Larry,

My ex husband is 5 years younger than me. I will be 62 this year. His income is extremely high and mine was lower as I stayed home with my children or worked part time as they were growing up. Is it worth taking mine at 62 and then can I change to his at a later point when he gets to be tetirement age. Im pretty sure 1/2 of his benefit will be higher than mine. Im just not sure when to take either. My health has not been great so Im ythinoing taking mine at 62 would be a better option for me but meed to know how or when I can claim spousal benefits.

Hi,

I am 62 y/o with FRA month benefit of $2,665 beginning 10/2023, with benefits of $3,411 if I do not file until I am 70 y/o. I earn about $100,000/year and expect to work at least 5 more years.

My wife is 60 y/o with FRA benefit of $1,309 beginning 3/2027, with benefits of $922 available beginning 03/2021, at age 62. She works part-time and earns about $10,000/year.
We have 2 college aged children and an adopted 8 year old.

I am a 70 year old retired public school teacher collecting a pension and a very small social security benefit. My wife turns 65 in July, 2020 and, as a realtor, has contributed to her own social security earnings. We anticipate her benefits to be substantially greater than what I currently receive. Can “spousal benefits” come into play? Together, what are our options to maximize our benefit(s)? Thank you!

Hi,

Dear Larry,
I can take my SS at FRA (66) next month but am curious about whether there's any truth to waiting until I am 66 and 9 months to avoid a "rat hole." Are these rat holes, if real, relevant for married people? I am married and my husband was born in 1953. He's still working and delaying SS until age 70 but can take a spousal benefit if I file. My SS on my own record is about $200 higher than if I take a spousal benefit on his record. I just want to make sure I should go ahead and not wait 9 months.Thank you!!

Hi,

Hey Larry I'm 65 and have been getting social security payments since I turned 62. My wife who is 66 has not claimed any social security benefits. Since she was born before Jan. 1, 1954 can she now claim spousal benefits on my social security and let hers keep growing? Even though I think that is foolish because I think it would take her forever to get back what she could have collected in the past 4 yrs and the next 4 yrs.

Hi,

Hi Larry,
At age 62 my husband medically needed to take his SS Disability. At age 66 1/2, I took half of his as spousal benefit. I’m now 68 and stopped working. I’m waiting until I’m 70 to take my SS. Question is, do I need to notify SS that I’m retired? Do I now have to take my own SS? We are doing ok on his SS and Spousal Benefit. It was my intention to wait to take my SS until at least age 70. Please advise.
Thank you!

Hi,

Hi Larry,

Hello. My mother has been receiving Survivors Social benefits since age 60 or 62. She has just turned 65, 12th Nov. According to the ssa.gov website, her benefit should increase to 95% but I am also finding information about her needing to reach her retirement age - 67. I'm confused. Online I have found info that says at age 60 - you receive 71.5%, 62 - 81.00%, 64 - 90.50%, 65 - 92.25% and 66 - 100%. Also, would the rate most likely change after her birthday or in the new year? Any advice much appreciated. Thanks

Hi,

I will be 62 this year. I am considering drawing my SS, $650 until my husband retires in 2021, at 66 his FRA. He has earned maximum benefits. I believe that is $2861. When he retires will I be eligible for 50% of his SS for spousal benefits? Thank you for your help.

Hi,

No, if you file for your own Social Security retirement benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA) you won't get a full 50% of your husband's benefit rate when he files. I'll use an example to explain.