Wife filed for SS today!

[meleana]

I’ll be applying in a few days to start in June when I turn 70. Hope I make it! Lol!

My husband waited also - 2 yrs ago he turned 70. And this yr the major health issues started.
Prostate, heart attack, cataract, etc.

Mine started in 60’s with spine surgery, now excess mucus in my throat, cataracts, arthritis…

Sigh..

 

[jazz4cash]

I applied approximately the same time, 4 months early. I am very pleased with the communications during this period even though it took 10 weeks for my application to be approved instead of the 4 week estimate.

Now I have received a well written confirmation letter with details and Pub #05-1077 “What You Need to Know…”. On page 10 it has the following instruction for US citizens:
“Let us know if you plan to go outside the United States for a trip that lasts 30 days or more. Tell us the name of the country or countries you plan to visit and the date you expect to leave the United States. We’ll send you special report submission instructions and tell you how to arrange for your benefits while you’re away. Be sure to let us know when you return to the United States.”

Just wondering what the heck this means. AFAIK payments are all electronic (direct deposit or debit card). I have no intention of filing my itinerary with SSA ever. It’s very unlikely to ever apply to me but just seems very odd with no purpose. What am I missing?

 

[disneysteve]

I applied approximately the same time, 4 months early. I am very pleased with the communications during this period even though it took 10 weeks for my application to be approved instead of the 4 week estimate.

Now I have received a well written confirmation letter with details and Pub #05-1077 “What You Need to Know…”. On page 10 it has the following instruction for US citizens:
“Let us know if you plan to go outside the United States for a trip that lasts 30 days or more. Tell us the name of the country or countries you plan to visit and the date you expect to leave the United States. We’ll send you special report submission instructions and tell you how to arrange for your benefits while you’re away. Be sure to let us know when you return to the United States.”

Just wondering what the heck this means. AFAIK payments are all electronic (direct deposit or debit card). I have no intention of filing my itinerary with SSA ever. It’s very unlikely to ever apply to me but just seems very odd with no purpose. What am I missing?

I agree. The money is direct deposited every month. What difference does it make if she's out of the country, and why would we tell them?

 

[Sarah S]

I was curious so looked it up. Ssi recipients lose benefit eligibility if away for 30 plus days. There are also complications for green card residents and even some for US citizens if you go to a few countries though I think it is mostly if you want it sent to a non US bank. https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf#:~:text=Introduction,to us, and how to

 

[pb4uski]

Then I guess she's collecting on her history until I'm 70 (or whenever I claim if it's before that).

Yes, her benefit is based on her work history and taxes paid... as if you don't exist.

When you start your benefits she'll get a spousal benefit IF your PIA is more than twice her PIA. The spousal benefit is an addition to her benefit. The add is the excess of 50% of your PIA over her PIA and further is discounted if she starts receiving the spousal add-on before her full retirement age.

 

[NW-Bound]

We will both be 70 in a few months. My wife already claimed hers at 62, and I have no reason to wait further.

Or do I? I logged to my SS account, and found out that to wait a few more months I will have a few $100 more/month. My wife who had always pushed me to claim now said I should wait the remaining months to get a bit more! Hah!

By the way, how the heck I find myself at 70? I was 18 not that long ago. I also remember when I joined this forum, I was still a youngin.

 

[Koolau]

We will both be 70 in a few months. My wife already claimed hers at 62, and I have no reason to wait further.

Or do I? I logged to my SS account, and found out that to wait a few more months I will have a few $100 more/month. My wife who had always pushed me to claim now said I should wait the remaining months to get a bit more! Hah!

By the way, how the heck I find myself at 70? I was 18 not that long ago. I also remember when I joined this forum, I was still a youngin.

Yeah, pushing 80 now! How did THAT happen?

 

[big-papa]

My wife claimed at 66 and last night the first direct deposit happened. Woohoo! Another 5 years away for me, though the other important geezer-milestone starts in just a few weeks for me: medicare.

Cheers.