I turned 63 last month and I am considering applying for my reduced SS benefits. My PIA at FRA IS $970 and my reduced benefit now is $770, according to my latest statement. My husband started receiving his benefits at FRA and his PIA is $2158.

I was married previously and my husband died when he was 43. We were married for 11 years and I remarried at the age of 50.

I would like to know if information I have is correct, which is based on reading MANY letters on your website.

My wife and I both turned 62 prior to the end of 2015, so we are eligible to do a restricted application, as I understand the new law. The questions is this: my wife's own benefit is less than what her spousal benefit will be. I realize she can't claim the spousal benefit until I file, which likely won't be until age seventy. At age 66, however, could she file a restricted application for benefits on her own file and then, when I file, switch over to the larger spousal benefit. If so, seems to be no reason not to do it.

Thank you.

Hi,

My father died in his early 40’s. My mother received Survivors Social Security benefits while my sister and I were underage. My mother was born in 1953 and will be taking her full Social Security retirement benefits at 66. She intends to keep working until 67 to 70. Is she able to receive her own Social Security benefits and Survivors benefits? If so, will having taken Social Security benefits while my sister and I were underage effect this? Will her remaining in the workforce effect this?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I am currently receiving widows benefits and have so since the age of 60. I have worked all my life and am now 71 years of age. As I received I reduced amount of my husbands pension because I was 60 , I want to know if I am entitled to any of the money of my social security. When I inquired last year I was told that mine was lower than what I was receiving of my husbands...but my question is am I entitled to my husbands as well as mine at all. I really struggle to live on what I am receiving from social security with just my husbands reduced amount.

I have been divorced over 10 years and will turn 66 on May 27, 2018. I have read your book. My ex-husband took his social security early. I plan on taking half of his, then take mine at 70 only if it's more than what I get from his.. Is there a best time to apply in regards to paying taxes? Also, are there different calculators for this or when I turn 70 to maximize my benefits? I'm not sure whether I need to consult a financial adviser for this. How do I get Social Security to accept some other calculator?

My husband was 57 he passed away 02/2009, he had been on ssd for about 6 years getting 1800 a month and also getting long term disability 800.00 monthly. I was 55 and working and still am working I will be 66 in 04/24/2020. I will retire Jan.31, 2020. I did not take the widows benefit at 60 because social security people said all I would get for life was 1649.00 unless I didn't take it and then at 66 I would get what my husband was getting at the time of his death. which would be 1800.00 or 2600? They didn't clarify that. So I didn't take the widows benefit.

I am not eligible for spousal benefits due to the SSA changes in 2016, eliminating the benefit for filing for a claim on an ex-spouse at FRA and delaying my benefits from age 66 to 70. Are there any advantages such file and suspend for someone born in 1955; or is that option no longer allowed? Are there any additional SSA benefits available for a divorced claimant born in 1955, other than filing later than age 66?

Hi,

I am 69 years old, born in 1948. I started collecting my FRA social security benefits at age 67 and am still working. My wife is going to be 67 in April. She is still working and has not applied for her FRA social security benefits. Can she apply now for spousal benefits from my social security and later file for hers.

Hi,

My husband died 9-14-16. He filed for SSI and I continued on his behalf. I received a lump sum payment 12-1-17 for $23,273, $6000 of which was for attorney fees. He started receiving SS benefits in 2014. My question is I retired June 30, 2017, I receive my pension, am I entitled to receive widow benefits and approximately how much would it be.. He has paid into SS since he started working at the age of 21.

I am 63 years of age. I have not applied for SS under my own record yet.

Thank you sir.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

HI,
Thank you for this column. I am filing for social security benefits next month, at age 66. My husband is 63, and still working full time. Can he apply for a spousal benefit? It seems, from my reading of the rules, that his benefit would be eliminated by his earnings, so there would not be much point in filing. Thanks again--TW

Hi TW,