A woman who has worked under Social Security and earned the minimum 40 credits can apply for retirement benefits as early as age 62. If she is married and her husband has already applied for benefits, she may be able to receive a higher benefit based on his Social Security record.
The best way to explain how this works is to give an example: Mary was born between 1943 & 1954 so her Full Retirement Age (FRA) is age 66.
- Her unreduced benefit at 66 would be $1000.
- If her husband Joe already gets benefits, the maximum spouse's benefit she could get is 50% of his unreduced benefit ($1600), in this case $800.
Mary can apply as early as age 62 but her retirement benefits will be permanently reduced by 25% to $750 if she does. She cannot receive benefits as Joe's wife because at 62 the spouse's benefit is reduced by 30% to $560. Her own retirement benefit is higher so that is all she will receive.
The same would apply if Mary had been divorced from Joe after at least 10 years of marriage and remained single when she applied for retirement. She can only draw benefits as a divorced spouse if those benefits are higher than her own.
There is a way Mary can get both benefits, but to do so she would have to wait until her FRA (age 66) to apply. Then she can choose between applying for her own retirement or benefits as a spouse (or ex-spouse).
In this example, Mary could get unreduced wife's benefits of $800 per month from age 66 through 69, then at age 70 apply for delayed retirement at a higher rate of $1320 per month.
Confusing? Maybe a little, but remember that applying for a lower spouse's benefit at your FRA and then switching to a higher retirement benefit at age 70 is a good way to maximize your Social Security income as you age.
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i receive my husbands benefits he is deceased. Can I receive my own as well??a combination not to exceed 2400? i am 65 1/2 FRA 566 and 11 months ???I am confused by this but need more funds..Thanks you so much Sandy
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy. You can switch to your own retirement at any time but it will only increase your benefit rate if it is higher than your widow's benefit. If your widow's benefit is higher, there is no advantage to applying for your own retirement.
ReplyDeleteYou should check with your local Social Security office to get an estimate of your retirement benefit at your FRA and at age 70. Waiting until age 70 would increase your monthly benefit by about 32% over your FRA retirement rate.
Diane
I was married for more than 10 years and never remarried. I will turn 62 in October. I want to take my benefit early at 62 on my record and then when I reach full retirement age at 66 I want to switch to my ex-husband's record (since 50% of his benefit will be greater than 100% of my full retirement benefit). People in the social security office give me conflicting answers. I am afraid to begin taking early retirement for fear I won't be able to switch to my ex's record later.
ReplyDeleteEllen
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou are right to be concerned; this strategy will only work if your husband is younger than you are. Why?
Because you will have to apply for both benefits if your husband is age 62 or older when you apply for retirement. And both benefits will be reduced because you are under your full retirement age of 66.
The only way for you to be able to choose between the benefit types is to wait until you reach your full retirement age of 66 to apply.
If you are still working or if you can afford to wait to start your benefits, ask your Social Security representative to give you an estimate of your divorced spouse's benefit at 66 and your own retirement benefit at age 70. If the age 70 retirement is higher than the maximum divorced spouse benefit, you can:
1. Apply for the divorced spouse's benefit beginning October 2013 and
2. Switch to your maximum retirement benefit at age 70. That benefit will be about 75% higher than your retirement only benefit at age 62.
Good luck!
I am 62. My FRA is 66. I have not worked for twenty years but do have my required quarters. I would like to take early retirement now. My husband is the same age, however, he does not plan on retiring until his FRA (age 66) or even later. If I begin drawing now, can I opt for 50% of my husband's when he retires if it is higher than my early retirement amount?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Brenda
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteYou can apply for your own retirement now and apply for a spousal benefit either when your husband reaches his FRA for when he retires. It is very possible that your spousal benefit will be higher than your own retirement, but your combined benefit rate will be less than 50% of your husband's unreduced benefit.
The reason is that your own retirement must be reduced up to 25% if you take benefits early and the % of this reduction will remain even if you wait until your FRA to apply for the spousal benefit.
The only way to get the full 50% of your husband's FRA benefit would be to wait until your FRA to apply for both benefits. Even if your husband continues working, he can claim benefits at his FRA or he can choose to wait until age 70 and receive a monthly benefit that is 32% higher.
Applying early for your own retirement still may advantageous depending on the amount compared to your spousal benefit, your marginal tax rate (up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable), life expectancy and financial circumstances.
can a wife draw full deceased spousal benefits and also draw her own disablitiy benefits
ReplyDeleteI am 62 and have never worked outside the home(44yrs). Can I collect any social security now based on my living husbands ss. that he has been collecting since he was 62 yrs. He is currently 67 yrs.Thanks
ReplyDeleteI took early retirement in Aug. 2007 (though I applied in Feb.)I was told I had to take early draw on my ex-spouse's retirement because it would make my small amount more. I didn't want to take it as I was hoping to be able to apply for 50% of his at age 66 my full retirement age of 66 or older. I learned awhile ago that I can withdraw my application and want to withdraw only my ex-spouse's payment and pay that back so I will have a clean slate to be able to apply for spousal benefit at age 66 or later. I was told that I would have to repay both his and mine...and even if I only kept mine now I could not get the 50% of his later. I'm very confused...any advice? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm 59 and on SSDI since 2005. I draw $1710 before medicare deduction. My wife will be 62 in January 2010 and wishes to start drawing retirement benefits. She has more than enough credits on her own but her benefits will be reduced by about 35%. Will she be able to draw anything off of my SSDI benefits to make a larger check amount?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Bob in Texas
Will Social Security be there for younger generations?When will it run out?What age groups will recieve something when they Retire?
ReplyDeleteDear Friends:
ReplyDelete1. I am behind on responding to the questions above so let me start with the question about widow's and disability benefits:
Check with your local Social Security office to find out if your widow's benefits would be higher than your disability benefit. You will only get the higher amount, not both.
2. Spouse's benefits for someone who has not worked outside the home:
Since your husband is already getting benefits and you are 62 you can receive reduced benefits now or you can wait until you reach your full retirement age (FRA) to receive the maximum spouse's benefit.
3. Requirements for withdrawal of applications and repayment of benefits:
You must repay both benefits (retirement and spouse's) if you want to withdraw your claim now and re-file for benefits at your FRA. You will then be able to choose the unreduced spouse's benefit at your FRA and then switch to your own retirement at age 70. This can be a very effective way to maximize your benefits since your age 70 retirement rate will be about 75% higher than your age 62 rate! It could be well worth repaying the benefits if you do not need the income now.
4. Bob in Texas who receives $1710 in monthly disability benefits:
Assuming your wife is age 62 or older, she could be eligible for a spouse's benefit if her own benefit at her FRA is less than 50% of your disability benefit. If it is greater than 1/2 of your benefit, she can only receive her own retirement at 62. It may be advantageous for her to wait until she reaches her FRA to apply. That way she can choose to file only for the spouse's benefit and wait until age 70 to get the maximum on her own retirement. Should she?Just depends on the monthly rate for each benefit...
5. Will Social Security continue into the future?
This is the hardest question to answer since predicting the future is always risky, but for me there is only one answer:
Yes, it will be there for you and for future generations, but it will almost certainly change to adapt to future economic and demographic conditions. How will it change? The full retirement age will probably increase as people live longer, cost of living raises may be slightly lower, higher earners may pay payroll taxes on a higher % of their earnings, etc. There have been other changes proposed but so far no one has suggested that benefits will simply stop.
I'm 63 and on SSDI and my wife is 62 and been on SSDI since 1993 she wants to file for spousal benefits on my work record which is a lot more than hers for retirement. I believe she will get her SSDI plus 1/2 of my FRA minus her SSDI but will equal 1/2 of FRA amount. This should not be reduced for age because she is already receiving her full amount early because of her SSDI. Is this correct?
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous - No, your wife will not receive 1/2 of your FRA rate if she files now because she has not reached her FRA. You are correct that her spousal benefit will be figured by subtracting her SSDI from 1/2 of your FRA rate. The result is then reduced for taking wife's benefits early (about 25% at age 62) and added to her own disability benefit to figure her new benefit rate. The only way she will get 1/2 of your rate is by waiting until until she reaches her FRA to apply. This may not be a bad deal, though, since filing early for a wife's benefit does not affect her potential benefit as a widow if she survives you.
ReplyDeleteNOTE: Since she is receiving her own SSDI, there is no advantage to filing for her reduced retirement as long as she qualifies for the higher disability payments.
I will be 63 in June this year. my husband is 20+yrs younger than I am and so has many years left to work. I thought about retiring early and collecting SS but I still want to work part time at a small business I make about $14,000/yr after taxes. Would it be better to wait to 66 FRA & keep working or retire now collect SS & work until I'm 70.
ReplyDeleteI read in a social security pamphlet that you cannot take early draw on your ex-spouse's benefit but can if you are still married. Is this true?
ReplyDeleteDear Dianne,
ReplyDeleteYou can work in your business and still receive your Social Security retirement benefits if your net profit (Schedule C) times .9235 (92.35%) is $14160 or less in 2010. Since your husband is so much younger than you are, you will most likely not receive spouse's benefits since he won't qualify for retirement benefits for many years. This means that your only option is to apply now for reduced benefits or wait until age 66 or later to get a higher benefit. In deciding whether to wait, you should consider your marginal tax rate since up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable due to your combined income. Since women generally live longer than men, you may benefit from waiting until your FRA or later to apply.
Which option is best for you? If I were preparing a Personalized Benefit Analysis for you I would figure your benefit rates if you decide to apply at 63, 66 or 70 and compare the lifetime benefits for each option so you can make an informed decision.
Reply to question about early divorced spouse's benefits:
ReplyDeleteThe pamphlet probably said that you cannot get benefits as a divorced spouse if you are currently married. One of the most important requirements to understand about divorced spouse's benefits is the fact that you must be unmarried when you apply and if you re-marry after you apply, your divorced spouse's benefits will terminate.
There are different rules for divorced widows and in limited circumstances when you re-marry someone who receives certain types of benefits. Of course, you may qualify for a higher benefit on your current spouse if you re-marry so check it out before you decide to take those wedding vows!
hi my mother is 73yrs old and her husband, is still working ,and is only 53, my mum does not claim any pension,or benefits, she s been told she does not qualify, she has worked all her life, and is feeling very low,is this true,hopeyou can help
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous - your mother cannot qualify for benefits as a spouse because her current husband is not getting benefits and the earliest he could qualify would be when he turns 62.
ReplyDeleteYou say she has worked but does not qualify for benefits? Unless she worked for a school district or other government agency that did not pay into Social Security, she should have earned the minimum 40 credits to qualify for a retirement benefits on her own. If your mother did pay into Social Security when she worked and you want my assistance, you may contact me by e-mail at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com.
I am 58 yrs old and just started receiving SSDI payments of $1032 a month. My husband will be 62 in Sept. 2010. According to his benefits statement, he will draw $1467 at age 62 and $1947 at age 66. If he takes age 62 benefits, will that affect my widow's benefits if he later dies? If he were to become disabled before taking any benefits, how would that affect my widow's benefits? I don't know how much a disabled widow's benefits are.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but this is a very complex issue in part because you receive disability benefits and does not lend itself to a generic answer in a public forum.
If you or your husband would like me to prepare a Personalized Benefit Analysis comparing your options, you may contact me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com.
Approximately how much do you charge for a personalized benefit analysis?
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, posting a comment here does not allow me to respond to you individually offline.
If you would like information about my rates, you can send me an e-mail with your contact information at boomerblog@earthlink.net
Thank you!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am 63 years old and I get $680. per month for SS benefits. MY husband is 75 and recieves $1500 a month for SS benefits. We've been married only 9 mos.Can I apply for half of his benefits now or do I have to wait?
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe general rule is that you must be married a year to qualify for benefits as a spouse. There are a few exceptions, notably if you received or could have received benefits on a former spouse's record in the month before the month you married.
A word of caution: Even after you reach your one year anniversary, you may not be eligible for an increase if your own full retirement rate (the amount you could have gotten if you had waited until age 66 to apply) is greater than 1/2 of your husband's full retirement rate. This may or may not be the amount he receives now.
When you contact Social Security to apply, they will check to see if you meet both these requirements.
I am double checking for my friend. She was told at 62 she could collect on her deceased ex-husband's work record. Then at 70, she could collect her full amount on her work record (which she says would now be more than her deceased ex-husband's). I thought if she took early retirement; that the early retirement rate would also apply to her work record at 70. She says no, she would get the full amount of waiting on her work record until she was 70.
ReplyDeleteYes, widows can apply for benefits as early as age 60 if they meet all other requirements and switch to retirement benefits at age 70 (or earlier) if they are higher. And listen up, widowers! This option may work to your advantage as well.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that there are different rules for couples when both spouses are alive. A married or divorced spouse cannot apply as a spouse first unless he or she waits until their full retirement age to apply!
I have a recently widowed friend who has no family and has asked me to assist in sorting things out. (I recently had to do the same for my mother and guess that is why I was 'appointed' to this task).
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, here is the situation:
She is 78 years old. She worked for a government agency for 27 years and retired when she was 60. She receives a government pension from her working years of about $2400.00 per month, and HER social security check of about $150.00 per month. Where her husband died she received a letter from the SSA, which said the following EXACTLY:
"You are entitled to monthly widow's benefits beginning December 2009.
We raised your monthly benefit to $1,469.70 beginning December 2009 because of the death of another entitled beneficiary.
We cannot pay you monthly benefits at this time."
A call to social security has only further confused the issue and did not clear up the question.
Now my reading of the SS guidelines seems to indicate that ss benefits are not affected by pensions, however, is the fact that her pension is from the US gov the reason they are withdrawing her ss benefits. If not, what other reasons would they have to increase her benefits then stop them in the very next sentence?
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct that most pensions do not affect Social Security benefits. The big exception is a government pension based on work that was not covered under Social Security. Some federal, state and local government employees did not pay into Social Security while they were working and when they retire, any Social Security spousal or widow's benefit due is offset by 2/3rd of their gross monthly pension. If nothing is left over no beneits are payable even though they remain "technically" eligible. This provision in the law is called the Government Pension Offset.
It sounds as though this is what is happening in your friend's case. If her gross pension is $2400, two-thirds or $1600 is deducted from her widow's benefit. Since her widow's payment is less than the offset, no benefits are payable. If her widow's rate ever becomes higher that $1600 she would receive the difference.
If the $150 check she receives is based on her own Social Security record because she earned the minimum 40 credits needed to qualify for retirement, she should continue to receive this payment in spite of her pension.
I will be 62 in October and work full time in my own business along with my husband of 15 years.
ReplyDeleteI was previously married (for 23 years) to a very high wage earner who has also remarried.
Am I eligible at any time for benefits based on his earnings?
Dear Anonymous Ex-Wife,
ReplyDeleteYou cannot qualify for benefits on your ex-husband's work record as long as you are married to someone else even if his benefit rate is higher. You could qualify for benefits on your current husband's record as soon as he applies for benefits.
I had to retire at age 62 due to severe health problems. I did not have funds to support myself to wait for disability so I had to take regular social security at a lesser rate. I am now 64 and have heard that I could draw off my ex-husbands social security since I was married for 33 years and have been divorced for 14 years and have never remarried. He is 4 years older than I am. Now I am hearing that once I filed, I can not change to his. Any input is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhen you applied for retirement, the Social Security office should have checked to see if you qualified for additional benefits as a divorced spouse. Since you took reduced retirement, the benefits on your ex-husband's record would have to be higher than your own for you to get an increase. If you aren't sure whether this was considered, check with your local Social Security office now.
ReplyDeleteOther possibilities: If you are still disabled, you can apply for the higher disability rate now if you qualify based on your earnings history and medical condition.
Finally, if you do not qualify for an increase now, you may qualify for a higher benefit as a divorced widow when your "ex" dies since survivor rates are substantially higher than life benefits.
I will be 62 years old in July. I have not shown any income for nearly 6 years. If I take my SS benefits now, I will receive about $500 a month from previous years worked. My husband will be 63 in June. He hopes to work until he is 66 before he retires & draws SS. Will taking my benefits now reduce the amount that I can receive when my husband retires? In other words, will I still be eligible to receive 1/2 of his SS benefit when he reaches 66?
ReplyDeleteIf you take your retirement benefits now they will be permanently reduced by about 25%. That reduction will remain even if you wait until age 66 to apply for wife's benefits on your husband's record. Because of the way Social Security combines retirement and wife's benefits, the only way you could receive 1/2 of his full retirement benefit would be for you to wait until you reach your full retirement age to apply.
ReplyDeleteDo you mean I would need to wait on getting any benefits in order to get half of my husbands at age 66? Is the "permanent reduction" that you mention...the difference in the amounts shown on my SS statement of retiring at 62 or waiting until I am 66? Or is this an additional 25% reduction? I'm still a little confused:(
ReplyDeleteAre you saying that I CAN apply now for a reduced benefit and still apply for half of my husband's benefit when I turn 66? Is there any penalty in doing that? I realize I cannot get both:)
Thank you:):)
I can't explain the complete computation here but you are correct that if you apply for retirement early you will never qualify for 1/2 of your husband's full benefit. This is because the part of your benefit that is based on your own work will be reduced permanently even if you are due an additional amount as a wife later.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, you may not be eligible for any additional wife's benefit at 66 if it is not higher than what you get on your own record.
I will get $500 a month now, if I apply under my own SS. My husband will receive $2000 a month at age 66, in three years. How much would I receive if I switched from my own benefit to spousal? I just don't want to do anything now that would reduce what I get later
ReplyDeleteof my husband's. I am not worried about getting 25% less of my own benefit if I begin to draw now. I believe you said that I could not draw on my husband's retirement benefit until I turned 66, correct? Would I get half of his benefit, which would be $1000, at that time?
This is very important for all women to understand!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to apply early for your retirement, you will have to accept a lower combined retirement and wife's benefit even if you wait until 66 to apply on your husband's record.
If you are willing to wait until you are age 66 to apply, I can help you maximize your lifetime benefits. To request a Personalized Benefit Analysis, please contact me directly at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com.
My husband divorced his ex-wife over 20 years ago, and has paid alimony ever since. He is now 67 and is able to collect full social security benefits and work full time with no earning limitations. Can his ex-wife collect social security benefits without him knowing it? Does he have to pay full alimony, even though half of his social security payment is slightly more than his full alimony payment? She has lived with a man for over 19 years, and this man happens to be married. She did not press getting married because that would eliminate her alimony payments. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBenefits paid to an ex-wife have no effect on benefits paid to the worker or his current dependents (wife/children). So you and your husband will not be disadvantaged if she does receive these benefits now or in the future.
ReplyDeleteIf your husband contacts Social Security, they will tell him if his ex-wife is receiving benefits based on his work record. However, only a court with jurisdiction over the divorce can alter the order to pay alimony.
I am 56 and a widow of 7 months. I also just lost my own job. My question is what would be my best strategy as far as benefits? My widow benefit at age 60 wouls be around $1255/mo., but if I wait until 66, it would be $1756/mo. My own worker benefit on my record, if I started drawing at 62 would be $690/mo. Can I draw on mine at 62, then switch to widow benefit at 66? My husband had a pension started which is 120 payments which lasts until Aug 2018 and I would be 65. I don't know what to do?
ReplyDeleteThank you
Yes, you can wait until 62 and apply for your own retirement first, then switch to the higher widow's rate at 66. This would give you the highest possible monthly income from Social Security to help offset the loss of income from the private pension at 65.
ReplyDeleteThis is how it works:
If you take the $1255 widow's benefit at 60, you will receive $90,360 (in today's dollars) by the time you reach age 66.
If you take the $690 retirement benefit at 62, you will receive only $32,430 (in today's dollars) by the time you reach age 66, but it will allow you to qualify for the higher widow's benefit of $1756 beginning at 66.
This option will allow you to break-even at age 75 1/2 and will pay you $501/month more for the rest of your life than you would have gotten if you took the widow's benefit at 60. By age 80, you will be ahead by $26,000 and by age 85, the advantage will grow to over $56,000.
Dear Diane,
ReplyDeleteI am 58 and my husband is 68. My husband is receiving $1032 per month from SS.
I have just enough points (40) to qualify for medicare when I will turn 66 but my ss income will be around $237 per month. If my husband died before I do, what can i do to receive the maximum benefict? Thank you.
To receive the maximum benefit as a widow, you would have to be at least 66 years old when your widow's benefits start. Applying for reduced retirement/wife's benefits now will not affect the amount of your potential widow's benefit.
ReplyDeleteBoth me and my boyfriend are 60. He wants to get married now. He is very sick and may not live long. How long do I have to be married to him before he passes to collect his benefits ?? (which will be much higher than mine)
ReplyDeleteHe was married before, problably 10 years. When he dies does that spouse get the benefits because she was married to him longer than me, or do I get them even though I may only be married for a few months??. I think I understand I have to be married for at least 9 month before he dies.
You are correct that you must be married at least 9 months before your husband's death to qualify for widow's benefits on his record unless an exception exists. Any benefits payable to his ex-wife would have no effect on your eligibility. You don't mention whether he has applied for or is receiving disability benefits. If he has not, you should tell him to contact Social Security right away to apply.
ReplyDeleteDear Diane thank you for your help, do I understand correctly that both the ex-wife and I can get benefits ??Could I get 100% if I wait until full retirement age?
ReplyDeleteWe are looking into disability benefits, but since he still owns his business (and has to keep it to keep health insurance) I think he has too much income at this time.
You are correct: Payments to an ex-spouse do not reduce benefits to other people who qualify for benefits on the worker's record. The widow's rate at age 60 is 28 1/2% less than if the widow waits until her full retirement age to apply.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was married to my dad for over 13 years before divorcing. They are both retired now. Mom 69 and Dad 72. My mother re-married my step-dad. He passed away after being married 5 years. My mother worked, however my step-dads benefits was higher than hers, so she is drawing his. My mother has never re-married, can she draw on my dads benefits also? (two checks a month) If so, what will she need to take the ss office?
ReplyDeleteYour mother is probably receiving the widow's benefit on your step-dad's record because it is higher than her potential benefit as a divorced wife. She cannot receive both benefits, only the higher of the two.
ReplyDeleteMy mother is 59, still working and her husband died at 56. My father earned a lot more income and his survivor benefits would be much more than my mother's. Can she draw her reduced social security on her earnings at age 62 while still working and then begin drawing on her husband's full benefits when she reaches the full retirement age?
ReplyDeleteYour mother can draw reduced widow's benefits as early as age 60 or her own retirement as early as 62 but only if she stops work or reduces her earnings. The earnings limit for 2010 is $14,160/year; it may be higher when she decides to apply but if she earns more than the annual limit and keeps working Social Security will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 she earns over the limit. If she plans to keep working and earns substantially more than the limit, she should wait until either (1) she reduces her earnings or (2) reaches age 66 when there is no earnings limit. At that point she can choose between her own retirement and a widow's benefit (if she does not remarry before age 60). Which is more beneficial in the long run depends on her age at the time of her retirement and the relative benefit rates.
ReplyDeleteDear Diane,
ReplyDeleteMy husband retired at 62 and is collecting ssi.If I wait to collect until I'm 66,would I get 50% of what he receives now,or 50% of what he would have received at 66?Can I collect the spousal benefit and then switch to my own at age 70?
First, the maximum Social Security spousal benefit is based on 1/2 of the worker's full retirement rate even if he or she took early retirement.
ReplyDeleteSecond, if you wait until your full retirement age (66) to apply you would be eligible for the maximum spousal rate.
Third, if you choose to receive ONLY the spousal benefit at 66, you can wait until age 70 to receive your maximum retirement benefit.
Whether this is a good idea depends on how much the spousal benefit will be compared to your own retirement.
NOTE: This only applies if your husband receives Social Security retirement or disability. SSI is a low income program for disabled and aged people and does not provide for benefits to other family members.
Thanks Diane,that was very helpful.What if I stopped working,but didn't collect?How would that affect the numbers?Are the estimates that are given based on working until FRA or age 70?
ReplyDeleteAll estimates on the Social Security Statements assume that you will continue working until you start receiving benefits and that your earnings will be about the same as the last year shown on your statement. If you retire early and wait to apply for benefits, the estimates may not be accurate.
ReplyDeleteDear Diane:
ReplyDeleteI am 63 years old, divorced, single, and was married for over 10 years. My ex husband is 67 years old and elected to start taking his ssi at 62. Can I apply to receive 1/2 of his benefit now while I am working and then take my full ss benefits at 70? I know that 1/2 of his current benefit is less than what my benefit would be if I were to take an early withdrawal. My income fluctuates but averages at about 65,000 per year.
I'm sorry but until you reach age 66, you are subject to the retirement test which limits your earnings from work if you want to receive benefits. The current annual retirement earnings limit is $14,160 for people under their full retirement age this year. Once you reach age 66, you can apply for benefits even if you continue working full-time. You can only restrict your application to divorced spouse's benefits IF you wait until age 66 to apply.
ReplyDeleteI just recently married a 69 year old man who is getting Social Security Retirement Benefits. I am 55 years old and currently not working. I lost my job over 3 years ago. Does his retirement benefits increase due to the change in our marital status? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNo, his benefits will not change due to marriage. Your are too young to get Social Security benefits now but once you reach age 62, you could get Social Security retirement benefits if you earned at least 40 credits during your lifetime and could also be eligible for an additional amount on your current husband's record.
ReplyDeleteDiane;
ReplyDeletemy husband reached his retirement age 66 today. i am on disabilty i am 64; now can i apply for spousal benefits or should i wait till i am 66. i have my own earned credits. but he gets alot more then i will.and being on disability i don;t get alot each month. what is the best way to go?
If you wait until age 66 to apply, you will receive the higher of your current disability benefit or 1/2 of your husband's age 66 rate. If you apply now the wife's benefit rate will be permanently reduced because you are under your Full Retirement Age. Whichever you choose, you will only receive an amount equal to the higher or your disability or your wife's benefit.
ReplyDeletehi diane, (great site!) I would like you to confirm info I found online & clarify. Okay, I was widowed in 1993 after being married only about 5 months. At the time I was told the marriage had to be at least 8 or 9 months for me to qualify for survivor benefits. At the time I had a newborn baby & a toddler from the deceased. I found on the SS website it states that because of that, (having minor children) I should have gotten survivor benefits (along with my children), is this true? Because they told me no. As well, I saw where it stated if the death was accidental, the same applies? Thanks in advance for your reply.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments. I am concerned that you appear to have gotten misinformation from Social Security when you were widowed. You are correct that the fact that you were the mother of your late husband's children should have qualified your for mother's benefits regardless of the length of the marriage.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible, though, that you may not have been due any additional payments as the mother of his children (even if you had applied) since there is a maximum family benefit payable to survivors. If the combined benefit paid to your children was equal to this maximum, it wouldn't have mattered if you also qualified at the time. The good news is that you MAY qualify for widow's benefits at age 60 or later even though your marriage did not last 9 months. If you remarried before age 60, you may not qualify for widow's benefits and there are other requirements, so be sure to check with Social Security about your eligibility before you retire.
Hi Diane,I am divorced.was married for 15 yrs and my ex past away.I intend on applying for his social security in 2012,will i loose my SSDI when i do this.thanks
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteNo, you will not lose your disability check but would only receive an increase if your benefit as a divorced widow is higher than your disability rate. Check with Social Security to find out what your rate would be. Divorced widow's benefits are reduced if received prior to your full retirement age but there are special rules for widows who also qualify for disability so check with your local Social Security office to find out when you should apply.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteMy husband died at the age of 59,I was at that time 53.I just turned 60 this month. When can I start drawing his Social Security?
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteReduced widow's benefits are payable at age 60. You should check with Social Security to find out what your benefit would be if you apply now. If you are receiving disability benefits on your own record, you will only receive an increase equal to the widow's rate (assuming it is higher). You will not receive the sum of the two benefits.
My wife is deceased. If I marry a widow who is drawing her husbands social security benefits will she continue to draw those same benefits if we get married? Her social security benefits are greater that what I am receiving.
ReplyDeleteYes. Assuming she is at least 60 years old when she remarries, she will continue to receive the higher widow's rate on her late husband's record.
ReplyDeleteFrom Fla I am 53yrs old my exhusband and I were married 9ys will I if I do not marry be be able to receive some of his retirement, He has since remarried again.Thanks in advance for your help.
ReplyDeleteDear Floridian: No, I'm sorry but your marriage would have had to last at least 10 years before you could qualify for divorced wife's benefits.
ReplyDeletei am receiving ssdi have been married for 35 yrs divorced 2 years at the age of 62 will i be able to able to draw benefits from xhusband who is drawing his ss at age 62 who worked longer than me.
ReplyDeleteYou may qualify for divorced wife's benefits if you are currently unmarried but only if they are higher than what you receive now. Even then you only receive an increase equal to the difference between your divorced wife's rate and your disability benefit so I suggest asking Social Security what you could get at 62 and what you could get if you wait until your full retirement age before deciding what to do.
ReplyDeleteI just turned 66 and applied for SS. I will receive a little over $2300.00 per month. Wife is 62 and paid in max SS for about 20 years. Will hers be reduced only by her early retirement age of 62 or should she wait till 66 as I continue to work and will pay in max for next estimated 4 years. I am concerned that her benefits will be reduced due to my income as we file jointly.
ReplyDeleteIf your wife applies now her benefits will be permanently reduced due to her age. You will probably also have to pay income tax on up to 85% of your combined benefits. If she does not apply she can wait to receive a higher benefit and delay the income taxes on her benefits until she starts receiving them.
ReplyDeleteIf you want me to do a Personalized Benefit Analysis to compare her options, contact me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com.
I'm 66 and divorced. Planning to take the spousal SS this year when my husband turns 66. I'm still working and plan to until I reach age 70. Will I still be paying into the system while taking the spousal SS? Is there any reason not to take the spousal SS until I decide to take my own at 70?
ReplyDeleteStacey, If you are not currently married and were divorced at least 2 years, you don't have to wait until your ex-husband turns 66 to apply for divorced wife's benefits. Unlike retirement benefits, there is no advantage to waiting after age 66 to start spousal benefits. If you want to wait until 70 to take your own retirement you will have to restrict your application to spousal benefits.
ReplyDeleteI will turn 62 in January, and have applied for social security as soon as possible. The estimate that I had found online and in the papers they send me is higher than what the local social security office told me; then I called the main office and they told me a number even LOWER. Why the discrepancy? Also, why will I not get a check until MARCH!!! If I turn 62 in January?
ReplyDeleteBenefit estimates vary depending on the earnings used, the type of benefit and first month of eligibility. You don't give enough information to tell why these estimates are different but it is probable that you entered your 2010 earnings to be used in the online estimate and this resulted in a higher payment rate. If different amounts were used by the local and toll-free number estimates, it would account for the lower benefit rates. When your employer files your 2010 W-2 with Social Security you benefit rate will be re-figured to include your 2010 earnings and you will receive any increases due.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be 62 the entire month to qualify for a January payment so your first month of eligibility will be February 2011. Payments are made the month after they are due so your first check will be paid in March 2011.
Both my EX-Wife and I are collecting SSDI for some years now, we are in our 50's and divorced 10 years. Can my ex collect a higher amount by collecting from my account?
ReplyDeleteThe minimum age for divorced spouse's benefits is age 62. If your ex-wife is unmarried when she reaches age 62, she might be eligible for an additional payment on your record, but only if it is higher than what she receives on her own.
ReplyDeleteI AM 47 YEARS OLD. CAN I COLLECT OFF MY EX-HUSBANDS SOCIAL SECURITY BEBEFITS EVEN IF I STILL OWE HIM FOR CHILD SUPPORT?
ReplyDeleteMy husband has worked for 25 years and recently and started working for me 2 years ago. I am self employed and until the last 10 years have not contributed a lot to Social Security. I have been maxing it out for at least the last 7 years. Should I save the Social security taxes and not pay my husband (and invest the difference) since I am maxing mine out or do I need to build his record as well?
ReplyDeleteAs long as you meet the other requirements for eligibility as a divorced spouse, you can receive benefits when you reach age 62 but your state can issue an order to garnish a portion of your Social Security checks to pay any child support you still owe. This is true whether you receive benefits based on your own work or as a divorced spouse.
ReplyDeleteRetirement benefits are based on the worker's highest 35 years of earnings so if your husband retires with only 25 years of earnings his 35 year average will include 10 zero years and his benefit will be less than if he continues working in your business. If you would like me to do a Personalized Benefit Analysis of both your benefits based on whether he stops work now or continues to work until retirement, I can do this for a fee.
ReplyDeleteI was a federal employee who had to take a reduced CSRS pension when I retired due to illness in family. My husband is a non-federal worker and is now collecting disability (age 57)
ReplyDeleteAm I elgible for any ss benefits.
I'm asking for a friend - Her husband is deceased and she received widow's benefits. She is 64 and still working, she wants to retire. Social security told her she will not receive any additional money when she retires is this true? Why wouldn't she be entitled to her benefits plus a portion of his benefits
ReplyDeleteCSRS Pensioner: There is a Government Pension Offset that affects retirees who receive a pension (like CSRS) that is based on work not covered by Social Security. You may be eligible for retirement at 62 if you worked and earned at least 40 credits under Social Security but any benefits you could get as a spouse will be offset by 2/3 of the amount of your CSRS pension.
ReplyDeleteWidow's Benefits: Once your friend retires or reaches her full retirement age of 66, she can choose to apply for only her widow's benefit and delay filing for her maximum retirement until age 70. This is only beneficial if her own retirement rate at 70 will be higher than her widow's benefit.
I'm a CSRS pensioner - does the same apply for widow's benefit (that 2/3 of the CSRS pension will be offset) I did not pay any social security and I have no outside employment. I paid into medicare when I was employed by Social Security I was told that I only get part A of medicare and not part B is this true. Do I have to get something for part B?
ReplyDeleteFederal retirees who paid did not pay into Social Security during their careers usually cannot receive Social Security because 2/3 of their CSRS pension is used to offset any Social Security spousal or survivor's benefit. Federal workers who earned at least 40 credits under Social Security can, however, receive retirement benefits based on their own work.
ReplyDeleteSince you paid into Medicare only, you will qualify for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and can enroll in Part B (Medical Insurance) at 65. There is no premium for Part A, but if you want Part B, you will have to pay the premium in effect when you enroll. You should check with your FEHB carrier to find out how Medicare will coordinate coverage with your FEHB insurance. Since Medicare is primary, you may save money by enrolling in Part B even after paying the monthly premium.
hi diane i turn 62 in march i will get ss benefits at $190 per month.my wife will be 62 in 4 years time she will get benfits at $1600 can i get half of her benfits when i turn 62 please tell me the best way to thank you
ReplyDeleteYou can take your own retirement at 62 if you aren't earning over $14,160/year from work but you can't qualify for husband's benefits on your wife's record until she starts her benefits at 62 or later. Remember, your 25% reduction in your retirement for taking benefits at 62 will be permanent and will reduce the amount of any combined retirement/spousal benefits you receive in the future. It will not, however, reduce your potential widower's benefit if you survive your wife.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, I hope that you will be able to answer this question for me: as a recipient of SS widows benefit, I asked my local office to send me the formula used to calculate the amount of my monthly payment and I received a letter stating that the amount that I am receiving is correct because the age (60) that I started receiving the benefit is at a reduced amount 71.5% of the family max. That was already understood by me and there are 2 children (outside of my marriage) ages 12 and 17 that were receiving benefits before he died whose benefit amount did not change according to the local office and has nothing to do with the amount I receive per the letter. Is it correct that their amount does not change and if that is true, is the amount that I receive based on the balance of the family max after their payments have been deducted or the actual amount. I have received so many ambiguous answers until I don't know what is correct.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I don't have enough information to fully answer your question but the easiest way to find out if your benefit has been reduced because of the family maximum is to ask them if your rate will increase when the oldest child's benefits stop. If the answer is no, then you are already receiving the maximum you can receive as a widow on this record.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane
ReplyDeleteI am 63 and took my early social security benefits at age 62, I am receiving $1742 per month. My wife is also 63 and has not started receiving benefits. Social Security sent her an estimated payment based on her earning record of $647/month at age 66 and $854 per month at age 70. Should she start taking benefits now based on her own record and then switch to 1/2 of my benefit ($871) at age 66? I have talked to two different people at social security over the several months and gotten different answers or should I say different strategies on how to max her benefits. We are both in excellent health and really don't need her benefit at present time. I would like to maximize her benefits received over the next 15 to 20 years, say to age 80.
Thanks, Mark in Detroit
Mark, if your wife applies for benefits before age 66 she will not be able to choose between her own retirement and a wife's benefit on your record. She will have to apply for both and both will be permanently reduced. If she waits until age 66 to apply, she can get 1/2 of your Full Retirement Benefit (not the reduced rate you receive now). If you would like me to figure her benefit rates and compare her options, I do offer that service for a fee. You can contact me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com for more information.
ReplyDeleteI was widowed at 50, remarried at 54 and retired at 62 taking early SS and had not been married for 10 years and was told I couldn't apply toward his benefit. My husband who is 2 years older than I, also retired at 62 and took SS benefits. I am now almost 69 and have been married for more than 10 years. Can I now reapply to SS to see if I can get a higher payment. Thanks for any help. Also, if he should die can I get a higher benefit then. We are both wondering about this as his benefit would be higher than my first husbands.
ReplyDeleteSince your current husband applied for benefits before you did, Social Security would have considered whether you could qualify for a higher benefit as a wife when you applied for your retirement. So I doubt that you could receive more now. You are also not eligible for widow's benefits on your late husband's record because you remarried before you turned age 60 and are still married.
ReplyDeleteIf you survive your current husband, you could be eligible for a widow's benefit on either his record or your first husband's record assuming both are higher than your own retirement. At that point, you will be allowed to choose which benefit you want to receive.
I am currently receiving FRA benefits from SS. My wife of 9 years is 4 years away from 62. She was told she could apply for 50% of my benefit at 62. I also have a xwife who is going to be 62 in Dec 2011. I was married to her just over ten years. Will my current or my wifes future SS amounts me affected by the xwife applying for benefits on my account?
ReplyDeleteHi, I am only 52 but wanted to ask this question. I was married not quite a year (12 days shy) but my husband passed away with cancer. Am I going to be eligible for any of his benefits when the time comes. I am hearing conflicting comments.
ReplyDeleteThe spousal rate at 62 for someone whose FRA is age 66 is 35% of the worker's FRA rate. The maximum spousal benefit of 50% of the worker's FRA rate will only be payable IF your wife or ex-wife waits until her FRA to start benefits.
ReplyDeleteBenefits payable to a spouse or ex-spouse never reduce the workers benefits and benefits payable to an ex-spouse never reduce benefits payable to a current spouse.
Dear "only 52" - Since your marriage lasted at least 9 months before your husband's death, you are potentially eligible for widow's benefits as early as age 60 as long as you do not remarry before then. Remarriage at age 60 or later would not affect your eligibility for widow's benefits.
ReplyDeleteI will be 60 years old this year 2011, my question is Can I take benefits on my own SS pay at 62 and then apply for ex-spouse benefits at 66? We were married for 25 years, and I have never remarried. He makes two times more in income than I. Also when when you say I can only draw 1/2 of his SS, do you mean if his benefit is $2200 a month, I would only get $1100? Thanks for your help, you are an Angel..
ReplyDeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteThe maximum you could receive as an ex-wife is 50% of your ex-husband's full retirement benefit (FRA)rate. This is only payable if you wait until your FRA (age 66) to apply for both your own retirement and benefits on your ex-husband's record. If you apply earlier there will always be a reduction for any month before you reach FRA that you receive benefits.
I was married to my first husband for 15 years, he is 5 years older than I am. (made more than I did) . I have divorced him and remarried now for 12 years to my second husband who is 19 years younger than I am. I have filed for divorce and would like to know why at my age of 58 and disabled, when I reach (FRA) who's benefits will I qualify for ? If any one of them. I have reached 40 credits but did not make much as a part time worker
ReplyDeleteThank you
You will only be eligible for disability if you have 40 credits on your own work record and have worked under Social Security for 5 out of the last 10 years before you became disabled (20 credits= 5 years). If you do meet these requirements you can apply now for disability.
ReplyDeleteThere is no disability benefit as a divorced spouse so the only way you can qualify on your first husband's record is to be:
1. Unmarried (i.e. your divorce from this husband must be final),
2. At least age 62, and
3. Not be eligible for a higher benefit on your own work record.
You will not be eligible for a divorced spouse's benefit on your second husband's record until he reaches age 62 so it is unlikely you could receive anything on his record due to the fact that he is 19 years younger than you are.
I am 69 years old and I have cancer, if I marry my girl friend of 17 years can she get my SS when I die?
ReplyDeleteDiane, I was married in Oct 1982, and divorced in Feb of 1992,8 months shy of 10 years. But in the 10th year,will I be able to draw on my x-spouse at retirement ? Thanks for your time !
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry but the law requires that a marriage last at least until the 10th anniversary for a divorced spouse to qualify for benefits so you would not qualify for benefits on your ex-husband's record at any age.
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteTwo and a half years ago my father left my mother, high and dry, after 40 years of marriage. She is 61 this July. They have been divorced since October 2010. He is 64 and collected his SS early at 62, receiving $1200.00 a month. Is it correct that if she collects early on half of his SS that at 62 she would get $600., but if she waited until her FRA she would get half of what he would have received fully if he had waited (about 25% more?)? I've read about the earnings limit regarding collecting early ($14,000 something a year.) As of now she only makes about $11,000./year so that may not be an issue. Thank you for your answers! I appreciate the help.
If your mother applies for benefits at 62 (or anytime before she reaches FRA), she can only receive the higher of her own retirement or her divorced wife's benefit. The divorced wife's benefit at 62 would be about 35% of your father's FRA rate not the rate he is actually receiving. Your mother could get 50% of his FRA rate but only if she waits until age 66 to apply for any benefits even her own.
ReplyDeleteGenerally, a widow can receive survivor's benefits if she is 60 years old or more and was married to the deceased for at least 9 months. There are some other exceptions to this rule so it is important to check with Social Security about your specific situation.
ReplyDeleteis there a limit to the number of unmarried ex wives (married over the 10 yr rule) that can collect from one man's benefit? I ask as these days it is not unusual for a 70 year old to have had 3 and more wives.
ReplyDeleteNo limit but as a practical matter it is be unusual for one person to have more than two people who qualify for a benefit as a spouse or ex-spouse on their record.
ReplyDeleteOK I am so confused.. I want to collect early retirement (62) my retirement age is 66.. I have the required amount to collect.. However .. I am married .. for 13 years..my husband is 10 years younger than me and still working.. Can I take MY benefits now than when my husband retires can I switch to his which would be higher than mine..
ReplyDeleteHi Diane:
ReplyDeleteLove this blog..very informative. I will be 66 in January and my husband died in 1993. I have never re-married and receive his military pension and have learned that there is no off-set anymore. I plan to apply for his social security which is $1711. Friday the agent at the SS office told me I will receive only 82.5% of the $1711 my husband was receiving because my own record earnings are too high and my $1132 entitlement at age 66 is more than 50% of my husbands $1711. What is she talking about? I left the office stunned after asking a million questions. Everything on the SSA website says I get 100% of his entitlement as a widow 66 or over. Help!
While I can give general information on this blog I cannot respond here to requests for help with individual Social Security cases such as this one. If you would like to contact me to consult on your case, please send an email to me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com and I will respond to you individually.
ReplyDeleteMy wife is 13 months older than I and will turn 62 in Feb 2012. She is eligible for $338 if she starts to collect at 62, and I will be eligible for $1685 at 62. If she starts collecting her own benefits at 62, and then switches to a spousal benefit when I turn 62, how do I calculate what her total spousal benefit would be? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDave, The calculation is not something you can do on your own because each benefit is reduced separately based on your wife's age at the time she starts her benefit and then added together. Just remember that if your wife applies for her retirement before her full retirement age, she can wait to apply for the spousal benefit until she is age 66. However, the reduction in the retirement portion of her check will continue even after she applies for benefits on your record. One of the services I provide is to calculated the effect of applying for reduced benefits and compare 3 or more benefit options to determine which returns the highest monthly and lifetime income.
ReplyDeleteMy mother had been collecting widow's sss benefit since 2009 when she turned 60, now she just turned 62 in 11/2011, she want's to know if there's other benefit that she can get or increase on her current benefit?
ReplyDeleteThank you
Tampa lady
Dear Tampa lady,
ReplyDeleteA widow may switch to their own retirement benefit (assuming it is higher than what she is getting as a widow) at any time after attaining age 62 but this is not necessarily the best time to do so since waiting longer may result in a higher monthly rate and lifetime benefits. If your mother would like an analysis of her benefit options, I do offer this service for a flat fee. Contact me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com for more information.
Diane...you truly are a very magnanimous person to take the time to answer all these questions. Your altruism is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI am 59.5 years old and have plenty of credits but lost my job at 58 years, after 25 years of f/t work. Still haven't found work.
I am divorced, married more than 10 years. Ex hub is 1 year younger, now aged 58 and has made a LOT of money. Weighing my options. Assuming I don't find work in this economy, what should I do? Ex retired after 30 years with Cat but is now working as a manager at a hardware store and probably will continue. Can one claim their own at age 62 and then switch to spousal benefits, in this case, when he is 66 and full retirement age?
Thank you, Diane!
Thanks, Jillian, for your inquiry. While I can answer general questions on my blog, I do have to charge for my services as an expert Social Security benefit consultant to supplement my income in retirement. The basic answer to your question is no, but I would like to offer you a detailed Personalized Benefit Analysis for a flat fee to provide a full explanation of your options with regard to applying for a divorced spouse’s benefit first and switching to your own retirement at a later date. I understand that your financial situation may not be optimal at this time, but I do recommend that you request a Personalized Benefit Analysis sometime before you reach age 62 to ensure that you are making an informed decision about when and how to apply for your Social Security benefits. You may contact me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com if you have any questions about my services.
ReplyDeleteAll my best in your search for work and I wish you a more prosperous New Year!
I am devorced, was married 24 years began benefits at FRA but continued to work until age 69. I thought that I was collecting only from my ex-husbands account as that was what I requested when applying for benefits 4 years ago. I received a letter from SS stating that my account increased due to additional earnings but the benefit I am payed on the other SS recored decreased when the benefit on my record increased therefor the monthly amount I receive will remain the same. Does this mean that I am being paid from both accounts? I had planned to drop my ex-spouse account when I reach 70 next June and draw from my own. Is this something a divorced person can do or is this only for widowed spouses?
ReplyDeleteYou could be receiving a combination of your own retirement and benefits as a divorced spouse. If so, you will not be able to switch to a higher benefit at age 70. You should check with Social Security to find out whether you applied for your retirement when you applied for the divorced spouse's benefit. If you survive your ex-husband, you may be due an increase as his surviving divorced spouse. The Social Security office can tell you that as well.
ReplyDeleteI am 54 yrs old, drawing SSI. I am divorced of 7 years and was married 14 years. Since I am disable and draw SSI, when do I start drawing from my ex-husband? He is 58. Do I file or SS will change it when time is right?
ReplyDeleteYou will have to wait until you are 62 years old since that is the minimum age for a divorced spouse to receive benefits.
ReplyDeleteI want to marry a lady that is 10 years older than me. She really doesn't like to work, will she collect my retirement before me if she is not working at 62?
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but you would have to be at least 62 and receiving benefits yourself for her to qualify. Since she is ten years older, the earliest she could be eligible on your record would be when she is 72 years old!
ReplyDeleteHi. My husband has been collecting SSDI since 1996 and gets $884 a month and he is now 66. I took SS at 62 but I just turned 65. Can I collect half what he would have received for a regular SS instead of the SSDI? He worked a regular job for atleast 10 years along with his being in the Army for almost 20 yrs.
ReplyDeleteI am afraid the answer is no because you already receive your own retirement. You can't get yours and 1/2 of his and if you had been eligible for a higher benefit on his record when you filed for retirement at 62, Social Security would have automatically included that in your payment rate.
ReplyDeleteMy mother just got her first SS checks. She got hers of about $600 and that of ex husband of more than 10 yrs that was $1500. He is deceased. is this right? can she really draw hers and his? she called the ss office and they assured her it was right but seems wrong to me. thanks i can tell you are really helping alot of people answer difficult question:)
ReplyDeleteYour mother should also receive award letters explaining what she is due on her own work record and that of her ex-husband's. Apparently the divorced widow's rate was higher than what she could receive on her own so they "added" the difference to her first payment. They will probably combine the two payments into one check a month from now on.
ReplyDeleteI'm two years older than my husband. If I wait till I'm 66 to collect and he is still working can I get 1/2 of his ss or do I wait till he's 66?
ReplyDeleteYou would probably have to wait until he reaches age 66 if he continues to work until then. If you want a consultation to determine your options, please contact me directly at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com.
ReplyDeleteI qualify for a divorced spouse benefit and my ex-husband (age 62)is collecting his social security at a reduced rate. I will be 62 in a few months and am currently unemployed with no intentions of returning to work. Can I collect one half of his current reduced benefit now and then switch to my own at my FRA? This is what I found on the Social Security website" In fact, you also can begin by collecting Social Security through a divorced spouse benefit first and delay receiving your own retirement benefits until a later date. This could mean a higher benefit for you down the road by qualifying for delayed retirement credits that accumulate up until age 70
ReplyDeleteI am sorry but the information you have is not correct. If you apply before your FRA, you will only receive the higher of your own retirement or the divorced wife's benefit and your benefits will be permanently reduced because you filed before your FRA. If you would like a Personalized Benefit Analysis to help you maximize your monthly and lifetime benefits, please contact me at info@stepupsocialsecurity.com for a price quote and more information about my services.
ReplyDeleteHello Diane, I am 56 years old,divorced,and now engaged to a man that is 20 years older than me. His first wife is deceased and has never re-married. How long will we have to be married for me to get his benefits after his passing. I have been told we would have to be married for 10 years before I could recieve any benefits. I dont want to mess up getting my ex-husbands benefits at the age of 66, because we were married for 24 years. Please help me with the question. Thank you for your time.
ReplyDeletedIANE PLEASE COULD YOU HELP ME i am recieving part of my deceased husbands pension,I was married to him for 17 years will I still be able to recieve this if I remarry this year I AM AGED SIXTY THREE YEARS THIS YEAR .tHANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. dONNA FROM wILTSHIRE/
ReplyDeleteHi, Donna from Wiltshire. Yes, you can remarry and still keep your widow's benefits because you are over age 60. You should still notify Social Security of the marriage and any name changes so they can update your record but your benefit rate will not change because of your remarriage. Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteDear 56, divorced and engaged. Please keep in mind that if you remarry, you will not be eligible for divorced wife's benefits on your ex-husband's record as long as you are married to someone else. You could however be eligible for wife's benefits on your current husband's record at age 62 or for a widow's benefit at age 60. The duration of marriage requirement is one year for wife's benefits and 9 months for survivor's benefits.
ReplyDeleteI took early SS at the age of 62.I am now 65. My husband is younger than me and he plans on taking early SS at the age of 62 also which will be in another 5 years. Will I be able to draw spousal benefits from his even though he retires at the age of 62 and not wait till he is 65?
ReplyDeleteHi, Denise. When your husband applies for his retirement, you could receive an increase in your current benefit rate equal to the difference between the full spousal rate and your own unreduced retirement rate (even though you took early retirement). If your own full retirement amount(FRA)is higher than one-half of his FRA, you would not be eligible for a spousal benefit. Eligibility for spousal benefits is not affected by the fact that you took early benefits or whether your husband takes early benefits.
ReplyDelete