How to Maximize Social Security Spousal Benefits

[@stevemueller7358]

James, nice video! I had to figure this out 10 years ago at age 58 when my wife and I both retired. She is 6 years older, and her SS earnings were a lot less than mine. I made several pages of Excel spreadsheets: her SSA earnings, my SSA earnings, and our combined SSA earnings. That information helped us decide when each of us should file. She was just short of her FRA so had a slight reduction. I wasn’t eligible for benefits for a couple of more years - and filed at age 62. The wife’s benefits immediately bumped up to half of my FRA benefit (with a slight reduction since she had filed a couple of months prior to her own FRA. You explained the process precisely as it worked for us. I loved my work - but retirement has allowed us to travel together while we are both physically able. We are truly blessed. By filing at 62, it may eventually cost us a couple of hundred thousand if we live to Age 95 - but missing the opportunity to see the world would have been a tragic loss.

[@tallhair]

Thanks for your example.

[@TG-ke9ve]

Yep! Better live life before we die!

[@tonymanero5544]

At 80, you’ll be using a walker and at 85, in a wheelchair. My FIL died at 79 due to diabetes complications, and my MIL has been in a wheelchair since 86 (she’s 90). If they haven’t done the things they did in their 60’s, they would just see the world via TV. Given the diets, foods, toxic chemicals from everything manufactured, and obesity of Americans, life after 70 is pretty dismal due to poor health even if they are living past 85. Watching 🇺🇸 American cruise ship passengers, I told my wife we cant wait to travel if it means our health will become like those people.

[@retiredandroaming]

I'm curious how anyone taking SS benefits at 62 in order to travel etc and have more dispoable income while younger and active, deal with medical insurance costs! If one is not on medicare at age 65, then presumably most of us have to use the ACA plans (Obamacare) and that is HORRENDOUSLY expensive if one takes > $76k a year in total household income as then you don;t qualify for the ACA subsidies, which can be and extra $20k-$30k a year in premiums!!!!

[@jeremywhite92]

I'm in pretty much the same situation. I've earned a lot more than my wife -- she is 7 years older than me. The takeaway for me is that she shouldn't start taking an Benefits until SHE hits 67, or she'll take a penalty for the rest of her life. So she start taking her own benefits at 67, and switch to my spousal benefits sometime after she's 69 (and I will have finally hit 62)

[@SprintTri58]

I googled this and cannot believe how confusing the articles were. This was outstanding!

[@zeitgeist888]

I've listened to numerous SS spousal benefits discussions and this was by far the best most concise explanation I have heard well done.

[@jwall62]

You should make an addition to this question and address how taking it early affects survivor benefits . Good video.

[@theladysplace]

You get only 70 to 71% if taken early. I was qualified when I turned 60. But a detailed video would be nice.😊

[@TheBlackToedOne]

Just talked about this earlier this week w/ our financial advisoer: the spouse w/ the lower SS benefit is eligible for up to half of the higher benefit. * NOT up to half of anything over full retirement age (say if higher spouse works until 70, lower spouse can still only claim 1/2 of 67) * Lower spouse can start drawing their benefit early, but cannot file for the adjustment until the higher spouse files because the the actual benefit of the higher spouse is not known until they retire due to the percentage increase based on passage of time after becomng eligible at 62. * THE answer to the question we originally had: if lower spouse starts collecting early and then files for the increase after higher spouse retires, that actual benefit will NOT be a full 50% of what higher spouse draws. It is adjusted via a formula *surprise* to account for all the benefits the lower spouse has already collected between that time and when they themselves first filed. So maybe mid/high 40 percentages range but not the full 50%. You're welcome.😊

[@yeahxukee]

Do you know the formula of reduction? Is it different from the deduction for early retirement? My dad started collecting at 62 and now he’s 70, and my mom is turning 62 and trying make a decision on retirement. I’m not sure what deduction on spousal benefit my dad will get

[@BEAUTYnIQ]

​@@yeahxukeeyou can call, email, or make an appt at the soc sec office and they will tell you the amounts.. they might nit be exact, but should be pretty close..

[@user-js3ee5qv6g]

@@yeahxukeeShe can call local SS they will tell her. She just needs his social, DOB

[@sethfowers448]

You explained this more clearly than anyone. Thanks for being willing to share this info. It’s surprising how difficult it is to find answers to these seemingly common situations.

[@StuffYouShouldKnow1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3rVhHWZp8-Eqqcsi=mPIHhZhy88285ypx

[@JannyLuits]

Am 58 retiring next year but the thought of retirement gives me weakness. My apologies to everyone who have retired and filing social security during this time after putting in all those years of work just to lose everything to a problem you never imagined to happen. It’s so difficult for people who are retired and have no savings or loved ones to fall back on.

[@michaelpicard4176]

I think you did a great job in describing several different options for collecting spousal benefit and the restrictions within those options. I am 68, my wife is 69. I've paid in my whole working life, my wife has not. She gets $18 per month after Medicare. I started drawing at 62. We are immediately going to SSA to get the spousal benefit for her. What a difference that will make for us! Thanks!!

[@jwall62]

Sorry you lost out on at least 2 years of spousal benefit. Hope you are all set now

[@susancarrington8091]

Why didn't the SS people advice you? Glad you're going now!

[@everlastingarms3065]

A shame that SS doesn't make it retroactively correct for your wife. You paid into it all those years, she should be entitled to it. Glad you at least got it fixed for the future.

[@mymusicalsons]

This was VERY helpful. I am 10 months older than my husband (of 34 years), so I will be able to collect my SS for 10 months before my husband begins collecting. Then, after he collects, I will begin to receive that additional amount of the spousal amount. YAY!

[@roberttrimble6361]

Thanks for covering this topic, James! I also look forward to learning about spousal survivor benefit in a future segment as my wife is somewhat younger than I, and has not been a high income earner.

[@jebhorton1830]

The case that nobody seems to cover is the one folks are asking about: What happens if the Spouse files on their own record BEFORE the Worker files on theirs? My understanding is that the Spouses OWN benefit will be reduced, but the Spousal portion will NOT, as long as the Spouse is at FRA when the Spousal portion is added. Example: Spouse PIA is 600 and Worker PIA is 2000. Full Spousal benefit would be 400. If Spouse files for both at FRA (67), Spouse's TOTAL benefit would be 1000 (600 + 400) If Spouse files for own at 62 and Spousal at FRA, Spouse's TOTAL benefit would be 850 (450 + 400) if Spouse files for both at 62, Spouse's TOTAL benefit would be 750 (450 + 300) (Would love for James to confirm this!) My question is around Deemed Filing rules. If Spouse files early, but Worker then files before Spouse's FRA, is Spouse immediately Deemed Filing, so they would receive a reduced Spousal benefit? Or could they continue on their own record until FRA, and then add the full Spousal portion?

[@AlanMcYou]

Yep, your example is exactly the scenario that I'm trying to figure out. Specifically the middle line Total calculation. It would depend on how the spousal benefit is calculated at the spouses FRA. Is it still $400, or is it calculated to achieve the full $1000?

[@dirtwhisperer658]

Exxxaaactly. We are in that situation and I have yet to be able to calculate what my wife will receive. I think I got it close using numbers similar to what you described. My wife started collecting at age 62 as she was no longer working. She is 3 years older than me and I am still working. Her monthly payment is only $485 because she didn't work all that much. My benefit will be considerably more even at age 62 but I plan on going to age 65 which will put my benefit around $2800. I understand that is below my full retirement amount. As near as I can tell her benefit will be reduced 34% below half of my benefit. Does this sound correct to you? I have looked everywhere and even ordered a book on Amazon and still don't have the number figured out. Good post!

[@josephmarinucci9073]

Thank you for the great question and very clear, thorough answer. Having just started to collect Social Security early at 63, it's comforting to know that my younger wife's spousal benefit will not reduced by my decision to collect early. And, that it will be her decision when to retire that determines whether she collects 50% of the full benefit.

[@jsilverback3795]

There are many public employees out there that do not contribute to social security and are affected by WEP. It would be good to know how their situations affect spousal benefits. Your vidoes are great James. Thanks.

[@Rossy-tf2jh]

Agree !!!

[@littleeddie133]

Yes I am trying to find this out too

[@jc2385]

Great question. My husband makes more than me, but I will have a bigger SS check. Can he choose to receive a spousal benefit off me?

[@laurawoodford1225]

Yes my question too

[@retiredandroaming]

This is incredibly well presented with truly extremely important and useful facts. About the very best I've seen. Thank you so much for the work and effort in putting this together!

[@DavidCarvalho-rz9jk]

You got it right! Good job James. Can't tell you how many Financial Planners think the spousal benefits are reduced if the primary wage earner files early. (prior to FRA) I'm a retired Social Security Claims Specialist now working as a Benefit Advisor.

[@markday3145]

That’s what I thought, too, based on reading articles and watching videos. Thank you for confirming James’s information.

[@deecee901]

Hi. Maybe you will see this. Better yet respond. I am 66 3 mis old. Just got 1st SS check on survivors benes. ( mine is higher) so my projected SS. Went down quite a bit from estimates I recd prior to taking his SS. I feel this has to be a mistake. I took screen shot of my est. Ss. She quoted me 900 less if I took mine at FRA? I know its an estimate this lkes no sense. Last years earnings havent posted yet.

[@amuxdao1]

James, this is a very helpful information. Since you spend so much time making this clip, using a whiteboard or digital text to go along with your content would be nice. It will be much clearer by reading the number and listening to your explanation. Just a friendly suggestion!!!!

[@LawrenceWeber-z5o]

took my benefits starting at 62, my wife who was 30 and never worked started collecting also

[@wavedave1655]

Best explanation of social security I have heard

[@Sylvan_dB]

My wife is 5 years 4 months younger than I am. Our FRA is 67. Her own benefit is small. Right now I'm planning to file at age 70 (she would soon be 65). I think it makes sense for her to file for her own benefit at 62 and start receiving 70% of hers (30% off) when I am 67. Then when I file at 70, she could get (1/2 mine - (0.3 X hers)). Then when one of us dies, the other continues with my max benefit. Assuming I understand everything correctly... Not that they make it easy.

[@jeanetteroller5103]

If your spouse collects at 62, she can never get 50% of yours. She has to be FRA to collect 50% of yours.

[@floccinaucinihilipilifications]

Social Security Administration needs to have you create educational videos for them… well done sir!

[@shep68]

The answer to the original question comes at about the 14 min. mark. Fast answer: spouse collects 50% of the workers age 67 amount (NOT 50% of the age 62 amount he actually took). **But if the non worker collects early they have a reduced benefit also...all based on the age 67 amount of the primary worker. That reduction formula is on the SS website but basically if the non worker collects at age 62, the benefit is roughly 30% of the primary's age 67 amount.

[@christinekeller501]

Thanks SO much for using the question as an example for multiple scenarios, it was EXTREMELY helpful in understanding the intricacies of the process. You mentioned several things that are great to be aware of for planning.

[@Barbara-e7d5u]

Sooo helpful! Since SS is almost impossible to access, this really helped!

[@littleeddie133]

I just watched 6 videos all basically explaining the benefit, your the first one to say you get your benefit OR the spousal benefit, watching these other videos leads you to believe you get both

[@jdgolf499]

Actually, you do get both. If the main earner has a benefit of $3000 at full retirement age, and the lower esrners is $500, the lower earner would get their $500, and in addition, would get another $1000 of spousal benefits. He actually explained this. He actually explained that you could also collect the $500at FRA, and delay collecting the spousal benefit at a later date.

[@punishunext5148]

You get both if you file for spousal and are eligible. You file on your own record if you can and then file for spousal to get you to 50%

[@threeftr3349]

For some you do get both, but it's one check. If the lower earning spouse has her own benefits, but it's not half of the higher wage earning, she must take hers, then the difference of the 50% comes from the higher wage earner.

[@StuffYouShouldKnow1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3rVhHWZp8-Eqqcsi=mPIHhZhy88285ypx

[@gregrohrer5258]

Thanks for making this clear regarding spousal benefits. My local Social Security office did not know the answer to this spousal benefit question.

[@steffikim4228]

I am so glad that I run into your channel. Your explanation is easy to understand and those specific examples and illustrations really help! More scenarios please...and thank you!

[@jimmydean8007]

This video benefited everybody and was explained very well. Thank You

[@janethunt4037]

James, you are such a good teacher - always crystal clear with this complex stuff. Thank you!

[@stephaniesteinert8961]

Very clearly addressed. I will tune in for more. Good job!

[@M22Research]

As usual, cleanly presented content.

[@FreeGypsy]

Thank you for your concise explanation on all the different scenarios. It was much appreciated

[@r.s.5431]

Thanks. A very comprehensive explanation of how spousal benefits can be affected.

[@socrates727]

It would be helpful if you had some graphs and numbers in spreadsheet to show the tradeoffs

[@thewraiths8963]

Very nice explanation.

[@purplebenisimo]

Thanks! Very helpful. I believe there’s another scenario which was not covered in this video. Assume the spouse (with a marginal SS PIA) starts drawing her own (reduced) benefit at 62. Say …$300/month. Can she then, at her FRA age (after the primary earner has filed for his FRA benefit ) file for spousal benefits to supplement the reduced benefit she’s been receiving since age 62, up to the 50% of primary earner’s FRA? Thank you!

[@EDGARI.NEWSTADT]

Well done! Very clear for those getting ready to retire.

[@conniefoxx9813]

Had to run this back.....I was too mesmerized on how much you favor Ryan Gosling...only better. Thanks for the info.

[@susancarrington8091]

Thanks so much for the information. My situation is exactly like Rob's and his wife. I feel better now that it's all doable and good news!

[@aayybb4]

Thank you very much. But I wish you have a visual to show us those numbers to help me understand it better.

[@にこ-i4x6m]

I appreciate you explaining this subject very much, but when it comes to numbers, I wish you showed it with visuals. Thanks.

[@matthewpirog5907]

Truly excellent presentation!!!! May I ask one question? My understanding is husband elects at 62 receiving 2,540 pper month. Had he waited to 67 he would have received 3,654 per month. This 3,654 is the point of reference in determining the spousal benefit. The question is that when the spouse files at 67...is the base reference of 3,654 increased by the cola's earned from the time between husbands filing and wifes filing . ( e.g.Say a husband gets the maximum of 3,654 per month and 10 years later, when wife is 67 she files. Now say when she files the husband is getting 5,000 per month because of colas. Is 3,654 still the reference point or 5,000 ? that wife would be entitled to 50% of.?

[@williamrogers1219]

It is my understanding, that the spousal benefit does increase due to COLAs on the higher earner's PIA between Full Retirement Age and age 70.

[@M22Research]

True - as with all benefits, after the age 61/62black hole, the COLA applies. But the underlying PIA upon which the benefit is based stops getting delayed benefit credits at age 70.

[@randolphh8005]

All benefits have the same COLA.

[@rayseeback6958]

This was really well done and explained.

[@DP52001]

FINALLY! 🙂 I found the answers I was looking for. James, thank you for all you do for the community - it really makes a difference! My only question: around 10:00 in the video you talk about a spouse who has earned a small(er) amount as compared to the "worker), and can then collect (just as an example) their $600 per month at age 67 then 50% at age 70 (once the "worker" begins their social security). I assume then, that the same could happen starting at age 62 (again, just as an example): if the spouse had a small amount they could claim, could they draw this from age 62 to let's say, 67, then the "worker" starts claiming at age 67...at this point, the spouse's benefit increases from the amount they had been claiming from 62-67 to the full 50%...is that correct? Thanks again!

[@penelope5500]

The spouse w/ the higher SS has to be claiming in order for the lesser earning spouse to draw off of them. If the lower earning spouse wants to take their SS (like at 62) they can do so but then when they start spousal benefits their will be reduced their spousal benefits will be reduced.

[@mariapug]

Thank you for the very simplified explanation. I’ve heard of spousal benefit and now I know I do qualify. I have 0 SS contributions because what we have here in our workplace is pension. Nice to know I will still get some money due to husband’s contributions. Thank you!

[@laurawoodford1225]

Better ask social security about this might be more complicated

[@hibbiteejibbitee]

Really clear explanation. Thank you.

[@Groqx]

So frustrating that you did not answer the question until the very end.

[@davidleong6606]

Very helpful! Thx for informing us about the 1/2 of DEAD SPOUSE FULL RETIREMENT BENEFIT. A graphic example would help us visual people! Thx!

[@randolphh8005]

Good explanation! Want to try to tackle spousal benefits with dependents? That is even more confusing.

[@cscottriffle]

Would be wonderful to see a video only on divorce and social security. Thanks.

[@mwebb3014]

YES!!! I am divorced and remarried. I was a stay at home mom in my first marriage for 20 years so very little contributed to SS in my working years. My current hubby has been on disabilty our entire relationship. First hubby was a big earner in IT.

[@Ncemj2000]

Very helpful!!! I think it would be much more effective if whiteboard is used to illustrate the figures as you discuss the calculations and options. I find it much more effective taking notes as you talk instead of just directly watching you.

[@peters616]

It may seem like the distinction between a lower earning spouse getting 1/2 of the higher earner's PIA entirely as an auxiliary benefit vs. as a combination of their own worker benefit plus the difference in auxiliary benefit is meaningless, but there are some cases where it is important. If you have a family member that has a disability and is receiving auxiliary benefits from the higher earner's worker benefits, then you will probably run into the family limit. That limit is based on the primary worker's PIA + the auxiliary benefits for everyone receiving them, so the higher the lower earning spouse's own worker's benefit, the less the total family benefit will be reduced by the limit.

[@dnhman]

clear as mud, is any of this on a simple chart?

[@randolphh8005]

Nope

[@jebhorton1830]

No, but is IS on a bunch of different pages on the SSA website, which all give partial, conflicting, confusing, and misleading answers.

[@geebeeinga]

@@jebhorton1830in other words, a typical government response…😮

[@cherylwoolsey1805]

You finish stating the listener's question +/- 2.18 min into video and get around answering at +/- 14.15 min into video. I appreciate the answer but the time burn was aggravating.

[@conniefoxx9813]

You can't collect half your spouse's benefit unless half of his/hers is still greater than your own. If spouse gets 3000 and half is 1500, but your own benefit is valued at 2000....you have to take your own. Once your spouse dies you can switch to the spouse's benefit if it is higher.

[@SomebodySaid...]

I didn't expect to learn anything new, but I did! Thank you!

[@RJN82]

If you don't find spousal benefits confusing, it's probably because you've never heard of them.

[@MarilynShealy]

After being married for 29 years, I was told he would have to be dead for me to collect, then another person said that mine is higher then his, which makes no sense as I went on disability, many years before. I think that people who work for SS do not always know the laws, I had another situation also, they prorated my comp settlement into my payments, I had to turn in a form, I was even to,do not to lose that paper, because I was suppose to get that difference back when I went onto SS, nothing on that either. I think SS is cutting corners and screwing people over

[@user-js3ee5qv6g]

@@MarilynShealywhen u go on disability you get the amount you would at your full retirement age.

[@gayladawn4329]

Very thorough explanation, thank you.

[@butterflygirl3359]

If you are divorced, you can file as an “independently divorced spouse”. The worker in this case does NOT have to be receiving benefits for you to file.

[@danielgutuescu5321]

James, I have a different scenario I do not see an explanation for anywhere on line. I am already retired at full retirement age. My wife is 60, 10 years younger and her retirement age is 67 and she is working. However I am not sure she will meet the retirement requirements by 67 and anyway she will not qualify for more than half of my SS pay. My question is, should she start collecting retirement at 62-63 (as I would like) and if she still chooses to work, how much from her income will be taken off from SS and is that calculated based on Gross pay, Total Reported Wages for Wages,Tips, Other comp, Total Reported for Soc Security or Medicare? She is maximizing 401K, IRA, HSA and we maximize IRA and Roth to keep taxes to a minimum.

[@shawnas464]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@barbiebutler-johnson7475]

We are both of 65. I receive a small amount from my husband’s benefits. I was told I could never get any more money. He has received several raises.

[@Hbd2002]

If you live in a common law marriage state, there may be an exception to the seven year marriage rule. Also, if you’re a widow, you may be entitled to the extended extra benefit your spouse got when he chose to start collecting at 70.

[@jyamanedds2531]

Awesome video, Mr. Conole! Very informative and well presented. Thank you. I "think" now, I know the answer, but my situation is similar to one of your examples used. My wife and I are both 66 this year (she will be in September, so 65-6mo now). Her own benefit now is about $1100. I don't plan to collect until probably 70, when my benefit will be $4700. (My full retirement @66-8 yr is $3650). Is there any downside to her collecting now? If she can collect her own 1100 now until I collect at 70, it sounds like she will then get raised up to half my benefit then.

[@BillyT531]

Good video, but make sure everyone caught that it is 50% ONLY up to the spouse's full retirement age. I wisely waited until age 70 to collect, but if I ever remarried, my future spouse would ONLY receive 50% of my full retirement age amount at age 66. Unfortunately, she would not benefit from the 32% bonus gain by waiting.

[@wuddayameen]

Hmmm, if you married a 20 year old I don't think they are eligible to receive spousal benefits until age 62. Similarly, I don't think they are eligible to receive survivor benefits until age 60.🤔

[@BillyT531]

@@wuddayameen Stupid comment. You completely missed the point.

[@mikegruber172]

Great Job explaining what can be a difficult subject

[@matthewmonetti7730]

I don't think this case was answered in the video, but it may have been. I'm the worker and at the moment plan to begin to collect at 62. Wife, is able to get spousal benefits. She's also older. Can she begin to claim on her own benefit earlier than FRA and then switch to the spousal later? Believe that's a yes based on the video and other info I've seen. Yet, there is conflicting info out there on that point. Secondly, will the spouse be subject to a reduced spousal benefit based on the time they began collecting their own benefit or is the amount of spousal benefit going to be based only on when they begin collecting the spousal benefit. Would the spouse be able to claim the spousal benefit whenever they choose after the worker begins theirs, or would it be required to be added at the time the worker claims theirs benefit?

[@amykopsala6876]

you answered so many questions! Thank you!! Love your videos!

[@ddenuci]

For the scenario explained at 11:00 (i.e., the spouse first takes his/her own $600/mo benefits and then adds on the spousal benefit of $400/mo when the worker turns 70), how does one go about getting the spousal benefit? Does the spouse need to go back into Social Security website and identify that they want to start collecting the spousal benefit when the worker turned 70? Or is this decision made back when the spouse first filed for his/her own SS ?

[@jtmac9084]

You did not cover the scenario where the spouse collects early at 62 on the husband who also collected early at 62 and had already reached his FRA.

[@shep68]

The formula for this is on the SS website. If the spouse collects at 62 their benefit is also reduced. Instead of 50% they recv. around 30% of the primary's age 67 amount.

[@rikallen8051]

Another great job of making a complex topic easier to understand! Thank you. James, if you have not covered this topic, please do a show on what the folks at the SS office can actually tell me when I walk in the door to sign up for benefits.

[@mr-vet]

I’m so glad that I stayed in the military for 25 years. My pension is was about $55K last year-and the annual COLA is tied to the social security increase. I also receive, non-taxable, 100% disability from the veterans administration -which is almost as much as my military pension. In a few years, my wife will retire from her federal govt career with close to 30 years of service. Her pension will be more than what I receive from my military retirement….plus, by that time, she’ll have a half million dollars in her 401K-like government investment account. Then, down the road, we can start drawing social security-

[@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly]

Thank you for your service🙏 so glad President Trump made it that Veterans can go to any medical facility they chose. ❤️🇺🇸

[@305Alligator]

What about taking my Spousal benefits before my full retirement age, and how does that affect widow survivor benefits in the future

[@Morninglory86]

I’m understanding you can take spouse anytime but need to wait til the worker takes theirs. Upon worker death you get their exact that they were getting. Do you lose spouse $ if they die?

[@herretirement]

Can I take my own SS at 62 and then get a top off of my ex spouse’s benefit (assuming my ex spouse benefit is bigger than mine)?

[@fawnottsman1929]

In another video, a Soc Sec benefit specialist said there is no longer an option to collect 1 Soc Soc and not the other; suspend their own or spouses benefit. Unless, they are a certain age. This might be something you look into.

[@2much2see2]

Thank you very much! You really cleared up the questions I had.

[@daviddrouillard3534]

Very thorough. Thx

[@yanmcrae6106]

great information, presented very well. Thanks

[@jK-yj2tl]

Thank you ; great info!

[@cd653]

Great video!! Thank you for explaining all of this. Now i understand =)

[@PatrickEvans07]

Huge help!

[@ivettesantana4319]

i need a chart a table something. this is so confusing!

[@johnjkalicki4712]

Great Information video. Can you do a video on survivor benefits which were mentioned in the video.

[@cookiessweet3302]

can you show table of comparison

[@jackiesicilian5720]

I just saw an article saying they're stopping the spousal benefits

[@Conrad.99]

They're not being discontinued, but the justification for them does seem a bit obsolete. Even if you make the choice for your spouse to be a dependent, other taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for it.

[@kenbrusegaard2231]

What happens if you spouse's Social Security has been reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision since she didn't have SS deducted while teaching, but then earned enough credits to qualify for her own benefit.

[@whitleyca]

Another really good video. Truly appreciate your time and effort to put this content together. and boy, he "right answer" on SS gets pretty sticky, pretty darn fast... Add'l videos on specific, real-life SS cases would be great.

[@Sidkarsun]

Thank you, very well explained 👍

[@CJ-jq4lv]

Thank you for making this video.

[@jerrystevens8428]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@JeanneWright-we8dn]

Thank you for explanation

[@floccinaucinihilipilifications]

Excellent explanation

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

What is the less-earning spouse is younger? My wife is 6 years younger. Can she take her SS at 62 and then at 67 get hers plus some of mine up to 50% of my 67 primary insurance amount

[@M22Research]

Yes, but both her own benefit and, I believe, her added spousal benefit will be reduced.

[@randolphh8005]

He answered this, she will have a reduced total. Nothing wiil change for her at 67, since you have to take by 70 when she is 64. Whatever year you decide to take is when she is eligible to take your spousal, and the amount will not go up after she takes, because when she is 62 you are 68. If you wait till 70 then she just can’t get the spousal till she is 64. It probably makes more sense for her to wait till you start your’s, as the small amount she gets may not be worth it for the 2 year spread.

[@laurawashburn4130]

Great video!

[@Lynnettefromconnecticut]

I hear everyone talking about spouses benifits when thier spouse is still alive my husband died in 2021 I never knew there was widows benefits till 4 yrs ago. I haven’t filed taxes because I didn’t make enough now today I got irs papers for me to file for 2023. I have no help with any of this stuff. How long do I get the widows and can I get SS from him between 62-67. Of age. I haven’t worked my whole life. Becsuse I have a lot of mental Issue that prevented me from working but I’ve applied but they say I didn’t work enough to get disability. But that’s not fair when he died I had no money for me and my 3 kids no one told me to get survivors can they give me more???? And now I have to pay taxes????? I’m so confused. Can I get his money from 62-67. What should I do??? Thank u 😊 2:37

[@goldenpig1034]

I had the same question. Thanks a lot!

[@gwenhoang4018]

Thank you. Very easy to understand. God blesses you and your family.🙏🏼

[@delrobinson1554]

My wife is 75 and did not have enough working quarters to receive any SS. I am 80 and receive about $350/month SS since I was a Federal employee but I had enough working quarters as a young man. Can my wife receive 50% of my $350?

[@michaell5026]

Wow. Great breakdown

[@faronray5765]

If I start collecting my SS benefits at 62, say $2000 and my FRA is 66.6 with a benefit of say $2700, will the COLAs effect any of the calculations if my wife starts drawing her spousal benefit in 5 years when she turns 62?