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If A Person Is Drawing Reduced Spousal Benefits Prior To FRA And Their Spouse Dies, Can They Continue To Draw Their Spousal Benefits?

I have a question about the relationship of survivor's benefits and spousal benefits. Suppose that the facts are these: (1) I am 64, and I have been taking my spousal benefit since 62, (2) my spousal benefit is greater than my own retirement benefit, and (3) my husband passes away at 72. I want to wait until FRA before taking my survivor's benefit to maximize its value. In the meantime, can I keep my spousal benefit even though my husband is dead, or will my social security benefit revert to my own retirement benefit which is less than my spousal benefit?

Posted: 
Monday, February 10, 2020 - 14:04

Can I File For Spousal Benefits At FRA And Defer Collecting My Own Until Age 70?

My husband is 75 years old and was on SSDI for years before being converted to regular social security at his full retirement age. He used to be my dependent before we married in 2008. We have been together for 24 years.

I am currently 65, with a DOB in August 1954. My original plan was to retire at FRA in August 2020. But in Jan 2019 I required surgery on my left hand and right elbow and was no longer able to practice after 44 years as a physical therapist.

Posted: 
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 - 10:11

If I File For My Benefits At Age 62 Will I Be Able To Switch To Divorced Spousal Benefits Later?

I am 61 , my ex husband is 56. We are divorced but were married for 20 years. Hiss income is and was higher than mine during our lifetime as I stayed home many years to raise children. If I claim my benefits at 62 will I be able to switch to spousal benefits later when he becomes eligible? And how do I determine which is higher: mine or my spousal amount or is that determined automatically by SSA?

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, February 3, 2020 - 14:51

If I Claim And Suspend My Benefits Can My Wife Receive Spousal Benefits?

Hi Larry, we enjoy your "Get What's Yours…" book, and would appreciate your advice. I was born in Oct. 1954, so I am not eligible for spousal benefits, but my wife (born in Nov. 1953) is eligible for "restricted" ones and she is 66. We both would like to receive our maximal SS benefits at 70, but we need some additional income before we reach 70. If I claim and suspend (until 70) my SS retirement benefits now (at 65) or in October 2020 (when I am 66, FRA), can my wife apply for her spousal benefit to receive 50% of what I am entitled?

Posted: 
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 - 13:03

Can I Claim Benefits On My Current Husband's Record Now And Then Claim Benefits On My Deceased Husband's Record At Age 67?

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?

Posted: 
Monday, January 27, 2020 - 17:39

Will My Wife's Regular Benefits Be Reduced If She Files For Spousal Benefits At Age 62 And Then Files For Her Own Benefits At FRA?

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,

Posted: 
Sunday, January 26, 2020 - 18:04

When Will MY Benefits Start?

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,

Posted: 
Saturday, January 25, 2020 - 11:55

Can I Take My Own Social Security Benefits Now And Then Switch To Half Of My Husband's Benefit When He Files?

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,

Posted: 
Sunday, January 19, 2020 - 12:04

Can I File For My Own Benefits At Age 67 And Switch To Spousal Benefits When My Husband Applies For His Benefits?

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,

Posted: 
Sunday, January 19, 2020 - 11:04
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