I have a question about the relationship of survivor's benefits and spousal benefits. Suppose that the facts are these: (1) I am 64, and I have been taking my spousal benefit since 62, (2) my spousal benefit is greater than my own retirement benefit, and (3) my husband passes away at 72. I want to wait until FRA before taking my survivor's benefit to maximize its value. In the meantime, can I keep my spousal benefit even though my husband is dead, or will my social security benefit revert to my own retirement benefit which is less than my spousal benefit?

My husband is 75 years old and was on SSDI for years before being converted to regular social security at his full retirement age. He used to be my dependent before we married in 2008. We have been together for 24 years.

I am currently 65, with a DOB in August 1954. My original plan was to retire at FRA in August 2020. But in Jan 2019 I required surgery on my left hand and right elbow and was no longer able to practice after 44 years as a physical therapist.

I am 61 , my ex husband is 56. We are divorced but were married for 20 years. Hiss income is and was higher than mine during our lifetime as I stayed home many years to raise children. If I claim my benefits at 62 will I be able to switch to spousal benefits later when he becomes eligible? And how do I determine which is higher: mine or my spousal amount or is that determined automatically by SSA?

Hi,

My wife receives SSA Disability Benefits ($948). She is (aage 60) 1 year younger than I am (age 59). If I start my benefits at FRA (age 67), will she be eligible to receive Spousal Benefits on my amount ($2617) instead?

Hi,

Hi Larry, we enjoy your "Get What's Yours…" book, and would appreciate your advice. I was born in Oct. 1954, so I am not eligible for spousal benefits, but my wife (born in Nov. 1953) is eligible for "restricted" ones and she is 66. We both would like to receive our maximal SS benefits at 70, but we need some additional income before we reach 70. If I claim and suspend (until 70) my SS retirement benefits now (at 65) or in October 2020 (when I am 66, FRA), can my wife apply for her spousal benefit to receive 50% of what I am entitled?

I was born in 1959. I've been married for 1 year and 2 months. My husband collected Social Security benefits at that time. My husband passed away and after 6 years I re-married. I'm still working, but I consider retirement because of my health issues and according to SS website, my benefits would be really low because my income was low in the past and then I fell sick fighting for my life, missed work. My question is: can I claim Social Security benefits on behalf of my current husband now and when I reach 67 to claim on behalf of my 1st late husband?

I am 74 and claimed SS benefits at 70. My wife was born 3/26/1958. If she files for spousal benefits at age 62 + 1 month (reduced amount, I know), when she files for her regular benefits at her FRA, will those benefits also be reduced because of the early filing for spousal benefits?

Hi,

I turned 62 in August of 2019. I just applied for early retirement in January 2020. I was told by a friend that they would go back to August and start my benefits but January of 2020 was my option to start. Can you please clarify for me?

Hi,

I am 62 & my husband is 68. He plans to delay taking social security until he is 70. Can I take social security now based on my own earnings & then switch to taking half of my husband's benefit (based on his earnings) when he begins taking social security benefits at age 70? Is my benefit then based on what his benefit would have been at his full retirement age (66) or what he will get by waiting until he is 70?

Hi,

I will be 67 in February 2020. My husband will be 70 in May 2021. He did not file and suspend in 2016. My SS benefits at 70 will be less than half of my husbands full benefit. After reading your book, I believe should take Spousal benefits when he files for SS benefits at 70. My question is: Can I file for my SS benefits in February of this year and switch to Spousal benefits when my husband applies for benefits at 70? Will I be stuck receiving my lower benefit for the rest of my life and denied spousal benefits later?

Hi,