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…

Full question: My wife started collecting her Social Security at 65, I started at 70. She is asking if she can switch to collecting under my SS benefits now or do something else to increase her monthly benefit. We have been married 42 years. Hi there, If the amount of spousal benefit your wife is…

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…

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…

Hello, We recommend that you contact your local SSA office which you can find here. Then set up an in-person meeting or phone appointment. Contact them several months prior to your 70th birthday. Best of luck, Martha

Full question: Hi Martha. I’m a 62 yr old woman married 25 years. Divorced little over 10 years ago. Ex husband is 80 retired at full retirement age with max benefits. Neither of us remarried. His earnings much higher than mine. When is it best for me to apply for SS benefits now or when…