Boosting your Social Security benefits may feel more like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many seemingly overlooked avenues to be taken to increase Social Security monthly benefits by $800 or more. By simply reaching a minimum age of 62, regardless of your work history, you may qualify to claim retirement benefits under a current or previous spouse. Let’s look into this benefit booster and see how you may determine your eligibility.
Once you are three months away from officially turning 62, you can swing by a local Social Security office or call their toll-free number. Appointments aren’t necessary, but calling ahead will increase the likelihood of being seen without a long wait. You will need to bring along a few documents to get the ball rolling, including proof of birth (birth certificate), proof of US citizenship (or lawful alien status), US military discharge papers (for military service predating 1968), self-employment tax returns or W2 from the previous year, marriage certificate, or final divorce decree.
Even if you are divorced, you may still qualify to receive spousal benefits, which makes it well worth the application process. Qualified divorced individuals must have had a marriage that lasted ten years or more and cannot have since remarried. In addition, the divorce must have been finalized a minimum of two years before filing for benefitsâ€â€those who are remarried qualify for benefits under their current spouse and not a previous spouse.
Whatever benefits you are eligible to receive through your work efforts must be less than the benefit you’d be entitled to receive under your previous spouse. When the figures play in your favor, you may qualify for up to 50% of the amount your previous spouse would receive upon reaching full retirement age (FRA). Their personalized FRA and the amount they receive depend highly on their birth year. If they file before reaching FRA, their benefit will decrease significantly. When filing upon reaching your FRA, you will qualify to receive more from the previous spouse. Remember that you can also claim your benefits until your spouse files for Social Security benefits.
Spousal benefits may also extend to their children, where applicable. For example, a deceased individual can pass on their benefits to any surviving, unmarried children who are younger than 18 years or a full-time student. Even children older than 19, and those living with a disability, may be eligible for similar Social Security benefits. This extra income can mean a world of difference for minors and disabled children in need and is designed to provide assistance in the death of a parent. To determine the amount of your spousal benefit, you may utilize the calculator presented on the SSA website.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8139269909
Bio:
For over 30-years Joe Carreno of The Retirement Advantage has been a Federal Employee Retirement System specialist (FERS) as well as a Florida Retirement System specialist (FRS) independent advocate. An affiliate of PSRE (Public Sector Retirement Educators), a Federal Contractor & Registered Vendor to the Federal Government, also an affiliate of TSP Withdrawal Consultants.
We will help you understand your FERS & FRS Benefits, TSP & Florida D.R.O.P. withdrawal options in detail while recognizing & maximizing all concurrent alternatives available.
Our primary goal is to guide you into retirement with no regrets; safe, predictable, stable, for life. We look forward to visiting with you.
Disclosure:
Not affiliated with the U.S. Federal Government, the State of Florida, or any government agency. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Although we make great efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein we cannot guarantee all information is correct. Any comments regarding guarantees, safe and secure investments & guaranteed income streams or similar refer only to fixed insurance and annuity products. Fixed insurance and annuity product guarantees are subject to the claimsâ€paying ability of the issuing company. Annuities are long-term products of the insurance industry designed for retirement income. They contain some limitations, including possible withdrawal charges and a market value adjustment that could affect contract values. Annuities are not FDIC insured.
