Hi. I am 65, turning 66 in October. My wife is 65, turning 66 in May of 2021. My SS benefits will be the maximum. Her SS benefits will be minimal. I plan to wait until 70 to collect since I can't get 8% anywhere else. 1. If I file at 70 and then she files at 70, will her benefits be based on 50% of my benefits or her own history, which will be minimal? 2. Is there a different strategy to maximize benefits e.g. have her file before me, collect whatever benefits she can until 70 and then when she is 70, her benefits go up to 50% of mine? Thank you.

Hi,

Two questions please:
1) - I am concerned that congress may reduce social security benefits. Of course no one knows what will happen but I guess that if they make changes, they could "grandfather" current recipients. I turn 65 next month. I could file and suspend. If I did that, would I still be a current recipient (for grandfathering purposes), or, at least be in a position to rapidly claim benefits again if it looks like legislation may impact my future social security benefits.

My 65 year old (1955) husband of 30 years is receiving SSDI. I am 64 years old (1956) and not started collecting SS. I am receiving a taxable pension of $850.00. Everyone tells me to take SS but I wanted to wait until I reach 70 as I’m in good health. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Hi,

My only suggestion would be to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to analyze your various options so that you can decide the best time to start drawing your benefits.

Could you confirm for me that this strategy is valid. Take Social Security benefits early and postpone any pension that will trigger WEP or GOP. You’d collect full SS until you took the pension and when you start receiving the pension, SS would be reduced.
2) if you are receiving retirement benefits and still working and earn a very high income in any particular year, does your benefit change? Does a high income year knock out a lower year in the 35 years?
Many thanks for your help

Hi,

Hello Larry,

My wife will be 62 next month (DOB 7-11-58). I just turned (DOB 5-22-53). We would like to have her claim for benefits next month ($888) and me apply for spousal benefits the following month. Then when I turn 68 next year I would file for my benefits ((PIA $2802) and she would file for spousal. Does this make sense and does it violate any social security rules?

Hi,

I am born October 1953 and plan to take SSB January 2021 (at 67y+3mo, 1y+3mo after my FRA). My wife is born May 1959 and her FRA is 66y+10mo or April 2026.
Can she take her own SSB when she turns 62 (May 2021), then take spousal benefits (50% of my PIA), at her FRA on April 2026?
Thanks

Hi,

68 make not taking SS YET, wife 61 what should we do to maximize ss

Hi,

I would need much more information to be able to give you any advice with regard to your Social Security benefits. Each person's circumstances are unique, and numerous different variables come into play when determining their best strategy with regard to claiming benefits.

Hi,
I will be 68 at the end of this month. I have been receiving survivors benefits since I was 60. I keep getting the run around from social security regarding my potential allotment when I turn 70 if I file under my own work record. I would like to find out if it is even worth waiting but they take my info and apparently any reply gets lost before being sent to me. What should I do now? I am getting frustrated.
Thanks in advance.

Hi,

My wife is 10 years older than me. She is 64 and I am 54. I will have a much higher benefit than she will say full for me is 3000 and full for her is 2000. What should we do?

Hi,