Hi Larry,
I'll be turning 70 in September 2017. I still have a full-time job and plan to continue working after turning 70. Two questions: 1.) Do I need to contact SS prior to my turning 70 or after turning 70 to receive the full percentage I'm entitled to? Should I NOT take the 'retro' payment, and instead elect to keep my full retirement?

Hi,

I was born in Sept 1955 and My wife was born in June 1956
I earned a lot more money, so her benefit as my spouse is larger than her benefit on her own account.
If she starts collecting SS on her account at 62, does that reduce her spousal benefit?
Can I file as her spouse when she is 62? Does that reduce my benefit on my own account?

Hi,

My wife started receiving social security when she was 62. She passed away before she turned 63. She was 6 months older than me. I received a $250 death benefit and was told i was ineligible to receive a benefit from her. My eligibility for my SS is at 66. I'm now 64. My wife has been deceased for 27 months.

i am 69 and want to start collecting benefits in Sept. 2017. Can I get retroactive benefits to begin anytime in 2017?

Hi,

Assuming that you haven't already filed and suspended your benefits, you can claim benefits up to 6 months retroactively from the month in which you apply. Note, however, that you will not receive delayed retirement credits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/delayret.html) for any months for which you end up being paid.

Best, Jerry

Thank you in advance for your assistance. I am turning 66 in July 2017. To date I have NOT applied for any SS retirement or auxiliary benefit. I fall into the grandfathering clause for "deeming" and should be able to file a restricted application for spousal benefits and allow my own benefit rate to grow until age 70. Here is my question/scenario: I was a high earner. My own estimated benefit at FRA is higher than the estimated spousal benefit. In addition, my own benefit at FRA is higher than my husband's monthly SS amount.

I want to take a lump sum amount as described on page 185 of your book Get What's Yours. I am turning 69 June 24 2017. I have been receiving Spouse benefits beginning May 2015 and was retroed back to June 2014. I did not sign up for SS till age 66. I was still working thru April 2014 wherein I was layed off. I delayed filing for SS benefits intending to hold off till age 70. Please advise how to proceed. SS local office is not very competent on this front.
Sharon

Hi Sharon,

I will be 66 on December 21, 2018 (grandfathered in). My ex was born April 27, 1954 (missed grandfathering in by 4 months)) and will be 64 when I turn 66. We were married 28 years and finally divorced December 21, 2016 to meet the 2 year deadline for divorced couples filing on each other's accounts. (yes, we heeded your advice and finished off a divorce started in 1999 due to the new social security rules). Now I am worried .. Can I collect on half of his benefits when I reach 66 and defer my own even though he is 3 months short of being grandfathered in under the new rules?

My wife took her social security at FRA. I have not taken social security, did not file and suspend and now want to take social security at age 68.
Can my wife stop her benefit and get my spousal benefit?
Thank You

Hi,

I divorced after 9 years of marriage and have been single for 26yrs. I'm 63 this year. Seems there are many ways for married couples to get optimal benefits but can I file for anything other than my straight retirement? My job is extremely physical and I have Perminent Partial Disability for 2 separate work related injuries. BWC covers meds and rare treatment. I continue to work but can't stand the pain much longer. I'm at a loss here. Been working since 1972 and I'm so confused as how , when and any options.

Hello Larry,