3 Unusual Strategies for Claiming Social Security Benefits

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Social Security benefits

My wife receives disability social security for the last 5 years due to multiple medical problems. She is 59 years old now . I just turned 62. Can I get SS from her and then keep working and wait a few years to receive mine at about 64 or 65 from my own earnings? We have been married since April 27, 2002.

Brenda Smith of SC @ Sep 12, 2008 01:31:16 AM

Strategy # 1 Borrow and invest

Does your model consider the taxes you pay on early social security benefits if you continue to work past 62? or have other unearned income such as pensions , IRA distributions?

If you are taxed on 85% of your earnings for example would you risk double taxation and negate the low 3% earning you mentioned?

Mike of TX @ Sep 07, 2008 15:10:15 PM

Spousal benefits

I am 63 and receive SS benifits. My situation and question is: My Husband (age 63) retired from the Federal Government under FERS. However, he has been employed in other work and has paid into SS. I don't believe tjat he has paid in enough quarters to be eligible for his own SS benefits. Would he be able to benefit from spousal benifits? I do not want my name posted. I am only interested in an answer.

of NC @ Sep 04, 2008 08:36:20 AM

The other way around.

You mentioned claiming spousal benefits at age 62, then switching to your own at 66. How about the other way around? I claimed early benefits at 62 and would like to consider changing to sposal benefits at 66. Is that possible?

J Mueck of FL @ Aug 16, 2008 12:22:57 PM

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