement age (66) or what he will get by waiting until he is 70?

Hi,

I will be 67 in February 2020. My husband will be 70 in May 2021. He did not file and suspend in 2016. My SS benefits at 70 will be less than half of my husbands full benefit. After reading your book, I believe should take Spousal benefits when he files for SS benefits at 70. My question is: Can I file for my SS benefits in February of this year and switch to Spousal benefits when my husband applies for benefits at 70? Will I be stuck receiving my lower benefit for the rest of my life and denied spousal benefits later?

Hi,

I have worked 30 years in a school system and contributed to the Maine State Retirement System. My husband has always been self-employed and is of retirement age planning to start collecting this year. I have only paid in 20 quarters of social security in my working career and want to know if I can still collect Medicare (my insurance will be too expensive when I retire) and if my husband passes away before me, how much am I eligible to collect from his social security (percentage). Thank you.

Hi,

My husband died in April 2008. I started to collect my widow benefit in October of 2009 at age 60 and 10 months. I am now 71 years old and still have my own social security benefits I have not collected. What will I lose if anything if I apply to collect my SS benefits

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My husband will turn 66 on 1/12/20. Does he need to either file for social security or file and suspend before his birthday? He has been ill so We don’t know how long we will be able to suspend collecting. My birthday is 1/10/56. Is it possible that I will be able to file and suspend then collect spousal benefits either now or when I turn 66 +4 months?

Hi,

I am 67,my wife 63.Neither of us is currently collecting SS benefits.My PIA@FRA is about 2500.My wife about 850.She earns about 18200 per year,I earn about 80000.
Is it feasible for her to collect RETIREMENT BENEFITS at reduced rate NOW,and for me to now file and restrict(I was born before 1954). I would collect spousal benefits until 70.
At 70 I start collecting my OWN RETIREMENT BENEFITS,and wife switches to spousal benefits which are more than her retirement benefits.

Hi,

Hi Larry,

I filed a "restricted application" when I turned 66 in Sept 2016 which has allowed my own benefit to continue to grow. I plan to file for my own benefits upon turning 70 which will be Sept of 2020. I'm looking for help with the logistics.

(1) Is there an online application somewhere to request a switch from ex-spousal benefits to my own? Or must I do this via phone, personal visit, or some paper application since I am already receiving an ex-spouse benefit?