Can't figure about Social Security (confusion) (friend, welfare, payment, benefit)
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Good luck OP I hope you get this sorted to your advantage but do go to SS in person and ask all your questions.
To me the problem comes that the SS person answers the questions asked the SS person may not answer questions unasked or follow on questions hence the applicant may receive conflicting messages if he/she asks a second person.
So my recommendation for future SS applicants is to think about what you need to know, given your situation, before you go so that you can have a conversation with the SS person, not a download. Never never ever use the phone to call in questions. That is where you get different people who answer different parts of the questions asked. Just human nature. Use the phone to make an appointment.
You can also read the regulations and Q&A on line then do your application on line. but some may not be comfortable with that. so an in person face to face works best for those.
Talking from experience here. I tried everyday possible to get my sister in to talk with the SS persons but no, she had to do it her way and is to this day still complaining about the deal she made. Sigh
I have also encountered that situation with people. They take it and then they start asking questions.
You keep saying you assumed. It sounds like you didn't properly educate yourself and now you're implying that the SSA somehow did you wrong. Reduced benefits for early filing is well known and well publicized.
I knew it would be reduced. In the meantime the reps are giving conflicting information.
Last edited by Cindi Waters; 12-07-2019 at 10:33 AM..
PIA is Primary Insurance Amount, and it's what your husband would receive at his FRA (Full Retirement Age). If you started collecting Spousal benefits at FRA you'd get 50% of that. Because you started early, you got 76% of that 50%, which is about the 35% you mentioned.
You said that you could get more on your own record; maybe that's the extra $100 they were telling you about? Right now I'm collecting Survivor benefits on may late husband's record, which I started at 61, but will apply based on my own record at age 70 and that will give me a nice increase.
You mentioned that your husband has a good retirement plan; you should take a look at what your situation would be if he predeceases you. Yes, you'll get the amount he's getting from SS but you won't get Spousal or Survivor benefits so household SS income will decrease. Also, the Survivor Benefit on his pension may be less than 100% of what he gets. These are good things to know now; I've seen widows blindsided by these changes on top of the shock of losing their husband.
The last rep who was very helpful, explained that with the Part B deduction I would not get half and even so, I'd only get 35%. Maybe I'm not explaining it properly but maybe also I needed help figuring it out but didn't have anyone to help. I know what the situation is if he predeceases me regarding the pension. I won't have same income but I'll be ok. Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.
It seems like common sense to research the life-changing decision when to collect SS. There is plenty of information online so you can make the right decision for your situation. We are all responsible for our own financial future in retirement.
You would think at least the basics would be important enough to look up first
I think I recall from a group presentation by a SS employee that they answer questions but are not suppose to suggest the best option for you. I think they would be hard pressed to give you the best answer as they know very little about you so it leaves us with having to do our home work and then ask the questions several times to be sure we are correct. Make sure you can verify your answers in written SS documents. I have found that some local SS offices are excellent at helping you with correct information but not all.
I did and financially I made the right decision but it's amazing some of your comments. As I said...
so you say you learned the basis and did not know if you filed early you get a reduction in benefit ? is that what you are telling us ?
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