my daughter got survivors benefits when she was 14 after her dad died they were really helpful it paid for most of her expenses until she graduated make sure you go in person and bring all the documents they ask for or they'll make you come back again

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to schedule an appointment for next week! I've gathered all the documents mentioned and will be setting up a separate account for tracking her benefit funds. One last question - will these benefits affect her eligibility for college financial aid? She's planning to apply to colleges next year.

Both of your questions are really common! For state taxes, each state handles retirement income differently. While Social Security only handles federal withholding, many retirees set up quarterly estimated payments with their state. Some states don't tax Social Security benefits at all though - which state are you in? That makes a big difference. On Medicare - yes, you'll need documentation, but you should be fine. This situation (staying on a spouse's active employer plan) is specifically protected under Medicare rules. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Just make sure you apply within 8 months of when that coverage ends. Honestly, I'd recommend making an appointment at your local Social Security office for these questions. These issues are complex enough that speaking with someone directly is your best bet.

does anybody else think its RIDICULOUS that ss wont withhold state taxes?? they already have all our information and do federal withholding. just one more thing to complicate retirement!!

my aunt just turned 62 and she got a spousal benefit that was like $200 more than her own benefit would have been. but she worked part time most of her life so her own benefit was pretty small.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I've learned a lot about how the spousal benefit works. I think I'm going to go ahead and file now at 62 since we could use the extra income, even though it's reduced. One last question - do I need to bring anything special to prove my marriage when I apply?

my sister went thru this last yr. don't forget hes still eligible for the lump sum death benefit when u pass away even with GPO. not much but its something.

One final point that might help others in similar situations: If your husband had enough Social Security-covered employment (40 quarters/10 years), he would be exempt from the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) that could otherwise reduce his own benefit. But GPO still applies to spousal benefits regardless of quarters of coverage. The distinction between WEP (affects your own benefit) and GPO (affects spousal/survivor benefits) confuses many people. And unfortunately, there's been legislation proposed to reform these provisions for years but nothing has passed yet.

My situation was different but same question basically. I started SS at 62 and kept working and they calculated based on my currnt year income. They made me give a estimate when i filed. Then every January they send this form asking about next years income estimate. Its annoying but better than owing them money later!!! They retroactivly take money if u mess up!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to carefully track my earnings next year and make sure to give SSA a realistic estimate. I might try that Claimyr service too since I really need to talk to someone directly about my specific situation. I appreciate all your advice and hearing about your experiences!