Ask Larry

Spousal Benefits

What Are My Wife's Options?

Hello, I am 69 , my wife is 64. I have been drawing ss disability benefits since I was 62. My wife has not yet applied for her benefiting. She didn't work outside the home much during our 45 years of marriage. Her own ss benefit is $150 or so per month. The local ss office lady told us that when she applies for ss benefits at age 66, she would get 75% of my benefits. I asked ,what about her own benefits and she said , since I was the higher earner they would have to use my earnings to calculate what she gets I guess the $150 gets tossed out the window. Is this correct ?

Posted: 
Sunday, November 5, 2017 - 08:46

Can I Get Something From My Husband's Benefits Now?

I turned 60 last July 2017, i was denied disability because I didn't have enought credits and I hadn't worked in more than 10 years. I hadn't worked in 15 yrs, I was a stay at home Mom. I went before an Administrator Judge and he said I was disabled but I was denied SSI because my husband owns a vacation rental. Can I get something from my husbands benefits, he went on Social Security in April 2016. Or do I have to wait until I'm 62 to get anything.

Hi,

Posted: 
Saturday, October 28, 2017 - 08:06

How Will My Spousal Benefit Be Calculated?

Both my wife and I were 64 y/o in April 2016. She took her own retirement benefit at age 63 activating her Early Retirement Deductions. Now I have reached FRA and plan on taking my spousal benefit. Our plan is that we will continue this way until I higher income earner) reach 70 y/o at which time I will take my retirement benefit and she will take her spousal benefit from my benefit. Questions:
1) on p 56 in your book, you point out my spousal benefit now will be based on her full retirement benefit, not her reduced retirement from taking s.s. at age 63? Correct?

Posted: 
Saturday, October 28, 2017 - 07:23

Should I Take Spousal Benefits Now Or Wait?

Should I take spousal benefits now or wait? I am 62, my husband is 85. He took his SS benefit at full retirement. I have not worked enough to receive my own benefits now or later. I still lack 5 points. I do not anticipate working in the next two years however if my husband were to die before I reach age 66 I would need to work again. Should I take the spousal benefit now while he is living and if so how would this affect both my widows benefit and medicare coverage at age 65. Some direction is most appreciated.

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 - 05:42

Can My Husband Get Half Of My Benefit Rate?

Hello,
I am 60 and began drawing Social Security Disability due to a rare cancer in May 2017. My husband is 67 and has been drawing his social security benefit since he was age 62. My disability benefit is $1968.00 and my husband's is $479.00 Could my husband's benefit be figured to receive half of my benefit at this time?
Thank you,
Gail

Hi Gail,

He wouldn't get a full half of your benefit rate, but it sounds like he would probably qualify for some additional spousal benefits.

Posted: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 - 05:21

Would There Be A Reduction In The Spousal Rate If My Wife Is FRA When I File?

My wife filed for SS at age 64. I'm 63 and have not filed. I'm aware of the deemed provision but since I've not filed yet would there be a reduction in the 50% calculation if I waited until she was FRA before I filed?
I'm not sure but I think if I were to file before her FRA it would reduce her spousal portion to whatever percentage reduction based on her age at the time I file.

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, October 20, 2017 - 05:53

Am I Eligible For Any Benefits?

I have no benefit earned by working in the US, I became a citizen recently, but my American wife who is entitled to benefits she is 63, but at this time gets disability benefit, plus a pension from FIU , changed her mind about us living in the UK where I can apply for a visa for her and for the cost of under $ 800 per year she would get full medical coverage .
I am 70 years old, if we stay in the US can I receive some financial benefit from here SSA entitlements ?

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 06:51

Can My Wife Get Benefits On My Record Now?

I'm 55 years old with a good career hoping to work till at least 67 but likely 70. My spouse is turning 67 soon and has to decide whether to take social security or wait till 70. My estimated payouts are a lot higher than my spouses. Is there any option for my spouse to claim spousal social security benefits from my contributions and projected benefits? I thought I read somewhere that my spouse could claim 50% of my estimated benefits instead of my spouses own benefits. Is this or something similar possible while I am still working and not retired yet? Thanks!!

Posted: 
Friday, October 13, 2017 - 05:00

Will I Qualify For Child In Care Benefits When My Husband Starts Drawing His Benefits?

HI Larry,
My husband and I have a disable child who is 21yr. who is currently receiving SSI. My husband is 7 yrs older than I am. When my husband retired at 66yr I will be 59yr. I have never worked so will not be receiving SS on my own record. Will I be able to qualify for caregiver's benefit? If so will that amount be permanently reduce since I will not be FRA and will not qualify for spousal benefit till 62?

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, October 9, 2017 - 16:28
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