Ask Larry

New Law

Is My Wife Grandfathered Under The New Law?

I turned 70 in June 2016 and filed for and have been receiving full SS benefits.
My wife turns 66 in March 2017.
Is she "grandfathered in" to be able to file and suspend her own benefits at that time and file to receive spousal benefits from me only?
She has prepared a letter like the one you suggest in your book. Should she send it? or make an appointment?

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - 08:00

Does The New Law Affect Me?

I started drawing off my husbands SS (he is living) when I reached full retirment age (66) in 2013, planning to switch to my own higher
benefit when I turn 70 in 2017. My husband waited until he was 70 to draw any benefits, and was drawing before I began to draw off him.

Is there anything in the new law passed that would prevent me from getting my full benefit I planned on at 70 based on my own earnings?

Hi,

No, it sounds like your strategy is still fine.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 - 12:15

Will Paul Ryan's Plan Affect Me?

I have a serious disability and have been on Social Security disability for six years. Under Paul Ryan's plan would my benefits be cut or will I be grandfathered in

Hi,

I am only familiar with the current Social Security laws. Proposals for changing Social Security are frequently bandied about, but few are actually enacted into law. So, I try not to guess what Congress may or may not do in the future.

That said, I'd be shocked if Congress did anything to take away Social Security benefits from people who are already receiving them.

Posted: 
Monday, December 19, 2016 - 12:30

Is It Too Risky To Wait?

I am 66 and am not currently receiving my social security benefit although I am getting a spousal benefit from my 62 year old wife's work record. I will stop work June 30, 2017. I have been planning to defer taking my full benefit on my work record until age 70. Given the recent election and the influx of crazies into the political system (today's NYTs has an editorial about attempts to 'slash' benefits) is it too risky to wait?

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, December 18, 2016 - 14:00

Have The New Deeming Rules Passed By Congress In 2015 Been Finalized?

Hello again....
Back in August I received a response from Jerry Lutz to my question: "Can I Stay On Child-In-Care Benefits Until Age 70?" (see below).
Jerry's response said that the question could not be answered with certainty until SSA updates their operations manual to incorporate the new law. Has anything been clarified since August?
Thank you.

Posted: 
Saturday, December 10, 2016 - 10:45

Are We Still OK After the Law Changes?

I am 72, and began receiving SS payments at 66. My wife turned 66 in December 2015. At that time, she opted for Spousal benefits based on half of my benefit of $2,160 per month, or $1,080 ($966 after deducting $121.80 for Medicare). We understand that if she waits until age 70 to file under her own account, she will receive about $500 more per month, or she can file any time before that for a lesser amount. Are we still OK with that procedure after the law changes? Should we have done anything differently?

Thank you, Warren

Posted: 
Friday, July 29, 2016 - 17:45
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.