The difference in claiming early versus waiting is magnified when you qualify for the maximum possible benefit.

Q. I receive a survivor benefit based on my husband’s work under Social Security. I receive a pension from my work as a teacher, and I was not contributing to FICA. I contacted the Social ...

After a divorce, a couple reconciles but doesn't remarry. Should they retie the knot to maximize Social Security payments?

You typically must be married for at least one year before you become eligible for spousal Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration usually pays you the larger of your own ...

While it might be small consolation to the loss of a loved one, Social Security offers survivor benefits to help ease some of the financial burdens. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide on the ...

Also think about how reliant your spouse might be on Social Security survivor benefits. Claiming Social Security is one of the most significant things you might do in the course of retiring.

Spousal benefits, in contrast, max out at 50% of what your spouse (or ex-spouse) collects at full retirement age. If that ...

Survivor benefits allow your spouse to receive tup to he same amount you were receiving from Social Security prior to your death. As a result, you should consider the joint life expectancy of you ...

There’s also a lot the Social Security Administration is still calculating in regards to the Social Security Fairness Act that recently passed, so they may provide more guidance ...

In that scenario, your spouse might depend heavily on survivor benefits from Social Security once you pass away. And the longer you wait to claim Social Security, the more money you can leave ...

Fortunately for Anna, she may be able to receive higher benefits based on her ex’s Social Security record, as long as she meets a few key criteria. Survivor benefits are paid monthly to eligible ...