Full question: Hi Martha, I am turning 64 and retired. My wife is 53. We have two adopted children 11 & 9 yrs old. Can they receive Social Security benefits? Hello, This is a good question. Yes, when you start collecting Social Security retirement benefits, your minor children are entitled to benefits until age 18,…

Full question: Can a 94 year old widow who has NEVER taken her Social Security benefits get the benefits now? If yes, would she get a Lump Sum payment for the past 20 years of eligibility? Hi there, Well yes, it would appear so. I am assuming you are speaking about survivor benefits. These need…

Full question: How do I switch to full benefits? I turned 70 in December. I’m still employed and collecting spousal benefits from my wife who is 76 and retired on June 2023. Hello, Good question! You should do this as soon as possible since your retirement benefit amount reached its highest value due to delayed…

Hi there, No, they are not different. I am assuming you are asking about reaching full retirement on SSDI and having that benefit converted to a retirement benefit. You should not see any change in your Medicare. But it is wise to verify as you transition just to make sure. Best of luck, Martha

Full question: Hello, I am a widower currently collecting survivor benefits. I turn 66 in March 2024, and are contemplating collecting my own benefits instead of the survivor benefit. When am I eligible to get full benefit? Thank you Hello, If you were born in 1958 your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8…

Full question: My wife started collecting her Social Security at 65, I started at 70. She is asking if she can switch to collecting under my SS benefits now or do something else to increase her monthly benefit. We have been married 42 years. Hi there, If the amount of spousal benefit your wife is…