Ask Larry

Survivor Benefits

Was I Legally Divorced?

I was married in March 1977 my spouse filed for divorce in July 11, 1983 the court acquired jurisdiction on august 15, 1983 an interloculatory judgement of Dissolution of marriage was filed Jan 11, 1984 neither my spouse or I filed for final Judgement which the court paper copies I have say one of us must do for the final dissolution of the marriage I have a faded copy notice of the notice of entry of judgement clerks certificate of mailing Feb 17 1984 which is a notice of entry of judgement but neither of us filed that. So was I divorced or is that standard with the courts?

Posted: 
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 14:20

What Will My Mom's Benefit Be If My Dad Dies Before Her?

Both my parents are 80. My dad worked 30 years and is getting around $1100 in social security, my mom never worked and is getting $500 spousal benefit—- they are married for over 50 years. If Dad dies what would my never worked mom’s benefit be? And if mom dies, would her $500 spousal benefit stop and Dad would just have his own benefit?

Posted: 
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - 11:48

Is Filing To Be Representative Payee For My Mother The Only Way To Get Survivor Benefits?

After my dad passed away in march, we later found out none of us are on record. And because of this my mother nor me (son) cant get survivor benefits. They gave me one option where i need a letter from her doctor saying she is unfit to handle own finances and i would be her representative payee. Is this the only way to get the benefits? Time is creeping by and after 2 months no extra monies are coming in. Our rent and other bill paying may be in jeopardy come june. This first time for me handling everything that my dad used to do.

Posted: 
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - 12:01

If My Spouse Takes Spousal Benefits Early, Would That Cause Her Survivor Rate To Also Be Reduced Even If I Die After She Reaches Her Full Retirement Age?

If my spouse starts taking the spousal benefit early, prior to her full retirement age of 66 and 10 months, then if I pass away and she converts to survivor benefit after her full retirement age, is her survivor benefit reduced from having taken the spousal benefit early? If my spouse starts taking the spousal benefit early, prior to her full retirement age of 66 and 10 months, then if I pass away and she converts to survivor benefit after her full retirement age, is her survivor benefit reduced from having taken the spousal benefit early?

Posted: 
Monday, April 24, 2023 - 08:40

How Much Would My Wife's Survivor Benefit Amount Be If I Die Before Taking Benefits?

I am 68 years old and still waiting to begin collecting SS benefits. My wife is also past FRA and is collecting her benefits. My latest SS statement shows my spouse's survivor benefit being what I calculate to be my current PIA. I calculate my current PIA to be what it was in 2021 (when I turned 66 and 2 months) multiplied by the last two years inflation factors of 5.9% in 2022 and 8.7% in 2023. Indeed, using this calculated PIA yields the same result at 70 ( which for me is 46 months of 2/3% per month increase) as what my SS statement shows.

Posted: 
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - 07:41
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.