Hi Jerry,

My husband will be 70 in October 2017, he started collecting his SS benefit at age 62. My question is that I am waiting until FRA age 66 in 2018 to start collecting my SS benefit about $300/$400. Can I collect half of my husband's benefit and wait until age 70 to start my own benefits? What type of application would I file for spousal benefits? Thank you!

Hi,

Yes, you do have the option to apply for spousal benefits only when you reach age 66, and let your own benefit rate grow until age 70.

I am 64 years old and still working and hope to work two more years. My husband died in 2016 at age 65. Is survivors benefits the best option for me to receive or what do you think I should do?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My FRA is July 2017; my wife's FRA is June 2017. My benefit is about 3 times as large as my wife's benefit. We are not working and will not work in the future. Is there an obvious strategy, given the closing of the file and suspend "loophole.

Hi,

I am a soon to be 64 year old currently working and making more than 65K a year. My ex-husband died. We had been married 13 years. I believe his average lifetime salary would have been less than mine. A friend told me she is collecting a monthly SS benefit from her ex-spouse, still living but age and income are similar. I was told by my local SS office that the only way I could collect a benefit before age 66 would be if my income was 17K. Am I eligible now or will I be eligible for any benefits once I retire?

Hi,

I turn 65 on June 2, 2017. My husband has been collecting his full SS benefits for a year.
I know that once I am 66, I can collect 50% of his benefits, and put off getting my own benefits until I'm 70. Without it reducing either of our benefits.
BUT - am I able to start collecting half his benefits at age 65? Or do I have to wait until 66.

thank you!
m

Hi m,

I am currently 65 and my wife is 62, obviously past the April 30, 2016 date to be grandfathered to allow the use of the file and suspend strategy I had planned on. What should be my general plan going forward?

Hi,

I have been married 2 years. My husband retired early in 1986 receiving disability social security benefits which then at age 62 I believe they changed to regular social security. He is now almost 80 and I turn 62 this February 2017. His benefits are far higher than mine will be as I stayed home caring for a disabled elderly family member for many years.

My wife filed for SS on line for 70 benefits to start.SS called her for additional info: 1. Did she want Retro and 2. Did I want spousal benefits. SS employee said they would call back for our answers. I will turn 70 in one year an do not want my spousal benefits to effect my account.
Question: would it be better for me to file for spousal benefits on line instead of by phone so that I can put my intention in writing?

Hi,

I am (40 years) married turning 62 in February 2017. I will have very low SS benefit because I quit working to raise a family but I do have enough credits to qualify. Husband is still working and will be 63 in April 2017. He will retire when he is 66. He will receive the maximum SS payout since his income was high. He is planning to take his SS at 66. (health factors suggests he should not wait till 70 to take benefits).
If I take a my reduced benefit now at 62, can I change my status to spousal benefit (half his benefit) when he files at 66?

Hi,

Larry first I bought your book and thought it was great I also signed up for the Maximize My Social Security. Here is my question I was born in 1949 along with my ex-wife, we were married 14 years and were divorced in 1984. My understanding from your book and the MMSS calculator is I should file for and suspend my Social Security then file for my Divorced Spousal Benefit. I made an appointment with my local SS office and meet with a representative I explained to him that I wanted to file for and suspend my Social Security then file for my Divorced Spousal Benefit.