How will my Social Security benefits affect my disabled son’s SSI?
Full question: I have a 25 year old son with Down syndrome. He receives SSI currently. His father/my ex-husband and I just turned 63 this year are eligible to receive Social Security benefits. My ex has maxed out his benefits and if I start drawing SS now I will get $1200 per month. How will…
Read MoreWill my younger spouse need to wait until FRA in order to claim my benefit as surviving spouse?
Full question: Does my younger spouse need to wait for her FRA in order to claim my benefit as surviving spouse? She will claim early at age 62 in 2031 while I am waiting to claim at age 70 in 2025. Hi there, If you were to pass away prior to your spouse claiming her…
Read MoreWill my own Social Security benefits be more than my current railroad survivor benefits?
Full question: I am drawing the railroad widow benefits. I will be 70 next January. I worked many years and would collect a sizable Social Security check. How do I tell if it would be larger than the tier 1 check from my husband, or is that what I compare? Hi there, You can find…
Read MoreAm I entitled to survivor benefits if I got remarried, but divorced after 4 years?
Full question: I am a single woman, 62, caring for my disabled adult child who gets SSDI from his deceased father. Am I also entitled to survivor benefits if got remarried but divorced after 4 years? Hi there, If you were married for ten or more years to your disabled adult child’s father, you are…
Read MoreIf I apply to switch from survivor benefits to my own benefits, how long will it take to go into effect?
Hi there, You can make the decision of when you want to switch from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefits. You should file for those about three months prior to the date you want them to start to allow time for SSA to process the change. The first check in the new amount will…
Read MoreWhen can I collect a survivor benefit?
Full question: I’m a 62 year old widower with no dependents. When can I collect my deceased wife’s benefits? She was fully qualified. Hello, Survivor benefits may be collected as early as age 60, but the amount will increase, if delayed, up to your full retirement age, 67. If you are also eligible for your…
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