North Branford Social Services/Social Security "file and suspend" ends

The File and Suspend strategy allowed a worker to file for Social Security benefits and then suspend them. The benefits of this strategy allowed the spouse or children to begin to receive benefits while the worker continued to earn retirement credits. After April 29,2016, the worker can still continue to file and suspend but spouses and children can not receive benefits during the suspension. The exception is a divorced spouse. The second strategy, Claim Now, Claim More Later, allowed a spouse at full retirement age to choose between spousal benefits and their own benefits. As of this year, if you were not 62 years of age by January 2, 2016 you do not get to choose and switch. You may choose to take the higher benefit, but you can not take spousal benefits and switch to your own later. If you are 66 years of age or older before April 29, 2016, you should decide if you want to File and Suspend .If you do not file and suspend before April 29,2016, your spouse will not be able to collect spousal benefits unless you are also receiving benefits. You can contact Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting the web site at www.ssa.gov.