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One important point that hasn't been mentioned: if your SSDI is approved, you'll likely receive back pay from your application date (or 5 months after your disability onset date, whichever is later). This could be a significant lump sum that would put you over the SSI resource limit again. You should ask your attorney about setting up a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) account or an ABLE account if you qualify, which are special accounts that don't count toward your SSI resource limit. This can help you manage any back pay without losing eligibility for other benefits. Also, make sure your dire need status is documented regularly. If your financial situation is worsening, have your attorney submit updated information to potentially expedite your case.
my neighbor got survivors benefits and worked part time and it reduced her check because she was under FRA. theres an earnings limit around $19000 i think? just something to know if you're still working
Just a tip - when you apply for survivor benefits, they'll ask about your marriage date since it had to be at least 9 months to qualify (with some exceptions). You said you're just short of 32 years, so that's WAY more than enough, but be prepared with the exact date. They're STICKLERS for documentation so bring extra copies of everything!
Also worth noting that different states treat Social Security benefits differently for state income tax purposes. Some states don't tax Social Security at all, while others follow the federal rules or have their own formulas. What state are you in? That could affect your overall tax situation.
After reviewing the numbers again, you should be fine for federal taxes on your SS benefits as long as you don't have other significant income sources this year. To avoid surprises, consider having 10-15% withheld from your IRA distribution for federal taxes. The financial institution will have a form for this. This way you won't face an unexpected tax bill next April. And Pennsylvania, where you mentioned you live, does NOT tax Social Security benefits or retirement account distributions if you're over 59½, so you're set on the state tax front as well.
another thing to think about - how long have u been married? if its not 10 years yet and ur heading for divorce u might want to wait till u hit 10 years before finalizing anything
Here's a summary of your options: 1. File for your own retirement at 62 (approximately 30% reduction) 2. Wait until your husband is eligible (62) AND files for his benefits, then file for spousal benefits 3. Consider divorce if appropriate (after 10 years of marriage) which could allow you to claim on his record once he's 62 even if he hasn't filed 4. Wait until your Full Retirement Age to avoid reductions If you expect to receive spousal benefits eventually, consider whether the extra money from filing early on your own record will offset the permanent reduction to both benefits. This calculation depends on your life expectancy and financial needs. For specific estimates, you'll need to know: - Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at Full Retirement Age - Your husband's approximate PIA - Your exact birth date to determine your FRA and reduction percentages
This is so helpful - thank you for laying out all my options clearly. I think I need to find out what my husband's PIA would be to make an informed decision. I'll try to get through to SSA for specific numbers. Based on everyone's advice, I'm leaning toward taking my own benefit now at 62 since I could really use the income, and then possibly switching to spousal later if it makes financial sense, even with the reduction.
Miguel Ortiz
im 66 and my husband is 70 can i do this too
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
•It depends on your birth date. Were you born before January 2, 1954? If yes, then you can file a restricted application for spousal benefits only (assuming your husband is already receiving his benefits). If you were born January 2, 1954 or later, then you cannot use this strategy - you'd be subject to deemed filing rules.
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NebulaKnight
just wanted to say thanks everyone for explaining this so clearly! i learned something new today even though this wasn't my post lol. we need to look at our birth certificates to double check our years!
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