I am a widow and turned 63 in April. My husband of 27 years died in 2006. Can I collect his Social Security now even though I am still working full time? Or can I collect my Social Security early and wait til I retire (at least 3 more years) and switch to his? His Socail Security will remain greater than mine even if I continue to work for a few more years. I also see that many requests are about Widow's Benefits. Should I be looking into this as well? Appreciate any insights you can offer.

Hi,

Hi Larry,

Just read your recent article about SS Spousal Benefit wrong info.

I am 69 and started taking SS at age 64. My husband just turned 63 on July 1st. Can he apply for Spousal Benefits now, and begin collecting? Or Does he apply and suspend benefits?

Please tell us what to do, as I don't trust the SS answer. When I called before the deadline of April 29th, they told us he could not apply for this until he turned 66.

We're very confused about what to do, and of course, want to maximize his benefits.

Grateful for your help ASAP!

I was born 4/13/47 and started to receive SS payments at the earliest age possible: 62.5(?). Soon after, my daughters, who were in high school received SS payments as well, until they completed high school. My wife, who was born 12/3/50, has delayed requesting SS payments, on the hope that she could follow your file and suspend strategy. However, we feared we missed out on that opportunity because she will not turn 66 until this December, well after the April "cut off". So presently, here is the strategy that we anticipate following. Please advise if this is optimum:

Hi, Born in 1951, I plan to apply for social security at age 70. My wife, born in 1956, is 5 years younger than I am. MY FRA is $2190 and my wife's FRA is $889. Is the following a plausible scenario -> my wife takes her early amount ($620) at 62 and when she gets to FRA, she switches to spousal and gets 50% of my FRA. Thanks, Fritz

I'm 63, divorced this year after 43 years of marriage. Former husband is 75 and has been taking social security since he was 62. My SS benefit will be half or less than his. When should I take spousal benefit? And when should I draw on my own? I don't need the income now. I have gone in to the local SS office and get conflicting advice. Thank you for your help!
Peg

Hi Peg,

I am the higher earner by far. I just turned 65. My wife is 66 in November. I have the luxury to wait until 70 to collect benefits. Health is good for us both. What is our best strategy? If she were to claim her benefit at 66 , can I claim a spousal at my FRA and then switch to my benefit at 70?

Thank You so much!

Hi,

Yes, your wife can file for her benefits at age 66 and you can then file for just spousal benefits when you reach age 66. You can then switch to your own account at age 70.

Hi Larry, just read your article re: SSI admin don't understand file and suspend. Well... I'm having a hard time also! In any event went to Financial seminar on it and found out I can't file and suspend so that my wife can apply. I'm 63 1/2 and My wife will be 62 in April of 17. Anything we can do or is it water over the dam?
Thanks,

I am 70 and the wife will be in December. We are both drawing Social Security now. Should my wife suspend her benefits and apply for spousal benefits?

Hi, my husband chose to take Social Security early at the age of 62, he is now 65. I am turning 63 end of the month, and realized maybe I should have started taking SS also. Are my benefits totally determined by when my husband chose to take his or if I wait will I get more. His benefits will greatly out weigh what I would get on my own, I only ever worked part time. Also, should I have filed something 11 months ago. Can it be retro active? Thanks, Pam