How do I find out if my own benefits at 70 will be higher than my survivor benefits?

Full question: Hi Martha, I’ve been collecting Survivor benefits since I was 66. I’ll be turning 70 in October. How do I find out if my own benefits at 70 will be higher than my deceased spouse’s? Hi there, You should contact your local Social Security office to verify if you are eligible for a higher…

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Does the family maximum benefit apply to child-in-care benefits?

Full question: My ex spouse passed away. We were married over 10 years ,5 kids 4 disabled. The kids get survivors benefits. the SSA office states I qualify for benefits but I can’t get them because it’s at the max benefits and we stay together! ( of course we do, they are minors!) I thought…

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Can my husband collect Social Security from his deceased first wife?

Full question: This question is for my husband. His first wife died 7 years ago at age 55 and made more money than my husband. We got married 4 years ago. He is ready to retire. Can he get her Social Security benefits? Hello, Individuals who have lost a spouse may still be eligible to…

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I haven’t got my Social Security check yet. What should I do?

Hi there, Social Security applications can take several weeks to be reviewed. You should then have received a letter describing the amount of your benefit and the date benefits will be paid. Contact your local SSA office for an update. You can find your local office here. Best of luck, Martha

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Can my minor daughter and my wife collect Social Security based on my record? If so, how?

Full question: Hi Martha, I am 62 years old and recently applied for retirement. My daughter is 9 y.o. and my wife is 47 y.o. I understand that both can collect social security benefits. Question is, do they need to apply separately? Can you please advise how to proceed? Thanks. Hi there, Thank you for…

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What happens if I am collecting Social Security and still working before my FRA?

Full question: I would like to file at 66 and 1 month for a birthday of 02/20/1957 but I’m still working. Is there a different tax rate if I’m not on my full age of 66 and 6 months? I’m going to continue working even longer but I need the money. Hi, Thank you for…

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