After reading the book "Get What's Yours", and since my husband filed and suspended at 66 and I turned 62 before April 30, 2016, I visited the Social Security office and was told that I would not get the full half of spousal benefits.

I am turning 65 in October of 2017. My husband of 22 years passed away 6 years ago and was 21 years older than me. I will continue working until I am at least 66 but plan on drawing my widows benefit in January (at a reduce rate but substantial $1819.50)). I will still work and collect the widow benefit because for some reason my widow's benefit does not increase after I turn 66. I will bank or invest all of my SS check. I understand I will not be penalized as long as I don't make over 42,000 (and change) before my birthday of 10/2017 which I will not.

I will be 62 years in 2017. My yearly income is about $19000. I have a 9 year old child and wife (45) who is not earning any income. Would it be best to withdraw social security benefits this year and what amount would I get for my child? Would my wife get a benefit as well? What are the drawbacks from collecting early? Would I get penalized since I make more than $16920 ( according to the SS limit), even though we are at Federal poverty level for a family of 3?

Hi,

My husband turned 66 in June 2017, and took his full SS retirement benefit at that time.

I will turn 66 in November of this year (2017) and am currently considering what my best retirement strategy options are. My understanding is that I can apply for my spousal benefit now and collect half of my husband's benefit when I turn 66, and then decide to collect my full benefit at a later time. Is that a correct assumption?

I'm married but separated since Jan. 2017. Spouse in TN and I'm back in GA. Divorce in process. First husband of a 20 year marriage, passed in Oct. 2016. I assume I can get first husband's SS when I reach full retirement age. Question 1: Can I draw my social security at 62 and then switch over to his at full retirement age? Question 2: How many years do I have to be divorced from current husband before I can draw my first husband? I will be 62 in November. Thanks. Angie

Hi Angie,

I'm 69, and still working, I've been advised to go ahead and file for SS, As it will take about 12 years for me to recoup the money that I would lose by waiting to file until I'm 70. Also my wife who is 67 could start drawing off of my SS until she
Is 70 ,.
How do you feel about this.
Thank You

Hi,

My husband is 80 and has been receiving SS benefits since he was 62. I am 67 (6/2/1950) and plan to start receiving SS at age 70 (6/2/2020). Am I eligible to receive spousal benefits now without jeopardizing my ability to receive the maximum amount of social security based on my own greater-than-his income when I turn 70?

Hi,

I will be 66 next month (9/25/195), my wife will be 61 in December, 12/30/1956. I am still working ($140k plus a year) so don't really need to claim SS now. What a good plan for us? I've read, but am really confused on so kind of Spouse Benefit trick, here i file for benefits and suspend them and claim my spouses benefits? Not sure what that's all about, but don't want to nor do something now and lose....Help??

Hi,

I am a widow and I made decisions under stress. My husband passed and I started drawing social security at age 60. I am realizing I quite possibly erred. I just want to find a path to do the best I can now that I already made this not well thought out move. I am now 63 and still working. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm female 59 years old and I'm in the process of getting a divorce from a marriage of 19 years. My husband has been the primary provider thought out the whole marriage. I'm considering early retirement at age 63 for several reasons and I'm search answering to help me make the best financial decision for myself.