Hi Reader,

Outdated Social Security advice can create costly mistakes, especially when rules have changed, but old strategies are still being shared today.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I was told I could do this with Social Security”?

What if that advice no longer applies and could affect your retirement income for years to come?

Social Security Rules That No Longer Apply

In this episode, I explain several Social Security filing strategies that used to work but no longer apply for many women today.

I walk through common misunderstandings around ex-spousal benefits, deemed filing rules, restricted applications, and survivor benefits. I also clarify the important differences between rules for married spouses and divorced spouses, along with how filing early can reduce benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• Why outdated Social Security strategies can create costly retirement income mistakes today
• How the deemed filing rules changed spousal and ex-spousal benefit claiming options
• The difference between survivor benefits and spousal benefits after divorce or widowhood
• Why filing before full retirement age can permanently reduce monthly benefits
• How working before full retirement age may temporarily reduce Social Security income
• And more!

You can catch every episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast on the website - or on your favorite podcast app.

​CLICK TO TUNE IN 👇

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Related Links & Resources

• 📄 Read
  • ​Episode 109 Transcript​
• 🎧 Related Episodes
  • ​#14 - Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security​
  • ​#24 - Understanding Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Social Security Benefits​
  • ​#37 - Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits​
  • ​#63 - Social Security Planning After Divorce: Crucial Rules and Mistakes to Avoid​
  • ​#85 - Social Security: Essential Rules for Women and Divorcees​
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👉 Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?​

Social Security survivor benefits present an important source of income for many of women. But, there are several important and unique issues that must be considered for anyone that has recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, before filing a claim to collect Social Security benefits.

This guide addresses many common Social Security issues that arise for those who have recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, including:

• Eligibility and age considerations
• Length of marriage rules
• Age that benefits can be collected by the survivor
• Surviving spouse vs. surviving ex-spouse implications
• Impact of a remarriage
• Impact of having children
• Impact of a disability

Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃

Keeping Retirement Simple,

Eric Blake, CFP®

​Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. Results will vary. Past performance is no indication of future results or success. Market conditions change continuously.

Information here is provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Blake Wealth Management nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of Blake Wealth Management. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, their employees, or their clients.

This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Blake Wealth Management or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

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