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Social Security For A Couple With An Age Difference
Developing a Social Security claiming strategy takes on a different perspective for a married couple, and especially so if there is a significant age difference. For example, if the husband is years older, the importance of the wife’s survivor benefit could weigh more heavily than her spousal benefit when deciding when both the husband and wife should claim. The wife cannot claim her spousal benefit until the husband is receiving SS, but the wife claiming earlier than full retirement age would mean her benefit would be reduced. While taking that reduced benefit might be prudent in some cases, for a couple with a large age difference the survivor benefit must also be considered. A surviving widow’s benefit will be based upon 100% of the amount the husband is actually receiving at his death, but the wife’s spousal benefit while they are both living is based upon the husband’s full retirement age benefit, even if he waits until after that to claim. All of this is succinctly explained in this Investment News article by Mary Beth Franklin. Click here to read more.
Also, if you’re unsure about your individual situation under Social Security or have questions about your personal benefit entitlements, note that the AMAC Foundation provides an independent free-to-the-public Social Security Advisory service to help Americans navigate the complexities of this program. Learn more about it here…