Ask Larry

Spousal Benefits

Is My Assumption About My Wife's Spousal Rate Wrong?

In 2019 (age 71) I received SS benefits totaling $42,558. My wife (age 69) received SS benefits totaling $17,154. Over the years she earned far less than I did, so we filed for her to receive SS benefits based on my earnings. I understood she would receive 50% of my benefits. If this is correct, she should have received SS benefits in 2019 totaling $21,279. Is my assumption wrong?

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, January 19, 2020 - 11:55

Can My Wife Who Was Born In 1959 Collect Benefits On My Record Now?

My birthday is 08 03 1953 and starting collecting social security benefits on June 2018 my wife birthday 04 11 1959 still working can she collect off my social security benifits now

Hi,

No, unless your wife has a child in her care who is eligible for benefits on your record and who is either under age 16 or disabled. Otherwise, your wife would have to be at least age 62 to potentially qualify for spousal benefits.

Posted: 
Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 17:42

Will I Be Able To Collect Part Of My Husband's Social Security In The Future?

Hello. I am European national and permanent US resident. My husband and I have been married 3 years. Since we have a big age gap (I am 39, my husband is 65 ) and my income has been pretty low since relocating to the US, I am worried about my retirement. Will I be able to collect part of his social security later on? When would that happen? I would really appreciate your response as this is causing me sleepless nights.

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, January 9, 2020 - 07:16

Would It Be Worthwhile For Either My Wife Or Me To Apply For Spousal Benefits?

Hello Larry,
I have a spousal benefits question for you:
I am 69. I started collecting my SS benefits when I reached full retirement age of 66. My current monthly SS check is $1,470.
My wife is turning 62 next month. Her estimated monthly SS check at full retirement age will be around $2,300.
Would it be worthwhile for any of us two to claim spousal benefits at any point?
Thank you very much!

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 - 21:21

Will My Wife's Spousal Rate Be Credited With COLA Increases?

Hi. I am waiting on receiving social security benefits until age 70 (I am currently 68). My wife is 62 and has not worked outside the home. I understand my wife will receive at her full retirement age (66+) 50% of what my social security benefits were at my full retirement age (66). My question is: is that amount locked in at what my age 66 benefit would have been if I had elected to draw at that time, or does that amount increase every year based on any COLA increases?
Thanks for the information.

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, December 30, 2019 - 09:31

Can I File A Restricted Claim For Spousal Benefits If My Wife Is Drawing Social Security Disability?

Larry, can I file a restricted claim on my wife's Social Security Disability benefit? I understand it would pay half of her benefit amount without affecting her eligibility or benefits.

I have was born in 1953 and have reached full retirement age, but still work full time. She has not reached full retirement age.

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 - 10:12
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.