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This is a pet peeve of mine. Considering that both spouses paid SS throughout their lives, the surviving spouse should, in my opinion, get the total of both spouses benefits. Let’s say they both paid $100K into SS, for a total of $200K they paid into the system. When one dies, the government takes the one benefit away. As a household, they paid into the system and are entitled to that money. It falls under the “What’s yours is mine” marriage law. I’m sure most people don’t even think about this but in my opinion, it isn’t fair. And I’m single, never been married.
to wayshowers, yes lots of people think of this, but when you pay soc sec you are not putting money in the bank, you and your employer are paying into a fund for your retirement. it had very little to do with the total amount you paid, there is no way that would work out for the entire workforce. i think the video only discussed a surviving spouse that hadn't retired, the check she was getting was a portion of her husbands retirement. if the wife worked and paid soc sec then at her retirement age she would get the larger amount between what her benefit and her husbands benefit would be. or at least thats the way ive been told. for sure its a complicated system.
This is what happened to us. I hadn't been classified as disabled yet at 56. Then my husband at age 59 passed. We had been married 33 years. Because we were about even $, I won't receive his. I did eventually get my SSDI but I'm sooo glad he didn't know, it would have broke his heart. All that work FOR NOTHING at retirement. How unfair
@@marciclark8266I’m not sure if you got the best advice. I can’t say how receiving disability affects your filing, but widows can could draw on your spouses benefit at age 60 and delay drawing on your own benefits at FRA or age 70 allowing your own benefit to grow to a larger amount, then draw on it.
@@elizabethmurray3221 you may have missed the part where she said she's on SSDI. That means she's already receiving 100% of her PIA (her theoretical FRA benefit). She stated that her PIA and her husband's PIA are about the same. If her husband's FRA benefit is indeed any amount more than what she is receiving she could switch to that at her FRA and receives that higher amount for the rest of her life.
I'm resentle became a widow and I'm only 58 and the SSS told me that I can't get any benefits until I'm at least 60 years old. But, If I wait until I'm 62 I can get more besides my SSS. I'm a new subscriber and I love watching all your informative videos. Keep up the amazing work buddy!❤
Thank you! Your comment and hopefully your subscription will tell the RUclips computer that people are interested. So you might have made RUclips show this to more people...and therefore you might have improved someone's life! THANK YOU!!
Dr. Weir YOU ARE AWESOME MY FRIEND! THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP PEOPLE GET THIER PROPER BENNIFITS. ALSO THANK YOU FOR POINTING OUT ALL THE OTHER THINGS THAT ARE AVAILABLE. GODBLESS YOU BROTHER!
Thank goodness for Mr. Weir. The government for the establishment of themselves will ever inform the public on what is a right, and a necessity to enlighten those who have lost a loved one. Or are in need, not want SSA benefits. Again thank you Sir.
I have never heard anyone on RUclips discussing SSA Survivor Benefits bring up a crucial piece of information about Widows FRA being four (4) months less than a regular FRA. For those born after 1/1/1938 and before 1/2/1962, the widow's full retirement age (FRA) is 4 months earlier than the normal FRA. Please add this to your future videos. Thanks
Ed that information about the 82.5% of the PIA for the survivor is a real gold nugget of information, Thank you for the Christmas Gift !! Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy New Year with lots of laughter.
Just don't collect it as soon as you turn 62, you are eligible for the RIB-LIM rule between the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, depending on the year you were born, also don't put it off any longer than when you are eligible, it stays at 82.5% even if you delayed collecting it, except cola raises of course.
@@Michael-Joseph123 WOW I missed that in Ed's presentation, you sound like you know the rules / laws of Social Security, I thank you very much for that information !
@@Michael-Joseph123 I hope you will respond, my uncle 83 married 40 yrs wife dies but uncle had the bigger SS check BUT he collected at 62 yo is uncle able to claim the 82.5 % of his PIA or not ? Thank you!
@@frankrothiz4u you didn't miss that in Ed's presentation, he didn't discuss it, which rather disappointed me. This is the other critical and poorly understood section of the RIB-LIM rules that causes a lot of survivors to miss out on a lot of benefits by delaying the start of surviving spouse benefits longer than necessary. The detail of entitlement to the maximum benefit and an age prior to FRA for the surviving spouse Is not just an issue of the 82.5% rule. Anytime the deceased spouse had begun receiving their social security benefits had any point prior to their own FRA, the surviving spouse will be entitled to the maximum benefit in some month prior to their own FRA. It is a rather complex calculation that is unique to each individual couple and there is no reference calculator available online. The main issue to remember is that if the deceased spouse began receiving Social Security benefits prior to their own FRA there is never a situation where the surviving spouse has to wait until their own FRA to be entitled to the maximum benefit. Once they have reached that month of entitlement to the maximum benefit any delay in starting benefits past that point will result in a permanently lost benefit for those months that they were entitled. As Ed mentioned there are a significant number of Social Security agents that don't even understand this set of rules completely.
@@frankrothiz4u regarding your uncle. No, he cannot collect 82.5% of his PIA, because that rule applies to survivor benefits, which in this case would be his wife's benefit amount. Was his wife receiving a Social Security benefit based on her own work record?
If I understand this correctly; I was a homemaker for 30 years of a 35 year marrage. I can't collect SS on my work history but can collect 50% of my ex's benefit amount provided I apply at my FRA. If my ex passes before me, I can collect his full benefit at his FRA. I don't know if he will begin collecting at his FRA or later, I don't think he'll ever retire. If he waits until he can collect 124%, I'm not sure if I'd get all of that if he passes but that would be a cherry on top. So not a big deal if it doesn't happen.
How often do people ask for a lump sum when collecting their benefits? Seems to me that may be a better idea than collecting small monthly installments that are nearly impossible to live on. They could invest some of that lump sum, potentially increasing returns...
Could someone PLEASE HELP! I believe that there is more money out there for me. My husband got hit by a car and passed away 2016 he was disabled for awhile before we met. Now I became disabled in 2015 . We have been married since 1999. I heard about this, but in 2015 I had horrible car accident and several surgeries which lead in too 2016 when he got killed. However, I do believe SS doesn't penalize the full amount retirement if disabled?? He would have been 66 today! He was born 1958 and I am now 55. Hope I didn't leave anything out! Thank you Alisa
Hi Dr. Weir I have a question If I take my retirement benefit early at 64 and my monthly benefit is $2000 a month and my wife with no work history claims a spousal benefit early at 62 and say gets $800 a month and I pass away she will now receive survivor benefits. So, will she receive my $2,000 and her $800 a month go away? I would add that at my PIA would have been say $2600 month at FRA. Does she get $2000 or 82.5% of my FRA which ever is larger? Thank you, Peter
My neighbor became a widow last Friday. He was 53 at the time of his death and was receiving SSD moneys. She is 52. They have 2 dependent children age 6 and 11. The children were each receiving a dependent social security check since he was considered disabled. She phoned social security notifying them of his death. She is very confused now as to what benefits she and the children will receive. The social security employee was very short with her and at this time she feels frightened and vulnerable so she ended the call. She cannot get into social security for an in person meeting for a month. Please help me to help her. The truth re the amount may not be what she wishes to here but she needs to plan for their future. Thank you
Please join one of my FREE LIVE RUclips 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
So I received social security but reduced due to county pension, husband received social security until his death. I applied for his social security was approved but then denied because I had a county pension. Does HR 82 change that for me, am I now entitled to his pension.
Hi Dr. Weir. Does the piano value used in this calculation increase for each year the deceased spouse lived after filing early? For example, primary spouse files at 62, and at the time his pia was 2000. For each year he would have delayed, not only would the early penalty have reduced, but his PIA would have increased for inflation. So if that spouse dies at 65, 66, or 67, would the PIA used in the RIB LIM include those inflation I increases, or would the 82.5% be based on the PIA at the time he started receiving .benefits? In my opinion, this could play a big part in my decision to file early or wait. Thanks 👍
Everyone's PIA is recalculated when there is a COLA, including the deceased spouse whose PIA is being used to calculate survivor benefits. So the adjusted PIA would be used to calculate the 82.5% for the year that he died and/or the year that surviving spouse began receiving benefits. And then once the benefit is started it also adjusts for any future COLA.
Hello Dr. Weir, when the RIB LIM law took effect? My husband died six years ago, when I went to the Social Security office to apply for a suvivor benefit I was surprise when the agent to told me that the amount I was going to get was my own social security benefit plus $400 from my husband. My husband salary was always much more higher that mine, but he applied for his social security benefit at 62 so he took a reduced amount. I asked why I don't get my husband benefit's plus $400 of mine it would work out better for me. That's no the way they do it. With these changes on the law will the Social Security office automatically recalculate the benefits for people like me or we have to call to get the benefits change. By the way, I started taken my own benefits a my full retirement age of 66.
Thank You for a clear explanation. My situation is, my wife turned 65 in April and and passed away just 2 months later without ever receiving any SS although she contributed over her career. I am still working and paying in at age 67 and have not yet collected SS. What should I do? Am I entitled to anything in regards to my wife of 50 years paying in over a career?
If I am understanding this correctly, I think my sister-in-law should check on this RIB LIM (Widow's Cap) law. My brother passed 7 years ago (my sister-in-law's husband). He retired at 62. Should she double check with SS to see if she is getting the correct amount in her monthly check from SS?
If she took it before she turned 62 and 4 months, she is out of luck, the RIB-LIM widower's cap, you must wait until you are 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, depending on you birth date, but don't wait after you are eligible, you don't get more than 82.5% for delaying until full retirement age, that would just be money you never collected.
I'm 55 and disabled. My ex husband (age 60) of 29 years was killed (in September) in a car accident. I've been told several different outcomes of what I'm entitled to by SS employees. The person who helped me last was very sure that I was entitled only to 71.5% of my ex's full retirement amount because I wasn't at my full retirement age. Is this true. I was also told that I didn't need a lawyer for this as it was very straight forward. There are lots of vids and info on this subject if you are in your 60s. But not many discussing this topic if you are 55 and disabled.
I'm 64 and on disability, I was just told the same thing from the local SS Office! That surviving spouses cannot receive the full benefit if they haven't reached their own FRA yet, even if you are on disability! 😠 Not sure what our options are when we're getting told the wrong information from someone in the SS office. Will be following your post!
@@Mill59I would talk with an independent agent to make sure what SS said to you is true. I had a friend who wanted to get her widows benefits at age age 62. She had 3 different people at SS---3 different calls give her a different widows benefit number. Don't get cheated out of your benefits, get someone to help you confirm their information.
Dr. Weir, at full retirement age or older, generally gets 100% of the worker's basic benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 or older, but under full retirement age, gets between 71%, is that correct? I am confused about that 82.5%
I collected disability SS in middle age for 5-6 years due to severe hemolytic anemia (declared totally disabled). I struggled to recover to work again and did so successfully and worked full time until the age of 63. When I applied for SS retirement benefits, I was surprised to learn that they had reduced my benefit because I had collected disability SS for that 5-6 yr period. I never questioned it but it didn’t seem right that I had really tried so hard to be able to work again rather than continuing to collect SS and then in retirement I was penalized for that. Does this sound correct to you?
I lost my spouse a little over a year ago. I will turn 60 soon, can I claim survivor benefits and then when I am ready to retire convert to my benefit which will be the higher of the two?
Dr. Weir… my situation is a bit different. My husband took his social security benefit at 62. However, I waited until I qualified for my full benefit. As a result, my SS amount was higher than his. When he passed away, I didn’t expect anything, but got $45 per month. I wonder how they figured that .
This is where you needed help, since your husband collect at 62, you could have collected 82.5% of what he would have gotten at full retirement age when you were between the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, depending on you year of birth, you could have collected his benifit, and gotten all the cola raises, and you could have delayed your social security until it maxed out when you turned 70, and then dropped his social security and switched to your own benifit, and you do get the cola raises on your social security once you hit 62, even if your delaying collecting it.
I always thought that the surviving spouse could choose whether to stay on their own or go on their deceased spouse’s SS once they died. I also waited til 70 but my husband retired at 62. As a result, i get slightly more SS/mo than he does. Is this saying that if he dies first, I will continue to get my own, plus 82.5% of his??
When my husband worked a friend that was a CPA told my husband when he worked to pay maximum SS out of his checks and thank goodness he did, he got very sick from Addison disease and rheumatoid arthritis and had to go on disability, every one working should pay in maximum SS to receive maximum SS. No one can survive off 700 hundred dollars a month!
Your vid’s have been super helpful, thank you for making them, the thing I think I’m missing is what happens if the spouse who dies is getting the smaller benefit? Does my father who’s still alive and gets a larger payment get to claim any survivor benefit?
Hi Dr. Weir😊. I was married technically 10 years but on "paper" 23 yrs. We had 3 children. I was not allowed to work. I was awarded SS, but SSI because i didn't pay in enough. I never changed my name with SSA. If i bring in the marriage certificate and divorce decree will i be able to collect off my ex's SS once he turns 62? Thank you so much for this channel. It's made my journey less stressful😊
Depending on his benefit amount, you just might qualify. You can schedule an appointment up to 3 months in advance and take your documents. Hopefully everything works out. Good luck, Ed
Hi Ed, So I'm confused. Hope you can help me. A while back I asked if I could get surviving spousal ss. I am already on SSDI, my husband passed away in 2012. My benefits are higher than what he made. I'm turning 60 at the end of December and just had a phone interview with SS about getting my deceased husbands SS. They said that I only get one or the other. That I cant collect his unless I wNt to switch over from mine to his, which would be less. I thought you could collect a percentage of the spouse who passed and keep your own. They said I cannot do this. Please help explain this to me, I was hoping for more income and they are telling me I can't do that. Thank you
Interesting information! Does this calculation based on early retirement, also apply to those on disability at 62? And would the age of the surviving spouse or when they retire affect the benefit amount at all? Thanks for all your informative videos!
@Mill59 that if the deceased spouse was full retirement age, the surviving spouse would have their survival benifit reduced just like if they were taking their own benifit early, if the deceased spouse took their benifit early, the surviving spouse can collect 82.5% of what the deceased spouse would have collected at full retirement age, but the surviving spouse must reach the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, but do not put it off any longer than when you are eligible, since it will not go higher than the 82.5% the spouse would have been entitled to at full retirement, except you will get cola raises. Devin Carroll is a social security expert, and has a good video covering this on RUclips.
Hello. I would be very grateful if you answer my question with at least one sentence. Will I be able to receive my husband survivor benefits if I remarry after age 60? Thank you'
It depends...Please join one of my LIVE FREE RUclips 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
I got a letter from the social security office Saturday October the 14th 2024 it says that I am a survivor spells benefits and then goes on display if I choose to take my benefits that I worked in because I'm 69 years old that I could get a higher amount I don't know what to do I'm not familiar with this cause I don't want to lose what I'm already getting with him passing away I don't need less I need more Speak on that the next time when so I can ask a question live with you or I'll check back cause I described to your channel that you may be able to answer my question sir your information is so vital choosing your citizens to know these things
Please join one of my FREE LIVE RUclips 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
I realize these are examples. However, many surviving spouses do have to “survive” on such reduced amounts. Even RIB LIM is not enough. And if they have to continue to work into 60, 70s and beyond…their SS benefit maybe entirely cut/held back due to earning over the measly earnings limit. *single, elderly women living in cars/vans RUclips videos…. It’s on the rise. 😢
Hi Dr Weir-Great video. In trying to decipher on-line what our prvisions are, I find confusion and misunderstanding competing with your video. Perhaps you can help me. Here are the particulars: I was born in 1938. I took my early retirement benefits, not the full amount. If I died tomorrow, would my wife who is born in 1944, (and also received early retirement benefits) collect 82.5% of the amount I COULD have been receiving when she files for survivor benefits? My situation seems to fit the scenarios given in your video. But trying to see this on line, the confusion comes when apparently- my reading is that her benefit wil be based on the REDUCED amount I have been getting. Could you PLEASE clear this up for us? We’re trying to plan ahead for end-of-life scenarios, and would appreciate your help.
She would be entitled to 82.5% of your PIA (The benefit amount you would have been entitled to if you waited until your own FRA, adjusted for COLA increases over the years) OR the benefit amount you are receiving at the time of your death, whichever is greater. You said you started your benefits early, but didn't say how early. What was your age when you started?
Please excuse me for being a slow learner. My wife and I are more than 8 years apart. If I start collecting at 70 for the maxed out amount, at what age can she start claiming spousal, so that when I pass and she becomes a surviver, she gets 100% of what I was getting. I'm trying to avoid any reduction. @@MyGovExpert
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Ed, wouldn't the 82.5% only be applied to the difference between the half of the deceased's PIA and the surviving spouse's PIA? If it's applied to the full PIA of the deceased, that can be a significant amount less than the other way. The way you (and practically everyone else) stated it, implies that the 82.5% is applied to half of the deceased's full PIA.
A regular lawyer. But you would have to pay them and they might not be able to do a lot. Just request a reconsideration, SSA561. It's pretty easy...takes about 10 minutes to complete. Good luck, Ed
My ex husband died this year at the age of 62. We were married for 15 years, but he never filed for benefits. We have been divorced since 2005. I could draw benefits as his ex spouse at 60, but what if I continue to work? I would get nothing because of the means test or because my benefits might be more? I don't think he worked much after our divorce. Any answers?
You didn't say, but I'm assuming you did not remarry. That would make a difference. If you were married 15 years, at least 10 of them continuous, then you should qualify for surviving spouse benefits on your ex. Because he had not begun receiving benefits prior to his death, you are maximum surviving spouse benefit would be 100% of his PIA (The benefit amount he would have received if he theoretically began receiving benefits at his own FRA). However, there is a reduction for every month prior to your own FRA that you begin receiving that benefit. At 60 you would be entitled to 71.5% of his PIA and every month past 60 that percentage will gradually increase until the month you reach age 67, which is your full retirement age. At that point you would be entitled to the full 100%. You are correct that if you continue to work you would be subject to the earned income limit, which is about 22,000 in 2024. In years prior to the year that you reach your own FRA they would withhold $1 of your survivor benefit for every $2 you went over the annual earned income limit.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I got a LOT of comments all at once. If you still have questions or need help, please join my RUclips LIVE Q&A Thursdays at 4pm PST. Take care, Ed
Hi Ed, my husband passed last year at thanksgiving we were both born 1960. I’m self employed and have been for 35 years, I’ve decided to take my SS now as I need the income and mine is much much less than his and will switch to his upon my full retirement age at 67. Is that the prudent thing to do?
You need to look into widows benefits, you would recieve a percentage of his soc sec, depending on your age. And you can hold off collecting on yours until full retirement age then switch to yours if it's more.
Thank you for posting this video. I turn 70 in June (born in 54) but do not qualify for social security (not enough credits). Thankfully, I have a pension based on my work as a teacher. My 2nd husband also taught school and due to the windfall provision, he receives enough to pay Part B Medicare plus $42. My husband has Parkinson's and will likely die before me. My first husband is still living (married 17 years) and will turn 70 in two years. He was not a teacher, so a windfall provision does not affect him. Once I turn 70, can I apply for a spousal benefit based on my second husband's amount or should I wait and collect social security based on my first husband's social security once my second husband passes away?
Why is the widow, 16 years younger than her husband, penalized not being able to collect anything from SSA? This was a main source of income and I am confused a) I was a caregiver and did not work b) why is my age a factor? I want to collect what we were receiving at the time of his death in 2021. Thanks!
Survivors can collect starting at 50 years old if they are disabled. Otherwise, they have to wait until they are 60 to collect. Unfortunately, that is the way the system is set up.
So if I heard you correctly, the deceased spouse started drawing at 62 and died at 77 was drawing around 1200 minus the 270ish medicare being taken out. So the surviving widowed spouse at 60 yrs old can draw 82.5% of that 1200? Is that what you said??? Ok going back and listening again that's 82.5% of what the deceased spouse "would have" drawn at full retirement?????
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If you were married for 7 years and you are a widow who has never remarried, are you entitled to your spouses benefits? I read online that you have to be married for 9 months, but others say you had to of been married from 10 years. ???
If you were married to him when he passed, you only had to be married for at least 9 months. If you were divorced, you had to be married for 10 years. Hope that helps! Please consider supporting us through the "Thanks" button at under our videos. Thank you, Ed
I'm learning but understand that you could apply at 60 and could collect the 71% to 99% of his benefit, dont know how they decided the % but if you apply at your full retirement date (62 o 67yrs) then will be his 100% of his benefits. Example: If your SSDI amount benefit is $1,000 now at 60 yrs and his 71%-99% is $1,200 then you will be receiving the higher amount in this case $1,200. Make an appointment with the social security office to check your survivor amount and then take your decision to switch or not. Remember and ask about the Medicare amount payment and when will be start getting reduce from your benefit. God bless all of us🙏
After my husband died I got a good amount one on 1 n one on the3 .now 3 months later they took 700 .I'm left with around 800.I don't know how I'm going to stretch it.i cant even pay my taxes.
I receive 800.oo a month in survival benefits a month, plus 660 a month in alimony..it's not that much..I'm homeless....but what happens if he dies and my alimony stops...
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
When a widow remarry before age 60 and the remarriage ends after 10 years of marriage, is the First Marriage Widow now eligible for Survivor benefits since the second marriage ended?
Let me ask this please. My husband was approved for disability but was not going to receive it for 5 months. So he had to file for retirement and only received 2 months before he passed away. So my question is do I get the disability he was approved for and never got. Cuz that would make a big differance reg retirement was 2102. But disability was 2500. Im 60 stayed home with kids most of our marriage of 39 years
Unfortunately, you can't receive his disability benefits. But you can file now at sixty years old as a surviving spouse. Make sure you create a playlist on my website to make sure you get all the benefits entitled to. MyGovExpert.com
So my dad passed away on jan 8th. He was due to get $2300 a month and my mom was getting $1200. So she winds up getting $2300 now but loses her $1200 or you can say she keeps her $1200 and gets $1100 from his to get to $2300
Sorry for the delay in responding. I got a LOT of comments all at once. If you still have questions or need help, please join my RUclips LIVE Q&A Thursdays at 4pm PST. Take care, Ed
I have a terminal condition and will likely pass away in 2024. My question is about survivor benefits. I am 73 and my wife is 51. Will she be able to claim survivor benefits when I pass and will they be at the same amount as my current S.S. ?
At 60 she will only be able to collect 71.5% of your benifit, she won't be able to collect 100% of your benifit until she reaches her full retirement age, which is 67 years old for a person who is 51 right now, if she is disabled, she can start collecting a survival benifit when she is 50.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I got a LOT of comments all at once. If you still have questions or need help, please join my RUclips LIVE Q&A Thursdays at 4pm PST. Take care, Ed
I’m a bit confused. Early on in your video you say the surviving spouse cannot receive their $500 and the $700 for the deceased spouse and that they can only receive another $200 on top of their $500. Later in the video you say, the surviving spouse will receive, their $500 plus 82.5% of the deceased spouse PIA($825), plus $325. Did you mean that the surviving spouse would only receive a total of 82.5% of the deceased spouse excluding the surviving spouses $500. Or, did you mean the surviving spouse would receive both the $500 and 82.5% of the deceased spouses benefit? What is the $325? Is that a one time thing or monthly? Thank you.
Does the surving spouse have to bring the "RIB LIM" when they report the death of their spouse or is it automatic? One more question; I understand that the surving spouse must prove their spouse died. My wife and I both retired at 62, and moved to Mexico where we reside full time, meaning 100%. Not should but when I die, and being 10 year's older and a male, makes it quite possible that I'll die before she will. Is there going to be an issue with her providing a MEXICAN Death Certificate? Going out on a limb, I don't believe there's too many agent's who can read Spanish. Which my death certifcate would be written in.
If you are fifty or older, you should call the national SS phone number to ask what each benefit should be for you. The website does not calculate survivor benefits.
Absolutely! However, if you are receiving a non-covered pension then you're benefit would be reduced by the Government Pension Offset. Sorry the delayed response.
If I delay starting my own benefit until age 65 my % of PIA will be about 87%. Will this increase my surviving spouse's survivor benefit regardless of her age when she claims them?
She could get 82.5% of what you would have gotten at your full retirement age, when she is between the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, can't really say the best thing to do without knowing her age when you turn 65.
@@Michael-Joseph123 She would be 60 when I turn 65. If I understand this RIB-LIM correctly, the benefit for the survivor is no different if the deceased claimed at 62 or waited a couple of more years.
@jeffs3627 let's use $1000 as what you would get at full retirement age, if you take 87% at 65, you would get $870 a month, now if you died your wife would get 100% of that at 67, her full retirement age, or 71.5% of $870 at 60, which would be $622, or as I understand it, she could wait until she is 62 and 7 months and collect 82.5% of what you would have gotten at your full retirement age, that would be $825 a month, I would double check with a SS expert, I believe you can get a appointment at the SS and go over the rules with them.
@@Michael-Joseph123 Thanks for the reply. I think I understand it. The problem is if she had to claim survivor benefits at 60, 61or 62 there would have been no benefit for me waiting till 65 to collect as far as survivor benefits go. Does that make sense?
@jeffs3627 the longer you wait, the more money you will get ever month, you say you will roughly get 87% of your full retirement amount if you collect early at 65, if you were to take it at 62 you would get 71.5% of your full retirement amount, not only would you get 16% less at 62, but you also have to remember that each time there is a cost of living raise, the raise will be 16% smaller for the rest of your life, you might only take a $300 a month pay cut, but that difference will encrease everytime there is a cola raise. I don't know if your wife worked and has enough credits for her own benifit, but if she doesn't, the smaller your check is, the smaller her spousal check will be.
You can do that. Try to do that by phone. It helps if you can tell the representative his SS number. If you must apply in person, at least bring your marriage license and divorce decree with you.
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This is a pet peeve of mine. Considering that both spouses paid SS throughout their lives, the surviving spouse should, in my opinion, get the total of both spouses benefits. Let’s say they both paid $100K into SS, for a total of $200K they paid into the system. When one dies, the government takes the one benefit away. As a household, they paid into the system and are entitled to that money. It falls under the “What’s yours is mine” marriage law. I’m sure most people don’t even think about this but in my opinion, it isn’t fair. And I’m single, never been married.
to wayshowers, yes lots of people think of this, but when you pay soc sec you are not putting money in the bank, you and your employer are paying into a fund for your retirement. it had very little to do with the total amount you paid, there is no way that would work out for the entire workforce. i think the video only discussed a surviving spouse that hadn't retired, the check she was getting was a portion of her husbands retirement. if the wife worked and paid soc sec then at her retirement age she would get the larger amount between what her benefit and her husbands benefit would be. or at least thats the way ive been told. for sure its a complicated system.
This is what happened to us. I hadn't been classified as disabled yet at 56. Then my husband at age 59 passed. We had been married 33 years. Because we were about even $, I won't receive his. I did eventually get my SSDI but I'm sooo glad he didn't know, it would have broke his heart. All that work FOR NOTHING at retirement. How unfair
Yes it would double my income and would make life and my medical so much easier to pay!
@@marciclark8266I’m not sure if you got the best advice. I can’t say how receiving disability affects your filing, but widows can could draw on your spouses benefit at age 60 and delay drawing on your own benefits at FRA or age 70 allowing your own benefit to grow to a larger amount, then draw on it.
@@elizabethmurray3221 you may have missed the part where she said she's on SSDI. That means she's already receiving 100% of her PIA (her theoretical FRA benefit). She stated that her PIA and her husband's PIA are about the same.
If her husband's FRA benefit is indeed any amount more than what she is receiving she could switch to that at her FRA and receives that higher amount for the rest of her life.
I'm resentle became a widow and I'm only 58 and the SSS told me that I can't get any benefits until I'm at least 60 years old. But, If I wait until I'm 62 I can get more besides my SSS. I'm a new subscriber and I love watching all your informative videos. Keep up the amazing work buddy!❤
Thank you, Dr Weir, for your life changing information. Great presentation of complicated SSA policies and procedures.
You're welcome!! Many more videos to come!!
I wish more people would listen to your podcast. They need to know what available out there.
Thank you! Your comment and hopefully your subscription will tell the RUclips computer that people are interested. So you might have made RUclips show this to more people...and therefore you might have improved someone's life! THANK YOU!!
Wow! What a Great service you have provided the people! Thumbs up sarge! Hope we hear more from you!
Thank you!! I'm just getting started!!
Dr. Weir YOU ARE AWESOME MY FRIEND! THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP PEOPLE GET THIER PROPER BENNIFITS. ALSO THANK YOU FOR POINTING OUT ALL THE OTHER THINGS THAT ARE AVAILABLE. GODBLESS YOU BROTHER!
You are SO WELCOME!! It's ALL because of YOU!! I just make the videos...it's people like you that get them to those that need the information!
Thank goodness for Mr. Weir. The government for the establishment of themselves will ever inform the public on what is a right, and a necessity to enlighten those who have lost a loved one. Or are in need, not want SSA benefits. Again thank you Sir.
Thank you for the kind words!!!!
I have never heard anyone on RUclips discussing SSA Survivor Benefits bring up a crucial piece of information about Widows FRA being four (4) months less than a regular FRA. For those born after 1/1/1938 and before 1/2/1962, the widow's full retirement age (FRA) is 4 months earlier than the normal FRA. Please add this to your future videos. Thanks
Your best video I've seen yet. You explained it with a scenario, which was helpful, and it was specific and detailed. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Ed that information about the 82.5% of the PIA for the survivor is a real gold nugget of information, Thank you for the Christmas Gift !! Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy New Year with lots of laughter.
Just don't collect it as soon as you turn 62, you are eligible for the RIB-LIM rule between the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, depending on the year you were born, also don't put it off any longer than when you are eligible, it stays at 82.5% even if you delayed collecting it, except cola raises of course.
@@Michael-Joseph123 WOW I missed that in Ed's presentation, you sound like you know the rules / laws of Social Security, I thank you very much for that information !
@@Michael-Joseph123 I hope you will respond, my uncle 83 married 40 yrs wife dies but uncle had the bigger SS check BUT he collected at 62 yo is uncle able to claim the 82.5 % of his PIA or not ? Thank you!
@@frankrothiz4u you didn't miss that in Ed's presentation, he didn't discuss it, which rather disappointed me. This is the other critical and poorly understood section of the RIB-LIM rules that causes a lot of survivors to miss out on a lot of benefits by delaying the start of surviving spouse benefits longer than necessary.
The detail of entitlement to the maximum benefit and an age prior to FRA for the surviving spouse Is not just an issue of the 82.5% rule. Anytime the deceased spouse had begun receiving their social security benefits had any point prior to their own FRA, the surviving spouse will be entitled to the maximum benefit in some month prior to their own FRA. It is a rather complex calculation that is unique to each individual couple and there is no reference calculator available online. The main issue to remember is that if the deceased spouse began receiving Social Security benefits prior to their own FRA there is never a situation where the surviving spouse has to wait until their own FRA to be entitled to the maximum benefit. Once they have reached that month of entitlement to the maximum benefit any delay in starting benefits past that point will result in a permanently lost benefit for those months that they were entitled. As Ed mentioned there are a significant number of Social Security agents that don't even understand this set of rules completely.
@@frankrothiz4u regarding your uncle. No, he cannot collect 82.5% of his PIA, because that rule applies to survivor benefits, which in this case would be his wife's benefit amount. Was his wife receiving a Social Security benefit based on her own work record?
What about the case where husband was disabled, (dialysis) then converted to Social Security at 65?
Excellent ! Thanks !
Glad you liked it!
If I understand this correctly; I was a homemaker for 30 years of a 35 year marrage. I can't collect SS on my work history but can collect 50% of my ex's benefit amount provided I apply at my FRA. If my ex passes before me, I can collect his full benefit at his FRA. I don't know if he will begin collecting at his FRA or later, I don't think he'll ever retire. If he waits until he can collect 124%, I'm not sure if I'd get all of that if he passes but that would be a cherry on top. So not a big deal if it doesn't happen.
I just uploaded a small short video answering your question. Hope that helps take care of yourself.
The 82.5% limit is age dependent, i.e., when a surviving spouse is eligible for 82.5%.
Why do they still tax our SS when we have already paid taxes on this money when we worked.?
I wish I knew!
You need to thank R. Reagan for taxing your SS benefits! We pay into SS with$$ after tax. Double taxation.
You didn't mention disability social security of spouse? Thankyou really enjoy your info
Yes they should be able to collect both
Unfortunately I don't think Congress will ever pass that.
Thank you for this great information
Merry Christmas
good stuff, Ed!
Glad you enjoyed it
How often do people ask for a lump sum when collecting their benefits? Seems to me that may be a better idea than collecting small monthly installments that are nearly impossible to live on. They could invest some of that lump sum, potentially increasing returns...
No one has ever asked me in over 20 years.
Could someone PLEASE HELP! I believe that there is more money out there for me. My husband got hit by a car and passed away 2016 he was disabled for awhile before we met. Now I became disabled in 2015 . We have been married since 1999. I heard about this, but in 2015 I had horrible car accident and several surgeries which lead in too 2016 when he got killed. However, I do believe SS doesn't penalize the full amount retirement if disabled?? He would have been 66 today! He was born 1958 and I am now 55. Hope I didn't leave anything out! Thank you Alisa
Hi Dr. Weir I have a question
If I take my retirement benefit early at 64 and my monthly benefit is $2000 a month and my wife with no work history claims a spousal benefit early at 62 and say gets $800 a month and I pass away she will now receive survivor benefits. So, will she receive my $2,000 and her $800 a month go away?
I would add that at my PIA would have been say $2600 month at FRA. Does she get $2000 or 82.5% of my FRA which ever is larger?
Thank you, Peter
My neighbor became a widow last Friday. He was 53 at the time of his death and was receiving SSD moneys. She is 52. They have 2 dependent children age 6 and 11. The children were each receiving a dependent social security check since he was considered disabled. She phoned social security notifying them of his death. She is very confused now as to what benefits she and the children will receive. The social security employee was very short with her and at this time she feels frightened and vulnerable so she ended the call. She cannot get into social security for an in person meeting for a month. Please help me to help her. The truth re the amount may not be what she wishes to here but she needs to plan for their future. Thank you
Please join one of my FREE LIVE RUclips 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
So I received social security but reduced due to county pension, husband received social security until his death. I applied for his social security was approved but then denied because I had a county pension. Does HR 82 change that for me, am I now entitled to his pension.
Hi Dr. Weir. Does the piano value used in this calculation increase for each year the deceased spouse lived after filing early? For example, primary spouse files at 62, and at the time his pia was 2000. For each year he would have delayed, not only would the early penalty have reduced, but his PIA would have increased for inflation. So if that spouse dies at 65, 66, or 67, would the PIA used in the RIB LIM include those inflation I increases, or would the 82.5% be based on the PIA at the time he started receiving .benefits?
In my opinion, this could play a big part in my decision to file early or wait. Thanks 👍
Everyone's PIA is recalculated when there is a COLA, including the deceased spouse whose PIA is being used to calculate survivor benefits. So the adjusted PIA would be used to calculate the 82.5% for the year that he died and/or the year that surviving spouse began receiving benefits. And then once the benefit is started it also adjusts for any future COLA.
Hello Dr. Weir, when the RIB LIM law took effect? My husband died six years ago, when I went to the Social Security office to apply for a suvivor benefit I was surprise when the agent to told me that the amount I was going to get was my own social security benefit plus $400 from my husband. My husband salary was always much more higher that mine, but he applied for his social security benefit at 62 so he took a reduced amount. I asked why I don't get my husband benefit's plus $400 of mine it would work out better for me. That's no the way they do it. With these changes on the law will the Social Security office automatically recalculate the benefits for people like me or we have to call to get the benefits change. By the way, I started taken my own benefits a my full retirement age of 66.
Thank You for a clear explanation. My situation is, my wife turned 65 in April and and passed away just 2 months later without ever receiving any SS although she contributed over her career. I am still working and paying in at age 67 and have not yet collected SS. What should I do? Am I entitled to anything in regards to my wife of 50 years paying in over a career?
Apply for her survivor benefits until you turn 70 then switch(if higher) to yours.
Is there a survivor benefit for children?
If I am understanding this correctly, I think my sister-in-law should check on this RIB LIM (Widow's Cap) law. My brother passed 7 years ago (my sister-in-law's husband). He retired at 62. Should she double check with SS to see if she is getting the correct amount in her monthly check from SS?
If she took it before she turned 62 and 4 months, she is out of luck, the RIB-LIM widower's cap, you must wait until you are 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, depending on you birth date, but don't wait after you are eligible, you don't get more than 82.5% for delaying until full retirement age, that would just be money you never collected.
Thank you.
You're welcome!
I'm 55 and disabled. My ex husband (age 60) of 29 years was killed (in September) in a car accident. I've been told several different outcomes of what I'm entitled to by SS employees. The person who helped me last was very sure that I was entitled only to 71.5% of my ex's full retirement amount because I wasn't at my full retirement age. Is this true. I was also told that I didn't need a lawyer for this as it was very straight forward.
There are lots of vids and info on this subject if you are in your 60s. But not many discussing this topic if you are 55 and disabled.
I'm 64 and on disability, I was just told the same thing from the local SS Office! That surviving spouses cannot receive the full benefit if they haven't reached their own FRA yet, even if you are on disability! 😠 Not sure what our options are when we're getting told the wrong information from someone in the SS office. Will be following your post!
@@Mill59I would talk with an independent agent to make sure what SS said to you is true. I had a friend who wanted to get her widows benefits at age age 62. She had 3 different people at SS---3 different calls give her a different widows benefit number. Don't get cheated out of your benefits, get someone to help you confirm their information.
Will probably need to do that! Thanks for the input
Dr. Weir, at full retirement age or older, generally gets 100% of the worker's basic benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 or older, but under full retirement age, gets between 71%, is that correct? I am confused about that 82.5%
Good question….
That's my question also. I am trying to sift through all the comments to find it. What is the percentage for a widower at age 60???
I collected disability SS in middle age for 5-6 years due to severe hemolytic anemia (declared totally disabled). I struggled to recover to work again and did so successfully and worked full time until the age of 63. When I applied for SS retirement benefits, I was surprised to learn that they had reduced my benefit because I had collected disability SS for that 5-6 yr period. I never questioned it but it didn’t seem right that I had really tried so hard to be able to work again rather than continuing to collect SS and then in retirement I was penalized for that. Does this sound correct to you?
When did SS and RRB join in issuing widow benefits? I always thought they were separate entities
They kind of are...when you file SSA and the RRB decide who has jurisdiction.
I lost my spouse a little over a year ago. I will turn 60 soon, can I claim survivor benefits and then when I am ready to retire convert to my benefit which will be the higher of the two?
Help available here: linktr.ee/MyGovExpert
Dr. Weir… my situation is a bit different. My husband took his social security benefit at 62. However, I waited until I qualified for my full benefit. As a result, my SS amount was higher than his. When he passed away, I didn’t expect anything, but got $45 per month. I wonder how they figured that .
This is where you needed help, since your husband collect at 62, you could have collected 82.5% of what he would have gotten at full retirement age when you were between the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, depending on you year of birth, you could have collected his benifit, and gotten all the cola raises, and you could have delayed your social security until it maxed out when you turned 70, and then dropped his social security and switched to your own benifit, and you do get the cola raises on your social security once you hit 62, even if your delaying collecting it.
I always thought that the surviving spouse could choose whether to stay on their own or go on their deceased spouse’s SS once they died. I also waited til 70 but my husband retired at 62. As a result, i get slightly more SS/mo than he does. Is this saying that if he dies first, I will continue to get my own, plus 82.5% of his??
When my husband worked a friend that was a CPA told my husband when he worked to pay maximum SS out of his checks and thank goodness he did, he got very sick from Addison disease and rheumatoid arthritis and had to go on disability, every one working should pay in maximum SS to receive maximum SS. No one can survive off 700 hundred dollars a month!
I take it your husband was self employed.
Your vid’s have been super helpful, thank you for making them, the thing I think I’m missing is what happens if the spouse who dies is getting the smaller benefit? Does my father who’s still alive and gets a larger payment get to claim any survivor benefit?
Unfortunately, probably not. The higher benefit continues, but not the smaller benefit in a case like that.
Hi Dr. Weir😊. I was married technically 10 years but on "paper" 23 yrs. We had 3 children. I was not allowed to work. I was awarded SS, but SSI because i didn't pay in enough. I never changed my name with SSA. If i bring in the marriage certificate and divorce decree will i be able to collect off my ex's SS once he turns 62? Thank you so much for this channel. It's made my journey less stressful😊
Depending on his benefit amount, you just might qualify. You can schedule an appointment up to 3 months in advance and take your documents. Hopefully everything works out. Good luck, Ed
@@MyGovExpert Thank You Berry much for your reply and you channel!!!
Hi Ed, So I'm confused. Hope you can help me. A while back I asked if I could get surviving spousal ss. I am already on SSDI, my husband passed away in 2012. My benefits are higher than what he made. I'm turning 60 at the end of December and just had a phone interview with SS about getting my deceased husbands SS. They said that I only get one or the other. That I cant collect his unless I wNt to switch over from mine to his, which would be less. I thought you could collect a percentage of the spouse who passed and keep your own. They said I cannot do this. Please help explain this to me, I was hoping for more income and they are telling me I can't do that. Thank you
Is the RIB LIM added automatically to my spouse lower amount or does she have to request it being added?
Interesting information! Does this calculation based on early retirement, also apply to those on disability at 62? And would the age of the surviving spouse or when they retire affect the benefit amount at all? Thanks for all your informative videos!
I'd also like to know the answer to those exact questions.
Disability is not early retirement so it doesn't apply to those that received disability.
Would spouses or ex-spouses get a reduced survivor benefit if they personally have not reached their FRA yet?
@Mill59 that if the deceased spouse was full retirement age, the surviving spouse would have their survival benifit reduced just like if they were taking their own benifit early, if the deceased spouse took their benifit early, the surviving spouse can collect 82.5% of what the deceased spouse would have collected at full retirement age, but the surviving spouse must reach the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, but do not put it off any longer than when you are eligible, since it will not go higher than the 82.5% the spouse would have been entitled to at full retirement, except you will get cola raises. Devin Carroll is a social security expert, and has a good video covering this on RUclips.
Hello. I would be very grateful if you answer my question with at least one sentence. Will I be able to receive my husband survivor benefits if I remarry after age 60? Thank you'
It depends...Please join one of my LIVE FREE RUclips 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
If you were married twenty years. Divorced and re married do you have any claim on you first spouses Social Security?
Depends when you remarried and what programs you're talking about. A lot of variables. Please join one of my LIVE Q&A sessions.
I got a letter from the social security office Saturday October the 14th 2024 it says that I am a survivor spells benefits and then goes on display if I choose to take my benefits that I worked in because I'm 69 years old that I could get a higher amount I don't know what to do I'm not familiar with this cause I don't want to lose what I'm already getting with him passing away I don't need less I need more Speak on that the next time when so I can ask a question live with you or I'll check back cause I described to your channel that you may be able to answer my question sir your information is so vital choosing your citizens to know these things
Please join one of my FREE LIVE RUclips 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
I realize these are examples. However, many surviving spouses do have to “survive” on such reduced amounts. Even RIB LIM is not enough. And if they have to continue to work into 60, 70s and beyond…their SS benefit maybe entirely cut/held back due to earning over the measly earnings limit. *single, elderly women living in cars/vans RUclips videos…. It’s on the rise. 😢
Hi Dr Weir-Great video. In trying to decipher on-line what our prvisions are, I find confusion and misunderstanding competing with your video. Perhaps you can help me. Here are the particulars: I was born in 1938. I took my early retirement benefits, not the full amount. If I died tomorrow, would my wife who is born in 1944, (and also received early retirement benefits) collect 82.5% of the amount I COULD have been receiving when she files for survivor benefits? My situation seems to fit the scenarios given in your video. But trying to see this on line, the confusion comes when apparently- my reading is that her benefit wil be based on the REDUCED amount I have been getting. Could you PLEASE clear this up for us? We’re trying to plan ahead for end-of-life scenarios, and would appreciate your help.
She would be entitled to 82.5% of your PIA (The benefit amount you would have been entitled to if you waited until your own FRA, adjusted for COLA increases over the years) OR the benefit amount you are receiving at the time of your death, whichever is greater.
You said you started your benefits early, but didn't say how early. What was your age when you started?
Sorry for the late replay. Please join my LIVE Q&A Thursdays from 4pm PST if you still have questions.
I was told you have to be sixty . To claim widowers benefits . Is it a separate entity from social security disability ?
For straight widow's benefits, you do have to be 60, unless you are disabled.
If one spouse waits until 70 to get the Max amount, what are the rules for the other spouse to get that maxed amount as a survivor?
I just did a video about this.
Please excuse me for being a slow learner. My wife and I are more than 8 years apart. If I start collecting at 70 for the maxed out amount, at what age can she start claiming spousal, so that when I pass and she becomes a surviver, she gets 100% of what I was getting. I'm trying to avoid any reduction. @@MyGovExpert
I just wanted to know if a foreign spouse with no green card is eleigable to recieve spousal beneifit;s
No
My husband died here in the Philippines how can I apply a survivor benefits ?
Please join one of my LIVE FREE RUclips 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
Ed, wouldn't the 82.5% only be applied to the difference between the half of the deceased's PIA and the surviving spouse's PIA? If it's applied to the full PIA of the deceased, that can be a significant amount less than the other way. The way you (and practically everyone else) stated it, implies that the 82.5% is applied to half of the deceased's full PIA.
Never mind. I was confusing it with regular spousal benefits.
what kind of lawyer do I need to appeal social security's decision to deny my daughter survivor benefits?
A regular lawyer. But you would have to pay them and they might not be able to do a lot. Just request a reconsideration, SSA561. It's pretty easy...takes about 10 minutes to complete. Good luck, Ed
55 years old and disabled and both parents my mom just passed away August of this year
My ex husband died this year at the age of 62. We were married for 15 years, but he never filed for benefits. We have been divorced since 2005. I could draw benefits as his ex spouse at 60, but what if I continue to work? I would get nothing because of the means test or because my benefits might be more? I don't think he worked much after our divorce. Any answers?
You didn't say, but I'm assuming you did not remarry. That would make a difference.
If you were married 15 years, at least 10 of them continuous, then you should qualify for surviving spouse benefits on your ex. Because he had not begun receiving benefits prior to his death, you are maximum surviving spouse benefit would be 100% of his PIA (The benefit amount he would have received if he theoretically began receiving benefits at his own FRA). However, there is a reduction for every month prior to your own FRA that you begin receiving that benefit. At 60 you would be entitled to 71.5% of his PIA and every month past 60 that percentage will gradually increase until the month you reach age 67, which is your full retirement age. At that point you would be entitled to the full 100%.
You are correct that if you continue to work you would be subject to the earned income limit, which is about 22,000 in 2024. In years prior to the year that you reach your own FRA they would withhold $1 of your survivor benefit for every $2 you went over the annual earned income limit.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I got a LOT of comments all at once. If you still have questions or need help, please join my RUclips LIVE Q&A Thursdays at 4pm PST. Take care, Ed
Hi Ed, my husband passed last year at thanksgiving we were both born 1960. I’m self employed and have been for 35 years, I’ve decided to take my SS now as I need the income and mine is much much less than his and will switch to his upon my full retirement age at 67. Is that the prudent thing to do?
Sounds like a good plan. Just remember, you have to stay under the annual earnings limit to avoid having benefits withheld. Take care, Ed
You need to look into widows benefits, you would recieve a percentage of his soc sec, depending on your age. And you can hold off collecting on yours until full retirement age then switch to yours if it's more.
I collect widows benefits plus received back pay. I bought a Testa 🎉
That is awesome!
How did you do that
Thank you for posting this video. I turn 70 in June (born in 54) but do not qualify for social security (not enough credits). Thankfully, I have a pension based on my work as a teacher. My 2nd husband also taught school and due to the windfall provision, he receives enough to pay Part B Medicare plus $42. My husband has Parkinson's and will likely die before me. My first husband is still living (married 17 years) and will turn 70 in two years. He was not a teacher, so a windfall provision does not affect him. Once I turn 70, can I apply for a spousal benefit based on my second husband's amount or should I wait and collect social security based on my first husband's social security once my second husband passes away?
Sorry for the late replay. Please join my LIVE Q&A Thursdays from 4pm PST if you still have questions.
Thank you.@@MyGovExpert
Why is the widow, 16 years younger than her husband, penalized not being able to collect anything from SSA? This was a main source of income and I am confused a) I was a caregiver and did not work b) why is my age a factor? I want to collect what we were receiving at the time of his death in 2021. Thanks!
Survivors can collect starting at 50 years old if they are disabled. Otherwise, they have to wait until they are 60 to collect. Unfortunately, that is the way the system is set up.
I need personal care concerning survival ex-spouse
Did you already watch my videos on survivor benefits? And create a playlist: MyGovExpert.com
So if I heard you correctly, the deceased spouse started drawing at 62 and died at 77 was drawing around 1200 minus the 270ish medicare being taken out. So the surviving widowed spouse at 60 yrs old can draw 82.5% of that 1200? Is that what you said??? Ok going back and listening again that's 82.5% of what the deceased spouse "would have" drawn at full retirement?????
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If you were married for 7 years and you are a widow who has never remarried, are you entitled to your spouses benefits? I read online that you have to be married for 9 months, but others say you had to of been married from 10 years. ???
If you were married to him when he passed, you only had to be married for at least 9 months. If you were divorced, you had to be married for 10 years. Hope that helps! Please consider supporting us through the "Thanks" button at under our videos. Thank you, Ed
I've been on SSDI for 11 years now I just turned 60 was married over ten yrs to my husband he died at 58 can I get window survivors now
I'm learning but understand that you could apply at 60 and could collect the 71% to 99% of his benefit, dont know how they decided the % but if you apply at your full retirement date (62 o 67yrs) then will be his 100% of his benefits. Example: If your SSDI amount benefit is $1,000 now at 60 yrs and his 71%-99% is $1,200 then you will be receiving the higher amount in this case $1,200. Make an appointment with the social security office to check your survivor amount and then take your decision to switch or not. Remember and ask about the Medicare amount payment and when will be start getting reduce from your benefit. God bless all of us🙏
I’m still not sure what the surviving spouse would get. I filed at 62.
What the deceased spouse was receiving, but it would be reduced for your early retirement.
After my husband died I got a good amount one on 1 n one on the3 .now 3 months later they took 700 .I'm left with around 800.I don't know how I'm going to stretch it.i cant even pay my taxes.
Sorry to hear that. Make sure you watch all the 4 videos I put up about a week ago on Living with SSA Alone. Hopefully you can find some help there.
I receive 800.oo a month in survival benefits a month, plus 660 a month in alimony..it's not that much..I'm homeless....but what happens if he dies and my alimony stops...
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
does this include ex-spouses to that are divorced?
Stay tuned! I'm working on a more detailed survivor benefit video now. Should answer all your questions. Take care, Ed
When a widow remarry before age 60 and the remarriage ends after 10 years of marriage, is the First Marriage Widow now eligible for Survivor benefits since the second marriage ended?
If you're now divorced, then you can go back on any benefits that you're entitled to...
Let me ask this please. My husband was approved for disability but was not going to receive it for 5 months. So he had to file for retirement and only received 2 months before he passed away. So my question is do I get the disability he was approved for and never got. Cuz that would make a big differance reg retirement was 2102. But disability was 2500. Im 60 stayed home with kids most of our marriage of 39 years
Unfortunately, you can't receive his disability benefits. But you can file now at sixty years old as a surviving spouse. Make sure you create a playlist on my website to make sure you get all the benefits entitled to. MyGovExpert.com
So my dad passed away on jan 8th. He was due to get $2300 a month and my mom was getting $1200. So she winds up getting $2300 now but loses her $1200 or you can say she keeps her $1200 and gets $1100 from his to get to $2300
That is the way it is supposed to work, sounds like Social Security got it correct for your mom.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I got a LOT of comments all at once. If you still have questions or need help, please join my RUclips LIVE Q&A Thursdays at 4pm PST. Take care, Ed
Could you please answer @nicksellsati’s question? It doesn’t seem right that the Mom loses her benefit.
Yes, your check essentially stops and you receive the higher benefit amount.
I have a terminal condition and will likely pass away in 2024. My question is about survivor benefits. I am 73 and my wife is 51. Will she be able to claim survivor benefits when I pass and will they be at the same amount as my current S.S. ?
At 60 she will only be able to collect 71.5% of your benifit, she won't be able to collect 100% of your benifit until she reaches her full retirement age, which is 67 years old for a person who is 51 right now, if she is disabled, she can start collecting a survival benifit when she is 50.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I got a LOT of comments all at once. If you still have questions or need help, please join my RUclips LIVE Q&A Thursdays at 4pm PST. Take care, Ed
I’m a bit confused. Early on in your video you say the surviving spouse cannot receive their $500 and the $700 for the deceased spouse and that they can only receive another $200 on top of their $500. Later in the video you say, the surviving spouse will receive, their $500 plus 82.5% of the deceased spouse PIA($825), plus $325. Did you mean that the surviving spouse would only receive a total of 82.5% of the deceased spouse excluding the surviving spouses $500. Or, did you mean the surviving spouse would receive both the $500 and 82.5% of the deceased spouses benefit? What is the $325? Is that a one time thing or monthly? Thank you.
Please join one of my LIVE Q&A sessions and I can go over that calculation.
Does the surving spouse have to bring the "RIB LIM" when they report the death of their spouse or is it automatic?
One more question; I understand that the surving spouse must prove their spouse died. My wife and I both retired at 62, and moved to Mexico where we reside full time, meaning 100%. Not should but when I die, and being 10 year's older and a male, makes it quite possible that I'll die before she will. Is there going to be an issue with her providing a MEXICAN Death Certificate? Going out on a limb, I don't believe there's too many agent's who can read Spanish. Which my death certifcate would be written in.
Turning 62 don't have enough credits to drow sss,can I drop from my ex wife's but she is not 62 and is not retired?
You can draw from her when she turns 62. She doesn't have to have filed. It's called Indepentedly Entitled Divorced Spouse benefits.
Can you receive widow benefits and get disability?
If you are fifty or older, you should call the national SS phone number to ask what each benefit should be for you. The website does not calculate survivor benefits.
Can a retired teacher who didn’t pay into social security receive survivor benefits from a deceased spouse?
Yes. My retired teacher friend gets survivor benefits from her deceased spouse. You cannot remarry before age 60 in order to qualify.
Absolutely! However, if you are receiving a non-covered pension then you're benefit would be reduced by the Government Pension Offset. Sorry the delayed response.
If I delay starting my own benefit until age 65 my % of PIA will be about 87%. Will this increase my surviving spouse's survivor benefit regardless of her age when she claims them?
She could get 82.5% of what you would have gotten at your full retirement age, when she is between the age of 62 and 4 months, and 62 and 7 months, can't really say the best thing to do without knowing her age when you turn 65.
@@Michael-Joseph123 She would be 60 when I turn 65. If I understand this RIB-LIM correctly, the benefit for the survivor is no different if the deceased claimed at 62 or waited a couple of more years.
@jeffs3627 let's use $1000 as what you would get at full retirement age, if you take 87% at 65, you would get $870 a month, now if you died your wife would get 100% of that at 67, her full retirement age, or 71.5% of $870 at 60, which would be $622, or as I understand it, she could wait until she is 62 and 7 months and collect 82.5% of what you would have gotten at your full retirement age, that would be $825 a month, I would double check with a SS expert, I believe you can get a appointment at the SS and go over the rules with them.
@@Michael-Joseph123 Thanks for the reply. I think I understand it. The problem is if she had to claim survivor benefits at 60, 61or 62 there would have been no benefit for me waiting till 65 to collect as far as survivor benefits go. Does that make sense?
@jeffs3627 the longer you wait, the more money you will get ever month, you say you will roughly get 87% of your full retirement amount if you collect early at 65, if you were to take it at 62 you would get 71.5% of your full retirement amount, not only would you get 16% less at 62, but you also have to remember that each time there is a cost of living raise, the raise will be 16% smaller for the rest of your life, you might only take a $300 a month pay cut, but that difference will encrease everytime there is a cola raise. I don't know if your wife worked and has enough credits for her own benifit, but if she doesn't, the smaller your check is, the smaller her spousal check will be.
Hello I am married to a Filipino woman I live in the Philippines how can my wife received my benefits when I dead
Sorry for the delay. It depends on her status, LAPR, citizen, etc. I'm going to do a video on expats, etc soon.
My ex spouse that I was married to for 25 years recently died and I want to claim my survivor benefits from him.
You can do that. Try to do that by phone. It helps if you can tell the representative his SS number. If you must apply in person, at least bring your marriage license and divorce decree with you.
Need more information to say what you should do.
Does this same thing apply for a man that closes his wife? Thanks
Yes.
So what if both parents are gone and you are disabled