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Filing Strategies

Does This Sound Like A Good Plan?

My earnings are massively lower than my husband's; he would get the maximum SocSec retirement benefits, while my own would be about $500/month at full retirement age. I know that we should try to wait till he is age 70 before he claims his benefits. Also, I know that as long as we are married, I can't claim spousal benefits unless he is also claiming his benefits. I believe the file-and-suspend loophole is no longer allowed for this.

Posted: 
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 - 10:31

Can You Help?

I am 66 and my wife will be 72 in a month. I earned well more than she did in part because she stopped working for many years to raise our kids. We were both born before January 2, 1954. In 2012 when she turn 66 she applied for and is receiving (not suspending) monthly retirement benefits. I have not applied for any benefits but ran a report that suggests that I should apply for spousal benefits now and then apply for retirement benefits when I reach age 70. The report has a section about when to collect particular benefits for married couples, but it's very confusing.

Posted: 
Friday, October 5, 2018 - 15:51

Is This A Good Strategy For An Early Retiree?

Will this be a good strategy for an early retireee? I plan to retire at around 62~63, and withdraw money from my 401K to pay for my living expenses. Then at 65, I will start collect my pension benefit from my company. At 67, I will file and collect Social Security benefit? [Note: My wife is 9 years younger than me. I should be able to get group health rate through my wife. However, she is also thinking to retire at the same time as I. So, she will follow my footstep, i.e., she will also wait until 65 to collect her penson and until 67 to collect Social Security.]

Posted: 
Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 11:20

Should I Begin Collecting My Benefits At Age 62 Until I Can Begin Collecting Half Of My Ex-Husband's Social Security?

I am 61 year old female divorced after 11 years. I earn a very modest salary and I do not own my own home. I rent an apartment. I checked my social security benefits and at age 62 I will receive $400 less monthly than if I wait until age 66 1/2. My question is should I begin collecting social security at age 62 to assist me with my living expenses which I do need help with until I can begin collecting 1/2 of my ex-husband's social security? I can earn the extra $400 monthly, no problem.

Posted: 
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 - 16:51

Can My Wife File For Her Benefits At Age 62 And Switch To A Larger Spousal Benefit At Age 68?

My wife's FRA is less than 1/2 mine. She is 2 years younger. If I wait until 70 to collect my benefit, can she claim her benefit at 62, then switch to a larger spousal benefit when she turns 68 and I have started claiming my benefit? It is my understanding she can't be deemed since I will not have started claiming when she applies at 62 and therefore will not be eligible for a spousal benefit. Or am I missing something. Please advise.

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, September 17, 2018 - 11:43

What Would You Advise?

I will turn 65 in a few days, and I have 2boys, 14 and almost 12. I will keep working until age 72, if lucky.
I am in good health.
I will be divorced in early 2019., unless it's better for Social Security benefits to stay married (very friendly situation)
My soon to be ex spouse makes about $172,000
I make about $275,000

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, September 16, 2018 - 18:15

Would My Spousal Rate Be Reduced To Zero If My Own PIA Is Higher Than My Spousal Rate?

Hi, I’m trying to determine my spousal benefit amount if I file a restricted application and my wife is receiving SSDI. My question is somewhat similar to a July 26 “Spousal Benefits” question you answered. My facts... wife is 65 (FRA June 2019) and receiving $1,100 SSDI. I’m 65 (FRA Oct 2018) with estimated PIA $2,400.

Posted: 
Friday, September 7, 2018 - 10:03
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