Hi Phil, You could switch to your own record at any time after you've started receiving spousal benefits, but it would probably be most advantageous for you to wait until age 70.
When should you begin taking your Social Security benefit?
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount will be lower than your full retirement benefit amount. If you start receiving your benefits before your full retirement age, we will reduce your benefits based on the number of months you receive benefits before you reach your full retirement age. If you wait until age 70 to start your benefits, your benefit amount will be higher because you will receive delayed retirement credits for ...
Will working decrease my Spousal survivor benefit?
No, the effect that working has on benefits is only on the benefits of the person who is actually working. It will have no effect on the benefits received by other family members. Learn more about survivors benefits for spouses and survivors benefits for divorced spouses, including the eligibility requirements. Talk to a Disability Lawyer.
How do you stop SSI benefits?
Withdrawing Both Social Security and Medicare Benefits
- You must repay all Medicare Part A benefits paid on your behalf.
- Your Medicare Part B coverage is treated as a voluntary termination. You will have Part B coverage for the month you requested the withdrawal and the next month.
- If you file for benefits and Medicare again later, your Part B premiums may be higher due to your late enrollment.
How to maximize social security with spousal benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration, you may qualify for spousal benefits if:
- Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits.
- You have been married for at least a year.
- You are at least 62 years old (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled).
Can I collect spousal benefits and then switch to my own Social Security?
Key Takeaways. A federal law passed in 2015 eliminated two strategies couples formerly used to maximize their Social Security benefits. Spouses born after Jan. 1, 1954, can no longer claim spousal benefits and later switch to collecting benefits based on their own work record.
How do I switch from spousal Social Security to my own?
Go to www.ssa.gov. On the main page, click on “online services” and then select “apply for retirement bene its.” Since you are currently collecting benefits on your spouse's record, you should be able to start a new application for retirement benefits under your own Social Security number.
Can I collect survivor benefits and wait until I am 70 to collect my own Social Security?
The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor.
Can I switch from widow's benefits to my own Social Security?
If you receive benefits as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse.
Can I take my Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?
Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files.
Can I change my Social Security status online?
You can change and update your information anytime, anywhere by logging in to or creating a free my Social Security account.
How long does a spouse get survivors benefits?
Widows and widowers Generally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.
Can you collect 1/2 of spouse's Social Security and then your full amount?
Your full spouse's benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to begin receiving spouse's benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.
What is the difference between spousal benefits and survivor benefits?
Spousal benefits are based on a living spouse or ex-spouse's work history. Survivor benefits are based on a deceased spouse or ex-spouse's work history. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the worker's full retirement age (FRA) benefit.
Should I take widows benefits at 60?
If both payouts currently are about the same, it may be best to take the survivor benefit at age 60. It's going to be reduced because you're taking it early, but you can collect that benefit from age 60 to age 70 while your own retirement benefit continues to grow.
What are the rules for spousal benefits of Social Security?
Who is eligible for spousal Social Security benefits?You must have been married at least 10 years.You must have been divorced from the spouse for at least two consecutive years.You are unmarried.Your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.More items...•
How much can I receive as a spouse?
The maximum you can receive as a spouse or ex-spouse is 50 percent of your former spouse’s benefit at Full Retirement Age. So, if their benefit at Full Retirement Age would be $2,000 a month, you may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 a month if you wait until Full Retirement Age to file for spousal benefits.
How much do I get if I file for Social Security at 62?
How much you receive, though, depends on when you file . If you file at age 62, you will receive a smaller percentage of your spouse’s benefit — roughly 30 percent versus 50 percent. Once you file for your benefits as a spouse, the amount you receive freezes at that amount for the rest of your life, which makes it worthwhile to see how long you can ...
Can I apply for spousal benefits if my spouse has retired?
The rules around spousal benefits can be complicated. Generally speaking, you can only apply for spousal benefits if your spouse has applied for their retirement benefits . If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits, but has not yet filed for them, you can’t apply.
Can I get Social Security if my ex-husband made more money than I did?
In short, the answer is, yes.
Can I file for Social Security if I am an ex-spouse?
If, however, you are an ex-spouse, the rules are different. If you were married at least 10 years, and you and your former spouse are at least 62, and your former spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits, you may file for spousal benefits on their record even if they haven’t filed. Your filing as an ex-spouse will not impact the amount ...
What happens if my spouse has already filed for spousal support?
If your spouse has already filed, you will automatically receive the larger of your own or the spousal benefit. If your spouse has not filed yet but you have, when your spouse files, the deemed filing rules come into play.
How old do you have to be to claim spousal benefits?
To claim a spousal benefit based on an ex-spouse's earnings record, your ex-spouse has to be 62 and eligible for benefits, but there is no requirement that they must have already filed for benefits. 1 . To claim a spousal benefit based on your current spouse's earnings record, your current spouse must have filed for their own benefits already ...
Is Social Security confusing?
Social Security spousal benefits are confusing, and among the most common thing readers ask about. The most frequent cause for confusion comes from one small difference between benefits for a spouse versus an ex-spouse.
Can a spouse collect spousal benefits if their spouse is suspended?
Due to Social Security laws that were passed in November 2015 anyone who suspends benefits after April 30, 2016, will end up suspending all benefits based on their record — which means a spouse cannot collect spousal benefits during a time when their spouse has " suspended" benefits. 3 .
