Larry,
First of all thanks for all you do for everyone.

I am 83 years old and my second husband who I have been married to for 40 years is 90 years old. I started collecting social security at 62 and currently collect about $400 per month. My husband started collecting social security at 65 and collects about $2,600 per month. My kids tell me, after all these years, that am I entitled to spousal benefits where I can collect 50% of my husband's social security benefits and when he dies 100% of his benefits. Is this correct?

Hi,

Hello Larry. Thanks for your wisdom. I’m asking this question for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He was born in April and she in November 1951. Knowing nothing about spousal benefits she began drawing on her own Social Security record when she was 62. He did not file until he was at full retirement age this past year. Is it too late for my sister in law to begin drawing spousal benefits on his record he was the higher earner. Thank you.

Hi,

I am asking this question for my sister, who is 74. She has never collected Spousal Social Security benefits, although she and her husband have been married for 50 years. Her husband, who earned more than she did, began taking his Social Security at age 62. She has been told that she is not eligible because he started collecting so early?? I thought you just collect less if you opt to start early. Why should that impact her Spousal Social Security??
She desperately needs the money, so I thank you for your guidance! Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Larry,
My wife will be 63 (on Feb 8,1955 ) and is retired. I am 62 (Oct 7,1955) and still employed. I am the higher earner. Can my wife claim SS under my earnings now before I retire or does have to claim it under her SS record.

Hi,

Because I worked for and retired from the state, I did not ever contribute enough quarters to Social Security to qualify for my own entitlement. My husband, however, has worked and paid into Social Security since he was 15 (he is now 64, almost 65). He does not intend to file for Social Security until age 70. I am aware of the GPO/WEA, which will severely reduce any benefit I would receive from his record (because of my pension) but it would not eliminate it.

I am 68+ years old and want to apply for a restricted SS application. I want to take half of my spouse SS. My question is: Can I take a lump sum on my spouses SS with a reduced payment and then convert to my SS at age 70. .Is there any drawbacks to this approach? Or would you recommend just taking 1/2 of my spouse SS. Thank you

Hi,

Larry, I am 64 and working. My spouse will turn 66 next month. She has not worked for about three decades so will be accessing my social security for the spousal benefit. Can she do so without me taking social security? Read your book but a friend "borrowed" it. Can't remember how you addressed this issue. Thank you

Hi,

larry when they say FRA, does that mean that (my husband who starting collecting his SSA at a reduced benefit of age 64 (12/4/51...who is now 66. I will turn 66 on 3/5/52; I have filed for a restricted application at my age 66 (fra for me) but will I get half of his (FRA amount) not his reduced amt because he had to collect before 66 his (FRA?).

(Read your books.) To the point:
*My wife turns 62 in June. She is going to filling for her benefits.
*I turn 66 in August (14th) and plan to apply for the restricted spousal benefit and let mine continue to grow.