Full question: I am retired military and I retired from a Police Department that didn’t pay into Social Security. How would the GPO and WEP affect me if I was to collect a spousal benefit based on my wife’s earnings? Hi there, We are assuming that if the Police Department did not pay into Social…

Full question: I am 62, was married to my ex-spouse for 22 years, been divorced for 9 years, am not remarried, and have no dependents. My ex-spouse is a high earner and is 61 years old. My Social Security benefits are less than 50% of my ex-spouse benefits. I want to apply to receive my…

Full question: If I apply for Social Security at FRA, can I get half of my wife’s Social Security and let mine grow? She is 6 years older. Hi there, Unfortunately no, you cannot claim a spousal benefit and later switch to your own retirement benefit. When you apply for benefits, the SSA looks at…

Hi there, I am assuming you are asking about switching from a survivor benefit (based on your deceased spouse’s earnings record), not a spousal benefit (based on your living spouse’s earnings record.) If your own retirement benefit is a greater amount than the survivor amount, you should contact your local SSA office to make this…

Full question: My spouse and I have been separated for 20 years but not legally divorced. I am planning on applying for my Social Security benefits soon, I am still working but at full retirement age, almost 69 actually. Is there any risk because we are still legally married? Hi there, No, there is no…

Original question: Ex-spouse needs her husbands XML earning statement, but they don’t talk to each other. Will Social Security send her a copy of the earning statement? Hi there, We often get questions about this topic. SSA will usually not provide the earnings record, but the ex-spouse is entitled to know their ex’s primary insurance…