Ask Larry

Can I Take Less Than The Full Amount Of My Widow's Benefits?

I have recently been given widowers survival Social Security Benefits. The added amount of 439 dollars has taken me off medical. If I only took 200 dollars from social security I'd be okay. Can I take only half of what's being offered?

Hi,

You are permitted waive your entire benefit under certain circumstances (https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0202409001), but as far as I know, there is no option for waiving only a portion of your benefit other than the amount necessary to pay Medicare premiums.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 3 2017 - 10:12pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.