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Martha Shedden is RSSA’s President and Co-Founder. Read Martha’s responses to questions regarding Social Security. View all questions or browse by category. Submit your own question to Martha here.
My husband is 66 and I am 59. Can I collect spousal benefits?
Hi, The answer is maybe, but not yet. Age 62 is the earliest you are able to collect Social Security retirement and spousal benefits. If you are entitled to collect each of these, you will only collect the higher of the two amounts. Your husband must be collecting his retirement benefit for you to be…
Read MoreI want to retire at 62, but my friends told me it is better to wait. What should I do?
Hi there, This is a very common question and unfortunately, I can’t give you an exact answer without doing a thorough analysis. Choosing the optimal age to file for Social Security benefits is dependent on many factors including, but not limited to your current finances, your life expectancy, and your family. I suggest reading this…
Read MoreI’m 58 years old and plan to retire at age 62. When should I actually apply?
Hello there, It is recommended you apply three months prior to starting benefits. Therefore, if you plan on retiring at 62, you should apply for Social Security when you are 61 years and 9 months. Here is more information about how to apply. Take care, Martha Do you have a question about Social Security? Ask…
Read MoreWhat is the maximum monthly payment someone can receive?
Hello, The maximum amount is dependent on when an individual claims their benefits. For someone reaching FRA (Full Retirement Age) in 2020 who claims their benefits at FRA, the maximum benefit payable would be $3,011. For someone reaching FRA in 2020 who claims benefits early at age 62, the maximum payable benefit would be $2,265….
Read MoreMy wife passed away. Can I collect my benefit and widow benefits?
Hi, I am very sorry for your loss. If you are at or above your Full Retirement Age, you can collect 100% of your wife’s benefit. If you take it early, the benefit will be reduced. However, you cannot collect both benefits (your benefit and widow/survivor benefits). You can will collect the higher of the…
Read MoreMy ex-wife and I got divorced a few months ago. Will she still be able to collect spousal benefits?
Hi there, It depends. Your ex-wife is eligible to collect ex-spousal benefits if she is currently single, you are both at least 62 years old, and you were married for at least 10 years. Best, Martha Do you have a question about Social Security? Ask Martha your own question here.
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