My husband of 11/2 years took SS retirement benefits at age 62, and he will be 69 this year. I am 58 and plan to delay filing for my benefits until age 70. I am a much higher earner. When can my husband get spousal benefits on my earnings record? Thanks, Melissa
Hi Melissa,
The soonest that your husband could potentially qualify for spousal benefits from your record is when you start drawing either Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Best, Jerry
Why is it taking the IRS so long to give people on Social Security the stimulus checks if they are getting our information from the Social Security Office because I did my information in March and still haven't seen anything at all
Hi,
I'm sorry, but my expertise is limited to Social Security benefits. I'm unable to answer any questions about stimulus payments. Here is a link to IRS's website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information- . . . Read More
Can my wife file for S/S off of me at 62
Hi,
Possibly. Your wife could apply for spousal benefits as early as age 62 provided that you're drawing your benefits. However, if your wife applies for spousal benefits she'll be deemed to be applying for her own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, and she could only be paid essentially the higher of those 2 benefit rates. Also, if your wife is working and earning too much, then some or all of her benefits may need to be withheld until she reaches full retirement age (FRA) due to the . . . Read More
Hi Larry - I read your article, "Social Security is Shortchanging Widows and Widowers" and it feels really like its a happening thing. I am a widower as of 2017, received the initial death benefit when I filed and began receiving survivor benefits as I was the caretaker of two children under the age of 16. Earlier this year (before this COVID-19 struck), I received a letter from the SSA stating I would no longer be receiving benefits (as caretaker), because my daughter was turning sixteen in May. Yet, I was also turning 60 in May 2020. The letter stated I may be entitled to . . . Read More
I will be 69 come January 2021. If I ask for 6 months retro retirement payments, what payment amount will I get going forward from January 2021? (Age 68.5 or age 69 rate). Thanks
Gary
Hi Gary,
If you turn 69 in January 2021 and if you apply in that month and request 6 months of back pay, you'll get the monthly benefit rate that you would have received if you'd started drawing your benefits effective with July 2020. So in other words, you'd get your age 68.5 rate. Asking for retroactive benefits after reaching full retirement age (FRA) simply . . . Read More
Hello Larry and Jerry
Thanks for your previous good advice on the effects a UK state pension has on WEP. I see there is legislation being proposed to discontinue WEP. What's your thoughts on the chances of it passing? And would it be advantageous to a UK state pension beneficiary?
I read conflicting reports on the maximum rates of WEP. is it a maximum of 50% of the UK state pension?
Is my entitlement to SS affected by the fact I have now given up my green card and "expatriated" to UK and Australia.
Thanks
Clive
Hi Clive, . . . Read More
Hi Larry:
My wife is 62 retired and of course NO salary. If she asks for her reduced SS benefits, I know her benefits won't be affected even my salary is a low six figure . My question: Should I (at 64 y/o and not at FRA), ask for spouse benefits?
Hi,
You can't file for spousal benefits without also being required to file for your own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. You could then only be paid essentially the higher of your own benefit rate or your spousal rate, and your benefit rate would be reduced for age if you claim . . . Read More
FRA is 66 and 2 months if you were born in 1955 but it also says if you are a survivor born in 1955 then you FRA is only 66 which. age applies to the earnings test I am currently collecting widows benefits and turn 66 on 11/15/2021 so I want to know if I can return to work full time on 1/1/21 and not be subject to the earnings test or do I have to wait until my birthday Thanks Judi
Hi Judi,
No. For earnings test purposes, Social Security goes by a person's full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security retirement benefits, not necessarily their FRA . . . Read More
Hello. My husband of 20yrs passed away June 4,2016 he was on social security . Ok I'm on full disability since 2012 When he passed away I never received the $251 from his death nor do I draw off of him each month. The ppl at social security office told me I had to wait til I was 50 or 55 and I'm only 46... Please help m whay do I need to do.
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
Unless you have a child in your care who is under age 16 or disabled and who's eligible for benefits on your deceased husband's record, then it's true that the earliest that you . . . Read More
You answered my question on July 4th and gave me a link to the supporting SSA document. However, the section (D. 1) that says you convert the foreign pension to US dollars was under "Procedure - Non-Totalization Pensions". The CPP is part of the Totalization Agreement. Does it still apply? I still cannot find anywhere where SSA designates that. To review, my initial question to you was titled Is the WEP Gurantee based on US Dollars
Hi,
Yes, it still applies. A 'totalization benefit' is a benefit that's based on combined work credits from more than . . . Read More
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