Is spousal benefit based on the other spouse’s benefit amount at FRA, or on the other spouse’s benefit amount at the time the spousal benefit is claimed? My husband started collecting SS when he was 62. I plan to keep working and delay filing for myself until I am 70. My retired husband won’t be due any spousal benefit based on my SS account at my FRA, because his current benefit is more than 50% of what my benefit would be at FRA. However, I am entering my highest earning years and plan to delay collecting SS, so my benefit at age 70 will be quite a lot higher.

Larry,

I am asking a general question for an elderly neighbor. She is currently widowed and collecting her deceased husband's benefit. We were discussing finances when I brought up that I was collecting a spousal benefit in addition to my own because I didn't work for many years while raising children. She told me that she never knew of a spousal benefit and even though she didn't work for many years she only collected her own benefit while her husband was living.

This question is about how social security applies the early retirement reductions in the case of a re-marriage. I began claiming at 62 and am collecting both my own and a divorced spouse retirement benefit, both of which were reduced for claiming early at 62. I am now at full retirement age (66) and looking to get married. After I have been married for 1 year and I apply for spousal benefits from my new spouse who is 69, are these benefits reduced as well because I started initially receiving benefits at 62?

Hi,

Hi! I was born in 1960 and receive social security disability. My husband was born in 1952. He turns 66 next month. Can he apply for a spousal benefit based on my receiving benefits and suspend his application to.allow his benefit amount to increase? How much will his spousal benefit be if my amount is about $800?

Hi,

I am 77 but I claimed my retirement at 62, my Husband claimed his at age 66 he is now 83. When I applied they told me I could only claim my own which at that time was approx 650, When my husband claimed his it was about 2000. I went to the social security comm and they told me I could not claim any part of his. It has stayed this way, however after ready some more am I entitled to mine and the difference of his, (his 2000 - 1000- 650=350 added ?

Hi,

Hi Larry - Just finished the book Get What’s Yours (revised edition). Took 6 pages of notes! Still having trouble getting my arms (or brain) around everything. One question I have. I am currently 66 - born in April of 1952, so I was 62 before January 2nd 2016. My wife turns 62 this July of 2018. Can I claim benefits under her & wait until I am 70 to collect. Then allow her to collect 50% of my benefit at age 70 when she turns 66?

Hi,

Larry I am 54 1/2 I work full time (23 years)but I am also caregiver for my husband who is disabled from double lung transplant my question is if I have to stop working to take care of him will I still qualify for early social security at 62? And should I be widowed would I qualify for Widows benefits at 60? it is so confusing!

Hi,

My husband has been receiving his full SS benefits for some years now. His disabled daughter is also getting payments under his benefits. I turn 66 in March 2019 and my plan is to apply for benefits under my husband’s until I turn 70 when I would then apply for my own benefits. My question is whether I receive decreased benefits under my husband’s, since his disabled daughter is already receiving benefits through him?

Hi,

Hi Larry. I haven't found the answer to this specific question anywhere. If my wife was already receiving spousal benefits which she started at age 62, if I die before she reaches FRA at age 67, would she continue to receive spousal benefits off of my record until her FRA, when she can then switch to Survivor Benefits at an unreduced rate? Thanks, Cliff

Hi Cliff,