Got a burning question about Social Security? Ask the coach!
As a financial planner who specializes in retirement and Social Security planning, I want to know what your top questions about Social Security are.
And I want to answer those questions!
I read and answer every question, so here’s your chance to get your most pressing Social Security question answered.
Please post your questions in the comments below. Do NOT include personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, etc.
I look forward to answering your questions!
Cynthia says
Do I have to pay taxes on my SSI benefits?
kristine says
Hi Cynthia. If your only income is from Social Security (especially if you are on SSI, which is Supplemental Security Income), then you probably won’t owe any taxes on your benefits.
However, if you are working or have other income from pensions, IRA withdrawals or investments, then you could owe taxes on a portion of your Social Security.
The amount of Social Security that is taxable will depend on your filing status and how much income you have.
You can learn more about how Social Security is taxed (and if your Social Security benefits will be taxable) here: https://incomeretirementcoach.com/is-social-security-taxable/
Steve says
Can a former spouse of 9 years and 11 months draw from my SS?
kristine says
Hi Steve. No, in order for a former spouse to collect (divorced) spouse benefits, you must have been married for 10 years. Even one day less and the former spouse can not claim benefits on your record. Also, the former spouse must not be remarried. Once he/she remarries, they no longer qualify for divorced spouse benefits. Thanks for the question!
sue says
I’m 62 and husband is 63. If I file for my benefits and defer my claim, can he claim my spouse benefits now and switch to his own benefits at FRA 66 or later and receive his own full benefit?
kristine says
Hi Sue. Great question. The strategy you are asking about is called the restricted application. It allows someone to file only for spousal benefits and defer their own benefits until a later date. It’s a great strategy for some couples.
However, in order to implement this strategy you must be at your full retirement age (age 66 for people born between 1943-1954). Since your husband is only 63, he does not qualify for this strategy.
Furthermore, in order for your husband to file for spousal benefits, you must have already filed for your benefits. If you are at your full retirement age you can file and immediately suspend your benefits; however, since you are only 62 this is not an option.
The strategies you asked about are great strategies, but they are only available to people who have already reached their full retirement age. To learn more about these strategies, please read Social Security’s Gift to Married Couples: Spousal Benefits
Mary says
If I am collecting Social Security already and my husband is collecting also can I still be able to collect duel benefits? I am 66 and he is 68 now.
Cindy says
How much will I receive when I retire?
JoAnn says
How do I determine if I should switch to my own social security? I am about to turn 70 years of age, am working pat-time and have been on my late husband’s policy for 4 years. What steps need to be taken? Thank you!
Tamara says
I’ll be 62 in a month and have worked to receive social security on my own. My husband is already collecting SS. Can I start collecting my own at 62 [with a penalty] and then at the age of 66 switch to half of my husband’s? Thanks.
kristine says
Hi Tamara. Thank you for the question. When you apply for benefits before your full retirement age (66 for people born between 1943 and 1954) Social Security pays you the highest benefit you are eligible for. Since your husband is already collecting Social Security, the SSA will compare your benefit based on your own earnings to the spousal benefit that you are eligible for and will pay you whichever benefit is higher.
I’m not sure if you thought you couldn’t collect the spousal benefit until you reached age 66 or if you were trying to delay the spousal benefit for some reason. Either way, when you apply for benefits before your full retirement age, you don’t get to choose which benefit you will receive. If your strategy was to take your own benefit first then switch to the spousal benefit later (assuming the spousal benefit is higher), it won’t work in this situation. This strategy is only available to people who have already reached their full retirement age.
I hope this helps. To learn more about spousal benefits, please visit https://incomeretirementcoach.com/applying-for-social-security-spousal-benefits/.