What is the Social Security loophole?

Asked by: Ms. Mazie Harris  |  Last update: November 8, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (4 votes)

The Voluntary Suspension Loophole
This Social Security loophole allowed a married worker to voluntarily suspend his/her own benefits after full retirement age, allowing the spouse to receive spousal benefits while the worker was not collecting benefits.

Can I stop my ex wife from getting my Social Security?

There's nothing anyone can do to prevent their ex from claiming their Social Security. Even though some divorce decrees specify that one spouse will relinquish their rights to collect the other spouse's benefits, the Social Security Administration says these provisions “are worthless and are never enforced.”

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

Who gets Social Security without paying into it?

The only people who can legally collect benefits without paying into Social Security are family members of workers who have done so. Nonworking spouses, ex-spouses, offspring or parents may be eligible for spousal, survivor or children's benefits based on the qualifying worker's earnings record.

Can you collect 1/2 of spouse's Social Security and then your full amount?

Your full spouse's benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to begin receiving spouse's benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.

Social Security loophole

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At what age can I collect 1/2 of my husband's Social Security?

Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care. By a qualifying child, we mean a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.

Will I lose my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry?

You cannot claim divorced-spouse benefits tied to a living former mate if you are married. If you began drawing such ex-spousal benefits when you were single but then remarry, those payments will be terminated (except as noted below). You are required to report changes in marital status to Social Security.

Can a person that never worked get Social Security?

Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. Your spouse can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.

Can you still get Social Security if you never worked?

The only people who can legally collect benefits without paying into Social Security are family members of workers who have done so. Nonworking spouses, ex-spouses, offspring or parents may be eligible for spousal, survivor or children's benefits based on the qualifying worker's earnings record.

What is the lowest Social Security payment?

For 2022, the primary insurance amount for people receiving the Social Security special minimum benefit ranges $45.50 for someone with 11 years of coverage to $950.80 for workers with 30 years of coverage. The maximum corresponding family benefit ranges from $69.40 to $1,427.90.

Are Social Security recipients getting a stimulus check in 2022?

Social Security Retirees and Disability recipients who are eligible for the payment will get the stimulus checks/payments deposited the same way they currently get their payments.

How do you get extra money added to your Social Security check?

Boost your payout.

Continuing to work, even after retirement, and earning a higher salary can also raise your Social Security benefit amount. Married couples have the additional option of collecting spousal payments, which can also increase Social Security income.

What is the Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook?

Knowing your Social Security Benefit Profile can substantially increase your annual benefits including increased annual income as well as medical benefits.

What is the 10 year marriage rule for Social Security?

To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you have since remarried, you can't collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death.

When my husband dies do I get his Social Security and mine?

Social Security will not combine a late spouse's benefit and your own and pay you both. When you are eligible for two benefits, such as a survivor benefit and a retirement payment, Social Security doesn't add them together but rather pays you the higher of the two amounts.

What is the highest Social Security payment?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $3,345. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $2,364. If you retire at age 70 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $4,194.

What happens if I don't get 40 credits for Social Security?

You currently have fewer than the 40 credits needed to become fully insured for retirement benefits. You can still earn credits and become fully insured if you work. We cannot pay you benefits if you don't have enough credits.

Is Social Security based on last 3 years of work?

We: Base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings. Adjust or “index” your actual earnings to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Calculate your average indexed monthly earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most.

What is the average Social Security check?

California. In America's most populous state, some 4.3 million retirees who collect Social Security can expect to receive an average $1,496.13 per month from the program in 2020, or $17,953.56 over the course of the year. California is another state where benefits are below average for the U.S.

What is the first year rule for Social Security benefits?

A special rule applies to your earnings for one year, usually your first year receiving retirement benefits. Under this rule, you can get a full Social Security payment for any month you earn under a certain limit, regardless of your yearly earnings.

What happens if I don't have enough to retire?

Without savings, it will be difficult to maintain in retirement the same lifestyle that you had in your working years. You may need to make adjustments such as moving into a smaller home or apartment; forgoing extras such as cable television, an iPhone, or a gym membership; or driving a less expensive car.

Do married couples get 2 Social Security checks?

In most cases, married senior couples have two Social Security checks coming into the household. Each partner gets their own check. But when one person dies, his or her payments cease.

What percent of Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

You could receive up to 50% of the amount your living ex-spouse would collect at "full retirement age." That marker is determined by birth year and varies from age 65 to age 67. The age you start benefits factors into the amount you receive.

Which wife gets the Social Security?

If you are married and you and your spouse have worked and earned enough credits individually, you will each get your own Social Security benefit.