I am single with no option of filing on anyone else's benefits. I would like to retire and collect my SS at 66 (full retirement for me), but still keep working. How can I find the break even point for me so I can decide whether to try and wait until I'm 70 to start collecting? I do have an employer pension fund which I can begin taking at 65, or defer until later.
Thank you.

Hi,

My husband turns 66 in July - I am 64 and we have a 15 year old grandchild of whom we have custody. We need to file for his SS in order to buy a house. He plans to keep working as do i, for another couple of years. Is our best option to just file for his? I think I read that we can file for additional benefit for the child - is that correct? Thank you!

Hi,

Your grandchild won't qualify for child's benefits on your or your husband's records unless he is either adopted, or if both of his natural parents are either disabled or deceased.

I am 63 years old and due to financial need, I intend to file for my Social Security benefits now and will be asking to suspend until them until I reach age 64 in October of this year . I am not asking for spousal benefits but is that a possibility as my husband began receiving his benefits at age 70. He is now 75. My estimated monthly benefit will be $1402.00 at age 64. My husband's monthly benefit is $802.00.

I just turned 62 in December 2016. My husband is 59. I was just notified my job is being phased out in the next few months. I made less than $300 for the last two months. I am in poor health. My husband is only working part time. After losing a job and being injured. We are struggling financially. I am considering filing for benefits strictly because of financial hardship. What do you advise? Help!

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about the problems that you're having.

I am 66 years old, separated for over 14 years, never divorce, I live in Texas and my husband lives in Georgia for over 14 years. He is retired USAF and on SS. Can I apply for Spousal Benefit and continue working not using my own SS benefit?

Hi,

Yes, it sounds like you would qualify to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only, and let your own benefit rate grow until age 70.

Best, Jerry

Larry - I have read conflicting advice on this issue, and hope you will have the answer. My wife has recently reached FRA, and she plans to file for spousal benefits based on my record (I reached FRA in 2015 and filed and suspended my benefits prior to the April 2016 deadline). My question is whether my wife can file for just her spousal benefits online, or must she file a paper application. Thanks for your help. JD

Hi JD,

i took reduced ss benefits age 62 - younger husband still working then passed away in 2015 to cancer. I began drawing widows benefits which are also apparently reduced. is there any way to increase my benefits? i will be 69 next month. i also have a living retired ex husband to whom i was married for 15 years over 35 years ago - if that helps in any way.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I turn 70 on Feb. 5, 2017. I am going to the S.S. office in person in mid January to begin the process of filing. How can I make sure I start collecting at age 70 and not a day before? Do I need to write that on the application form? Thank you.

Hi,

You simply need to choose February 2017 as your month of election to begin benefits. Social Security payments are due in the month after the month they are paid for, so your first payment will be due in March 2017.

I was surprised that you said we may use any Social Security office. When I visited our local office, people who lived nearby but in another county were refused service. They waited a long time for their number to be called, but then the staff (who are behind glass, as if selling tickets) would then just point to a sign saying that they must use their local office. The security guard at the door was not willing to direct people either, but just pointed to a terminal to register for a number.

I plan to retire next July. I will be 64 and know that I will receive a reduced benefit because I am not waiting to age 66. My wife will be 62 when I retire. She has not worked outside of our home for 40 years of our marriage. She is not even close to 40 quarters of social security employment. What can or should she do? As long as I am alive she will be fine. What happens when I die, if she is still alive?

Hi,