Spousal Benefits

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How do I switch from my ex-spouses benefits to my own benefits now that I’m 70 years old?

Hi there, We recommend that you call or set up a meeting with your local SSA office to make sure the transition goes smoothly. If you have already turned 70, you can request retroactive benefits back to age 70 for up to 6 months. Note that if you request retroactive back to before 70, your…

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How do I switch from spousal benefits to my full Social Security benefit?

Full question: How do I switch to full benefits? I turned 70 in December. I’m still employed and collecting spousal benefits from my wife who is 76 and retired on June 2023. Hello, Good question! You should do this as soon as possible since your retirement benefit amount reached its highest value due to delayed…

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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. 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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