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Filing Strategies

Am I Better Off Waiting Until Age 70 To Switch To My Own Benefits?

I am 66. My wife died 7 years ago at age 56.
I started collecting survivor benefits a couple of years ago and continue to do so.
My benefit is higher than hers.
Am I better of waiting to switch to my benefit now or waiting til I turn 70.
I have some health issues from cancer treatment I underwent in my 20s so I am probably not going to live to an old age.
Thank you.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted: 
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 07:43

Can My Husband And I Use File And Suspend For Me To Claim Spousal Benefits?

My husband's birthday is 12/11/53 and mine is 01/09/1954. Can we use file and suspend for me to claim spousal and my husband would then wait till 70 to file.

Hi,

No. You couldn't claim spousal benefits without also being deemed to apply for your own benefits at the same time, nor could you be paid spousal benefits at least until your husband starts drawing his own Social Security retirement benefits. That's because you were born after January 1 1954.

Posted: 
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - 15:02

What Is The Best Option In My Case?

Hello Larry and thank you for reading my email . My question is we have a disabled adult child and my wife is 53 and I am 62 . What would be the benefit if any for my daughter or my wife if I were to retire at 62 or should I try another job being my doctor thinks I have worked in the field as a blue collar worker I have a pension coming due to my years of service and age . Per my social security record I have paid in since 1973 and I don’t know where to start or what to pursue I appreciate your response if you have the time . Thanks "..Mike

Hi Mike,

Posted: 
Friday, April 10, 2020 - 11:00

Is It True That I Can Apply For Half Of My Wife's Benefits Without Hindering The Growth Of My Benefit?

My wife just turned 67 and filed for retirement benefits. I will turn 67 on 02-12-2021. I am under the belief that I can apply for limited benefits, up one-half of my wife's total benefit without hindering the growth in my full benefit between my 67th and 70th birthday, the latter being my targeted retirement age. Is that true and, if so, what the guidelines, protocols, and caveats attached to this? Thanks!!

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, April 9, 2020 - 10:05

Can My Husband File For His Benefits At Age 62 Then Switch To 50% Of My Benefit Later?

I am 61, my husband is 62. We will be divorcing this year. I have several questions.
He is eligible for SS but my ss will be higher. Can he apply for his ss this year then wait two years to switch and collect 50% of mine? Or is it 35% until I reach full retirement at 66? Or is he locked into his SS if he starts collecting now? If he collects mine when I am 62 is he locked into that rate or can his rate increase when I reach full retirement at 66?

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 - 11:35
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