Ask Larry

Filing Strategies

Did I Choose The Correct Filing Plan?

Hi. I am 66 years old. I am a widow. I am still working full time. I went into the Social Security office in March 2016. They recommended I begin drawing my husband's Social Security. I delayed mine until age 70. I plan to continue working. I am a nurse. Does that sound like a plan that you would approve ?

Hi,

Yes, that sounds like a good plan, particularly if your own benefit rate will be higher than your widow's rate when you reach age 70.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Sunday, December 11, 2016 - 10:45

Would I Get Spousal Benefits If My Husband Files Now?

My husband and I are both 68 (born in '48). We have been married to each other for 49 years. I have no Social Security credits as I was always a stay-at-home mom. He is still working part time, but wants to wait until age 70 to file for his SS benefits in order to get a higher amount. I know that he has to file for his own benefits first in order to get spousal benefits for me. But if we were to file now, would we get his benefits (about $2,000) plus a spousal benefit?

Posted: 
Friday, December 9, 2016 - 12:15

What Happens If My Husband Dies?

I have been reading your book, but haven't yet found my situation. My husband and I are both retired. He is in his mid 70s and receiving Social Security. I have not filed at all. I will reach FRA in 2018 at which time I am thinking of filing a restricted application for spousal benefits. According to my current SS statement, my benefit at FRA will be slightly higher than my husband's was when he filed several months before his FRA. I am hoping to file on my record at age 70.

Posted: 
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - 11:30

If I File On My Own Record At 63, Can I Get Higher Spousal Benefits When My Wife Retires?

I am 63 (born in 1953) and my wife is 61 (born in 1955). Her earnings are substantially higher than mine. She intends to continue working to full retirement age (66 and 2 mos). If I retire now on my own earnings record will my benefit amount be increased to my higher spousal benefit when she retires?

Hi,

Potentially, yes, but you'll keep the reduction that you took on your own record to start drawing early.

Posted: 
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - 16:15

Can My Husband Receive Spousal Benefits Even If He's Filed And Suspended On His Own Record?

My husband is at Full Retirement Age of 66 and is currently working and filed and suspended in April 2016 before the deadline. HIs social security benefits statement estimates his social security benefits at $24,000. He plans to retire and stop working in April, 2017. Can he claim restrict to spousal in April 2017 and receive half of my social security benefits and wait till 70 to switch over to receive his social security benefits? My social security benefits statement estimates my social security at $16,000.

Posted: 
Monday, December 5, 2016 - 10:45

What Is My Best Filing Strategy?

At the recommendation of a colleague, I purchased and am reading your book, Getting What's Yours Social Security. Thank you for writing this book.

I am 64, and I have been thinking of retiring at age 65 (September 2017). After reading your book, I am wondering if I should wait until my FRA (September 2018).

I am divorced after 24 years of marriage. My ex-husband is 60 and is still working. I have not remarried. I know that I meet the criteria to qualify for my ex's benefits.

Posted: 
Sunday, December 4, 2016 - 10:00

Shouldn't I File For Social Security Now?

Hi. I am 67 and not yet taking ss. My wife started taking ss at age 62. Both retired. Every time we have had our financial advisors do a ss calculation for us, they always say wait till age 70 for me. It seems to me that this only takes into consideration net money from SS and doesn't take into account the fact that if we delay, we will necessarily be drawing down our other savings, and those savings will not therefore grow to be as much.

Posted: 
Thursday, December 1, 2016 - 11:00
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