Community Chat

[Kachina624]

When you ask complex questions on a government program,  you get a lot of misinformation and downright untruths.   If you want accurate answers go to the source.   You aren't expected to know everything before you arrive. 

[SahmIam]

Contact your local SS office or via online or call the 1-800 #.

I was shocked (and happy) to find out that my disabled son will be able to file and receive half of our SS when WE file (he'll use his dad as he will receive more). In other words, my husband will receive his full SS AND our son will receive HALF of that amount at the same time when my husband files. When my husband dies, our son will receive the FULL amount that was going to his dad.

We had NO IDEA. Yes, this may change.. ANYTHING can change. But for the time being, this was great news and was the first time we had heard about it. I truly encourage you to contact SS and find out exactly what would happen. Good luck! : )

[Cats3000]

If no one else has said this, let me be the first.  The only reasonably accurate answer comes from the Social Security Administration.   Since it is sort of complicated, you might try writing your question to Social Security or visit a Social Security local office.  They have people there who can figure out a plan.

[lilypadfrog]

I was married 12 1/2 years.  I did not earn very much during those years. Neither did my husband during that time due to his frequent job changes.  He re married shortly after we divorced.  Once married his second wife never worked.  I worked hard, never re married, raised my children without child support.  I ended up almost quadrupling my salary by the time I retired in August 2016.  I did not wait for full retirement, just couldn't do it.  Bottom line, when he was deemed disabled at 58, Social Security told him to draw on mine because he would get more.  This has not diminished mine at all.  The only change is that when he died, his wife no longer receives it.

Sorry this is so long.  You have got to meet with someone at your local social security office.  Don't call, go in!  I had no idea what my true options were and how convoluted the system is.  I don't think the normal person could completely answer your questions for you.  I am thrilled at retiring at 65.  The money is a bit tighter, but I have my sanity.

[software]

I appreciate you sharing.

Yes SS is the final authority but I'm the kind who wants some kind of knowledge before I go so I'll have an idea of what to expect.

Like you I hope I can retire at 65.    I checked my benefits today online.   Of course 2016 is not loaded, hasn't been sent by my employer yet.   It gives me what I would receive if I retired today--too low for my budget and it gives me what I would receive if I retired at full retirement age but nothing else in-between but there's information on how I can estimate.   And reading all the different information made my head spin so it's a process.   I have time to decide.

My local office is very accommodating.   I've helped various people-friends & relatives- with their benefits.   Due to many circumstances I became well versed in medical reimbursements, applying for aid from various sources as well as SSI but every situation is different.    Now it's my turn.

@lilypadfrog

[missy kat]

I was a claims rep for SSA for 35 years, happily retired last year, so here goes.  You would not be eligible on his record if you are currently married and the marriage took place prior to your 60th birthday.  Assuming this is not the case, there are many factors that come into play.  You cannot file for spouse's benefits first then take your own later.  When you file, you file for all benefits you are eligible for.  Your ex would have to be insured (have 40 quarters of SSA covered earnings).  Second, your own benefit would have to be less than one half of his benefit.  Benefits are based on your earnings, known as your primary insurance amount (PIA).  Ballpark figure can be computed as in the following example:  Husband has a monthly PIA amount of $1500, wife has PIA of $500. Half of his PIA is $750, subtract wife PIA of $500 which equals $250.  That $250 is added to her benefit for a net amount of $750.  However, reduction factors, such as at month of entitlement, husband's reduction factor, age at benefit election come into play.  Final computation is complex but this will give you the general idea. If your PIA is more than half of husband's PIA, no spousal benefit is payable.  I noted that you are over 62 - are you still working?  If not or your earnings are under the earnings limit, you may want to consider filing before your full retirement age.  The time to make up the difference in the higher benefit is about 10 years.  But everyone's circumstances are different.  Call and make an appointment with SSA where you will get all the money numbers and options available to you.

[shopped out]

you can call SS office, they are very helpful.   You may also want to talk to an accountant or CPA.   In my case retiring at 55 as oposed to 65 there wasn't that much financial

difference.  Remember if you have an IRA you will be required to pull a certain amount from it every year at the age of 70 1/2 and at that point it becomes taxable income.   Also, at 65 you will have medicare  premeiums that will automatically taken out of your monthly benefits.I think healthcare is the largest expense for senior citizens.  Hopefully you have put away a sizeable savings/investments.