I am 63 years and working ($43K). My husband died in 2015 at age 61 ($130k). Can I receive my SS benefit at age 66 and then claim my husband's SS benefit when I am 70?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

You could do what you've proposed, but it would almost certainly be a bad idea. The reason is that your widow's benefit rate will not be any higher if you take it at age 70 instead of at your full retirement age of 66. So, you would likely just be forfeiting benefits for no gain.

My mother (64) and my father (64 and 11 mos.) have been married 47 years. My father is now incarcerated will not be able to apply for or draw SSI until his release (not soon). Can my mother who earns 50k/year collect spousal benefits on my father's record now and then draw on her own when she turns 66 (or becomes proper retirement age)?
Thank you for your assistance.

Hi,

I turn 66 on 12/29/2017. My husband turns 66 on 2/15/2018. We have been advised to file for my retirement benefit in 12/2018 and my husband to file a Restricted Application to receive a spousal benefit, also in 12/2018. I get the strategy but why would we wait until 12/2018? When would be the optimum time to file?
Thanks for clarifying.

Hi,

I turn 65 this month. My husband died 5 months ago at the age of 67. He had not yet applied for SS. His Benefit was estimated at $1,423, and estimated to be $1,710 at age 70. Mine is $1,094, and estimated to be $1,627 at age 70.

I continue to work, making about $40K year. Is my best approach to go ahead and take my Benefit now, then revert to his at age 70 1/2? Do I need to delay until age 66?

Thanks.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Confused with the new law concerning 'file and suspend'.
Have disabled child; disabled before age 16 (from birth).
My DOB: 6/27/1955
Wife's DOB: 6/20/1957

I will be at FRA in Aug 2021.
CAN I --
file for retirement benefits in April 2021, at FRA
file for child in care benefit in April 2021
THEN suspend my retirement benefits August 2021
have my wife file for child in care spouse's benefit in April 2021

Reinstate my benefits in June 2025 when I turn 70

I am 66 years old. My financial advisor stressed that I need to start taking my social security benefit now. ( I had planned to wait until age 70 but cannot).
I was married for 34 years. I've been divorced for 6 years. My X wife is 62 years old. I do not know if she has applied for any SS benefits yet. She is currently working after not working for decades while raising our kids. I assume my spousal benefit would be small since she only returned to the work force a few years ago after not working for thirty years

3 years ago my spouse died unexpectedly at 70 and I started taking his Social Security. I was 60 and had taken early retirement. My plan is to stop his and take my own larger benefit at 66. Do you see any problems?

Thanks

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My wife is currently 64 1/2. She has been on Social Security disability for eight years. I am currently 59 years nine months old. My question is should my wife suspend at 66, FRA, and collect spousal benefits? She is currently grossing approximately $1025 a month. Half of my full retirement benefits would be approximately $2800- 50% equals $1400 a month. I think she could then collect a $1400 a month spousal benefit. I plan to file and suspend at 66 years and eight months old which is my FRA. Then wait until 70 to collect maximum Social Security benefits.

My husband died in 1999, I returned to work and have been working since.
I am now 54. When should I collect my widows benefits vs. my own social security. I plan to retire at about 62-64 years but I was wondering options. Also, what would happen if I became disabled. My husband earned 55,000 when he died and I do not make more than that. Thank you for your time.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Dear Larry, I read your book "Get What's Yours" (2016 edition) and my head is still spinning. There were some social security changes in beginning of 2017, and since I was unable to locate a 2017 edition, I checked internet for the 2017 changes so am trying to incorporate the 2017 changes with the information in your 2016 edition.

We have several questions about this process and hope you can guide is in the right direction.