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And make SURE your friend doesn't just apply online!!! The SSA website won't tell her about all her options!!! She needs to TALK to a representative directly and ask specifically about the "restricted application" strategy!!! Don't let them rush her off the phone!!!
Just a clarification: the "restricted application" strategy is only available to people born before January 2, 1954, and it allowed people to claim just spousal benefits while their own retirement benefit grew. Based on the ages mentioned, your friend's friend likely doesn't qualify for this specific strategy. But speaking with a representative is still good advice to understand all options.
Thank you all SO much for the helpful responses! I'll definitely tell my friend to apply for her benefits now and not worry about her husband's income affecting her checks. And I'll warn her about the potential tax implications too. It's such a relief to have clear answers - this has been causing so much unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
You're very welcome! One more thing - have her create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov before applying. She can see her estimated benefit amount there, and it makes the application process smoother. Wishing her and her husband all the best during this challenging time.
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I'm not totally sure on this, but I think there's still a way to get spousal benefits while letting your own grow??? My sister-in-law did something like this just last year. You might want to ask specifically about that at your local SSA office.
With respect, this is incorrect. The restricted application strategy (claiming spousal while letting your own grow) is only available to people born before January 2, 1954. For everyone born after that date, when you file for any benefit, you are deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive whichever is higher. Your sister-in-law was likely born before that cutoff date, which is why she was able to use that strategy.
Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I scheduled a meeting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning for families with disabled dependents. Based on our discussion and your comments, I'm leaning toward working 2 more years past my FRA. The long-term security for my son is the deciding factor - knowing that he'll have a higher benefit available throughout his lifetime if something happens to both my wife and me. The potential tax changes would be nice, but as many of you pointed out, that's not something to bank on.
That sounds like a wise decision! Getting professional advice specific to your situation is always smart. One other thing to consider - if you're still working, you might look into an ABLE account for your son if you haven't already. It allows disabled individuals to save money (up to $16,000/year) without impacting their SSI eligibility. Could be another way to provide security.
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One more important point: The earnings limit for survivor benefits increases in the year you reach your full retirement age (FRA), and then disappears completely once you hit your FRA. For example, if your FRA is 67, in the year you turn 67, the earnings limit jumps to around $59,520 (for 2025), and they only count earnings before the month you reach FRA. Then after your FRA, you can earn any amount without reduction. Since you're planning to switch to your own benefit at 70, you'll still need to be mindful of the earnings test between 60-67, but after your FRA, you can work as much as you want without any impact on your survivor benefits.
That's great to know about the higher limit in the year I reach FRA. My full retirement age is 67, so I'll need to plan carefully for the years between 60-67. I'm hoping to work part-time during those years anyway, but it's good to know I have more flexibility once I reach FRA.
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Just wanted to add - make sure you're using the 2024 earnings limit for survivor benefits at age 60, which is $22,320. Sometimes people use the wrong limit by mistake. And remember that only earned income counts - not investments, pensions, etc.
Yes, I'm using the correct limit for 2024. My earnings from my part-time job will be $22,339, which puts me $19 over. I don't have any other income that would count toward the limit.
WAIT! If you're only claiming in November, isn't there some kind of first-year rule where they look at your monthly earnings instead of annual? I feel like there was something special about the first year you claim benefits...
You're thinking of the Grace Year rule, but the original poster already mentioned that the monthly calculations wouldn't help because their earnings are higher in November/December (the months they're claiming benefits). The monthly limit would be $1,860, and if they earn more than that in those months, the Grace Year provision wouldn't be beneficial in this case.
A Man D Mortal
Thank you all for your helpful responses! I just got off the phone with my sister and shared all this information. She's going to apply right away - she had no idea there weren't any income/asset restrictions. We're going to try using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get through on the phone since all the SSA offices near her have 2+ month appointment backlogs. I also explained the potential strategy of waiting until her FRA for the full 100% benefit, but she said she'd rather start receiving something now. She's planning to meet with her financial advisor next week to discuss the tax implications. Thanks again everyone - this community has been so helpful during a difficult time!
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Declan Ramirez
•You're very welcome! One last tip - tell your sister to ask the SSA representative about the LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT when she applies. It's only $255, but many people don't know to ask for it and the SSA doesn't always volunteer the information. Every bit helps!
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Dylan Fisher
Social security is THEFT! They take our money our whole lives and then make it so complicated to get it back that half of people don't even get what they're entitled to! And what do you bet they'll change the rules again in a few years and cut benefits? The whole system is rigged!!
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Harper Collins
•thats not helpful for the persons question... they just wanna know how to help their sister get benefits she deserves
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