I have been looking for this information for about a year now, and could not find it anywhere. Thank you so much for this. And I have bookmarked it, so I can come back and watch it again. This is not something I do often, so that is a great compliment.
Just a word of caution - always, always get the name of the person you speak to at the SS office. I went when I was 60 to draw on my dead husband's account - the woman told me we weren't married long enough - so I waited to 62 to retire. I told the woman helping me that I tried drawing on my husband's benefits when I was 60 and was told I couldn't. She said the person who told me that was WRONG and that if I had the name of that person, I could be paid all of those back benefits! Unfortunately, I did not have her name. So always, always get a full name, date and time you speak with someone.
I do not believe that is correct,there is a time limit on military pensions of spouse. In order to receive those you must be married at a minimum Of at least 10 or half of spouse military time. According to DAFAS.
Getting the person's name you spoke with is always a good thing, however, it's still your word against theirs and unless you also recorded the conversation, you have no proof they told you that. And if asked, they would say, I never said that. He/she misunderstood what I was saying apparently.
@@rogerbrown907 My so called Ex whom I am still married to as he has a noterized document not a divorce decree, He was in the military and retired. He stole my part of his pension all these years over 20. I am now 62 and he turns 62 in April. I can go after his SS, but I need an attorney to get half of his military pension that I am still entitled to if they find me still married to him in a court of law. I was married before the noterized document 13 years. I believe he is a bigamist 3 times over as well.
@@NC_SUGAR Take 2 other people with you to listen to it and take notes of what is said. The window and the time and the date. They will have a record of who worked then. You should be able to get part of a name. Take an attorney with you. That would work even better.
This is THE BEST explanation on spousal benefits (altho I was slow to understand 5:58-6:17, even after listening several times, an example would've helped). You're a rock star of SS understanding. Many Thanks ~
Good presentation....and thanks also for the time-sensitive warning and how you offer this up in "chunks" for those here who might think 14 mins of Vid is simply too much. Amazing....here is info offered that removes hours-long research and some folks can't stomach 14 mins of vids in a nice, concise summary. A sign of the times it seems, with social media...and a shame for important stuff like this.
Technology has certainly changed the way we consume and process information. I've found out that if I stray even a little with non-essential information I will see a sharp drop off in retention.
@@DevinCarroll I so wish you or someone had been there in the 80"s when my hubby retired..he might have listened to you..as he wouldn't me ,LOL, cut both our checks by retiring at 62..yikes. I wish if you haven't you would tell people that the S S folks are not your friend and not there to advise you...if in doubt check with a lawyer of someone like you before applying. So much to figure out. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Great information as always❗ How does spousal benefits work for SSDI recipient❓ Can you do a video on SSDI and all the nuances of spousal and children benefits when neither party is close to retirement age❓ Thank you❗
So sad nobody responded to you!! Spousal benefits do work if the higher earning spouse is on SSDI. If your not close to FRA your deduction would make for no added payment I do believe.
@@davenone7312 Thank you for your reply Sir. My assumption is that once one of my two kids reach 17 and loose my SSDI benefit, then my wife can take my child's place. I believe. I wonder.if that's automatic or it's something I'd have to file for then❓
Devin, Thank-you for this information. You've explained a complex topic while making it easy to understand. I have done some of my own research into SS retirement and thought I knew just about all I needed to know. Wrong answer. As always, the problem with being self-taught is the teacher. Somehow I totally missed the spousal benefit in as much as my wife being able to collect 50% of my benefit once I file; with the various complexities based upon different scenarios. This new knowledge has significantly impacted the calculations guiding my decision of when to collect benefits. Thanks again. You have a new Subscriber. ;-)
Thank you Devin!!! We had struggled trying to figured this out and had two answers from the Social Security Administration and our CFP. The CFP turned out to be right. For us if she files at 62 and I have already filed, she will received the greater of either her own or mine. She can't file under her own and then refile under my record when she turns FRA of 67. We also spoke to an investor advisor who thought she could do that. We are readers but getting straight answers these days is not as simple as it might seem. Thank you again.
Posted by Gazelle: B.S. if you think raising a Family isn't a full time plus job, 24/7 365 days a year, no pay, no benefits. Add housework, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, etc., or working in the family business for no pay, etc. Most women never retire, continue to take care of all the household tasks, and take care of their aging husband who they generally out live. Something to think about?
Very interesting. As usual, Mr. Carroll videos are very informative and and eye opener for the hard working people. Devin: I just reached my FRA, Can my wife(62) take spouse benefits and then when she teach 70, switch to her own earnings?
Awesome video! I have several questions I hope you can answer. Since I retired early, on Work comp, and SSD, in the state of Washington, I get hit with taxes on the full amount of my SS money, as my union pensions are over the test limit. I understand upon reaching age 62, SSA will take the offset, lowering my tax liability, as work comp pensions are tax exempt. Does the offset ever go away, at, say 67, as I was born in 1962? What happens to the money SSA sends my adult disabled child upon my reaching 62? My Uncle retired at 65, and his wife passed away around the same time. He is remarrying next month, and will be adopting his fiancee's 9y/o son. what benefits, if any, would either of them be eligible for? They are both coming from the Philippines, btw. thanks again for your channel! It's one of my favorite subscriptions!
Thank you for your clear explanation of spousal benefit! I have a question! How does the spousal benefit work if my wife is older and she has applied for her SS benefits! I’m not eligible yet! So when I do finally apply will my wife get the spousal benefit after I apply for my SS benefits? Thank you in advance
@@kinerskorner1 That's good, so I think she will get an additional amount added to her benefit which when added together will equal 50% of your benefit.
A friend told me about this! My husband is 67, I will be 65 in May 2020. I am currently disabled drawing those benefits. Where do I go to apply for those extra benefits? Can it be done on line? Your explanations are so clear and easy to understand! Thank you so very much!
Great video! I'm a few years away but gaining knowledge, thanks to you, before I get there. I have a friend who is younger than his wife. She started drawing at 62 almost two years ago. I think her ss is a little over $500/mo. He plans on starting ss when he turns 63 in a couple of years. I think at 63 his reduced benefit will be around $1900/mo. When he starts drawing at 63 , will she then be able to get topped off to $950/mo with the extra spousal benefit?
So if your friend is 61 now he will attain FRA at 66 & 10 months. This means that the $1,900 benefit that you referenced will be about 73% of the full retirement age benefit which should be around $2,600 (this is rough math while I'm waiting for my daughter to get to the car). Since his wife will be 66 when he files, and she thus becomes eligible for a spousal benefit, that portion of her benefit will not be reduced. So, if she would've waited until her full retirement age to file for both benefits she would have been eligible for a total of $1,300 in benefits. $667 of this would've been from her work history and $633 would be from the spousal top off portion. That spousal top off portion should not be reduced for her prior filing if she doesn't become eligible until her full retirement age. This means that when he files for benefits she should be eligible for an additional $633 in benefits if she is full retirement age. (Again...I'm hesitant to do this calc while sitting in a dark car, but I'm confident in the answer. :-)
@@DevinCarroll Thank you so much for responding! I'll send my friend the link to your video and let him know about this. Even though I've watched your videos, some specific scenarios are a little confusing to me. Thanks
So I plan on working until full retirement age. My wife is 64 and I am 63. She is eligible for her own but will definitely go spousal benefits as half of mine well exceeds hers. If she started to collect now at reduced rate of her benefits would she still bump up to 50% of mine when I file at 67 (or later)?
It's always a good thing to watch where are your benefits are going!! When you get more into this, than you be asking the same question we've been asking....Good luck my friend!?
Your right the spouse gets half of what their spouse makes in social security even if spouse was making very very little working while being a homemaker.
@@DevinCarroll I am 55yrs old. Bc of disabilities now, I'm unable to work any longer, and seeking SSD. I was married 1993. Separated 2007 but not divorced. Husband is now 65yrs old and still working. Would I be able to receive spousal benefits when he files for his SS benefits? Thank you so much for this video as it has encouraged me to become more informed... I will recommend to others!
Devon, I was married 36 years. My husband was self employed and got sick, he didnt file taxes several years b 4 he died, however he drew ssi, not ssd, social security told me I could never draw off of him because he was drawing supplemental income, I filed for SSDI and was approved ou bed, I had my 40 weeks in so I draw my own ssdi, is there anyway that I'm eligable to draw anything from him? He served in the army during Vietnam stateside, with a general discharge. Please advise. Thank you. Love your channel.
Great explanation. Thank you. Is there an online calculator you know of where one can enter their actual #'s from their (and their spouse's) SSN statements?
My husband died when I was 55, he got 1, 807.00. In social security, as a disabled depndent shy of getting my own benifits by 5 points , I only had to wait 5 months and get 71 1/2 % of what he got. Disabled dependents get more after the age 0f 50, and if 55 or over get more.
So what if the spouse started drawing disability at 59 which she draws her fra amount so how would spousal benefits work when her husband files for retirement at fra?
Thank you very much for your information sir I have subscribed and looking forward to learning more I plan to retire next year with my wife this video confirmed what I believed about spousal benefits! As we say in the Marine Corps Semper Fi!👍🏽🇺🇸
Hi Devin. Thanks so much for the help in understanding soc. Sec/SSI. I HAVE A QUESTION. when you talk about a married couple and how they determine how much they will receive for ss or ssi, if both are still living, does the spouse (usually the wife) with the lower ss or ssi amount still receive a portion of what the spouse with a higher mo benefit to supplement her lower benefit? Or do all these rules pertain to a situation where the higher paid spouse has deceased? Then the surviving spouse gets a portion of the deceased spouse income? I would greatly appreciate a little more clarity on that. For instance both my husband and I are disabled so we both receive SSI. Amd have for at least 5 years. So neither of us were full retirement age when we became disabled. His birth year is 1955 mine is 1957. So how does that work for us.
To get a spousal benefit you must be 62+ (Kids not included). It is always the higher amount of the two benefits. If your benefit is the highest and your spouse passes away, you're already at the highest benefit. If your benefit is the lowest then you would get your lower benefit plus the difference of your spouses benefit minus your benefit, bringing you up to your spouses amount in kind of backwards calculation.
I spoke to SS yesterday. I am 65 (66 in Sept.). My wife is 68 (69 in July). My wife has been receiving her check since she was 62. We have been banking that money ever since. I want to get my SS at my FRA in Sept. We thought my wife would be able to then receive half my SS when I start taking mine. Per SS she cannot since she started taking hers at 62. We did not know about spousal benefits when she started at 62. My SS is 2424. She now gets 922. If she waited until her FRA she would have gotten 1230. Which would have made her ineligible for half of mine because it would have been more than half. So after we heard about spousal benefits we thought she could still get half of mine. We were wrong. We are not complaining since we saved all her money. No one told us at SS at the time she took hers. If we knew the rules at the time she took hers I don't know if we would have done something different. Please do your homework and know the rules. I just want others to know this.
Unfortunately at the SS they barely know what they are doing it’s best to seek an advisor. I’m a widow he passed at 57 I called SS and was told to collect his at 60 because his is like over. 3k if I wait till 67, mine is like 400.00 a month. As it is I can only collect a percentage of his which goes up every year I wait. At 60 it was 50% if I wait till 62 it’s 70% I waited because I listened to a financial advisor that SS is taxable plus I will have to pay for healthcare it’s not enough to live on in the North East
My wife is currently 63 and filed at 62. she receives $873. I will be 62 in December and I am the higher earner. At 62 my benefit will be $1450, at 66 1/2 it will be $1989 and at 70 it will be $2546. If I choose to hold off collecting until FRA or 70, can I get a spousal benefit until I file? If so, when can I file for it? Do I have to wait until my wife reaches FRA first? Any clarification would be appreciated.
never get an example of my scenario.. my x will be 61 when i reach my FRA.. been divorced for a long time,, great that i can draw spousal benefits without her having to file for hers... she gets about 150$ more in benefits at FRA than i do .. so if i wait til my FRA and file spousal benefits.. based on ur video i would get half of her FRA benefit ? which is less than what i would get on my own account .. her is 1200 as of now... 600 in spouse ,, i get 1050..... so in other words i wouldnt get any added to my benefits... but the big question that never seems to get answered is if i draw spousal benefits in the above sincero.. would my account continue to accrue interest til age 70 ? in other words.. draw on hers even thou my benefit is more than half of hers and still not draw on mine and let it build up til age 70.. or am i screwed either way on the bonus years
I have a question! I became disabled in 1991 and started collecting disability benefits in 1993, I continued to receive these benefits today!!! Next year I will be 66 years old and was wondering if my benefits will change or if I need to do anything? Do I make a claim for retirement benefits at 66 in two months? I just don't know what to expect and if there's anything I should know??? Please help me to understand if I need to do anything!!! Sincerely, Normand
How about a curve ball... I'm 49 and receive SSDI I have a 15yo son who is disabled and currently receives the full family benefit My wife is most likely going to leave her job in a year to care for him because he is getting to difficult for me to supervise My understanding is that she will qualify for the family benefit also which will be split with him until he turns 18 So my question is... how does the benefit change when he turns 18 and qualifies for his own SSI benefit? Again my understanding is that my wife will be able to continue her family benefit as the primary caregiver of our adult son after he turns 18. Thanks!
@Rusty Shackelford SSD is for those who WORKED! SSI, is for those that are so screwed up that they can't work, or didn't work long enough before they got screwed up!
Not complete. U don't cover Higher earning Husband files at 70 when FRA was 65. Lower earning wife is 5 years younger & could file at FRA of 66. Should the lower income wife take 1/2 of higher income husband's benefit & wait until 70 to file for her own benefit (which will be greater than 1/2 of the husband's)? What if you didn't know you could do that? Can it later be fixed?
I am still confused. I was born in 1953 and my wife was born in 1955. I would like to file a restricted Social Security claim in February 2020. I thought I could do this when she files for her early spousal benefit (at 64). Then I can file a claim on her spousal benefit. After listening to numerous videos, I am convinced I can't do this until she reaches her FRA at age 66 and 2 months. I am sure there are lots of people in this same situation. Could you respond to this?
Devin someone below asked the following yet I too would find it beneficial since I'm on SSI. *Comment: "How does spousal benefits work for SSDI recipient? Can you do a video on SSDI and all the nuances of spousal and children benefits when neither party is close to retirement age?"*
Im 73 , married over 10 years, & divorced. I filed for my soc security at 62. My ex husband is currently 69, and he waited until his full retirement age to get his social security. I know i can now receive half of my ex’s social security if the half is more than my soc sec. Will i get a REDUCED-amount because i filed at age 62? Thank you for any info u can help me with.
Hey Devin social security told me because I don't have the 40, work credits I can get either disibility,or social security.i already draw a spousal benefit check plus social security says also I dont qualify for any insurance. Please help me.
First time viewer here. GREAT JOB! And,... I see below ‘file & suspend’ is disallowed now. How detrimental is this change? It was utilized for three years of my plan that was formed in 2014.
I started getting a disibility check in 2014 ok over the years social security changed my checks name to SSI, then it finally is called a spousal benefit check.ok ive not worked much inmy life im 60 year old female.. im drawing a $271.00 and our 35 year old son is getting a disibility check and a S.S CHECH DRAwing off father to one of sons check is for $271.00 also.when if ever will i draw full benefits?
I have a question. I was on ssdi since 2010 pre pandemic somehow I missed an appointment to recertify so my benefits were suspended was told I'd recieve a new appointment in the mail it never came its been 3 years now and now they are telling me I need to reapply all over again. However I haven't worked in the last 10 years so now I won't qualify for ssdi can I do something to get my benefits back the way they were also for the past 3 years my dependents benefits never stopped just mine.
The spousal benefit is always based on the higher earning spouse's full retirement age benefit. The only way for her spousal benefit to be reduced is if she files early.
So Confused. I was older than my husband, who died before applying for his benefits. He was born in 1950 and I was born in 1947. The Administrator told me my check, would increase when I turned 67. The minimum would be $1800, but it should be around $2300. At 67, it did not increase and I have no idea how he calculated it. I desperately need this money at 71. I need to know what he did and why he told me that. I do not even get the minimum of $1800.
Thank you for the info about spousal benefits but in reality not a lot of the SSA workers know about those exceptions. I recently went to the SSA office where I belong and filed for my SSA spousal benefits. I have a hard time convincing the officer I spoke to that the 12 months rule does not apply to me because I was entitled to receive benefits from a former husband. Finally after 45 minutes she filed and set an interview for me on July 12. But...Today I received a phone call from another woman from SSA and she said I would not have any interview because I need to wait 1 year and then apply. There we go again.... I tried to tell her that that rule has few exemptions, and I was qualified for one of them. She has no interest in my suggestions and keeps repeating that she works for a long time and she has no knowledge of those exemptions. I told her that she can't cancel the interview because I will bring her to prove that she is wrong. To do so can you please help me with more info where I can find proof of these exemptions?! A link maybe. Thank you so very much and may God bless you!
I'm 63 years old and on social security disability for a few years already so I'm already collecting my full retirement benefit. My wife does not have enough work credits to get a benefit of her own. What will her spousal benefit be at 62 based on my record? She is unable to work. My benefit is 2206.00
hers will be 50% of yours if she takes it at her F.R.A.(age 67) but if she takes it at 62 then she will get 32.50% of the full (50%) ($1103.00) amount, she will get around $360.00 ???
Question: If a spouse files for SS benefits at FRA and is the lower wage earner, is it possible for the higher wage earner to claim for spousal benefits against the lower wage earner postponing their own filing to gain delayed earning credits. Both are currently 66 years old and at FRA.
Could it be because our oldest son draws a check to off his dad,my husband, sons check same as mine.$295.00 a mnth.is reason my spousal benefit check isn't more???
I’m still technically married to my husband but we have been separated for about 4 years now and I’d like to know if I am able to get my spousal benefit off of him we have been married over 25 years?
Yes, if he has filed for benefits, as you're still married. You need to be 62+ and then you get a reduced amount before FRA. Max is 50% of his benefit. If he files before FRA then benefit is reduced for filing early and so would your portion of his if you are under FRA.
Got a ?....me n my wife are 16 yrs apart (I am 58, she is 41 currently), and she does not qualify for her own benefit due to not having the 40 credits reqd. I am the higher earner. If I were to wait to file for my own benefit at 70 (in order to get the delayed earnings credits n thus the highest SS check amt), she would then be 54. Once I file n start collecting my SS check would she then start getting her spousal benefit?, or would she still have to wait til 62 before she can collect?, as I would then be 78! Yikes!...if someone could let me know...thks!
If you have already filed for SS , then they will automatically figure her benefit at 62 as a combination of her benefit and the spousal benefit. They will take your FRA benefit amount and figure the 50% spousal benefit. Then reduce it by the amounts shown in the video for someone claiming at 62. If her own benefit is not as high as the spousal benefit, she will get the difference added to her own benefit.
So can someone clarify something for me? Let’s say my spouse doesn’t take her spousal benefit until 67 so she entitled to 100% (meaning up to 50% of my benefit). But will her number be up to 50% of whatever I end up getting? ie. Her spousal benefit will decrease if I take SS early vs waiting for my full retirement age of 67? Or by some chance is her benefit based on my FRA number whether or not I wait until FRA. I assume it’s the former. Thx.
I was married twice my first marriage I think last 10 years but my second marriage lasted 28 years but he never filed his taxes how would I deal with a situation like that at the 10-year marriage he made the most money but I don't even know which one I'm drawing the Social Security office where I live is not very much help
Thank you! I believe you said that the lower earning spouse would not be eligible for a spousal benefit if the higher earning spouse earned too much. How much is too much?
Great videos. My wife and I will be claiming three defined pensions, two for myself at 65 y/o, and one for her at age 63. I am not impacted by WEP due to years of qualifying income but she will be. Does WEP impact her spousal component like it will her personal benefit starting at age 63?
Not to my knowledge. However, if someone has been married multiple times for the right length of time all of their ex-spouses could be eligible for a benefit based on his work.
I have a question I am 60 my husband will be 65 if he applies for his Social Security now and get his regular benefits does he automatically get spousal benefits from me when I retire or does he have to reapply or apply for benefits from mine
My mother is in her 70s she has been getting disability payments for years. . She never applied for my dad's Social Security. Can she still apply for i t?
My husband is older than me by 5 years. If he filed for benefits at age 70, (when I am still 65), can I choose to defer receiving spousal benefits until I reach age 67? I want to make sure I get the full 50% of his benefits? Is this possible, or if he files, it is mandatory for me to start receiving my benefits and my payments will be reduced since I haven't reached the FRA of 67 at the time he filed?
This video makes it clear to me that the people who do/did work and pay the mandatory "taxes" into the Social Security system are going to get screwed in the end. With the ever increasing age requirement to receive Full benefits, and the ever reduction of benefits for earlier retirement, this math exercise penalizes the responsible people making them pay more & getting less. Many Real Working AMERICANS take an early retirement due to issues e.g. health, financial, RIF by employers. To make it to Full retirement age & receive maximum income is akin to winning the Lottery.
I agree. I filed at 62 because wife became disabled. Keep hearing things about reduced SS benefits, cuts to Medicare etc. Life has a way of screwing up best laid plans.
Dang. This messes with my plan for next year when I'm 62. My understanding was that I could start receiving my own (greatly reduced bc my full retirement age is 66yrs +) benefit OR my full spousal benefit (husband is still working past his full retirement age), which is greater than my own full retirement benefit would be. But now I think you're saying my spousal benefit would be smaller if I don't wait till my full retirement age, too. I was going to apply at 62 because half of my husband's full amount is more than my own full amount.
So, if my FRA keeps going up and my older ex-spouse files for benefits, do they use my projected FRA amount and what happens when it changes? Do they get a raise?
I’m 58 on SSDI my wife is 62 her FRA is 66 10 months if she files for spouses benefit at her FRA will she get 50% of my SSDI?If I move to FL will they tax my SSDI like they do in NY?Thank you for all your great work.
My second wife passed away and I turned 60 last year am I getting the right amount of $594 that’s with the cola $34 but also I have a first wife that passed away I was too young but married for 14 yrs can I collect widower benefits also from her and she had a trust fund too and getting income every month while going to college when she was alive it was taxed I’m in Tennessee please help me?
If i am retired and have a disable adult child who is getting DAC benefits, can my wife who has no social security benifets due to thestaying home and raising our son be entilte to social security when she turns 62 off of my earnings.?
I have been looking for this information for about a year now, and could not find it anywhere. Thank you so much for this.
And I have bookmarked it, so I can come back and watch it again. This is not something I do often, so that is a great compliment.
Yep, same, you can't find this info, even if you call ss.
Just a word of caution - always, always get the name of the person you speak to at the SS office. I went when I was 60 to draw on my dead husband's account - the woman told me we weren't married long enough - so I waited to 62 to retire. I told the woman helping me that I tried drawing on my husband's benefits when I was 60 and was told I couldn't. She said the person who told me that was WRONG and that if I had the name of that person, I could be paid all of those back benefits! Unfortunately, I did not have her name. So always, always get a full name, date and time you speak with someone.
I do not believe that is correct,there is a time limit on military pensions of spouse. In order to receive those you must be married at a minimum Of at least 10 or half of spouse military time. According to DAFAS.
Getting the person's name you spoke with is always a good thing, however, it's still your word against theirs and unless you also recorded the conversation, you have no proof they told you that. And if asked, they would say, I never said that. He/she misunderstood what I was saying apparently.
they lie to people about what they qualify for
@@rogerbrown907 My so called Ex whom I am still married to as he has a noterized document not a divorce decree, He was in the military and retired. He stole my part of his pension all these years over 20. I am now 62 and he turns 62 in April. I can go after his SS, but I need an attorney to get half of his military pension that I am still entitled to if they find me still married to him in a court of law. I was married before the noterized document 13 years. I believe he is a bigamist 3 times over as well.
@@NC_SUGAR Take 2 other people with you to listen to it and take notes of what is said. The window and the time and the date. They will have a record of who worked then. You should be able to get part of a name. Take an attorney with you. That would work even better.
WOW! Have to play this again in the last 3 minutes of it within the 36-month window still not sinking in appreciate you
That is a great explanation. I did not realize the spousal benefit would be reduced by the spouse retiring before FRA. Thank you for the video!
This is THE BEST explanation on spousal benefits (altho I was slow to understand 5:58-6:17, even after listening several times, an example would've helped). You're a rock star of SS understanding. Many Thanks ~
I'm turning 62 in 2 years an 9 months THANKS FOR THESE VIDEOS !!!!
Good breakdown we thought our benefits were off , after doing the math my wife is getting the right amount . Thanks
Extremely informative presentation on spousal SS benefits. Probably the best presentation that I've seen. I'm now a subscriber.
Good presentation....and thanks also for the time-sensitive warning and how you offer this up in "chunks" for those here who might think 14 mins of Vid is simply too much. Amazing....here is info offered that removes hours-long research and some folks can't stomach 14 mins of vids in a nice, concise summary. A sign of the times it seems, with social media...and a shame for important stuff like this.
Technology has certainly changed the way we consume and process information. I've found out that if I stray even a little with non-essential information I will see a sharp drop off in retention.
@@DevinCarroll yep, by the third or fourth video I see from you I have to start all over again LOL I know you are highly appreciate it thank you
@@DevinCarroll I so wish you or someone had been there in the 80"s when my hubby retired..he might have listened to you..as he wouldn't me ,LOL, cut both our checks by retiring at 62..yikes. I wish if you haven't you would tell people that the S S folks are not your friend and not there to advise you...if in doubt check with a lawyer of someone like you before applying. So much to figure out. Thanks and keep up the good work.
+Devin Carroll, Thank you for explaining this issue!
Great information as always❗ How does spousal benefits work for SSDI recipient❓ Can you do a video on SSDI and all the nuances of spousal and children benefits when neither party is close to retirement age❓ Thank you❗
So sad nobody responded to you!! Spousal benefits do work if the higher earning spouse is on SSDI. If your not close to FRA your deduction would make for no added payment I do believe.
@@davenone7312 Thank you for your reply Sir.
My assumption is that once one of my two kids reach 17 and loose my SSDI benefit, then my wife can take my child's place. I believe. I wonder.if that's automatic or it's something I'd have to file for then❓
My wife had to apply for her spousal benefits. So I can only imagine you're wife would also.
Very informative but was hoping you would explain more about how it works for divorced spouses---especially ones that are older than their ex-spouses.
Following Devins advice here my wifes check went from $228 to $791. We took it a year before she hit her FRA.
Devin,
Thank-you for this information. You've explained a complex topic while making it easy to understand. I have done some of my own research into SS retirement and thought I knew just about all I needed to know. Wrong answer. As always, the problem with being self-taught is the teacher. Somehow I totally missed the spousal benefit in as much as my wife being able to collect 50% of my benefit once I file; with the various complexities based upon different scenarios. This new knowledge has significantly impacted the calculations guiding my decision of when to collect benefits.
Thanks again. You have a new Subscriber. ;-)
Best explanation I have seen on this complicated subject.
Thank you Devin!!! We had struggled trying to figured this out and had two answers from the Social Security Administration and our CFP. The CFP turned out to be right.
For us if she files at 62 and I have already filed, she will received the greater of either her own or mine. She can't file under her own and then refile under my record when she turns FRA of 67.
We also spoke to an investor advisor who thought she could do that. We are readers but getting straight answers these days is not as simple as it might seem.
Thank you again.
It's all Greek to me. Clear as mud.
You kind sir are so very helpful in this process. Thank you so very much!
Posted by Gazelle: B.S. if you think raising a Family isn't a full time plus job, 24/7 365 days a year, no pay, no benefits. Add housework, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, etc., or working in the family business for no pay, etc. Most women never retire, continue to take care of all the household tasks, and take care of their aging husband who they generally out live. Something to think about?
Very interesting.
As usual, Mr. Carroll videos are very informative and and eye opener for the hard working people.
Devin: I just reached my FRA, Can my wife(62) take spouse benefits and then when she teach 70, switch to her own earnings?
Incredibly helpful info, thank you!
Awesome video! I have several questions I hope you can answer.
Since I retired early, on Work comp, and SSD, in the state of Washington, I get hit with taxes on the full amount of my SS money, as my union pensions are over the test limit. I understand upon reaching age 62, SSA will take the offset, lowering my tax liability, as work comp pensions are tax exempt. Does the offset ever go away, at, say 67, as I was born in 1962?
What happens to the money SSA sends my adult disabled child upon my reaching 62?
My Uncle retired at 65, and his wife passed away around the same time.
He is remarrying next month, and will be adopting his fiancee's 9y/o son.
what benefits, if any, would either of them be eligible for? They are both coming from the Philippines, btw.
thanks again for your channel! It's one of my favorite subscriptions!
That the government of the Philippines take care of them Why Us.
I wonder if they could make things more confusing
I don’t think so
I know right
Thank you for your clear explanation of spousal benefit! I have a question! How does the spousal benefit work if my wife is older and she has applied for her SS benefits! I’m not eligible yet! So when I do finally apply will my wife get the spousal benefit after I apply for my SS benefits? Thank you in advance
Yes, she will but the amount will be a percentage based on if she filed her own at full retirement and also if you were at full retirement age.
@@Julie-rz4eh Julie my wife did file at FRA and I plan on doing the same
@@kinerskorner1 That's good, so I think she will get an additional amount added to her benefit which when added together will equal 50% of your benefit.
A friend told me about this! My husband is 67, I will be 65 in May 2020. I am currently disabled drawing those benefits. Where do I go to apply for those extra benefits? Can it be done on line? Your explanations are so clear and easy to understand! Thank you so very much!
I was out in disability at age 56 then at 62 they put me on my ss yhen 60 i drawer 35 percent now I’m disabled and 69 can I draw 50 percent now
Great video! I'm a few years away but gaining knowledge, thanks to you, before I get there. I have a friend who is younger than his wife. She started drawing at 62 almost two years ago. I think her ss is a little over $500/mo. He plans on starting ss when he turns 63 in a couple of years. I think at 63 his reduced benefit will be around $1900/mo. When he starts drawing at 63 , will she then be able to get topped off to $950/mo with the extra spousal benefit?
I hope you get your answer I'm coming back to see what he has to reply or would his reply is rather good question
So if your friend is 61 now he will attain FRA at 66 & 10 months. This means that the $1,900 benefit that you referenced will be about 73% of the full retirement age benefit which should be around $2,600 (this is rough math while I'm waiting for my daughter to get to the car). Since his wife will be 66 when he files, and she thus becomes eligible for a spousal benefit, that portion of her benefit will not be reduced. So, if she would've waited until her full retirement age to file for both benefits she would have been eligible for a total of $1,300 in benefits. $667 of this would've been from her work history and $633 would be from the spousal top off portion. That spousal top off portion should not be reduced for her prior filing if she doesn't become eligible until her full retirement age. This means that when he files for benefits she should be eligible for an additional $633 in benefits if she is full retirement age. (Again...I'm hesitant to do this calc while sitting in a dark car, but I'm confident in the answer. :-)
@@DevinCarroll Thank you so much for responding! I'll send my friend the link to your video and let him know about this. Even though I've watched your videos, some specific scenarios are a little confusing to me. Thanks
So I plan on working until full retirement age. My wife is 64 and I am 63. She is eligible for her own but will definitely go spousal benefits as half of mine well exceeds hers. If she started to collect now at reduced rate of her benefits would she still bump up to 50% of mine when I file at 67 (or later)?
It's always a good thing to watch where are your benefits are going!! When you get more into this, than you be asking the same question we've been asking....Good luck my friend!?
Good luck to you also. I have spent weeks trying to get my money.
Thanks so much for this very informative video.
Your right the spouse gets half of what their spouse makes in social security even if spouse was making very very little working while being a homemaker.
superb like it very much as you stick to the talk unlike others
Thank you so much for the great video!!! It's very informative and helpful!!!
So glad it was valuable for you!
@@DevinCarroll
I am 55yrs old. Bc of disabilities now, I'm unable to work any longer, and seeking SSD. I was married 1993. Separated 2007 but not divorced. Husband is now 65yrs old and still working. Would I be able to receive spousal benefits when he files for his SS benefits? Thank you so much for this video as it has encouraged me to become more informed... I will recommend to others!
@@nowhearthis1107 You have to be at least 62 to get them. Sorry you got 9 years to go something like that.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful. Liked and sub.
When I call the SSA what application do I ask for to start the process of applying for a spousal benefit?
Linda Barnes, just tell them what you want to do. They’ll handle it. Alternatively you can apply online.
Devon, I was married 36 years. My husband was self employed and got sick, he didnt file taxes several years b 4 he died, however he drew ssi, not ssd, social security told me I could never draw off of him because he was drawing supplemental income, I filed for SSDI and was approved ou bed, I had my 40 weeks in so I draw my own ssdi, is there anyway that I'm eligable to draw anything from him? He served in the army during Vietnam stateside, with a general discharge. Please advise. Thank you. Love your channel.
Great explanation. Thank you. Is there an online calculator you know of where one can enter their actual #'s from their (and their spouse's) SSN statements?
Thank you a lot for this information it helpful for everybody ssi. benefit.
How does receiving this money affect your taxes when you file at end of year?
My husband died when I was 55, he got 1, 807.00. In social security, as a disabled depndent shy of getting my own benifits by 5 points , I only had to wait 5 months and get 71 1/2 % of what he got. Disabled dependents get more after the age 0f 50, and if 55 or over get more.
So what if the spouse started drawing disability at 59 which she draws her fra amount so how would spousal benefits work when her husband files for retirement at fra?
Thank you very much for your information sir I have subscribed and looking forward to learning more I plan to retire next year with my wife this video confirmed what I believed about spousal benefits!
As we say in the Marine Corps Semper Fi!👍🏽🇺🇸
Devin I'd really appreciate some coverage on single person benefit tips!! TY from Concho Arizona:-)
Hi Devin. Thanks so much for the help in understanding soc. Sec/SSI. I HAVE A QUESTION. when you talk about a married couple and how they determine how much they will receive for ss or ssi, if both are still living, does the spouse (usually the wife) with the lower ss or ssi amount still receive a portion of what the spouse with a higher mo benefit to supplement her lower benefit? Or do all these rules pertain to a situation where the higher paid spouse has deceased? Then the surviving spouse gets a portion of the deceased spouse income?
I would greatly appreciate a little more clarity on that. For instance both my husband and I are disabled so we both receive SSI. Amd have for at least 5 years. So neither of us were full retirement age when we became disabled. His birth year is 1955 mine is 1957. So how does that work for us.
To get a spousal benefit you must be 62+ (Kids not included). It is always the higher amount of the two benefits. If your benefit is the highest and your spouse passes away, you're already at the highest benefit. If your benefit is the lowest then you would get your lower benefit plus the difference of your spouses benefit minus your benefit, bringing you up to your spouses amount in kind of backwards calculation.
I spoke to SS yesterday. I am 65 (66 in Sept.). My wife is 68 (69 in July). My wife has been receiving her check since she was 62. We have been banking that money ever since. I want to get my SS at my FRA in Sept. We thought my wife would be able to then receive half my SS when I start taking mine. Per SS she cannot since she started taking hers at 62. We did not know about spousal benefits when she started at 62. My SS is 2424. She now gets 922. If she waited until her FRA she would have gotten 1230. Which would have made her ineligible for half of mine because it would have been more than half. So after we heard about spousal benefits we thought she could still get half of mine. We were wrong. We are not complaining since we saved all her money. No one told us at SS at the time she took hers. If we knew the rules at the time she took hers I don't know if we would have done something different. Please do your homework and know the rules. I just want others to know this.
Unfortunately at the SS they barely know what they are doing it’s best to seek an advisor. I’m a widow he passed at 57 I called SS and was told to collect his at 60 because his is like over. 3k if I wait till 67, mine is like 400.00 a month. As it is I can only collect a percentage of his which goes up every year I wait. At 60 it was 50% if I wait till 62 it’s 70% I waited because I listened to a financial advisor that SS is taxable plus I will have to pay for healthcare it’s not enough to live on in the North East
My wife is currently 63 and filed at 62. she receives $873. I will be 62 in December and I am the higher earner. At 62 my benefit will be $1450, at 66 1/2 it will be $1989 and at 70 it will be $2546. If I choose to hold off collecting until FRA or 70, can I get a spousal benefit until I file? If so, when can I file for it? Do I have to wait until my wife reaches FRA first? Any clarification would be appreciated.
never get an example of my scenario.. my x will be 61 when i reach my FRA.. been divorced for a long time,, great that i can draw spousal benefits without her having to file for hers... she gets about 150$ more in benefits at FRA than i do .. so if i wait til my FRA and file spousal benefits.. based on ur video i would get half of her FRA benefit ? which is less than what i would get on my own account .. her is 1200 as of now... 600 in spouse ,, i get 1050..... so in other words i wouldnt get any added to my benefits... but the big question that never seems to get answered is if i draw spousal benefits in the above sincero.. would my account continue to accrue interest til age 70 ? in other words.. draw on hers even thou my benefit is more than half of hers and still not draw on mine and let it build up til age 70.. or am i screwed either way on the bonus years
Just Subscribed. Great Info.TFS.
I have a question!
I became disabled in 1991 and started collecting disability benefits in 1993, I continued to receive these benefits today!!!
Next year I will be 66 years old and was wondering if my benefits will change or if I need to do anything? Do I make a claim for retirement benefits at 66 in two months?
I just don't know what to expect and if there's anything I should know??? Please help me to understand if I need to do anything!!!
Sincerely,
Normand
Very lucky for my man to help me
How about a curve ball...
I'm 49 and receive SSDI
I have a 15yo son who is disabled and currently receives the full family benefit
My wife is most likely going to leave her job in a year to care for him because he is getting to difficult for me to supervise
My understanding is that she will qualify for the family benefit also which will be split with him until he turns 18
So my question is... how does the benefit change when he turns 18 and qualifies for his own SSI benefit?
Again my understanding is that my wife will be able to continue her family benefit as the primary caregiver of our adult son after he turns 18.
Thanks!
Rusty, do not pass judgment. It only makes YOU the despicable one. You don’t walk in their shoes.
Rusty SHAME ON YOU
And to get ssdi it’s based off of a WORK history
lol your all funny lmao !
@Rusty Shackelford SSD is for those who WORKED! SSI, is for those that are so screwed up that they can't work, or didn't work long enough before they got screwed up!
Not complete. U don't cover Higher earning Husband files at 70 when FRA was 65. Lower earning wife is 5 years younger & could file at FRA of 66. Should the lower income wife take 1/2 of higher income husband's benefit & wait until 70 to file for her own benefit (which will be greater than 1/2 of the husband's)? What if you didn't know you could do that? Can it later be fixed?
I am still confused. I was born in 1953 and my wife was born in 1955. I
would like to file a restricted Social Security claim in February 2020.
I thought I could do this when she files for her early spousal benefit
(at 64). Then I can file a claim on her spousal benefit. After
listening to numerous videos, I am convinced I can't do this until she
reaches her FRA at age 66 and 2 months. I am sure there are lots of
people in this same situation. Could you respond to this?
Very informative. Thanks.
Now I know why my husband’s ex never remarried.
Very interesting video. Thank you
Great ! SSA personnel,will not give the details of filing spousal benefits. Their mouths are sealed.
Of course not...that's not their job.
Try different offices, different clerks. I found one that was helpful.
Devin someone below asked the following yet I too would find it beneficial since I'm on SSI. *Comment: "How does spousal benefits work for SSDI recipient? Can you do a video on SSDI and all the nuances of spousal and children benefits when neither party is close to retirement age?"*
Wife has less than 40 pts. Will parts A,B,D cost more? I'm disabled for years, will she have to pay for part A Medicare at age 65?
If I, as the higher earner, file at age 70, does the amount of the spousal top-off still get calculated from my FRA?
Im 73 , married over 10 years, & divorced. I filed for my soc security at 62. My ex husband is currently 69, and he waited until his full retirement age to get his social security. I know i can now receive half of my ex’s social security if the half is more than my soc sec. Will i get a REDUCED-amount because i filed at age 62? Thank you for any info u can help me with.
Yes, if you file at age 62 you will get a reduced SS py'mt.
Hey Devin social security told me because I don't have the 40, work credits I can get either disibility,or social security.i already draw a spousal benefit check plus social security says also I dont qualify for any insurance. Please help me.
First time viewer here. GREAT JOB! And,...
I see below ‘file & suspend’ is disallowed now.
How detrimental is this change? It was utilized for three years of my plan that was formed in 2014.
I started getting a disibility check in 2014 ok over the years social security changed my checks name to SSI, then it finally is called a spousal benefit check.ok ive not worked much inmy life im 60 year old female.. im drawing a $271.00 and our 35 year old son is getting a disibility check and a S.S CHECH DRAwing off father to one of sons check is for $271.00 also.when if ever will i draw full benefits?
I have a question. I was on ssdi since 2010 pre pandemic somehow I missed an appointment to recertify so my benefits were suspended was told I'd recieve a new appointment in the mail it never came its been 3 years now and now they are telling me I need to reapply all over again. However I haven't worked in the last 10 years so now I won't qualify for ssdi can I do something to get my benefits back the way they were also for the past 3 years my dependents benefits never stopped just mine.
If I file at age 63 and get the reduced benefit. And my spouse waits until her FRA, would she get 50% of my reduced benefit or 50% of my FRA benefit?
The spousal benefit is always based on the higher earning spouse's full retirement age benefit. The only way for her spousal benefit to be reduced is if she files early.
So Confused. I was older than my husband, who died before applying for his benefits. He was born in 1950 and I was born in 1947. The Administrator told me my check, would increase when I turned 67. The minimum would be $1800, but it should be around $2300. At 67, it did not increase and I have no idea how he calculated it. I desperately need this money at 71. I need to know what he did and why he told me that. I do not even get the minimum of $1800.
EXCELLENT VIDEO. THANK YOU.
glad I could help!
Thank you for the info about spousal benefits but in reality not a lot of the SSA workers know about those exceptions. I recently went to the SSA office where I belong and filed for my SSA spousal benefits. I have a hard time convincing the officer I spoke to that the 12 months rule does not apply to me because I was entitled to receive benefits from a former husband. Finally after 45 minutes she filed and set an interview for me on July 12. But...Today I received a phone call from another woman from SSA and she said I would not have any interview because I need to wait 1 year and then apply. There we go again.... I tried to tell her that that rule has few exemptions, and I was qualified for one of them. She has no interest in my suggestions and keeps repeating that she works for a long time and she has no knowledge of those exemptions. I told her that she can't cancel the interview because I will bring her to prove that she is wrong. To do so can you please help me with more info where I can find proof of these exemptions?! A link maybe. Thank you so very much and may God bless you!
I'm 63 years old and on social security disability for a few years already so I'm already collecting my full retirement benefit. My wife does not have enough work credits to get a benefit of her own. What will her spousal benefit be at 62 based on my record? She is unable to work. My benefit is 2206.00
I would like to know this as well
hers will be 50% of yours if she takes it at her F.R.A.(age 67) but if she takes it at 62 then she will get 32.50% of the full (50%) ($1103.00) amount, she will get around $360.00 ???
@@hldye7442 my husband is 64 and disabled. He has been for 19 years. Does this make a difference??? I am 61.
My ea huband s mattied 13 years je pazsed long abour 2012? Still not understaa nd?
Question: If a spouse files for SS benefits at FRA and is the lower wage earner, is it possible for the higher wage earner to claim for spousal benefits against the lower wage earner postponing their own filing to gain delayed earning credits. Both are currently 66 years old and at FRA.
No, you must file for your own benefits, if qualified.
Could it be because our oldest son draws a check to off his dad,my husband, sons check same as mine.$295.00 a mnth.is reason my spousal benefit check isn't more???
Thank you.I am on situation but I don’t know where to go get help
Great explanation!
I’m still technically married to my husband but we have been separated for about 4 years now and I’d like to know if I am able to get my spousal benefit off of him we have been married over 25 years?
Yes, if he has filed for benefits, as you're still married. You need to be 62+ and then you get a reduced amount before FRA. Max is 50% of his benefit. If he files before FRA then benefit is reduced for filing early and so would your portion of his if you are under FRA.
@@1134Bigguy he doesn’t file anymore because he can’t work anymore
Really helpful. Quick question. Is it based solely on FRA of the spouse, even if they retire early (day 62)?
Got a ?....me n my wife are 16 yrs apart (I am 58, she is 41 currently), and she does not qualify for her own benefit due to not having the 40 credits reqd. I am the higher earner. If I were to wait to file for my own benefit at 70 (in order to get the delayed earnings credits n thus the highest SS check amt), she would then be 54. Once I file n start collecting my SS check would she then start getting her spousal benefit?, or would she still have to wait til 62 before she can collect?, as I would then be 78! Yikes!...if someone could let me know...thks!
Can my wife start collecting her own benefit at 62 yeas old and then change to my spouse benefit at 67 years old?
I would like to know also...
Following
If you have already filed for SS , then they will automatically figure her benefit at 62 as a combination of her benefit and the spousal benefit. They will take your FRA benefit amount and figure the 50% spousal benefit. Then reduce it by the amounts shown in the video for someone claiming at 62. If her own benefit is not as high as the spousal benefit, she will get the difference added to her own benefit.
So can someone clarify something for me? Let’s say my spouse doesn’t take her spousal benefit until 67 so she entitled to 100% (meaning up to 50% of my benefit). But will her number be up to 50% of whatever I end up getting? ie. Her spousal benefit will decrease if I take SS early vs waiting for my full retirement age of 67? Or by some chance is her benefit based on my FRA number whether or not I wait until FRA. I assume it’s the former. Thx.
very easy to understand explanation. Thanks!
Excellent explanation Devin!
Thanks!
I!m a young widow at 35 so when im 60 is it all retro active
I was married twice my first marriage I think last 10 years but my second marriage lasted 28 years but he never filed his taxes how would I deal with a situation like that at the 10-year marriage he made the most money but I don't even know which one I'm drawing the Social Security office where I live is not very much help
Thank you! Looking forward to your next video!
Thank you! I believe you said that the lower earning spouse would not be eligible for a spousal benefit if the higher earning spouse earned too much. How much is too much?
Thank you for this information....
Great videos. My wife and I will be claiming three defined pensions, two for myself at 65 y/o, and one for her at age 63. I am not impacted by WEP due to years of qualifying income but she will be. Does WEP impact her spousal component like it will her personal benefit starting at age 63?
Devin, if the higher earner waits until 70, will the spousal benefit at FRA be 50% of that amount? Or is the max calculated at higher earners FRA?
The spousal benefit is up to 1/2 of the higher earners FRA benefit
Devin Carroll thank you sir!
Is there a multi spousal benefit for people with multiple spouce st same time, ie: mormans.
Not to my knowledge. However, if someone has been married multiple times for the right length of time all of their ex-spouses could be eligible for a benefit based on his work.
I have a question I am 60 my husband will be 65 if he applies for his Social Security now and get his regular benefits does he automatically get spousal benefits from me when I retire or does he have to reapply or apply for benefits from mine
My mother is in her 70s she has been getting disability payments for years. . She never applied for my dad's Social Security. Can she still apply for i t?
My husband is older than me by 5 years. If he filed for benefits at age 70, (when I am still 65), can I choose to defer receiving spousal benefits until I reach age 67? I want to make sure I get the full 50% of his benefits? Is this possible, or if he files, it is mandatory for me to start receiving my benefits and my payments will be reduced since I haven't reached the FRA of 67 at the time he filed?
This video makes it clear to me that the people who do/did work and pay the mandatory "taxes" into the Social Security system are going to get screwed in the end. With the ever increasing age requirement to receive Full benefits, and the ever reduction of benefits for earlier retirement, this math exercise penalizes the responsible people making them pay more & getting less. Many Real Working AMERICANS take an early retirement due to issues e.g. health, financial, RIF by employers. To make it to Full retirement age & receive maximum income is akin to winning the Lottery.
I agree. I filed at 62 because wife became disabled. Keep hearing things about reduced SS benefits, cuts to Medicare etc. Life has a way of screwing up best laid plans.
Dang. This messes with my plan for next year when I'm 62. My understanding was that I could start receiving my own (greatly reduced bc my full retirement age is 66yrs +) benefit OR my full spousal benefit (husband is still working past his full retirement age), which is greater than my own full retirement benefit would be. But now I think you're saying my spousal benefit would be smaller if I don't wait till my full retirement age, too. I was going to apply at 62 because half of my husband's full amount is more than my own full amount.
Your plan is like mine....I think we're good!
I'll be 62 in July I already draw a spousal benefit check now.when should I file for my s.s.??
So, if my FRA keeps going up and my older ex-spouse files for benefits, do they use my projected FRA amount and what happens when it changes? Do they get a raise?
Huge help! Thanks
I’m 58 on SSDI my wife is 62 her FRA is 66 10 months if she files for spouses benefit at her FRA will she get 50% of my SSDI?If I move to FL will they tax my SSDI like they do in NY?Thank you for all your great work.
My second wife passed away and I turned 60 last year am I getting the right amount of $594 that’s with the cola $34 but also I have a first wife that passed away I was too young but married for 14 yrs can I collect widower benefits also from her and she had a trust fund too and getting income every month while going to college when she was alive it was taxed I’m in Tennessee please help me?
If i am retired and have a disable adult child who is getting DAC benefits, can my wife who has no social security benifets due to thestaying home and raising our son be entilte to social security when she turns 62 off of my earnings.?