Author: Russell Settle
Social Security Q&A: Can I Make a Claim on My Ex’s Benefits?
Russell Settle on July 11, 2019
Has there been a divorce in your past? You may be able to claim benefits on your ex’s Social Security.
Social Security Q&A: What Happens to My Spouse If I Die Before Filing for Benefits?
Russell Settle on July 4, 2019
It’s important to think about survivor’s benefits before deciding when to claim Social Security.
Social Security Q&A: How Can My Spouse Squeeze the Most From Her Benefits?
Russell Settle on June 27, 2019
Trying to get the biggest benefit possible? Early claiming can complicate matters.
Social Security Q&A: How Long Must I Wait for My Full Survivor’s Benefit?
Russell Settle on June 13, 2019
Waiting a little while to claim your benefit can pay off handsomely for years to come.
Social Security Q&A: Can I Piggyback on My Ex-Wife’s Benefit?
Russell Settle on May 30, 2019
Being divorced has some advantages when it comes to claiming Social Security benefits.
Social Security Q&A: Is There a Cap on the Benefits My Family Can Earn?
Russell Settle on May 16, 2019
An odd quirk in a Social Security formula favors higher-benefit families over lower-benefit families.
Social Security Q&A: Can My Wife Use My Benefits While Letting Hers Grow?
Russell Settle on April 25, 2019
Your birthdate — and your self-discipline in not uttering three little words — helps determine whether or not you can use a key claiming strategy.
Social Security Q&A: How Much of My Spouse’s Benefit Can I Get?
Russell Settle on April 4, 2019
A little rule with a funny name can have a big impact on your Social Security benefits.
Social Security Q&A: Can I Get Survivor’s Benefits If My Spouse Died Young?
Russell Settle on March 21, 2019
You might be able to collect survivor’s benefits even if your spouse dies before the age of 62. But you must meet a couple of key conditions.
Social Security Q&A: Can Avoiding Marriage Boost Our Benefit?
Russell Settle on March 7, 2019
Saying “I do” can have both positive and negative impacts on the size of your monthly Social Security payment.
Social Security Q&A: Should My Spouse Claim Early?
Russell Settle on February 21, 2019
A reader asks whether his wife should start her benefit early, then switch to a spousal benefit after he retires. The answer might surprise you.
Social Security Q&A: What’s the Windfall Elimination Provision?
Russell Settle on February 7, 2019
If you work for any governmental employer that doesn’t withhold Social Security, you may be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision. Here’s how it works.
Social Security Q&A: Can I Apply for Spousal Benefits at Age 80?
Russell Settle on January 24, 2019
What happens if you wait until you’re older to apply for Social Security spousal or widow’s benefits?
Social Security Q&A: How Do Spousal Benefits Work?
Russell Settle on January 10, 2019
Social Security options are dizzying: Can a spouse take a personal benefit at 62, then switch to a spousal benefit later?
Social Security Q&A: What Are the Options for Widows?
Russell Settle on December 27, 2018
If you lose a spouse before qualifying for Social Security, there are several options when it comes to receiving benefits. But what if you remarry?
Social Security Q&A: Can My Husband Get a Spousal Benefit?
Russell Settle on December 13, 2018
If a husband leaves the workforce to care for kids, can he claim spousal benefits in retirement based on his wife’s work history?
Social Security Q&A: What’s the Best Claiming Strategy for a Couple?
Russell Settle on November 29, 2018
If one spouse started Social Security benefits early, can he or she pay the money back and start over at a later date?
Social Security Q&A: How to Find Social Security Advice You Can Trust
Russell Settle on November 15, 2018
Social Security representatives are sometimes poorly trained, offering incorrect information that can cost you thousands. Here’s what you need to know.
Social Security Q&A: If I Wait Till Age 70, How Much More Will I Get?
Russell Settle on November 1, 2018
If you quit working prior to full retirement age and wait until 70 to take Social Security, you’ll get an increase in monthly benefits. But maybe not as much as you think.
Social Security Q&A: I’m Remarried — Can I Claim My Ex’s Social Security?
Russell Settle on October 18, 2018
You may qualify for Social Security spousal benefits from your husband or wife, even if you’re divorced. But what if you remarry?
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