Spousal Benefits

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My spouse has no earnings history. In the event of my death, will their spousal benefit switch to a higher survivor benefit?

Full question: If my spouse who has no earning history, applies (on my earnings) for reduced spousal benefits now and withdraws and if some thing happens to me before her FRA. The benefits be auto converted to survivor benefits, will benefit be ‘Recalculated’ at that time based on survivor benefits at higher level or will…

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Will divorce affect my ex-spousal or child-in-care benefits?

Full question: I am 61, and my husband and I have been separated for years. We have a disabled adult daughter, who lives with me. She currently receives the DAC benefit and I receive the spousal child in care benefit. We are going to finally divorce, does the child in care benefit stop, since I…

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I collect ex-spousal benefits now. Will that benefit increase when my ex begins collecting?

Full question: I am receiving SS from a former spouse. I took it at 65, my FRA is 66 and 6mo. Spouse is 2 years younger. I heard I might receive a bump when spouse actually takes SS. This doesn’t seem correct to me but thought I’d ask. Hi there, No, unfortunately your benefit amount…

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Can I collect a railroad spousal benefit and does my own work affect that benefit?

Full question: I married July 1, 2022, to a railroad retiree, which retired in 2002 after 35 years, I turned 61, April 23, 2023. I currently work full-time been with company 7 years in October, can I collect of my spouses railroad retirement at age 61, and can I still work? Hello, It sounds like…

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Am I eligible for child-in-care ex-spousal benefits if I was married for 9 years?

Full question: Hi there. I have a very complicated question. My ex spouse and I were married for 9 years. Together we adopted our daughter, K. K is severely disabled. We shall call my ex J. After J and I divorced, I briefly married A. We are now also divorced. In the event that J…

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Will a French pension impact a spousal and/or personal Social Security benefit?

Full question: Hello, Martha — my wife receives a Social Security check that’s based partly on her earnings ($500/month) and partly on a spousal benefit that brings her monthly payment up to half of mine. She is eligible for a small pension from France for work that she did before moving to the US. The…

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