If I'm Drawing My Own Benefits And My Husband Dies, Can I Draw From His Social Security?
I'm 61 and I'm looking to retire in a year at 62 (DOB: 4/7/1958). I understand that I will be drawing my SS at a reduced rate. My question is, with my husband being 5 years older (66) if he was to pass away later (heaven forbid) could I then draw from his SS or do I have to continue to draw from mine.
Hi,
Yes, you could potentially qualify for widow's benefits if your husband dies after you start drawing your benefits and his benefit rate is higher than yours. You wouldn't simply switch from your own benefits to widow's benefits in that event, . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Apr 13 2019 - 2:05pm
Can I Still Receive Widow's Benefits If I Enter Into A Domestic Partnership Prior To Age 60?
I am 59. A widow. If I entered in a domestic partnership can I still receive widow benefits
Hi,
Yes, as long as your domestic partnership isn't considered as a legal marriage under the laws of your state. And, of course, you'd also need to meet the other requirements for widow's benefits, which can be found in the following section of Social Security's handbook: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html.
You may want to strongly consider . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Apr 13 2019 - 1:52pm
Can My Social Security Credits Be Transferred To My Railroad Pension?
i went on a railroad occupational disability in 2006 (after 29 years).i have a part time job making 9000 a year and i m having social security taking out. Could those social security credits be transferred to my railroad retirement disabilty pension? i was born in 1955
Hi,
My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, and not Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits. I do know that the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) can use your Social Security covered earnings to calculate Tier 1 RR benefits, but I don't know if that would have any effect the . . . Read More
Category: Railroad Retirement Benefits
Posted: Apr 12 2019 - 5:48pm
If I Get Married And Die Before My Wife Will She Be Able To Collect Half Of My Benefits When She Reaches A Certain Age?
I am a widower for over 2 years (my wife passed away) and I have been collecting my social security benefit for 6 years.
I have been seeing and may marry a woman much younger (she is 46 years old) and she has never worked. She is just getting her US citizenship. I don't want her to work now, since I'm now retired.
Assuming I die before her, will she be able to collect 1/2 of my benefits when she turns a certain age?
Hi,
If you marry and your wife is either a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, then she could potentially qualify for . . . Read More
Category: Widow's Benefits
Posted: Apr 12 2019 - 7:36am
Will I See An Increase In My Survivor Benefit Rate If Some Of My Benefits Were Withheld Due To The Earnings Test?
I receive survivor benefits, and had 18 months withheld due to the earnings test. I'm 66 now (FRA). Will I see an increase in my benefit to recover what was withheld? I know this is the case for an individuals regular benefit but have not seen an answer regarding survivor benefit. I turned 66 5 months ago.
Hi,
If you're receiving survivor benefits that are reduced for age if you start drawing them early, such as widow's or surviving divorced spousal benefits, then yes your benefit rate will be recomputed to remove the percentage reduction in your . . . Read More
Category: Recomputations
Posted: Apr 11 2019 - 4:50pm
Which Month Should I Choose?
Hi Sir, I bought the Maxifi software and will be inputting data this weekend. Could you clear something up for me please? My birthday is 9 March 1951 and I plan on retiring at the 69 years old point. Do I request to start receiving benefits 1 March or do I roll into April since April is my first full month 69 year old birthday? I can't get much off the internet except 'pick your birthday date carefully' .. thank you for you help in advance.
Hi,
Social Security will consider you to be age 69 for the full month of March. You don't have to actually be . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Apr 11 2019 - 10:15am
Is There Any Way To Get The Correct Information About My Benefits?
I will be 70 in August2019, and will be drawing my benefit at that time. I am a retired Firefighter and am subject to the WEP. I have 22 years of Substantial Earnings. I have an appointment to apply for benefits on April 29,2019, but don't really trust them to give me the best advice or amount I will receive. Is there a way to get the correct information on these questions so I know I am getting the straight story from them?
Also, I can't seem to figure out how much my wife's spousal benefit might be at her FRA, based on my WEP. Would it be based on my benefit amount at . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Apr 11 2019 - 9:48am
What Month Should We Choose?
Wife reaches FRA in August 2019. Born 8-15-1953. I am younger and the higher earner. Born 12-15-1955. The best strategy for us is to file simultaneously so she can file a restricted application for spousal benefit and let her benefit grow. The question is; what month should we do this. Does August count as a FRA month (first payments in September) or do we have to wait until the month after (first payment in October)? Very clear that if claiming at 62 it is the month after, but at FRA it seems the actual month of the birthday is okay for both restricted claim and without a . . . Read More
Category: Filing Options
Posted: Apr 11 2019 - 8:38am
Where Should I Start If I've Experienced Abuse At A Social Security Office?
Hi,
On June 5,2019 I will be 66. At the Social Security office just last Monday I was discriminated based on lock in proficiency in English and age. I dint know that there is a difference between pension and social security .I thought it was the same. When I went to apply for full benefit there was a question if you have pension and I answered "yes" and the abuse started right here. I have a story to tell about SSA employee and supervisor abusive behavior after i was misled with in formations I was provided by them. I'm looking for attorney to handle this case. This is an . . . Read More
Category: Miscellaneous
Posted: Apr 11 2019 - 8:30am
Should I Postpone My Benefits Until Age 70?
Hi,
I will be 66 on June 5,2019. I applied for full retirement social security just 3 weeks ago and my application is in the process. My estimated SS benefit will be $ 1217/month. Should I postpend until 70 ? . Also, am in relationship with my fiancé living together for 8 years. We could get married at any time but I was told by SS supervisor to wait until I reach 66 to be able to get his 100% SS benefits in case he die. He took his SS at 62 he is 82 now and receives $ 2600/month . Should I suspend my SS until 70 and get married and apply for spousal benefit at 66 rather . . . Read More
Category: Filing Strategies
Posted: Apr 11 2019 - 8:04am
