By Patrick Baron
PONTIAC – The Social Security Administration is reminding residents in the workforce to make sure they know at what age they are eligible for retirement benefits.
Kevin Rice with the Social Security Administration discussed some of the most frequently-asked questions the administration receives with WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner. Rice said it’s important for people to know when they and their spouse can qualify for social security benefits because the rules can be different for each person.
“If your spouse is eligible for social security benefits, you could be eligible for one half of their benefits at your full retirement age,” said Rice. “That’s the key with this equation, that full retirement age, because that itself is a little bit of a moving target. The full retirement age changes depending upon what year you were born.”
Rice added as a rule of thumb, a person should file their own benefits before they try and hop on their spouse’s. But again, Rice said, the situation surrounding social security is different for each household.
“In general, you file on your own record first. But if you were born before 1954 there could be some options you would have once you’re at your full retirement change you could file on your spouse first and then on your own later, but again, rules have changed,” Rice explained.
Rice said if anyone has questions or would like to know more about their own situation, they can call at (800) 772-1213.
Patrick Baron can be reached at patrick.baron@cumulus.com.
