Question from reader: “In one of your post you write; ‘You are exposed to the Earnings Test that will reduce your benefit if you earn more than a specific amount each year before your FRA. Once you reach FRA you can earn as much as you want without it affecting your benefit (it may cause […]

Question from reader: “I’ve been reading your blog and enjoy how far reaching on SSA it covers. That said I’m confused on one area and that is WEP. I’m 61. My non-SSA pension is $1298 a month. I have 28 years of substantial earnings. My age 62 SSA estimate is $1627 a month. Should I expect […]

We had a great question regarding the earnings test and spousal benefits from our email box this week: “I am 66 (FRA), the higher earner, and plan to delay taking my benefit until 70. We think my wife, age 64, should file so that I can take spousal benefits. At my age 70, I’d switch […]

From the email bag this week, we have a question regarding spousal benefits: “My year of birth is 1953. My wife’s is 1956. I want to file for my spousal benefit on her next year when I turn 66. She will claim her main personal benefit next year when she turns 63. As I understand […]

Student loan debt is usually thought of as a younger person’s issue, but a new report suggests that older Americans are also facing the challenge of paying back federal student loans. Several months ago the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the effects of student loan debt on Social Security recipients.  The study noted […]

This next question is something we have not really addressed directly before regarding spousal and survivor benefits, so I really appreciate the person submitting the following: “If someone began claiming a spousal benefit before their FRA and their spouse dies, can the surviving spouse continue to receive the spousal benefit and wait until their survivor […]

Another good question regarding delayed claiming and retroactive benefits has come in from our listeners this week: “I am over 70, and still working. Because of the problems with Retroactive Benefits reducing your benefit, I am waiting until I’m six months past my 70th birthday to make it easier and not run the risk of […]

We received the following question regarding survivor benefits this week: “I am currently 62, born in 1956.  My retirement benefit if I claim today is right at $1,000 per month.  If I wait to my full retirement age (66 and 4 months) I will receive $1,500 per month.  My husband is very sick and will […]

The following question regarding divorced spouse benefits came in from a reader this week: “My mother is about to turn 66 and is ready to retire. She divorced many years ago after 11 years of marriage. I’ve told her that she can claim spousal benefits on her ex-husbands record, but she is worried that he […]

With over 59 Million Americans receiving some sort of Social Security benefits it is not surprising that occasional errors occur.  So what happens if Social Security makes a benefit error and pays you the incorrect amount? Overpayments: They’ll Notify You If Social Security discovers they have made a benefit error and paid you too much […]