I turned 66 on January 1st and according to what I understand from SSA, that is my FRA. I didn't retire until April 2nd. After that, it took me a month to decide I didn't want to collect a lump sum for retroactive benefits and wanted to add two-thirds of a percent for each month I delayed filing. I bit the bullet and applied online on May 2nd. When choosing a benefit start date, it defaulted to 5/21 and told me I had two other choices, 12/20 and 9/21. I didn't know what to do, so I chose 9/21. Nothing ever came up about a retroactive benefit/lump sum option.

I will be turning 70 this summer and will file for Social Security shortly. My wife recently turned 62. I have read that couples can maximize their joint Social Security payouts by having the lower earner (my wife) sign up as soon as possible at age 62 while the higher earner (me), older than my wife, and has a shorter life expectancy, so she will get a smaller payout based on her own working record. But she'll get bumped up to the higher survivor's benefit when I pass away. Is this the best marital strategy for us to boost our total payout?

I just turned 70 in March. I've been receiving a spousal benefit since 66. I applied to receive my own benefit starting March 1st. However, I received a phone call from Social Security about getting retroactive benefits back to Sept 2020. I don't see any benefit to this. I would get a llump amount but about $102 less in benefits. Am I missing why any healthy person would take that option?

I lost my husband in 1987. I’m now 62 and still working. Should I file for my social security now and switch over to the widow benefits at my full retirement age? My husband was the main wage earner. I have been trying to get a lawyer to help me sort this all out, is there such a person? Thank you for your time. Judy

I am 65 and have worked enough credit hours to draw my own SS. My benefit will be considerably less than my husband’s who plans on retiring in 5 years at 70. We have two adult children with autism on SSI still at home.
Will it hurt my husband’s SS if I draw SS now?
How will drawing my SS now effect later spousal benefit?
As we are caretakers does that effect my SS?
Thank you

Larry, thanks for taking my question.
I own a search firm where my wife works with me out of the home...I've had this company for 27 years now.

My husband turned 62 in October 2020. I turned 62 end of February, 2021. We are thinking about retiring he has 28 years in and I have 22 . How do we get the maximum amount if we decide to file for social security within this year?? We both are state employees and do have a pension as well.

My wife is 12 years older than me. She turns 65 in May. She’s wanting to retire at 66 and 4 months. I’ll still be working until I’m 67. What would be our best tax strategy for filing jointly?

Hi Larry!
Thank you for what you do.

I turned 66 feb 26th 2021. I can file SS in April at 66 and 2 months and receive $2,358. Per month. If I wait til I’m 70, I can receive $3,151. My wife turned 59 on February 25, 2021 and is projected to receive $ 2,100 at 67. What is your best advice for us?