I reached full retirement age on 16 August 2019. The lady I’m planning to marry is a South Korean national. Her birth date id 5 February 1956. How long must we be married for her to apply for social security benefits (spousal benefits) based on my earnings? I have been told we need to be married at least nine months - should I proceed her in death - in order for her to be able to collect 100% of my social security benefit.

Hi,

Hi LARRY I am 65 and currently receive retirement pay from navy$1608,i will also receive pension and annuity from union in jan.20 about $3000. I plan to apply for my social security when I am 661/2 my fra $2200 ,my wife also plans on applying for benefit at 65,her fra$531at 66.4.question is she eligible for spousal benefit?also will my retirement from navy and union pension effect my social security? we both are not working my wife at present time is 631/2. thanks/

Hi,

Hi. My husband is eligible for disability benefits. I am 61. Am I eligible for any benefit or do I need to wait and claim on my own earnings record?

Hi,

My wife began her SS annuity at age 62 and receives much less than half of my annuity which I began at 65. We didn't know she could receive half of my payments. Should we have been notified at my retirement that she was eligible for half of mine? Can it be corrected? We are both 84.

Hi,

Hello Mr. Larry,
Here is my background.

I have been married since 2003. Inb2016 he disappeared I honestly have no idea where he is or if he is alive. Right now due to a car accident and Dr mistake I am disabled and drawing SSD. He is 57 and my question I guess is what/when can I apply for spousal benefits. (I am 47) raising a 14yo and trying to do it all. I am so unsure of how this works and saw your post so I am hoping to get a little advice on what to do. Thank you for understanding this crazy situation. Nimmi

Hi Nimmi,

I have been collecting my own SS benefits since age 62 and now am 81. Can I now collect under my husband’s benefits because he earns approximately $42 monthly more than mine (he is also 81). He has also been collecting since age 62.

Hi,

I am 68 FRA and planning to claim SS in January 2020 and continue working. My spouse claimed his very low SS at 62. He is now 65. When can he claim SS switch to spousal? Does he need to wait until I am approved by SSA or can request switch the same time when I claim? How do I decline Medicare B not to be deducted from SS check having health benefits through my employer? Thanks.

Hi,

Hi Larry, my wife and I were born after the January 2, 1954 time line. My wife will be turning 62 in 11 months. I am the primary breadwinner and intend to wait until 70 to collect my highest benefit. I have been told that if my wife collects at 62 she will be unable to get the 50% of mine at a later date. Is this true? Your column indicates she could get the higher amount but my financial advisor doesn’t think so. I would love to have that cash flow for 8 years as we are the same age. Thanks Larry!

Hi,

My wife is two years older than me (she is 63 and I am 61) and has NOT worked the required 10 years to be eligible for her own SS. I am close to maxing out on my social security and I do not plan on taking benefits until I am 70. We have been married for more than 10 years (31 years as of today).