Switching benefits

Full question: My wife passed in 2016 she was 53. I’m 63 and still working. Can I claim her benefits now and then claim mine at 70? Hi there, Yes, you are eligible to claim the survivor benefits based on her earnings record any time after age 60 and then switch over to your retirement…

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…

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….

Full question: I was married for 32 years and my wife passed away in 2005 at age 57. I started my Social Security benefits at age 62. Am I eligible for a higher monthly income as a widower even after all these years? Hi there, If your survivor (widower) benefit exceeds the amount of your…

Full question: When I retired in October 2019, I applied for spouse’s benefits at that time which would continue until age 70. I turned 70 on October 29, 2023. How do I make the change from collecting spouse benefit to my own benefit. Thank you for your assistance. Hi there, We recommend that you contact…

Full question: I was widowed 19 years ago. My wife was 57 at the time of her death. I began collecting Social Security payments at age 62. I am now 77 and have been told I may be eligible for a widows benefit as my wife had paid into the system for many years. Can…