Fixed Income

How Many Questions Can I Answer Today?

Every once in a while, I like to challenge myself by seeing how many Social Security questions I can answer in just one column.
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How Many Questions Can I Answer Today?
Many couples have questions about social security benefits for spouses and widows. PeopleImages/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
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Usually, I will devote an entire column to answering just one question or dealing with just one Social Security issue. But every once in a while, I like to challenge myself by seeing how many questions I can answer in just one column. Obviously, when I do this, my answers will be “quick and dirty.” So I’ve dredged up some of the most common questions I get, and here come some short and concise answers.

Q: I’m 62. My husband is 67 and getting Social Security. Can I file for spousal benefits on his record now and save my own until I’m 70?

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Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]