I am still working. Should I apply for spousal benefits now or wait?

Full question: If I am still working and my husband is retired collecting Social Security what is the advantage/disadvantage for me to apply/collect spousal benefits now? Hi there, If you are still working and are younger than your full retirement age, you will be subject to the earnings test threshold if you are collecting Social…

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How do I determine the best claiming strategy involving ex-spousal benefits?

Full Question: I am divorced born after 1954, and was married for more than 10 years. My ex-spouse has remarried while I have not, and while I do have some earnings to claim, claiming as an ex-spouse will provide the higher estimate. My concern is that while I have reached FRA, my ex-spouse won’t for…

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How are ex-spouse benefits determined?

Hi there, Ex-spouse benefits are based on your ex’s primary insurance amount (PIA), the amount they would receive at their full retirement age (FRA). You may contact the SSA to find out what your ex’s PIA is by providing the information needed to verify your marriage to, and divorce from, the individual. For personalized assistance…

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Can I switch from survivor benefits to my own retirement benefits?

Hi there, Yes, if eligible for both your own retirement benefits and survivor benefits, you may collect one benefit (even if it is a lower amount than the other benefit at the time you are collecting) and later switch to the other. This will allow a retirement benefit to increase all the way up to…

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Will my deceased husband’s railroad pension impact my Social Security?

Full question: Why can I receive my deceased husbands railroad pension, but I cannot collect my Social Security that I paid into after working for over 30 years? Hi there, Railroad retirement and survivor benefits work with Social Security, not in addition to it. That means that the Railroad retirement benefit is subtracted from the…

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Am I eligible to collect on my ex’s Social Security if it is higher than mine?

Full question: I’m 75, divorced and caring for our disabled adult daughter who is collecting SSDI on her dad. Am I entitled to collect on his social security if higher than my SS? Hello, Yes, you may be eligible for an ex-spousal benefit if you were married for 10 or more years and the benefit…

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