Does the Social Security Fairness Act apply to this first time applicant for Social Security spousal benefit?

Full question: For a foreign born non-citizen legal immigrant at FRA who has accumulated over 40 credits of contribution from work in the USA and collected foreign pension from previous employment in a foreign country that does not have a totalization agreement with USA prior to moving to USA, does Social Security Fairness Act featuring…

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I am 62 and collecting SSDI. Can my husband, 63, collect a spousal benefit?

Hi there, No, he can’t collect spousal benefits now. Your disability benefits will be switched to retirement benefits at your full retirement age (67), then your husband can file and receive spousal benefits. All the best, Martha

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My wife’s benefits were subject to WEP and GPO. Can she apply for spousal benefits?

Full question: If my wife has qualified for Social Security benefits but it was subject to WEP and GPO, can she now apply for spousal benefits based on my earnings? My earnings are substantially higher than my wife’s. Hi there, The WEP and GPO rules were repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act on January…

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Can my wife claim her benefit now and switch to a higher spousal benefit later?

Full question: My wife, a retired teacher with a pension of $5000 a month, turned 62 in September last year. Could she claim her benefit now and then convert to a higher spousal benefit in 2028 when I turn 67? Hello, When your wife files for benefits, she will be deemed to be filing for…

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I was married 9.5 years. Am I eligible for ex-spousal child-in-care benefits?

Full question: I’m an ex-spouse, age 70, caring for our adult child with developmental disabilities. I was married 9.5 years. Am I eligible for spousal benefits because of caring for our child with developmental disabilities? Hi there, Unfortunately, you are not eligible for ex-spousal child-in-care benefits because your marriage lasted less than ten years. However,…

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Do I need to report my two marriages when applying for benefits?

Full question: I married my husband in 1972, divorced in January 2000 and remarried in Sept 2000. Do I need to report both marriages when applying for spousal benefits? Hi there, You are not entitled to ex-spousal benefits since you are now remarried. Therefore, the previous marriage is not necessary to be reported when you…

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