When am I eligible to collect my full Social Security benefit?
Full question: Hello, I am a widower currently collecting survivor benefits. I turn 66 in March 2024, and are contemplating collecting my own benefits instead of the survivor benefit. When am I eligible to get full benefit? Thank you Hello, If you were born in 1958 your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8…
Read MoreI am still working. Am I eligible for survivor benefits?
Full question: My husband died in August 2023. Am I eligible for his retirement when I reach FRA? Also would I be eligible for survivor benefits at FRA? I am still working and my husband was receiving Social Security benefits. Hi there, The benefit received after a spouse has died is a survivor benefit. Survivor…
Read MoreCan I switch from survivor benefits to my own retirement benefits?
Hi there, Yes, if eligible for both your own retirement benefits and survivor benefits, you may collect one benefit (even if it is a lower amount than the other benefit at the time you are collecting) and later switch to the other. This will allow a retirement benefit to increase all the way up to…
Read MoreWill my deceased husband’s railroad pension impact my Social Security?
Full question: Why can I receive my deceased husbands railroad pension, but I cannot collect my Social Security that I paid into after working for over 30 years? Hi there, Railroad retirement and survivor benefits work with Social Security, not in addition to it. That means that the Railroad retirement benefit is subtracted from the…
Read MoreMy friend recently got widowed. She is still working. Will her income affect her survivor benefits?
Full question: My friend recently got widowed and her late husband had been receiving SS benefits. My friend is still working, will her income affect her survivor benefits being taxed ? Hi there, If your friend is still working and younger than her full (normal) retirement age – FRA, (between 66 and 67 depending on…
Read MoreDo I qualify for ex-spousal survivor benefits?
Full question: Hello, my son received survivors benefits until the age of 19. I also received survivor’s benefits due to be the ex-spouse caregiver of my son, but my portion stopped when my son turned 16. My son is now 21 and was just approved for DAC disability. Would I qualify to receive payment again…
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