Can I Collect Spousal Benefits At My FRA?
Larry I will be 66 on Feb 1st and have been collecting my own SS for 1 year (Feb 2022). My husband is 66 and collects his SS Can I collect spousal benefit at my FRA (66 & 6 months). And if I can what percentage? It’s all so confusing to me. Thanks June
Hi June. The only way that you could qualify for spousal benefits while you husband is living is if your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as your own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2022 - 2:18pm
What Should I Do?
My survivor benefits were cut after 4-5 yrs, I care for our daughter who has a Disability and is 17yrs old and still attending High School. Also she have other 3 kids all over 18 that doesn’t attend high school and never Graduated what should I do
Hi. Child in care survivor benefits can potentially be paid to the deceased worker's widow or surviving ex-spouse if they have a child of the worker in their care who is either under age 16 or disabled. If the 17 year old you're caring for is eligible for child benefits then you can ask Social Security to make a . . . Read More
Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2022 - 8:11am
Are The Social Security Employees I've Spoken With Correct?
I want to postpone my RIB until 70 years of age. My FRA is 66, 4 months. However, if I start receiving disability at age 65 and 4 months, it will automatically convert to RIB when I attain FRA. I've seen language in the POMS that states you can suspend your RIB anytime between FRA and 70. Howver, my local Social Security office says before I can do that, I must first withdraw from my disability (within the first 12 months), pay it back, and then suspend my RIB - doesn't matter if I'm at FRA or later. I've spoken to 5 different employess there and always get that answer. Who is . . . Read More
Category: Suspending Retirement Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2022 - 7:49am
How Can I Get My Application Filed?
I have been trying to get my social security retirement benefits for 4 weeks 4 weeks I have been lying to on the phone I on the phone I've been sent the wrong passcodes to try to get in the Internet now I'm completely locked out and I can only can do it via phone which they tell me somebody will call me and nobody has it's been a month and I have gotten nowhere
Hi. I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble applying, but until Social Security reopens their offices there's no alternatives other than filing online or by phone. If you're unable to file . . . Read More
Category: Filing For Benefits
Posted: Jan 16 2022 - 7:41am
Can I Still Get Survivor Benefits If My Husband And I Weren't Living Together?
My husband recently passed away. I filed for benefits we didn't currently live together.
Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Being separated from your spouse at the time of their death wouldn't prevent you from qualifying for widow(er) benefits provided that you meet the other requirements. The full requirements for widow(er) benefits are outlined in the following section of Social Security's handbook: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html.
You . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Jan 15 2022 - 4:27pm
Should I Have Been Drawing Spousal Benefits?
Hi Larry. I am someway confused and need some help . My husband of 40+ years filed for divorce. He was born latter part of 1954 and I was born in 1958.
I will spare you the drastic details as it really has no bearing on your answers. It’s a circus more or less, and it appears my spouse is determined to leave me with nothing whether it be possessions or any income. I honestly don’t have a clue as to why but nonetheless it’s the case.
Currently both of us collect disability retirement. Yes both of us are disabled but in different capacities. Should I have been . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 15 2022 - 2:03pm
Can You Tell Me More About Combining Accounts?
Hi there - both my husband and I are disabled and have been for 9 and 6 years, respectively. We receive SSDI from our own record - he receives $2000 and I receive $1500. We also have 6 children who receive auxiliary benefits only: 4 under my husbands work record get 250 each and 2 under my work record get 375 each. I was told that our accounts can be combined to allow more benefits for our children. Can you tell me more about this?
Hi. What you're referring to is a combined family maximum benefit (CFMB). Combining the family maximums from two or more accounts can potentially allow . . . Read More
Category: Family Benefit Maximum
Posted: Jan 15 2022 - 12:08pm
Will I Receive A Full 50% Spousal Benefit If I File Now At Age 65?
I am 65 (1956), my husband has been collecting SS since he turned 70 (1948). Will I receive full 50% of spousal benefit now or do I have to be 66 +months to receive the full 50% benefit?
Hi. No. You would need to wait until you reach your full retirement age (FRA) in order to receive a full 50% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA). If you start drawing before your FRA, your benefit rate will be reduced for age. And, if you have at least 40 Social Security earnings credits you won't be able to apply for spousal benefits without applying for . . . Read More
Category: Spousal Benefits
Posted: Jan 15 2022 - 11:55am
Am I Able To Collect On My Ex-Husband's Social Security And Delay Taking My Own Until Age 70?
Larry for a person born in 1956 am I able to collect on my ex husbands social security.We we’re married more than 10 yrs.I am still working and would like to delay taking my SS until I’m 70)asking for a friend)
Hi. No, assuming that your ex-spouse is still living. Only people who were born prior to January 2 1954 were allowed to file for spousal or divorced spousal benefits without being required to apply for their own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time (https://www. . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Jan 15 2022 - 11:51am
Should I Do Anything If I Own A Business And Receive Disability Benefits?
I went on SSI in 2017 after being diagnosed with absense seizures. 5 years later I am retested and notified that I was misdiagnosed. I purchased a small motel 3 years ago and have staff for daily upkeep. I do not receive income thru payroll or salary but have a net income for the business which is reported . H& R has been doing my taxs which includes net thru corporation and SSI payments. Should I do anything?
Hi. Yes, it certainly sounds like you need to tell Social Security about your motel operation. Any effect that operating the motel might have on . . . Read More
Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: Jan 15 2022 - 11:39am
