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I think I made a mistake collecting Social Security. Can I cancel or appeal my decision?

Full question: Hi Martha I turn 70 in January 2025 and called to apply for 70 to maximize benefits. The Rep pressured me about accepting retro to April 2025. I said no and then changed application from 70 to retro 69 and 3 mo to get lump sum which I did not need now. I…

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I am 63. Should I collect Social Security now?

Full question: My husband is 77 and 14 years older than me. He started collecting his Social Security benefits at 62. I am 63.5. Would it be more beneficial to collect my Social Security now so our household has 2 Social Security checks? How would this affect my survivor’s benefits? He earned more than me….

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How can my family maximize our Social Security benefits?

Full question: Our daughter is 36 years old and disabled since birth. She receives SSI and I heard about child-in-care benefits. I am 66 and turn 67 this December and my wife is 64 turning 65 next month and neither of us are retired. How can we maximize our social security benefits immediately? Hi there,…

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Can I collect a survivor benefit now before collecting my own benefit at 70?

Full question: I’m 67 and my financial advisor is working with me to delay collecting until age 70. My wife was collecting Social Security since 2018 until her passing two months ago. Can I claim surviving spouse benefits until 1 turn 70? Hi there, Yes, since you are over the age of 60 and your…

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Can my wife apply for Social Security at age 62?

Full question: My wife is 57. If she applies for Social Security at age 62 will she get the higher of her SS benefits or 50% of mine (age 68). Also the 3:1 restriction before FRA – that amount will be added at FRA – so a person does not lose it – but it…

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What will my wife’s spousal benefit be?

Full question: Hi Martha, I started my Social Security at 62 (am now 63) and took the reduced amount. My wife (62) is considering applying for spousal benefits as she has not contributed much to Social Security. Does she qualify for half of the full retirement benefit that I would have received at 67 (minus…

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