Can I collect spousal benefits now and switch to my own benefits later?

Full question: Can I collect my ex husband’s Social Security now at age 66. We were married 20 years. Then switch to mine at 70 years old to get the most I can get? Hi there, Unfortunately, the answer is no. The “restricted application” in which you can take a spousal or ex spousal benefit…

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If a spouse collects their own retirement benefit at 62, can they switch to a spousal benefit later?

Full question: Hello Martha and Happy Safe New Year. My wife turned 62 in Jan 2022 and is entitled to receive $644 if we elect to start then. Under Spousal benefits, she would receive $1,008 if I were receiving my benefits. I am turning 65 this July 2022 and haven’t filed to collect yet, waiting…

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Can I collect a spousal benefit at age 62 and then delay and switch to my own benefit at my full retirement age?

Hello, If you are eligible for more than one Social Security benefit, when you apply you will be “deemed to be filing” for all the benefits you are eligible to collect and you will receive the higher amount. This means that you cannot take one benefit and delay collecting the other. You will receive your…

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Can I collect disability and survivor benefits at the same time?

Full question: I am soon to be 65 in September. I am drawing disability. I met with a Social Security agent in 2019 and asked if I could apply for Survivor’s benefits, because my husband died in 2012. He told me I could not have both disability and Survivor’s Benefits. Is that true? Hi there,…

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Can I collect my deceased husband’s Social Security until I start to collect mine?

Full question: I am recently widowed, age 64 and plan to work until 65.5. I do not plan to collect my social security until age 70. When I retire at 65.5, can I collect my husband’s social security until I start to collect mine. My benefits would be higher than my husband’s. Hi there, Yes,…

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Can I apply for spousal benefits since my own benefit will be decreased by WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision)?

Full question: My SS benefits will be whacked by WEP. Can I apply under my wife for spousal benefits and will they be half of her benefit (despite my WEP)? Hello, Yes, in fact when you apply for any Social Security benefits, you will be “deemed” to be filing for all the benefits you are…

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