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Filing Strategies

Can I Take Spouse's Benefits If My Wife Reinstates Her Retirement Benefit?

My wife turned 66 in June 2016 and has filed and suspended. If she starts taking her benefit now, can I take half of hers when I turn 66 in December '16 and suspend taking my benefit until age 70?
When she is 70 can she stop taking hers and take half of mine as that would be more than all of her benefit?
Thanks

Posted: 
Sunday, July 3, 2016 - 19:30

Any Disadvantages to My Wife Filing Early?

Great book and software!
Karen (Spouse) will be 63 in July, 2016. I will be 66 in Oct. 2018..
I have no plans to file for benefits until FRA or later.
Karen's income is < $5000 annually.
If Karen files starting at 63, her benefit is $868 (70% of $1241)
When she is 66 (July 2019), her spousal benefit will be $1330 (50% of David's $2659).
Karen is pressuring me to file for her own benefits now. Any disadvantages for Karen applying for her own benefits now, then apply for spousal based on my SS when Karen is 66 (July 2019)?

Posted: 
Sunday, July 3, 2016 - 12:00

Is This My Best Filing Strategy?

Best filing strategy? My birthday 14Jan1953, my wife's birthday 03Sep1952. My PIA is 2558/month, my wife's PIA is 465/month. My wife is no longer in the workforce; I plan on retiring early in 2020. I believe our best strategy is:
- my wife files for her 465 / month to commence on 01 Oct 2018 (the month after her 66th birthday)
- I file and restrict my application to a spousal benefit to commence on 01 Feb 2019 (the month after my 66th birthday), which should amount to 1/2 of my wife's 465 / month

Posted: 
Saturday, July 2, 2016 - 20:30

Should I File Early for My Widow's Benefit?

My ex- husband died over 20 years ago. We were married 13 years and I am wondering if I am eligible to draw his Social Security since I have never remarried. I am 59 and am wanting to retire at 60 and start drawing my company pension but I'll need to supplement the pension with some additional income and am hoping I can draw his Social Security and save my Social security benefits until i reach the age 66 or 70. Is this a feasible possibility? Thanks, Debi

Posted: 
Saturday, July 2, 2016 - 15:15

Will an Early Widow's Benefit Reduce a Retirement Benefit?

Love your book. Thank you for writing it. My sister is turning 62 in dec 2016. Her ex husband of 17 years died a few years ago at aboit 50 to 55. So he nevered claim any ss. She would like to retire this year and just claim a restricted application for surviver benefits. She would then wait to fra to claim her own benefit. Can she do this and not mess up her benefits or fall into the deeming black hole? Thanks, Trey

Posted: 
Saturday, July 2, 2016 - 15:00

How Should I File after Divorcing?

I was told by SS office that I can file for my retirement benefits this year at age 62 as I wish to do early as a divorced stay at home mother and limited income. My ex will not be 62 until next year and was told then to refile for my share of his subtracted by mine but need to do in person. I can file online. I am just concerned they do not have all of their eggs in a basket on the information and I want to do it correctly and not lose any money. Thanks, Linda

Posted: 
Saturday, July 2, 2016 - 14:30

Can I File for My Retirement Benefit Now and Switch to Spouse's Benefits Later?

I am 66 years old and my husband is 64 years old. If I claim my social security benefit now, can I switch to my husband's benefit as a spouse when he claims his social security?
Thanks,
Ann

Ann,
Yes, since you are past your full retirement age you can file for your retirement benefit now and switch to your spouse's benefit when you husband files for his retirement benefit.
Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Friday, July 1, 2016 - 22:30
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