Navigating Social Security: Listener Questions Answered

Big Picture Retirement

In this episode of the Big Picture Retirement podcast, we dive into listener questions about Social Security, tackling a wide range of scenarios to help you navigate the complexities of your benefits.

Lois asks about the earnings limit for survivor benefits versus other benefits for someone born in 1955. She’s been told she must repay two months of benefits because her earnings exceeded the limit. Are the SSA's guidelines accurate?

Jane inquires if filing for Social Security at age 65 will affect her survivor benefits when her husband, who is 70, passes away. She also wonders if she can file for a reduced spousal benefit at 65 and what impact this has on her overall benefit strategy.

Sheila is contemplating whether to draw down from her IRA instead of taking Social Security before age 70, aiming to ensure she doesn't outlive her savings. We explore the benefits of delaying Social Security.

B.D. shares a challenging experience with the SSA regarding overpayments and benefits for a disabled adult child. How can they determine the correct benefits and address these overpayment issues?

Carolyn wants to know if her husband, who receives a government pension affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), can draw spousal benefits from her Social Security, which is higher than his own but less than half of his pension.

Don is currently working while collecting Social Security and asks if his benefits will be adjusted to account for new Social Security taxes paid.

Tom seeks advice on whether to take Social Security at age 66 or wait until his full retirement age in 2025 to maximize both his and his wife's benefits.

Bob plans to wait until 70 to draw Social Security to maximize benefits and wonders if his wife is entitled to 50% of his total benefit or just 50% of his FRA benefit. Additionally, he asks if his wife can claim his benefit amount at 70 if he passes away before her.

Kevin discusses the debate around the best time to take Social Security, particularly the pros and cons of taking it between FRA and age 70.

Hal asks if his wife needs to apply for the spousal benefit or if the SSA will automatically adjust her benefits when he starts collecting his at age 70.

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