Should I apply for my own benefits now and then switch to spousal benefits at FRA?

Full question: Hi Martha. I’m a 62 yr old woman married 25 years. Divorced little over 10 years ago. Ex husband is 80 retired at full retirement age with max benefits. Neither of us remarried. His earnings much higher than mine. When is it best for me to apply for SS benefits now or when…

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Can I apply for ex-spousal benefits now and switch to my own at 70?

Full question: I am full retirement age and have been divorced for more than 10 years. My ex-husband and I have a disabled child (34 year old) that I care for and draws SSDI off of her father who is 70 years old. I have not applied for Social Security benefits, as I was wanting…

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I was told I need to pay back my survivor benefits since I also receive disability. What can I do?

Full question: I received my widows benefits for 2 years. Then I was approved for disability and now they are telling me I have to pay all the widows benefits back because I couldn’t get both, but that wasn’t my fault. Hello, You are in a very unique situation, and it is difficult for us…

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Should I wait until age 70 to get my full benefit?

Full question: I’m remarried 4 years to my husband, age 72. He waited until 70 to begin his Social Security benefits, and is still working as a partner in a law firm. I just turned 69, still working as an independent life & health agent. I have not turned on Social Security benefits yet, and…

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How do I find out if my own benefits at 70 will be higher than my survivor benefits?

Full question: Hi Martha, I’ve been collecting Survivor benefits since I was 66. I’ll be turning 70 in October. How do I find out if my own benefits at 70 will be higher than my deceased spouse’s? Hi there, You should contact your local Social Security office to verify if you are eligible for a higher…

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Will I get the larger amount if I qualify for multiple benefits?

Full question: I get survivors benefits now, I am 65 and have worked 27 years past my husbands death. If I continue his until 70 and then switch to mine (I’m still working) will I get a larger check?  Hi there, Thank you for the question about collecting survivor benefits and switching to your own…

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