Ask Larry

Spousal Benefits

Can My Wife Wait To Apply For Spousal Benefits?

I’m confused about spousal benefits. My wife began receiving SS in Feb 2021 at age 62 1/2. I will begin my benefits in April at age 65 1/2. My wife received a letter to apply for spousal benefits. If she takes it does this still allow her to get more of my benefits if I die before her? I just don’t understand the theory behind spousal benefits? Are we able to wait until she’s say 64 to apply for spousal benefits? If she apply snow and the difference is not enough to matter does that application stay active u til it does matter?

Posted: 
Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 08:26

Will My Friend's Spousal Benefit Rate Be Based On Her Age Or Her Husband's Age?

Asking for a friend who is turning 62 next month, her spouse is 87 and receiving SS benefits. She started working late in their marriage after looking after the family, so her personal benefit will be small if she chooses to start collecting it next month. However, her spousal benefit, if claimed next month, will exceed her personal benefit. Her work income now is fairly high ($100,000+), which will boost the last 10 years of her benefits calculation, if she waits to collect. His current health is tenuous.

Posted: 
Friday, March 19, 2021 - 09:47

Can I Still Apply For Spousal Benefits When I Apply?

I am 67 years old and my husband died in 2009 can i still apply for spousal benefits when i apply

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Spouse's benefits are the Social Security terminology for benefits that are paid to a spouse from the record of a living worker. So, you couldn't qualify for spousal benefits on your deceased husband's record, but you may be able to qualify for widow's benefits.

Posted: 
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 - 07:22

Can My Wife Receive 50% Of My Rate When I Apply Even If She's Younger Than Me?

My wife is 18 months younger than me. I am eligible for 100% benefits at age 66 and 2 months. Can she apply for and receive 50% of my rate when I apply or must she wait until she reaches her 100% rate later on?

Hi. Spousal benefits are reduced for age if the person receiving spousal benefits starts drawing them prior to their full retirement age (FRA). So, if you start drawing your benefits at FRA and if your wife starts drawing spousal benefits before she reaches FRA, she wouldn't get a full 50% of your benefit rate.

Posted: 
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 - 07:19

How Will My Wife's Spousal Benefit Rate Be Calculated?

My wife and I were each born in 1955. My wife is 7 months older than me. My wife’s will draw social security in may 2021at full retirement of $1150.00 per month on her own account. I will take my social security at age 70 estimated to be approximately $3700 per month. My estimated social security at my full retirement is estimated to be $2780. What will be my wife’s spousal benefit ( or full benefit ) amount when I draw ss at 70.

Posted: 
Friday, March 5, 2021 - 07:53

Is It Correct That I Can Draw A Partial Benefit From My Husband's Social Security?

Hi Larry, I started drawing my own Social Security at age 62 and am now 69 years old. I am four months older than my spouse, who also started drawing his Social Security at age 62. He will be 69 years old on March 9th. I was told by a friend that a can draw a partial of his Social Security. Is this information correct? My spouse receives almost three times what I receive.

Posted: 
Monday, March 1, 2021 - 13:31

Can My Wife Start Drawing Spousal Benefits Before I Start Drawing My Benefits?

Hi Larry, my wife BD 4-21-55. My BD 1-23-52. My wife does not qualify for SS retirement benefit under her own work record. Except for me not starting my SS retirement benefit, I believe she otherwise would be eligible for spousal retirement benefit if she applied right now under my work record. She has Medicare benefit under my work record since she was 65.

Posted: 
Monday, March 1, 2021 - 12:34

If My Wife Files For Her Benefits At FRA Will It Impact Her Future Spousal Benefits?

My wife will be 65 this year, while I will be 60. If she applies for Social security at 66 10m FRA for $810/mth will it impact her spousal benefits when I become 67 FRA (est $3400/mth). Will SSA automatically change/update her to spousal benefits or will she have to apply.

Posted: 
Thursday, February 18, 2021 - 12:01
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