Ask Larry

Spousal Benefits

Can You Supply The SSA Link Regarding Child In Care Rules?

I purchased Maximize My SS and have tried various What If scenarios because we have a disabled adult child. The software shows that I (spouse) get a child-in-care spousal benefit. I'm confused about how that works. The SSA says this benefit stops unless I am old enough to receive benefits based on age. Page 62 of your book (Get What's Yours) says I can receive this benefit at any age. What is the rule? And could you supply the SSA link? Thanks.

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - 10:16

Are The Social Security Agents We Spoke With Misinformed?

I used your software to come up with my maximized social security plan. I am currently 65 (July 2018), my wife is currently 59 and will be 60 in December of 2018. We have a son who has been disabled since birth and has been receiving SSI for the past 6-7 years. He is now 26 years old. Your software recommended based on my inputs that I take retirement benefits starting December 2018, it also recommended my son take SSDI benefits at that time and that my wife apply for "child in care" benefits also at that time.

Posted: 
Monday, August 13, 2018 - 16:49

Can My Wife Keep Drawing Spousal Benefits Until Her FRA If I Die Before Then?

My wife never worked. If I draw early SS benefits, (age 64) and she draws early Spousal benefits, (age 62) and I die, can she continue with spousal benefits until reaching FRA and then file for Widow benefits? 82.5% of my PIA is $1900 and my early benefit is $2000. How does her age affect this if not at her FRA?

Thanks

Hi,

No, spousal benefits are auxiliary benefits paid on the record of a living spouse. You can't receive auxiliary benefits on the record of a deceased spouse, although you could receive survivor benefits instead.

Posted: 
Tuesday, August 7, 2018 - 07:51

Do ESB Calculations Apply When Filing A Restricted Application For Spousal Benefits?

Do ESB calculations apply when filing a Restricted Application for Spousal Benefit? I am approaching 66 (my wife is 2 years older and no longer working). I still work and make significantly more than my wife did. I would like to file a restricted application and wait until 70 to file for full benefits. Will I get 50% of my wife's FRA or will it be subject to the ESB calculation?

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, August 6, 2018 - 16:37

Which PIA Is Used To Calculate Excess Spousal Benefits?

Say a spouse takes early retirement on her own record (say at 62), and then converts to the spousal benefit when her husband files for benefits. My understanding is that the spousal benefit is calculated based upon 50% of husband's PIA less spouse's PIA, (less additional reduction if spouse is less than FRA) and that this amount is added (if positive) back to spouses current payment. My questions are 1) is spouse's PIA used in above calculation locked in at 62 when she first begins getting early payments, or can it still grow with inflation adjustments?

Posted: 
Sunday, August 5, 2018 - 10:44

Am I Correct That I Can Begin Taking Spousal Benefits At Age 62 Without Any Effect On My Future SS Benefits?

I am 62 (born 6/13/56) and my husband is 76 and on SS. Am I understanding correctly that I can begin taking a spousal benefit without any affect on my future SS benefits, or any effect on my spouses continued benefit?

Hi,

No, your understanding is not correct. If you file for spousal benefits you will also be deemed to be filing for your own Social Security retirement benefits. And, you will only receive what is essentially the higher of those 2 rates and your benefit amount will be reduced for age if you apply before your full retirement age.

Posted: 
Tuesday, July 31, 2018 - 10:11

If I Start My Own Benefits At Age 62 Will I Still Get Half Of My Husband's Benefit Amount When He Retires?

Our actual Social security statements were used for these figures:
My birth year (wife) 1956; Estimated benefit at full retirement is $1340/month. Estimated benefit at age 62 is $988/month. I want to retire at age 62.
Husband's birth year 1957; Estimated benefit at full retirement is $2871/month. He plans on retiring at full retirement age of 66 and 6 months.

Posted: 
Friday, July 27, 2018 - 09:31

Can I File On My Wife's SSDI Record And Leave Mine To Grow Until I'm Age 70?

my wife is 56 and drawing SSDI $850 befor medicare. im 66 and the high earner ,can i flle on her social security and leave mine to grow till im 70. we been married 25 years

Hi,

If you're now age 66, which would be full retirement age (FRA), you could definitely file just for spousal benefits only on your wife's record while letting your own retirement benefit rate grow until age 70. However, there is a special family maximum benefit (FMB) rate that applies to disability (SSDI) records which can limit spousal benefits to as little as zero.

Posted: 
Thursday, July 26, 2018 - 07:28

How Would Filing For Child In Care Spousal Benefits Affect My Wife's Future Benefits On Her Own Record?

I will be 66 next month and my wife is 59. Based on our earnings we will both receive ~$2400 at FRA. We have a disabled adult child with Down syndrome living at home. I understand that once I file for benefits my wife is eligible for a spousal benefit when caring for my DAC at any age (as is my child). I don't understand how that impacts her future benefit based on her own work record since she will start to receive spousal benefits before 62 let alone her FRA of 66 10 months. I plan to take my benefit on my 66 birthday (FRA).

Posted: 
Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - 10:12

Is The Social Security Representative Correct In This Case?

Client A is disabled and stopped working years ago. He started claiming benefits 4 years ago. His wife Client B applied at age 62 (Nov 2014) a month before he received disability benefits to claim her benefits on her record. Now 4 yrs later they are both approaching FRA 66 yrs. Client A just voluntarily suspended his benefits (as he was trying to avoid disability turning into retirement benefits) so he can claim DRC. He plans to turn them back on at age 70.

Posted: 
Thursday, July 19, 2018 - 17:35
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