Ask Larry

What Happens Now That I've Switched From Widow's Benefits To Retirement Benefits?

I am now receiving Widow beneficiary of my late husband is $1344 a month , and is 65
Years old , and just working full time last September, 2017 , with gross pay is $1500 a month . But this month My benefits has changed for retirement benefits.
Do my benefits deduction on ? And have my SSA check increased when I pay for Social security, Federal tax and Medicare withholding by my employer?
Thanks .

Hi,

My understanding is that you've been receiving widow's benefits and you recently applied for higher retirement benefits on your own record. If that's the case, you may want to consider withdrawing your application for retirement benefits and reapplying for them when you reach age 70. Your retirement benefit rate would continue to increase until you reach age 70, but only if you wait until then to file for them.

You may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore your filing options and determine your best strategy.

If you are already receiving your retirement benefits and you choose to continue to do so your 2017 earnings could increase your benefit rate effective January 2018, but only if your 2017 earnings are higher than one of your previous 35 highest indexed earnings years (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf). If Medicare premiums were being deducted from your widow's benefits, those deductions will continue when you start drawing on your own record.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Oct 10 2017 - 1:52pm
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