Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges
I am a widow.
My husband was 53 when he died.
He was collecting Social Security disability for about two years preceding his death.
Once you finally get your finances in order, you want to keep them that way. Here areseveral moves to make now.
Is this option still available?
Would I be eligible for 100% of his?
When I called Social Security, the lady said, It will be a surprise.
Surprise, my foot!
I need to know.
I also may have a difficult time proving we were married.
Our wedding license burned up in a recent house fire.
We were married in the Bahamas, and I doubt they keep records.
That may be my only salvation.
I have received so many conflicting answers regarding being able to switch from his to mine when Im 70.
-S.
Dear S.,
I dont think youre in for any big surprises.
And even without the actual marriage license, you should be able to prove that you were married.
Lets start with the first issue, though.
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In the past, married couples often used what was known as a restricted utility.
One spouse would file an tool for spousal benefits only as early as age 62.
Then, theyd switch to their own retirement later on.
But a 2015 law ended this strategy for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1954.
The important thing to know is that this change doesnt apply to survivor benefits.
you’re free to claim survivor benefits as early as 60 or age 50 if youre disabled.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Unlike retirement benefits, survivor benefits cap out atfull retirement age.
Youll get 100% of your late husbands benefit at that point.
So youll get the biggest Social Security checks possible by doing what youre planning.
give a shot to find as much information as possible before you call.
If what youre told conflicts with official Social Security information, point out the discrepancy.
Ask them to refer you to the exact rule theyre citing.
It may also be helpful to take notes during each phone call.
Document the time and date of the phone call and the name of the employee you speak with.
Dealing with any bureaucracy can be a headache.
But it sounds like you have a smart strategy for maximizing your Social Security.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Send your tricky money questions to[email protected].
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
