Can I collect Social Security from my ex-husband?

Full question: Can I collect my ex-husband’s Social Security at 72, even though we were married for 17 years and I started collecting disability early and then when I became age to get my Social Security it switched over? Hi there, If you were married for at least 10 years, you could be eligible for…

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Should I switch from my Survivor benefit to my own Social Security retirement benefit?

Full question: I currently receive Survivor benefits and I’m wondering what my own Social Security benefit would pay. I am 65 and full retirement age is 66+4. Should I wait until I’m 70 to collect my own and will I ever be able to collect 100% of deceased husbands? Hi there, If you are collecting…

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What happens if I switch from survivors benefits to my retirement benefits?

Full question: If I switch from survivors benefits to my retirement benefits (age 67), what happens to the remaining unused survivor benefits? Hi there, When a retiree switches from a survivor benefit to their own retirement benefit, the survivor benefit will no longer be paid unless it is higher than the retirement benefit. If that…

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Can I switch from survivors benefits to my own retirement benefit when I turn 70?

Full question: I am receiving survivors benefits from my deceased ex-husband. Am I able to start drawing mine when I turn 70? Hi there, Yes, you can start collecting your own retirement benefit at age 70 if the amount is greater than the survivor benefit you are collecting. Anyone eligible to collect more than one…

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Can my spouse collect their own retirement benefit at FRA and later switch to a higher spousal benefit once I begin collecting?

Full question: Is there any penalty if my spouse begins collecting their Social Security Benefit at FRA, while I wait to turn 70 and then apply for the spousal benefit (presuming 50% is larger than theirs)? Hello there, Yes, a retiree can collect their own retirement benefit at any time age 62 or later. Once…

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If a spouse collects their own retirement benefit at 62, can they switch to a spousal benefit later?

Full question: Hello Martha and Happy Safe New Year. My wife turned 62 in Jan 2022 and is entitled to receive $644 if we elect to start then. Under Spousal benefits, she would receive $1,008 if I were receiving my benefits. I am turning 65 this July 2022 and haven’t filed to collect yet, waiting…

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