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Social Security Matters: If my wife claims now, will it hurt my Social Security amount?
By Russell Gloor
For Capital Region Independent Media
Dear Rusty:
I am 69 years old and my wife turned 70 early last year. I am still working full-time. My wife is not working, but she got a letter from Social Security saying she should take her Social Security as soon as possible.
My question is: since my wife has reached her full retirement age, can she take her SS without it affecting mine when I claim? I plan to work at least another year, depending on how the economy goes (I may have to work longer if it doesn’t get better). I have IRAs and a 401k to pull from when I retire.
Signed: Anxious Husband
Dear Anxious:
The reason your wife received a letter from Social Security (SS) suggesting she claims now is because her benefit reached maximum some time ago at age 70. Thus, there is no reason for her to wait beyond age 70 to claim.
By delaying past age 70 your wife is losing money so she should apply as soon as possible. I suggest your wife call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (or your local office) right away to request an appointment to apply for her benefits and she should be sure to request six months of retroactive payments (SS will pay up to six months retroactively).
If your wife has a “my Social Security” online account, she can also apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply, but she should be sure to request six months of retroactive benefits in the “Remarks” section of the online application.
Because your wife is more than six months past age 70, getting six months or retroactive benefits will not reduce her age 70 benefit amount. Nor will your wife claiming her benefits now negatively affect your Social Security when you later claim.
Even though you plan to continue working likely beyond 70 years of age yourself, you should not wait beyond age 70 to claim for the same reason – your benefit will reach maximum when you are 70. You can apply for your benefits up to four months in advance, and specify you want benefits to start in the month you turn 70. If you haven’t already done so, you may wish to create your own “my Social Security” online account now at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, which will make it easier for you to apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply when the time comes next year. Applying online is, by far, the most efficient way, but you need to have your online account set up first to do so.
Just so you know, there is no need to worry that you won’t get credit for work income earned after you have applied for your benefits. Even after you are collecting benefits, Social Security will automatically review your earnings each year when that information is received from the IRS (after you file your income tax return). If your most recent earnings are higher than those in any of the 35 years of lifetime earnings used to calculate your benefit when you claim, Social Security will automatically increase your monthly payment amount. In other words, you shouldn’t delay past age 70 to claim Social Security because you’re working – you’ll still get credit for those earnings, automatically.
So, I suggest that your wife take fast action to apply for her Social Security benefits to avoid losing any more money, and that you plan to apply for your benefits to start when you turn 70. There is no financial advantage to waiting beyond age 70 to claim, even if you continue working.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
DEC encourages safe, responsible hunting
ALBANY — With several hunting seasons in full swing, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow common-sense safety precautions.
“With most public land across New York state open to multiple forms of recreation, from hiking and nature photography to hunting and trapping, visitors should be cautious, courteous, and responsible when sharing the woods to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” Seggos said. “DEC encourages all visitors to review the safety guidelines for hunting and recreating in the woods before going afield and respectfully sharing the outdoors with others.”
DEC requires big-game hunters using a firearm to wear hunter orange or pink and encourages non-hunters to wear blaze orange, blaze pink or another bright color during fall and winter months to be seen more easily and from greater distances. In addition, wearing bright colors makes it easier for forest rangers, environmental conservation police officers, and other rescue personnel to find lost, sick or injured people afield.
Pet owners are also encouraged to affix a bright colored vest or scarf on their dogs and keep pets leashed at all times. Trapping seasons for many species are open throughout the fall and early winter. Although rare, traps set for furbearers like raccoons and coyotes can also capture dogs that are not under control.
Trapping is a highly regulated activity and regulations are strongly enforced. Trappers are required to take an educational course before getting a license and DEC works closely with the trapping community to minimize risks to non-target wildlife and domestic animals.
Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in the state, drawing an estimated 600,000 New Yorkers afield each year. Hunting is safe and economically important, helping to manage wildlife populations and promote family traditions, while fostering an understanding and respect for the environment.
Hikers should be aware that they may encounter hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment on trails. Hunters should likewise recognize that they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the outdoors. Hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare and the 2021 hunting seasons in New York were the safest ever, with the lowest number of incidents since record-keeping began.
Hunters can minimize the potential for disturbance by and to other forms of recreation by following a few tips. Before a season opens, when hunters are scouting for the perfect spot or stand location, take the time to check if the planned location is popular. Avoiding locations that crowd other hunters or are near a sought-out hiking spot can improve both the hunting and recreational experience. If a preferred hunting spot is too crowded, identify an alternative location ahead of time.
DEC maintains hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobile trails in many areas of forest preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill parks, as well as in state forests, wildlife management areas, and unique areas open to hunting. DEC launched the “Love Our New York Lands” campaign to encourage visitors to state-owned and managed lands to practice responsible recreation. The campaign is responsive to the steady increase in the number of visitors to state lands, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the decade prior.
“Love Our New York Lands” bolsters ongoing state-and partner-led efforts to educate the public about how to responsibly enjoy outdoor recreation on public lands without negatively impacting natural resources.
Find recreation options by visiting DEC’s website at dec.ny.gov.
