I am 62 not retired and not working, just married My husband who is retired and collecting his retirement for the past 10 years. I would like to know if I am eligible to received benefits or if his benefits will increase do the fact I am not working.

Hi,

I just turned 66 (FRA) and have been collecting on my record for a few years. I meet all of the qualifications for an ex-spouse (never remarried, married over 10 years, etc). I thought that I could start drawing the 50% of benefits off of my former spouse's record (which would be about $200 more per month) now that I am 66. I spoke with my local SS office who said that since I'm already drawing, I can't draw off my former spouse. I've read that you can't always depend on advice you get from SSA. Do you know whether what I was told is correct?

Hi,

We have had several different scenarios run by different investment firms and I will be collecting at 63.7, birth date 11.4.55, my husband will file restricted at 66, birth date 6.17.53, then file on his record at 70. My questions is when do we file, June 1, 2019 or July 1, 2019. I am concerned because your book states social security personnel do not always give the correct information and their mistake could cost us.

Hi,

My wife and I are both age 62. I would like to keep working until full retirement age (66). We have been married since 1973. Can she start taking her SS at 62 (early) for $574/mo, and then switch to her spousal benefit when I turn 66, as long as I start taking my full retirement benefit? ($2623/mo). Thank you

Hi,

No, your wife couldn't switch to your record. If she starts drawing retirement benefits before full retirement age (FRA), her benefit rate will be reduced and she will be stuck with that reduction for as long as both of you are living.

If both husband and wife reach FRA this year but one of them is going to claim ss benefit but other one planning to work until 70, how can that person claim for half of spousal benefit.

Hi,

I am 73, presently drawing SS. My wife died late in 2014. I am considering a marriage with a foreign national.
1. If we do become husband and wife, and I predecease her, will she be entitled to my SS benefits? (Monthly benefit;, medical benefits, as a dependent?)
a. If yes, under what conditions?
b. Is there a time period prior to her being able to receive benefits?

Hi,

I am born in April 1951 and my husband in January 1952. We are both still working full time. Should either one of us apply for spousal benefits? Does it depend who is the higher earning spouse? If I apply for spousal benefits (I am 66 and have earned less than my spouse) does my spouse have to have applied and be receiving social security benefits?

Hi,

Yes, your husband would have to be drawing his retirement benefits in order for you to get spousal benefits on his record, or vice versa.

My parents are in their 80's. My mom did not work while we kids were living at home. After the youngest left for college, she worked for 10+ years at relatively low-paying clerical jobs. I assumed she has been drawing a SS spousal benefit, since my dad's SS is significantly higher than hers. She just mentioned that she has only been getting SS based on her own earnings, because they are under the impression that if she takes a spousal benefit, it would reduce the amount my dad receives, and/or the amount that she would receive if he dies first.

Can spousal benefits received after 62 be reduced by making too much money?

Hi,

Yes, depending on the circumstances, spousal benefits may be withheld based on the Social Security earnings test. For more detailed information, refer to the Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html.

Best, Jerry

My wife and I recently married. She is 67 and was (until our marriage) collecting social security based on her ex-husband's earnings. I am 66 and have not yet filed for social security. Does she have to wait one year to begin collecting based on my earnings?

Hi,