Is a Social Security Benefit ‘Do-Over’ Still an Option for Me?
Is a Social Security Benefit ‘Do-Over’ Still an Option for Me?

on June 20, 2019

Social Security offers some folks a rare opportunity. But there is a drawback.

Black-and-white photo of seniors in picture frame
How Long Must I Wait for My Full Social Security Survivor’s Benefit?

on June 13, 2019

Waiting a little while to claim your benefit can pay off handsomely for years to come.

Happy older couple
Social Security Q&A: Am I Taking My Benefit Too Soon?

on May 23, 2019

Wondering whether to take your Social Security benefit early? Your spouse’s situation can clarify if the move is right for you.

Happy senior couple
Social Security Q&A: Is There a Cap on the Benefits My Family Can Earn?

on May 16, 2019

An odd quirk in a Social Security formula favors higher-benefit families over lower-benefit families.

Senior couple enjoying breakfast
Social Security Q&A: When Should My Husband Claim Spousal Benefits?

on April 11, 2019

Claiming strategies can grow more complicated when spousal benefits are involved — such as in this circumstance.

Portrait of the elderly woman
Social Security Q&A: How Much of My Spouse’s Benefit Can I Get?

on April 4, 2019

A little rule with a funny name can have a big impact on your Social Security benefits.

Happy retired couple
Social Security Q&A: Can Unearned Income Hurt My Wife’s Benefit?

on March 28, 2019

Individual wages earned during retirement can impact Social Security benefits. But what about interest and dividend income?

Pensive older man
Social Security Q&A: Can I Get Survivor’s Benefits If My Spouse Died Young?

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: What Will My Spouse Get If I Die?
Social Security Q&A: What Will My Spouse Get If I Die?

on March 14, 2019

Want to leave your spouse in the best possible financial position if you should die? Here’s how to do it.

Loving senior couple
Social Security Q&A: Can Avoiding Marriage Boost Our Benefit?

on March 7, 2019

Saying “I do” can have both positive and negative impacts on the size of your monthly Social Security payment.

Senior Couple Selfie
Social Security Q&A: Can My Wife Collect Her Spousal Benefit Before I Collect?

on February 28, 2019

If you have a spouse, you have a lot of Social Security claiming choices, especially if the two of you are different ages.

Senior Couple
Social Security Q&A: Should My Spouse Claim Early?

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.

Woman holding money
Social Security Q&A: Should We Wait to Claim Benefits?

on February 14, 2019

Delaying your Social Security benefits often makes sense, but beware the trade-offs.

Senior Man w Money
What’s the Windfall Elimination Provision?

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.

Senior woman
Social Security Q&A: Can I Claim Widow’s Benefits at 60?

on January 31, 2019

Claim a widow’s benefit at 60, and the payout can be reduced for two reasons. Find out what they are.

Senior Woman Exercise
Social Security Q&A: Can I Apply for Spousal Benefits at Age 80?

on January 24, 2019

What happens if you wait until you’re older to apply for Social Security spousal or widow’s benefits?

Senior Couple
Social Security Q&A: How Do Spousal Benefits Work?

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?

Senior Couple Beach
Social Security Q&A: Will This Strategy Get Us More Benefits?

on January 3, 2019

There are strategies couples can use to get thousands more in Social Security benefits over their lifetimes. One is called “restricted application.” Should you try it?

Senior Woman
Social Security Q&A: What Are the Options for Widows?

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?

Senior Couple
Social Security Q&A: Can My Husband Get a Spousal Benefit?

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?

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