Full question: If you file and start collecting Social Security, and you have a minor child, must they be listed as a deduction on your tax return for you to collect child benefit as well? I ask because I have joint custody of our 11-year-old son, but my ex-wife lists him as a dependent on…

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…

Full question: Is someone required to take Social Security when they turn 70, or can they decline it/never file a claim for it? Sounds crazy on the surface but the situation is husband and wife are on Medicaid, living on only husband’s income, wife turning 70 soon and if she claims her 500/month retirement benefit…

Full question: My husband receives an annuity (pension) for his work with the Railroad Retirement system. I am 58 and will also be eligible to receive a spousal RR annuity at 60. I have many years of SS covered employment. Will my RR spousal pension impact my SS retirement benefits? Hello, It may be that…

Full question: Am I entitled to keep collecting against my ex spouses record if my qualification was due to 10 yr exception to 10 yr rule caring for disabled child? Hi, For married couples, when one parent begins collecting Social Security retirement benefits, the other parent’s age 62 or older and minor and/or adult disabled…

Hi there, The short answer is “yes, sort of!” The “consecutive” part means that the two time periods of the marriages must be in existence in each of the 10 or more consecutive years. Therefore, the second marriage must start within the 12 months after the first divorce. Social Security does require that two people…