Spousal Benefits

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Are Social Security spousal benefits reduced by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) if you receive a foreign pension?

Full question: My wife is from Poland. She has a pension from ZUS. She is 68 and retired. She currently receives a small social security check. Will her spousal benefits be reduced by Social Security GPO? Hello, Yes, she will still qualify for full Social Security spousal benefits; her foreign pension will have no bearing…

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Can my ex-wife claim at 62 then suspend so I can collect an ex-spousal benefit based on her earnings record?

Full question: I am divorced, was married for over 10 years and did not remarry. Can my ex-wife at 62 claim and suspend so I can collect 50% of her benefit? And does that effect her benefit? Hello! The ability to file (claim) and suspend Social Security retirement benefits was phased out for couples and…

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Do the young spouse (under age 62) child-in-care benefits apply to ex-spouses just as they do for spouses?

Full question: The spousal benefits to collect for child-in-care benefits applies only to the spouse or the ex-spouse as well? I had a situation where my ex-husband retired and my children got Dependent benefits until they finished high school around 18/19 years old. I never got any benefit. My ex was collecting my children benefits…

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Am I entitled to a benefit based on my ex-spouse’s record if I care for a disabled adult child?

Full question: I am age 60, disabled, retired and receive disability from SSA. My ex-spouse over 20 years is disabled and receives disability from SSA. I have been caring for our disabled son since age 16 and he is now 29 receiving benefits from his dad’s record as a disabled adult. Can I receive benefits…

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Can my wife and I use the restricted application filing strategy?

Full question: I was born in 1953 and my wife was born in 1958. I would like to wait to start collecting until age 70 in 2023. Can we use the restricted application filing strategy? Hi there! Yes, you may be able to use this claiming strategy. Since your wife is 62 in 2020, she…

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Will my wife’s earnings impact her eligibility to receive spousal benefits?

Full question: I just turned 69 and filed for Social Security benefits. My monthly benefit is $2,900. My wife is only 63 and she still works. Can she collect a spousal benefit and will her earnings impact this? Hi there, If you just started collecting at age 69 and your benefit is $2,900 then your…

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