Social Security Benefits

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When am I eligible to collect my full Social Security benefit?

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…

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Will my wife receive more money if she switches to a spousal benefit?

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…

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I am still working. Am I eligible for survivor benefits?

Full question: My husband died in August 2023. Am I eligible for his retirement when I reach FRA? Also would I be eligible for survivor benefits at FRA? I am still working and my husband was receiving Social Security benefits. Hi there, The benefit received after a spouse has died is a survivor benefit. Survivor…

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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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