If an ex-spousal benefit is taken early, will it still be reduced if I have minor children? What will my minor children collect?
Full question: I will collect Social Security at 62 as an ex-spouse. 50% of his full benefit will be about $1900. I know typically it would be reduced for filing early, but I read if you have minor children, it is not reduced. Is that true? Also, I have 2 minor children. What number will…
Read MoreSince my spouse has a non-covered foreign pension, will she be subject to the WEP or GPO for benefits on my record?
Full question: Hello Martha, my wife has lived her whole life in Japan and has a small Japanese pension in the near future. The pension system in Japan is mandatory it is run by the government regardless of where you work. Anyways we think she will get about $1000 a month once she retires. The…
Read MoreCan I switch from survivors benefits to my own retirement benefit when I turn 70?
Full question: I am receiving survivors benefits from my deceased ex-husband. Am I able to start drawing mine when I turn 70? Hi there, Yes, you can start collecting your own retirement benefit at age 70 if the amount is greater than the survivor benefit you are collecting. Anyone eligible to collect more than one…
Read MoreCan my spouse collect their own retirement benefit at FRA and later switch to a higher spousal benefit once I begin collecting?
Full question: Is there any penalty if my spouse begins collecting their Social Security Benefit at FRA, while I wait to turn 70 and then apply for the spousal benefit (presuming 50% is larger than theirs)? Hello there, Yes, a retiree can collect their own retirement benefit at any time age 62 or later. Once…
Read MoreIf a spouse collects their own retirement benefit at 62, can they switch to a spousal benefit later?
Full question: Hello Martha and Happy Safe New Year. My wife turned 62 in Jan 2022 and is entitled to receive $644 if we elect to start then. Under Spousal benefits, she would receive $1,008 if I were receiving my benefits. I am turning 65 this July 2022 and haven’t filed to collect yet, waiting…
Read MoreCan I collect a spousal benefit at age 62 and then delay and switch to my own benefit at my full retirement age?
Hello, If you are eligible for more than one Social Security benefit, when you apply you will be “deemed to be filing” for all the benefits you are eligible to collect and you will receive the higher amount. This means that you cannot take one benefit and delay collecting the other. You will receive your…
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