When should I begin collecting my Social Security benefits?

Full question: Hello, I was told by an RSSA expert to begin my benefits in Jan. 2024 to avoid being penalized, and possibly losing out on, benefits. I work part-time but my monthly earnings are roughly $3k and the ceiling is around $1770. Should I begin benefits in Jan. 2024 where the first check would…

Read More

My spouse has no earnings history. In the event of my death, will their spousal benefit switch to a higher survivor benefit?

Full question: If my spouse who has no earning history, applies (on my earnings) for reduced spousal benefits now and withdraws and if some thing happens to me before her FRA. The benefits be auto converted to survivor benefits, will benefit be ‘Recalculated’ at that time based on survivor benefits at higher level or will…

Read More

Will the SSA retroactively pay me my missed survivor benefits?

Full question: I discovered recently that my husband passed away in 2012. We were still married but not together. Am I still entitled to receive survivor benefits and how far back will they pay? Hi there, Yes, you are still entitled to survivor benefits if you are still legally married. The SSA pays up to…

Read More

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

Full question: Can I collect survivor benefits from deceased ex-husband from age 60 until my FRA which is 67, and want to be sure that I can switch over as long as my own retirement benefits are higher. Is this true? Hi there, Yes, that is true. Survivor benefits may be collected as young as…

Read More

Will divorce affect my ex-spousal or child-in-care benefits?

Full question: I am 61, and my husband and I have been separated for years. We have a disabled adult daughter, who lives with me. She currently receives the DAC benefit and I receive the spousal child in care benefit. We are going to finally divorce, does the child in care benefit stop, since I…

Read More

I collect ex-spousal benefits now. Will that benefit increase when my ex begins collecting?

Full question: I am receiving SS from a former spouse. I took it at 65, my FRA is 66 and 6mo. Spouse is 2 years younger. I heard I might receive a bump when spouse actually takes SS. This doesn’t seem correct to me but thought I’d ask. Hi there, No, unfortunately your benefit amount…

Read More

< Back