I’m planning on retiring and applying for SS payments on my birthday 09/02/2018 at the age of 66. Do I automatically get retroactive SS payments starting on 01/01/2018?And, how does this effect the limit of $45,360 and reduce my payments if I make $90,000 income by 12/31/2018? Muchos Gracias

Hi,

Hi Larry, I just turned 66 (my FRA) and will start spouses benefits next month (Feb) on a restricted application ($947). My husband started his SS at age 62. My intention is to take my SS benefits when I turn 70 instead of my FRA because of the increased amount based on estimate per my SS statement.($1400 versus $1800+ per month). However, due to a work related injury, I have not worked for almost two years and I may not be able to work any time soon.

My husband passed away from a service related incident. I currently receive spouse benefits. I turned 60 last year can I collect his social security and continue to collect my spouse benefits?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I retired at 62 I was born in 1949 my income was never very much. So I chose to claim benefits on my spouse's retirement income. He is 75 im not for sure if im able to draw my own and that portion of his.any advice?

Hi,

I have been a widow since 1987, I have never remarried. I will be 62 in June 2018. I would like to know if I can take my deceased spouses SSI when I turn 66 1/2 and delay / suspend my SSI until ag e 70. Thank you, Sandra

Hi Sandra,

Yes, you could potentially file for reduced widow's benefits even sooner than age 62 and then switch to your own record at age 70. Before doing so, however, you should strongly consider using our maximization software to determine your best filing strategy.

Dear Larry, I will be 66 in February, 2018. My ex will be 61 in April, 2018. We were married for 18 years, have been divorced for 18 years and I have not remarried. I applied for full retirement benefits three weeks ago, but have not started receiving them yet. Because my ex won't turn 62 until April, 2019, it's my understanding I cannot apply for his benefits until then. Can I receive my full benefits until he turns 62, then suspend them and file for his? Thank you!

Hi,

I was born Feb.21.1953, my husband was born 7/7/1960. If I start to draw my SSC next year at 66, when he retires if spousal benefit is more off his can I switch and start drawing off his?

Hi,

You couldn't switch to your husband's record, but you could potentially receive additional spousal benefits when your husband starts drawing.

My wife has just died. She was 60 at the time of her death. She has an expected full retirement benefit of $1,100/month. I am 63 and have an expected full retirement benefit of $2,800 / month. I do not need the cash from social security at present. I want to maximize my lifetime benefits from social security (I am in good health).
- What should my claiming strategy be?
- Specifically, should I claim survivor benefits now?

I’m a widow. My husband was killed in a trucking accident in 2016. I’m 54 and was previously married for 18 years. I’m currently not working, but worked since 15 years of age up to recently. At the age of 60 , I should be eligible to file for widow benefits. However, my question is, am I eligible to file as a divorced spouse at the age 62 as well? Bit confusing since I could potentially file in three manners, my late husband, ex husband and mine. Am I correct? Thank you

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I will be turning 62 in May, 2018. My full retirement is 66.4. Currently my estimated benefit is about $2.5k monthly at full retirement. I am semi-retired earning less than the threshold for social security penalties if collecting early retirement. My wife, who will be 56 in '18 is a teacher who will not be collecting social security and since her pension will be somewhere around $65k it sounds like she will not be able to collect spousal or widow benefits from my social security because of WEP. We have significant retirement savings over $1m.