Thanks for working hard!

[DAB]

I checked last night and saw that my application for SS survivor benefits has been approved, should see first check in May for more than Linda was getting on a gross basis.

you ask, HOW?

me too.

they say that a 60 year old survivor (me) is entitled to 71.5% of the deceased's benefit.

ah ha, but that's 71.5% of the standard benefit. Linda took her benefits early, so she got smaller checks but over a longer time period. the calculation is done for the benefit you would have gotten at your full retirement age.

so thanks to you all for working hard to fund my shenanigans. I appreciate it.

[ZipZap]

Just keep working all y'all

[Frankie the Fink]

Originally Posted by DAB

I checked last night and saw that my application for SS survivor benefits has been approved, should see first check in May for more than Linda was getting on a gross basis.

you ask, HOW?

me too.

they say that a 60 year old survivor (me) is entitled to 71.5% of the deceased's benefit.

ah ha, but that's 71.5% of the standard benefit. Linda took her benefits early, so she got smaller checks but over a longer time period. the calculation is done for the benefit you would have gotten at your full retirement age.

so thanks to you all for working hard to fund my shenanigans. I appreciate it.

The SS folks are a cut above the typical Fed employee IMO, they really do know the nuances to maximize your benefit. I am in one of the weirder categories of benefits having had several careers in, and out, of the system and they worked it to get me the most $$$ each month - I was impressed.

[DAB]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink

The SS folks are a cut above the typical Fed employee IMO, they really do know the nuances to maximize your benefit. I am in one of the weirder categories of benefits having had several careers in, and out, of the system and they worked it to get me the most $$$ each month - I was impressed.

the lady i did the phone interview was super friendly and helpful, sent a packet with all the info we had discussed and a request for a few more docs as well as info on Linda's past marriages. i did some digging, wrote a 2 page letter with what i could find and included about 12 pages of backup material i had found, as well as the original documents she needed. boom, approved, and for more than i had been expecting. super good.

this of course changes the calculation of when i'll take my own benefits. have a few years to decide that. but this will be a nice addition to the budget.

my BIL said he never counted on SS, so he considered it his "beer, bait, and ammo" money. well, i don't drink, i don't fish, so ammo it is then!!