Ask Larry: Questions and Answers | BAM - Maximize My Social Security

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Could I Collect Survivor Benefits If My Ex Dies And Then Switch To Mine At Age 70?

I have been divorced from a man I was married to for 18 years. He is 11 years older than me, so will most likely pass before I do. I am self employed, 61, and plan to work to age 70, when I will hopefully collect a larger SSA check. Am I able to collect his widow benefits once he passes and then switch to mine at age 70? He could already be gone, as we do not keep contact. How could I find out his status, if I am able to collect widow benefits? Thank you!

Hi,

Yes, since you're already at least age 60, if your ex dies you could file just for surviving . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: May 11 2020 - 10:40am

Would I Be Eligible For Survivor Benefits On My Ex's Account, Or Spousal Benefits?

Hi Larry,

Last year when I turned 66, I did a file and suspend on my benefit to claim 1/2 of my current spouse's Social Security which was very minimal. My current spouse passed away and I was switched to survivor benefit on his record which was a very small amount. Social Security asked me if I had been previously married for longer than 10 years.

I had been married for 14 years so they asked me to provide them the documentation of our marriage and divorce. In the meantime, my ex-husband passed away. Does that mean I would be eligible for survivor benefits on his . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: May 11 2020 - 10:13am

Will My Wife Be Able To Collect My Social Security Check If I Die?

If and when I pass away will my wife be able to collect my social security check which is much greater then hers

Hi,

Your wife couldn't collect your actual Social Security check after your death, but she might be able to qualify for survivor benefits on your record. If you die before your wife and if she is at least full retirement age (FRA) at that time, she could be paid the higher of a) her own benefit rate, or b) at least the full amount that you were drawing (https:// . . . Read More

Category: Survivor Benefits
Posted: May 11 2020 - 10:04am

When Is The Best Time For Me To Start Collecting Benefits?

I am 64 years old and married with two small children. I am well off financially and am wondering when the best time would be to start collecting Soc.Security. My wife is 20 years younger.
Thank you.!

Hi,

I can't make that decision for you, but here are some things to consider. The sooner you start drawing before age 70, the lower your monthly benefit rate will be. And, starting your benefits early could mean lower widow's benefits for your wife.

On the other hand, your children could only qualify for child's benefits if you're drawing . . . Read More

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: May 11 2020 - 9:54am

Are There Places Where I Can Get A Loan?

I am on Social Security and single. I don't have a bank account. Are there places where I can get a loan?

Hi,

I'm sorry, but I'm unable to answer your question. I can only answer questions about Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: May 11 2020 - 9:52am

Does My Son Have Retroactive Money Waiting To Be Collected?

My son was born in the us 1979 at an early age I had to send him to my parents so I can work, he is grown now, I use to get an allowance for him monthly but since he was not in the us , I stopped getting it does he have retro money's waiting to be collected. I have his social security card.

Hi,

If by 'allowance' you're referring to Social Security child's benefits, then most likely your son's benefits would have been sent to your parents while he was living with them. Social Security appoints a representative payee to handle benefits on behalf of . . . Read More

Category: Representative Payee
Posted: May 11 2020 - 9:43am

Could I File For My Own Benefits At Age 60 And Then Switch To Widower Benefits At Age 62?

My wife born in 1952 passed away in 2011. She was 9 years older than I. I will be turning 60 in Jan of 2021. My social security is less than hers. I am wondering if I can draw on mine at age 60 than switch and draw on hers after I turn 62.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

No, the earliest that you could collect your own Social Security retirement benefits is at age 62. The only way that you could draw benefits on your own record before then is if you're disabled and you qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.

Depending how . . . Read More

Category: Filing Options
Posted: May 11 2020 - 8:33am

If I Return To Work And Stop Collecting SSDI Can I Delay My Retirement Benefits Until Age 70?

I am 58, and I have been collecting SSDI since 50. My full retirement age is 67. If I go back to work and stop collecting SSDI, am I eligible to delay my social security retirement benefits to age 70?

Hi,

Yes. If your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit entitlement is terminated prior to your full retirement age (FRA), you would be free to file for your Social Security retirement benefits whenever you wish.

However, even if your SSDI doesn't terminate and converts to regular Social Security retirement benefits at FRA, you could . . . Read More

Category: Disability Benefits
Posted: May 9 2020 - 5:46pm

Has Anyone At The Federal Level Considered Reducing This Year's Substantial Earnings Amount Given The Current Economy?

Larry, I continue to work, have a small monthly pension from a state retirement fund and am collecting Social Security benefits. My monthly SSA benefit checks are reduced somewhat with the WEP based on my state (CO) retirement pension. I have been whittling that WEP deduction down each year by continuing to work and currently have logged 27 years of Substantial Earnings, with three to go before that WEP deduction is completely eliminated. I see that the published Substantial Earnings (SE) minimum for 2020 is $25575. Due to the Coronavirus shutdowns, I am going to be out of work . . . Read More

Category: Non-Covered Pension - WEP / GPO
Posted: May 8 2020 - 5:23pm

Can My Ex-Wife Receive Half Of My Benefit When She Turns 62?

I reach full retirement age (66) in September and will take social security benefits. My ex-wife (married 20 years) turns 62 in October. Can she receive half of my benefit at that time? She is employed on a part-time basis and would not meet the income penalty threshold.

Hi,

Your ex-spouse's potential divorced spousal benefit rate wouldn't amount to a full half of your benefit amount if she applies at age 62. Unreduced divorced spousal benefits are calculated at 50% of the worker's primary insurance amount (PIA) if the divorced spouse claims the . . . Read More

Category: Divorced Spousal Benefits
Posted: May 8 2020 - 10:36am

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