Spousal Benefits

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When should my wife collect Social Security and what can she collect?

Full question: My wife turns 64 in August and I’m 59 and will be working until 65. Then collect at my full retirement age. When should my wife collect and what can she collect? Hi there, Without further details it is not possible to give you an accurate answer. RSSAs consider your ages, but also…

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My divorced spousal benefit is more than my own benefit. I also have a pension from Belgium. Will WEP apply?

Full question: I have social security benefits but would like to apply for Divorced Spouse as I will receive more than from my own record. I also receive a pension from Belgium. I know that GPO will not apply but will WEP apply? Hi there, The WEP rule only affects your retirement benefits, not dependent…

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I’m a widow with an ex-husband. Can I collect from his Social Security?

Hi there, Widows and Widowers may be eligible for survivor benefits from a previous marriage; however, the answer is not a simple one. In cases like this it is not always a one size fits all answer. Ex-spousal survivor benefits depend on the age you begin taking them, what your own benefit is, how long…

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I have an adult child with a disability. Should I wait until I’m 60 to collect survivor benefits?

Full question: Martha, is it better if I wait until I’m 60 to collect off deceased ex-husband’s survivor benefits if I’m caring for our disabled adult son while I’m 59 years of age? Hi there, A survivor benefit can be taken as early as age 60. Deciding when to collect survivor benefits and your own…

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How is Social Security impacted by a non-covered teaching pension?

Full question: I have a client who is taking his Social Security at 70, this May. He has worked in the STRS system in Ohio, along with paying into Social Security in the private sector. His statement says $3788/month. He is currently receiving $7600/month from STRS. His wife has not accumulated her 40 quarters. Will…

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Can my spouse collect spousal benefits if I am collecting a non-covered foreign pension and U.S. Social Security?

Full question: Having worked 32 years France and 7 years in the US, I am getting small US Social Security benefits ($600) and my foreign pension from France. Can my wife apply for SSA benefits as a spouse (which means she could get up to 50% my benefits, or $300), and would my French pension…

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