The Benefits Blog

The Benefits Blog provides expert insights, updates, and strategies on Social Security and Medicare, tailored for financial professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and better serve their clients. Stay informed with the latest developments and tips to maximize benefits for your clients.

Why a Spousal Benefit May Not Apply if Your Own Social Security Benefit Is Higher full retirement age (fra) hey marc! primary insurance amount (pia) spousal benefit boost spousal benefits Jul 26, 2024

I have someone who was told by SSA that if she took SSA based on her spouse’s record, she would be able to receive $3,000 vs her own record of $2,000 but SSA was unable to verify SSA said she would have to retire first and then come back for the real numbers. 

In this situation, it appears that the...

Continue Reading...
Is the Spousal Benefit Boost Automatic When My Spouse Files for Social Security? full retirement age (fra) hey marc! primary insurance amount (pia) spousal benefit boost spousal benefits Feb 05, 2024

Quick question on the spousal boost.  Let’s say wife has a PIA of $1,000 and husband has a PIA of $3,000. Both are same age — wife starts at 62 and husband starts at FRA. My understanding is that when the husband turns on his SSB, the spousal boost happens automatically, but I recently saw that that...

Continue Reading...
Can a Divorced Spouse Claim Ex-Spousal Benefits and Delay Their Own? deemed filing delayed retirement credits (drc) divorce hey marc! spousal benefit boost Mar 08, 2023

I just wanted to clarify my last email and I thank you so much for your expertise and help. I have a sixty-two-year-old woman who was married to a gentleman for over fourteen years they divorced ten years ago.  She never remarried, he did. He is now seventy-two and drawing Social Security retirement...

Continue Reading...
Social Security Benefits for a Disabled Child: Choosing the Right Parent's Record delayed retirement credits (drc) full retirement age (fra) hey marc! primary insurance amount (pia) spousal benefit boost Jul 08, 2022

The husband is FRA but plans to continue working as an orthodontist and is eligible for the max benefit based on his income. He has a 20-year-old disabled child with Down Syndrome. His spouse has been talking with the Social Security Administration and was told the child is eligible for $680 month. ...

Continue Reading...
Can a Spouse Switch to Higher Social Security Benefits After Claiming Early? hey marc! spousal benefit boost spousal benefits Dec 17, 2019

I was asked a question that I need clarification on.  Husband and wife born in 1965.  Wife has 40 credits and is eligible for Social Security to earn $600 at age 62.  She has been a stay-at-home mom for many years.  Husband has 40 credits and will qualify for $3,500 at age 67.  If Wife starts her SS...

Continue Reading...