Spousal Benefits

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I was married 9.5 years. Am I eligible for ex-spousal child-in-care benefits?

Full question: I’m an ex-spouse, age 70, caring for our adult child with developmental disabilities. I was married 9.5 years. Am I eligible for spousal benefits because of caring for our child with developmental disabilities? Hi there, Unfortunately, you are not eligible for ex-spousal child-in-care benefits because your marriage lasted less than ten years. However,…

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Do I need to report my two marriages when applying for benefits?

Full question: I married my husband in 1972, divorced in January 2000 and remarried in Sept 2000. Do I need to report both marriages when applying for spousal benefits? Hi there, You are not entitled to ex-spousal benefits since you are now remarried. Therefore, the previous marriage is not necessary to be reported when you…

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My wife and I are Canadian, but my wife will be eligible for Social Security. Do I qualify for spousal benefits?

Full question: My wife and I are canadian citizens. She worked across the border and is soon to be eligible for social security. We have been married for 35 years and I am wondering if I qualify for spousal benefits Hello, Yes, a Canadian spouse of a Canadian U.S. worker can usually claim Social Security…

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How will my husband’s Railroad benefits effect my Social Security benefit amount?

Full question: My husband retired from RR with 40 year and receives full retirement. I am the spouse getting ready for retirement . My SS is more than RR tier 1. Do I qualify for tier 2 and will that affect my SS benefit? Hi there, The Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Social Security…

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My husband is about to file for benefits. I am already collecting mine. Can I wait to collect my spousal benefit?

Full question: Hi Martha. Had a case recently where a younger spouse with a small benefit claimed her own benefit at age 62. She will get a spousal benefit eventiually when her husband files for his. When her husband files, does she have to immediately start the spousal benefit, or can she wait a few…

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Can I switch from retirement benefits to ex-spousal benefits?

Full question: At age of 62 I start receiving my Social Security benefits under my work record (my ex- was not yet eligible, he was 61.5). Then at 71 can I switch to ex- and receive his, the full 50% SS benefits? (His benefits are 2.5 bigger than my. “Deemed filing” is NOT apply here….

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