Q. My husband is 66 years old and retired last year with full Social Security benefits. My daughter is receiving Social Security benefits until she graduates from high school at age 18. I was told that had my salary not exceeded the maximum amount allowed, I would also receive some benefits until my daughter turns 18.
I am 54 years old, a federal worker under FERS with 23 years of service. My office is going through a major reorganization. I understand that if I am offered an early retirement, I will have immediate annuities without the 5 percent reduction each year under 62), will have Federal Employees Health Benefits and have the special retirement supplement when I am at my minimum retirement age.
1. I assume that since I won’t have a job, I will be able to receive Social Security benefits until my daughter turns 18 and graduates from high school in June 2016. I will be at my MRA in January 2015. At my MRA, will I be able to continue receiving my Social Security benefits and the special retirement supplement simultaneously?
2. When I turn 62 and the special retirement supplement stops, should I apply for Social Security benefits from my husband’s retirement until I am at my full retirement age (66 and 10 months)? This way, I would have my own full Social Security retirement benefits without reduction. Am I correct?
A. 1. You wouldn’t be able to receive a spousal Social Security benefit until you reach age 62. Read Benefits For You As A Spouse at www.ssa.gov/retire2/applying6.htm. Therefore, your question about receiving both the SRS and a Social Security benefit is moot. Note: The “child-in-care” benefit ends at age 16.
2. At age 62, when your special retirement supplement (SRS) ends, you could apply for a Social Security spousal benefit based on your husband’s work record and, when you reach full Social Security age, switch to your own benefit.
