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Filing Strategies

How Do We Maximize Our Benefits?

Wife turns 66 on Febr 2018. I will be 66 on Nov 2020. My benefit at age 66 or delaying to age 70, is more than my spouse. How do we maximize our SSI benefits? Spouse will be drawing a pension, so social security is not a priority at her age 66. Is it possible for her to file a restricted application at age 66, and then can She draw on mine? Also how does that impact my future social security benefits?

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, March 20, 2017 - 06:30

Will I Miss The File And Suspend Cutoff?

I'm 65 (09/1951) and my wife is also 65 (08/1951). She began receiving SS benefits early at age 62 ( she receives $738/month) and I plan to continue working until age 69 and expect benefits of $2700/month. Will I miss the file and suspend cutoff? Is our best course of action to have her file for spouse benefits at my age 66 (if that's possible)?
Thank you!

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, March 20, 2017 - 06:15

Does The New Law Affect Us?

In the midst of reading the revised Get What's Yours. So many situations which do not apply. As of today, I am 63 (April 1953) and my wife is 63 (Nov 1953). Should she now file and receive a spousal benefit based on my record? Then she waits until age 70 to apply for her own personal benefit? Then I would file and begin receiving payments when I reach age 70? Or does the rule change affect us. I am ok with buying your software but need to know some basic direction.

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, March 19, 2017 - 07:30

Can I Wait Until Age 70 To Draw On My Own Record?

Morning
Enjoy reading your book & have recommended it to many.
However have not seen my question covered. My husband passed in 1995 & have been receiving Survivors Benefits. Am presently 60, when I applied, was informed by SS that benefit would automatically switch to my SS benefit when it became higher, which would be @ FRA. However would prefer to allow my benefit to grow & collect my benefit @ age 70. Is this a possibility? Thank you for the much appreciated advice. Brooklyn

Hi Brooklyn,

Posted: 
Saturday, March 18, 2017 - 08:00

Can My Wife Get Spousal Benefits While Her Own Benefits Are In Suspense?

The wife (FRA is 66) in the month she turned age 62 (Mar 2010) starting receiving her worker’s benefit in her first eligible month. The husband (FRA is 66) in the month he turned age 66 (Sep 2014) filed a restricted application for spousal benefit only on the wife’s earnings record (smaller earnings than husband). In the same month (Sep 2014), we suspended the wife’s worker’s benefit. These events occurred before the change in the law in April 2016.

Posted: 
Saturday, March 18, 2017 - 06:45

Is This True?

My husband is currently receiving SSA benefits. Started in January at age 66. I am 65 years of age. I was told by the SSA in Chicago that I should wait until I am 66 and claim under spousal and my benefits will grow until I am 70. Is this true? I thought SSA did away with this provision. Thanks

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, March 17, 2017 - 05:45

Do You Have Any Advice For Me?

Just turned 65, Self employed musician, business is starting to go very low income , but years before I made over $80000. This year less than half already. I need as much income to survive as possibleCan you offer me any advie… I will do all I can to return your help and favor for your knowledge sir..

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 09:15

Can I Draw On My Former Husband's Record At Age 66 And Switch To My Own Record At Age 70?

I'm a single woman raising a 14-year-old grandchild (she is now my daughter by adoption). I plan to work until 70. If I begin to draw at 66, my SS benefit is $1248. If I wait until 70, the benefit is $1648. Question: If I continue to work and contribute to SS, will my benefit ever reach the $1648 I would receive at 70 by waiting?

2nd Question: I am eligible to draw on my former husband's record. Can I begin to draw on his at 66 and switch to mine at 70? Is that allowable?

Thank you ever so much!

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 07:00

Can My Husband Apply For Spousal Benefits If I Continue To Work?

Hi Larry, My husband is retired age 66 and has not yet applied for SS. I am 64 in May 2017 and am working full time trying to figure out when to retire and max our SS benefits. Can my husband apply for spousal benefit while I continue to work ? We were hoping to let his benefits increase until i retire and collect SS. His FRA benefit is currently $79. per month higher than my FRA if that is a factor. We have received conflicting info from SS. Please advise . Thank you. Becki

Hi Becki,

Posted: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 11:00

What Is Our Best Option?

Dear Larry,

My husband will be 66 this October and I will be 62 this August. Our benefit amounts are $1713 (at 66) and $2262 (at 70) for my husband. My benefit amounts are $1483 (at 62) , $2046 ( at 66), and $2744 ( at 70). We are both currently unemployed. What is our best option to maximize our social security?

Thank you for your time.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Posted: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 08:15
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