PART 2: Social Security Spousal Benefits Explained by Former SSA Manager

[@MyGovExpert]

☎📞Don’t want to ask your questions during our FREE LIVE Q&A Sundays 3pm PST (6pm EST) or Thursdays 4pm PST (7pm EST)? How about a private one-on-one call with Dr. Ed? Click here to schedule: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult

[@RogerLivingston-r9t]

Ed, I’ve listen to several of your videos and they have been extremely valuable to me as I prepare to retire in 2024. The process to file is overwhelming as you know. Thanks for your guidance and expertise, I am grateful for your willingness to help. Have a perfect day!

[@MyGovExpert]

Thank you for the kind words and I'm so happy the videos have helped. If you have specific questions, please don't hesitate to join one of my LIVE Q&A sessions. Take care, Ed

[@68glp]

Don’t change a thing - your information is invaluable to those who really need it! Thank you

[@MyGovExpert]

I appreciate that!

[@michaelbrown6894]

Semper Fi, again (from former cpl Brown C1/5; F2/1 ‘Nam; B1/6 Med float, now retired in Tokyo). Great video presentation and info. I appreciate your videos and share them.

[@cheriefinley2097]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇲

[@kekonoce]

¡Gracias!

[@MyGovExpert]

Thank you SO MUCH for your SUPPORT! A LOT MORE videos to come!

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

Thank you for explaining that the SS office is simply “holding back” some benefits when people are working and go over the limit-that money will actually eventually be available to the individual. I think many people are still not clear about this.

[@MyGovExpert]

I agree. The information really needs to get out there.

[@DavidLPitman]

Thank you, Dr. Weir ! Quick question. Scenario: Lower earning spouse is vested, but FRA benefit is lower than 1/2 of higher earning spouse's FRA benefit. Higher earning spouse is 2 yrs younger than lower earning spouse. If the lower earning spouse claims their own benefit at FRA, would they later file for the excess benefit at the time (2 years later) that the higher earning spouse claims at their FRA? Thanks again!

[@MyGovExpert]

Please ask this question during one of my upcoming LIVE Q&A sessions and I’ll be happy to answer it. See you then!

[@shaleiigavesti4601]

Thanks!

[@MyGovExpert]

Thank you so much!! Cheers!!

[@shaleiigavesti4601]

Again very helpful since my Hubs turns 61 this year and is considering retiring next year.

[@MyGovExpert]

Awesome! I'm going to do a longer series on retirement soon. Take care, Ed

[@msquires473]

Very helpful. Thank You!

[@MyGovExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arlenefuna8510]

Hi Ed, I am receiving Survivor Benefits from my husband since 2016, I have one child who is 11yr old. My question is until when can we receive this benefits me and my son. Thank you so much.

[@arkrosebud1540]

Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge sir.

[@MyGovExpert]

My pleasure

[@taptap424]

Thank you Dr.weir for very useful information. I have one question.. according to government site.. if I claim SS at 62 I will receive $2600 per month, if I claim at my FRA at 67 it will be $3700. If I start claiming at 62 and my spouse who is 3 years younger than me , claims for spousal benefits when she becomes 62 will she get 37% of $3700 or $2600? Thanks.

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

Such great information!!! I’m learning so much that I wouldn’t even have thought to ask… 😅

[@MyGovExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@giadinhvannam]

Is my rental property income effect my SS benefits? Thanks for your kindness

[@MyGovExpert]

If it's just regular retirement, it shouldn't.

[@VictoriaTate-c8d]

Great advice

[@sonomafred]

Dr. Weir, are you well versed on the windfall elimination provisions for public sector employees?

[@MyGovExpert]

Yes, I've done several thousand of those and I did three or four videos on it.

[@jeanniepurcella8363]

😢

[@KMarkus00]

Great info. Thanks so much.

[@MyGovExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RobertLupo]

One thing that never seems to be discussed is how the amount of spousal benifits is caculated if the primary wage earner delays taking ss unti they are 70. For instance we know the benifit can be up to 50% of the primary wage earners amount at time of full retirement, however isn't that amount increaesd by cost of living adjustments for the 3 or 4 years between full retiment age and age 70?

[@karinwilson2405]

1. do you consult for ss issues, or just medicare. 2. Is spouses SS or VA disability considered income when calculating the $22,320? 3. If spouse has demetia can he still apply for spousal SS from me (age 62 now) in addition to his regular ss?

[@MyGovExpert]

Please ask this question during one of my upcoming LIVE Q&A sessions and I’ll be happy to answer it. See you then!

[@glorielademorizi2235]

How he do these ????

[@judydejulio]

Canyoutalk about a younger spouse on ssd and older spouse still working. Can the spouse on ssd claim a spousal benefit on the still working higher earner and recieve a larger benefit than the ssd one?

[@randyspringer6405]

My higher earning spouse is filing soon at 63, almost 64, and I plan to file as well at 62.5. We both plan to file online. Can I file for the spousal benefit at this time, or should I wait until my spouse starts collecting her benefit until I file for the spousal benefit?

[@ManuelMartinez-sj3ot]

Great videos on the spousal benefit topic. Question, if the lower income spouse has been collecting SSDI benefits($1K) , now higher income worker will start collecting SSDI benefits($4K). Is the lower income spouse entitled to spousal benefit? Both are on SSDI now and have not reached FRA.

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my FREE LIVE Q&A sessions and I can answer your question more fully. Or, you can schedule a private call here: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult

[@Lynnettefromconnecticut]

Ed I never catch u live I have notifications but I don’t get them I would love to be able to ask a question live. Where do I go to see when ur live?? 😂

[@MyGovExpert]

Live 3pm PST

[@rtmaeda]

Asking for a friend, if she files for ex-spouse benefits (she is 62, he is older) but he is not retired yet, is her amount based on his age when she files, or his full retirement amount, or something else? Sorry if it was covered and I just missed it...

[@cchoi108]

Thank you so much I had no idea.

[@MyGovExpert]

Glad I could help!

[@forsalebydafna]

I’m 64 years old I make an excess of $25,000 a year. My spouse is drawing Social Security and he is now a full retirement age. I am interested in obtaining the spousal benefit based upon his filing however, I am wondering whether the fact that I earn over $25,000, and I am not a retirement age, whether I am disqualified based upon the formula which requires me if I was retiring and claim against my own benefits, whether that limitation will prevent me from getting spousal benefits as well. Thank You! Dafna

[@stephenstone5700]

Question: I filed at my FRA which was 11/2022. My wife will file at her FRA 02/2026 to draw 50% of my SS payment. I understand that will be my PIA at FRA but will there be COLA's included for that two year difference from when I filed to when she draws?

[@glorielademorizi2235]

Now I am 73

[@gailbrownell25]

Thanks for the info

[@MyGovExpert]

Any time!

[@nancyingram966]

If you were married over 10 years, they remarry and die, do you only qualify for anything if you never remarried? What if you've been on SS disability for many years and still are disabled? Does SSD change to regular Social Security retirement when you reach a certain age, though you are still disabled?

[@sticksbass]

what if i gross $12,000 a month but only go over $10,000 a year at 62? FRA is 67.

[@AR15DCM]

I am on SS Disability, divorced after 17 years of marriage. Wife was the breadwinner of the family. What is my situation in regards to spousal benefits?

[@MyGovExpert]

If she is at least 62 years old, I would definitely call and see if there are any more benefits there.

[@AR15DCM]

@@MyGovExpert Jessh she is only 53 I will be dead by then LOL I am 60 1/2. Thanks for answering so quickly

[@khadijahussain1938]

Thanks for these wonderful information. I am filing for my ss retirement this coming September 24 age 66. Can my wife get benefit as well (age 50.) Can you clear this issue for me? Also my wife never worked before due to her health and taking care of 6 children

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my FREE LIVE Q&A sessions so I can answer your question more fully and accurately based on your particular situation. Or you can schedule a private call here: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult

[@josiecampbell4864]

She has to be 62 to get benefit and get half of your earnings in record if you're married 10 years or more

[@khadijahussain1938]

@@josiecampbell4864 Thanks!

[@carolynmartin5261]

Oh please how can I reach you

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my LIVE FREE KZbin Q&A sessions. MORE HELP HERE: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@donellsullivan9849]

Dr. Weir, my wife passed at 64 before claiming SS. I retired at 61 (about 2 years prior to her passing and was receiving my pension benefits. I applied for and was awarded survivors benefits but the benefit was reduced to zero because (as it was explained) the amount I was receiving as a pension (city employee) was more than the awarded survivor benefit. I was made aware of the “offset” rule for government employees receiving a pension while also applying for a survivor benefit but I read from a SS publication that the offset does not apply if the government employee was contributing to SS prior to receiving their pension benefit. Can you clear this up for me? I’ve since submitted a “reconsideration” application but have not heard from SS.

[@MyGovExpert]

Yes, there's a 5 year exception, if you paid into Social Security for the last five years, then GPO wouldn't apply. So hopefully they figure that out during the reconsideration

[@markweier-sr9pn]

Both my wife and I are past FRA. I just filed for my SS benefit and it is being decided. My wife does not have enough credits to file on her own and wants to file for spousal benefits. Can she do this now, or does she have to wait until I am approved and receiving my benefit? Thanks

[@atuldhruv4143]

great informatiom, doyou have office in new york?

[@MyGovExpert]

I have partners that can help with Medicare plans in New York.

[@lynneferraccio8843]

Hubby started drawing at his FRA, 67 1/2, I started at 62 on my own credits. If he passes, the way I understand it is there formula basically takes my ck up to what his is and that’s that. I do not get my own AND his full.

[@MyGovExpert]

Please check out my videos on survivor benefits

[@grannylannie4653]

I am receiving survivors benefits from my ex-husband, who I was married to for 27 years. My question is, could I qualify for spouse benefits from him as well? Or are you only able to qualify for survivors benefits? (I am remarried and have been for 10 years.) This entire SS "thing" is confusing, and it's nice that you are trying to help us. Too bad that more info hasn't been available to us and we've had to stumble upon it. Thanks for what you're doing.

[@MyGovExpert]

Thank you so much I agree. There's just not enough information out there that people can read rely on. You are currently receiving spouse benefits now It's just surviving spouse benefits, so you wouldn't be able to collect anymore.

[@grannylannie4653]

@@MyGovExpert Thanks for your reply! I appreciate it!

[@brianalford4397]

Thank you for the info

[@MyGovExpert]

You are so welcome!

[@cindyk4145]

Will ssa tell you how much you can get for divorced spouse benefit to see if you want to actually file for it??

[@MyGovExpert]

Absolutely. Give SSA a call, give them your ex-spouse's information. And they will tell you whether there's any more money there.

[@cristinarbreder]

Your videos are very helpfull. I have heard that in 2024 the new social security rules for spouses will come into effect, and 1% of the benefit will be taken out of the 50% each year, until it reaches 33%. Is that correct? Thank you, Dr Ed.

[@MyGovExpert]

That's incorrect. A social media person was saying that, but they were wrong.

[@cristinarbreder]

​@@MyGovExpertThat's what I thought. This woman has been spreading false information. How irresponsible she is.Thank you very much for responding so promptly.

[@threeftr3349]

@@cristinarbreder I stopped watching her, for the same reason. She portrays she knowledgeable in SS.

[@sheryllegg845]

Will IRRMA step in if FRA is reached and continue working but income does not go above $59,000?

[@MyGovExpert]

$59K is the annual earnings limit, different from IRMAA. But no IRMAA at that amount.

[@sheryllegg845]

Thank you

[@susanjohnson5988]

I'm not sure I understood correctly the point on both spouses receiving benefits as is my case when one of us dies. After watching both video's, I'm thinking the survivor in this case keeps their own benefit and in addition receives 70% or 82.5% of the deceased. Is this correct? I ask because one comment you made in part 1 sounded like it was either or. Keep our own or replace it with the survivor benefit. Can you clarify in your next video on this topic please?

[@MyGovExpert]

If you're already receiving yours, then theirs is just added.

[@susanjohnson5988]

Thank you for taking the time to clarify this for me. @@MyGovExpert

[@GigiGartenberg]

How does the new Social Security Spousal Rule that ends in 2024 work for a stay-at-home housewife? How will that affect someone born in the 70s? Are GEN X SOL? asking here too :)

[@MyGovExpert]

Have to be over 70 years old.

[@jackiesicilian5720]

That's terrible, do you think it will ever be reinstated? What about if you got remarried to the same person 🤔

[@AnnieNann-x1y]

18:50 i don't think you addressed my situation. I got married after i was receiving my own ss benefits. My husband's benefit is higher. I started my benefit at 62 because i really needed it, i am now at FRA. Can i apply for spousal benefit and what am i entitled to?

[@MyGovExpert]

Help available here: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@marilynnstubbs4834]

Ed, good content. Thank you. I am a school teacher and will retire at the end of May 2025. My income for those few months will be less than the SS limit on earnings. My husband is retired and turned 64 this past April. I turned 65 this month (September 2024). My husband is going to wait until he is 67 for full SS benefits. Would it make sense for me to file to start receiving Social Security this coming January 2025 under my own benefits or spousal benefits? What would be the ramifications?

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my LIVE FREE KZbin Q&A sessions so I can give you a more accurate and complete answer. There are so many exceptions I don't want to give you an incorrect or partial answer. MORE HELP HERE: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@leocastelo6311]

When you and your spouse are both on full retirement age. Can you claim spousal benefit now at age 67 then claim your own benefit at age 70? By initially claiming spousal benefit at age 67, Will you get the step up benefit (delayed retirement credit) for waiting to claim your own benefit until age 70?

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my FREE LIVE Q&A sessions and I can answer your question more fully. Or, you can schedule a private call here: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult

[@TracyHinson-k2s]

I am not working but I take money from my IRA. Does that count against SSI? I'll be filing for widow benefits. I am 65.

[@MyGovExpert]

SSI? Yes, since that's a welfare program..SSA? No.

[@baby1345zzzz]

I'm divorced from my husband for over 20 years. He is 7 years younger than myself. I'm presently am 67 years old. I never worked, stay at home mom. When can I claim social security since he is several years younger and I have no idea when he will retire.

[@MyGovExpert]

When he turns 62, you can file on his record. He DOESN'T have to be collecting at that time.

[@baby1345zzzz]

@@MyGovExpert thank you for responding

[@laurasmith8956]

Did you answer my question about deceased spouse. Was married 14 yrs. Can I draw his S.S. He got remarried but she passed away too. Married in 1978-1992.

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my LIVE FREE KZbin Q&A sessions so I can give you a more accurate and complete answer. Or, you can schedule a private call here: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@suek-ow3lw]

If my spouse decides to go back to work (and he is under FRA) and decides to pause their benefits, do my checks checks also go on pause? Thank You for all of your help.

[@texaspotterssculptors4658]

I just asked this same scenario!

[@texaspotterssculptors4658]

well not exactly

[@MyGovExpert]

Yes, auxiliary benefits also stop.

[@MelissaCoup]

I wish I could get spousal benefits. Despite being married 35 years, I can't unless I petition the court and prove we've been married for decades, despite us sharing a last name and child that entire time. They want a marriage certificate. Haven't seen it since bringing it to DMV to change my last name due to my only marriage. Petition the court due to saving $10 on a marriage license by choosing a confidential marriage license in California. Waste of time, everyone knows you're married, Filing Jointly with IRS, and yes, including Social Security. At age 70, I will only get $1400 a month Social Security from my own earnings but oh well. I doubt I would petition the court, I guess I'll sign up for Food Stamps at $26 a month and start getting those low income discounts such as Free Medicaid, $30 off internet, etc. The courts terrify me. Thanks for all your videos, you are amazing at the amount of knowledge you offer us.

[@MyGovExpert]

Sorry to hear that...

[@8675-__]

I had the same problem..go to the county you were married in (online or call them) and you can get a certified copy of the confidential marriage certificate for 17-

[@GailPinchback]

I’m 67 my husband got a divorce after 27 by telling the court he had not seen me, he got married He lied to the court can I get some of SS if his is larger than mine

[@DeeDee-a29L]

​@@GailPinchback Yes you can .

[@connieintexas8974]

I’m 64, my ex in nursing home . I’m still working full time and don’t plan on retiring until 66. Can I apply for ex spouse ss and if so will that mess with mine when I retire?

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my LIVE FREE KZbin Q&A sessions so I can give you a more accurate and complete answer. There are so many exceptions I don't want to give you an incorrect or partial answer. MORE HELP HERE: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@janetcrafts6186]

I'm on ssdi and I'm going to be 62 on 1-1-63, can I apply for spousal benefits?

[@janetcrafts6186]

I meant 1-1-25

[@jimryan319]

Hi Dr. Ed. Great videos. I am 70 and have started recieving my Benefits. My wife is 64 and earns 80K per year. One of my wife's friends has told her she can file on My benefits without being penalized for her salary until she reaches full retirement age. From what I have learned from your video, this sounds false. Is there any benefit available to her before she reaches full retirement age that we are missing out on. Thanks again

[@MyGovExpert]

Hello, thanks for watching! There are just too many details and exceptions to give you an adequate answer in this comment section. However, you can GET HELP here: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@angiea8022]

Hi Dr. Weir, so glad to see your videos, so helpful. However, I am not sure how I should proceed at this time. Here is my scenario : I turned 62 in April. I decided to wait until my husband files. He turns 62 in July, and filed and was approved this week. My question, should I go ahead today and file on my own, where I will be drawing around $450 month until I can be added to his as a spousal later next month, in which I will be able to draw $1,000 month? In other words, can I start my application to get approved, then later this year be moved onto his spousal benefits? ( I heard that once you file, there are no re-do's, so that has me concerned.)

[@MyGovExpert]

Absolutely. That's what most people do. The lower earning spouse files, starts benefits, and then adds the higher earnings spouse benefits when they file. And thank you so much for becoming a member!!!

[@brianalford4397]

If I file for my spousal benefits. Will it affect my benefits?

[@MyGovExpert]

It'll just be added on top of yours.

[@cheriefinley2097]

If I'm a widow who was married in 2006 and my husband passed away in 2011 from Agent Orange can I apply for spousal benefits?

[@MyGovExpert]

There are just too many details and exceptions to give you an adequate answer in this comment section. However, you can GET HELP here: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@cheriefinley2097]

@@MyGovExpert Thank you

[@cindyk4145]

If my exspouse hasnt worked for like 5 years, will that effect the benefit?

[@MyGovExpert]

It really depends what type of benefit you're asking about and how long they worked total and a lot of different variables

[@beginner_electric_guitar]

Hello Dr. Weir. I am and have been collecting SS. When my wife starts her SS can she file using her own record and then switch to spousal benefit later when she turns FRA? Can she switch to a spousal benefit at any time while collecting under her own benefit? Thanks.

[@MyGovExpert]

Lot of variables there. Please join my next live Q&A Thursdays 4pmPST. See you then!

[@cindyk4145]

So if i file for exspouse benefit, and if i decide to keep working, as i cant live on the benefit and the $22,000 , can i tell them to stop it until i retire at fra or 70??

[@MyGovExpert]

Yes, if you start your benefits, you can change your mind later and suspend them, and then restart it later once you stop making over the annual earnings limit.

[@TruthMatters16]

What about divorced disabled spouse? Are there special rules?

[@MyGovExpert]

Unfortunately, there are no divorced disabled spouse benefits...only disabled widow's benefits.

[@sheralhewes4492]

My husband is 62. I am 59. I am the high wage earner. I want to retire at 65. I am thinking of having him claim ssn now at 62. I believe he can only file for spousal benefits when i retire at 65 correct? If yes, when he files for spousal benefits. He will only get half of the percentage that i get correct?

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my FREE LIVE Q&A sessions and I can answer your question more fully. Or, you can schedule a private call here: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult

[@texaspotterssculptors4658]

Dr Weir, A long time friend married in 1998; divorces 2021(?). husband was on early ssa benefits. before divorcing he stopped ssa and went back to work. when he reaches FRA and resumes his benefits, IF she files divorce spouse, will she be considered to receive his early while they were married or high 35 lifetime amounts?

[@MyGovExpert]

His date won't affect her

[@JackieParrill]

I filed for social security my husband already getting it then I filed for spousal benefits they gave me both amounts I would receive. Does this come in 2 checks? They said it does. Also online it updated mine but my spousal benefits has not yet been approved. I’m supposed to start getting my payments in December. We really need this. Also they said when I updated my social security card when we got married name was put in has Jackie not Jacqueline but if it was okay to be Jackie she could change it and no worries. Otherwise I have to apply for a new social security card in Jacqueline and that takes time so I told her that the shorter name was fine. They did talk to my husband when I had the call and he verified all the information. So should I worry about this or will it start on time? 19:19

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my LIVE FREE KZbin Q&A sessions so I can give you a more accurate and complete answer. There are so many exceptions I don't want to give you an incorrect or partial answer. MORE HELP HERE: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@JackieParrill]

Confused

[@JackieParrill]

Don’t understand your response

[@roxannebush8410]

How does that work with spousal benefit I'll be 65 in jamruary. We were thinking that I might take spousal at 65 my full retirement is 67. I've been married for 48 years. Do I have a limit on mine because I was a stay at a home mom and watch my grandchildren So do I have a limit to get besides limit on my early I can get

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join us for our next live Q&A or schedule an appointment and will be happy to discuss it with you

[@timpang3151]

I just applied for my social security benefit two months beyond my FRA (66.6). The Social Security officer told me that since my wife has high income (in fact, both of us do). She can't claim the spouse benefit vs my benefit, doesn't matter when she files for her own benefit (I guess my wife's benefit is higher than mine). Is this correct? Thanks

[@MyGovExpert]

Sounds right.

[@SheilaKirican]

I was married for 18 years was forced to retire at 65 am I entitled to half of x husband SS

[@MyGovExpert]

It depends how long you were married and both of your benefit amounts.

[@retired-m9u]

❤🎉❤🎉 spouse died, skipped town, drifter, I get ssd got hurt by patient, took me 16 plus months of nightmare mail, and complying to be denied, ssd started age factor idk I tossed it, he got ssd from gm, and militarily and drugs I was a nurse, why can't I collect the back pay and his check that's smaller I need that back pay to move Help

[@jacquelinebalderas4204]

My husband will draw at 62. When I turn 62 can I collect spousal benifits. When I turn 67 can I change to my own social security benifits.

[@MyGovExpert]

You can only do that as a survivor.

[@hardtack8776]

Why didn’t you cover benefits available to a spouse with no work record of their own??

[@MyGovExpert]

Those are spouse benefits.

[@hardtack8776]

I know that. You didn’t cover them concerning a spouse with no work history/credits of their own in either of your part 1 or part 2 videos for spousal benefits that I could see.

[@tjmeyer3037]

I was married to my ex-wife for 16 years. After our divorce she remarried for 10 plus years. Her 2nd husband then died. In that time I filed and was approved for disability. She'll turn 62 soon. Do I have any entitlement to her benefits?

[@MyGovExpert]

Hello, thanks for watching and commenting! Please join one of my upcoming KZbin or TikTok LIVE Question and Answer sessions. Sundays 3pm PST (6pm EST) and Thursdays 4pm PST (7pm EST). I can answer your question then more accurately and completely. Take care, Ed

[@lisamishina1317]

One question, if I start taking my benefits at 62 and my husband waits till full retirement age, when I apply for spousal benefits, will I get half of his full retirement or half as if he started his benefits at 62 (because I took mine out at 62)

[@MyGovExpert]

You will get half of his minus your own.

[@atuldhruv4143]

thanks

[@MyGovExpert]

You're welcome!

[@queenofthejunglegel]

Hi Ed. So glad to have found your channel. I am 61 and my husband is 62. I still work fulltime .Would it be advantage to file for spousal benefit now? I am a little confused with the ex spouse . He is also 62. Since i remarried I can only file spousal benefit with my current spouse, right? And not my ex spouse? Thank you.

[@MyGovExpert]

That's correct. You can only file a spouse claim on your current spouse's record. But because you're going to be filing early, you have to stay under the annual earnings limit.

[@NK-xk9kj]

When you are saying you can only make the 1860 a month the first year you are filing. Is gross earnings or net earnings??

[@MyGovExpert]

Gross for W2 wages, net income for self employment.

[@BruceMannebach]

My wife worked for the government and did not pay into social security. She is retiring this year and will collect a pension. Is she still eligible to collect a spousal benefit on my account ?

[@MyGovExpert]

Yes, but it will be offset by her government pension.

[@KMarkus00]

Hi Dr Ed. Could you please explain more about the ​Pension Offset Rules and Windfall Elimination Provision. Thanks. @@MyGovExpert

[@annalisa14]

What if I was married to Rick since 2006 and we separated but NOT LEGALLY in 2009 because of his alcohol. We had a pre nup. He died a month ago in September 2024. His girlfriend, married to her own husband, lived in my husband’s big house he purchased in 2009. It was a musician hang out house. Rick had an excellent job working for the state capitol. His girlfriend is trying to bait me to take “some money-a lot 😂” and I’m not biting. What can a live in girl friend take from me because she threatened my husband to not speak with me while we lived apart?

[@MyGovExpert]

Please join one of my FREE LIVE KZbin Q&A sessions so I can give you a more accurate and complete answer. There are so many exceptions I don't want to give you an incorrect or partial answer. MORE HELP HERE: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert

[@destinysisco3142]

I am currently receiving survivor benefit at 63 yoa. When i become full retirement age can i switch to my own benefits? I would receive an increased amount.

[@MyGovExpert]

Absolutely

[@funafterfifty7833]

So, I can be remarried and get my ex husband of 17 yrs social security?

[@MyGovExpert]

Lots of variables

[@jackiesicilian5720]

Wait im confused, is divorced spouse benefit still available if im 62? My ex spouse is 63. Im on ssdi currently.

[@MyGovExpert]

Possibly, age doesn't seem to be an issue.

[@judydurbin376]

I own my own business. I am 67 years old. I do not draw my Social Security. I’m trying to sell my business. So would it be best for me to sell my business before I draw my Social Security?

[@MyGovExpert]

In terms of the annual earnings limit, you are good because you're beyond your full retirement age. If you didn't enroll in Medicare at 65, then you'll need to do that. Give my Medicare team a call, and they'll go over all your options. 888-817-0446

[@judydurbin376]

Thank you

[@judydurbin376]

I own a small mobile home part. And I live in one. I really appreciate the advice.

[@julianbonaga4212]

Can you still receive 50 percent of your wife benefits when she dies even though you SSS benefits is higher than your wife

[@barbarasummers280]

But now, they are saying you can take your ex spouses 1/2 of soc. security, however it will be that and not your own as well anymore, you either take theirs or yours, not both.

[@kimberlyskeen6489]

I filed for my x benefits, he passed away. I received my check for my disability and a check for his.

[@MyGovExpert]

If they are alive, you have to file for yours first

[@kimberlyskeen6489]

@@MyGovExpert My x husband passed away and was on disability. When I notified Social security they said to call back when my disability was approved. I couldn't get his till I was approved. Then it was another 8 months till it was approved. I totally fit the criteria and still waited that long. This is how long it took to get approved disability.

[@shoban5037]

I was married to my ex for the appropriate time to apply for divorced spouse benefit, but I am currently married (that is in the 1990's). I have to be single or widowed to collect on my ex's benefit. Correct?

[@retired-m9u]

❤🎉❤🎉 spouse died, skipped town, drifter, I get ssd got hurt by patient, took me 16 plus months of nightmare mail, and complying to be denied, ssd started age factor idk I tossed it, he got ssd from gm, and militarily and drugs I was a nurse, why can't I collect the back pay and his check that's smaller I need that back pay to move Help