Summary of Chapter 3: Maximizing Survivor Benefits
This chapter helps individuals identify the definitions and eligibility rules of survivors in traditional and non-traditional unions. You’ll see how the definitions and eligibility requirements for survivors are similar for spouses, ex-spouses and dependent children (and how there are a few striking differences). Combined family maximum limits are explored and the taxation of survivor benefits is discussed. Next the differences between fully insured and currently insured survivor benefits are reviewed. Survivor eligibility requirements and benefit amounts are considered for several survivors early retirement scenarios. Numerous survivor claiming strategies are explored and compared. Optimal claiming strategies based for a deceased non-FRA (full-retirement age) worker and a young widow(er) and FRA widow(er) are examined. In addition to optimal claiming strategies for a deceased FRA worker and a young widow(er) and FRA widow(er).
About ksindell
Kathleen Sindell, Ph.D. is the author of numerous academic, popular, and professional finance articles, Web sites, proposals, and books. This includes the bestselling reference book, "Investing Online for Dummies, Eds 1-5" (listed for two consecutive years on the Wall Street Journal's Bestselling Business Book List). Her most recent book "Social Security: Maximize your Benefits" has been listed in Amazon's Top 100 Bestselling Retirement Planning Books. It is important to note that "Social Security: Maximize Your Benefits, 2nd Edition" was just released.
Sindell has an in-depth understanding of the financial services industry and has held Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Dr. Sindell is regularly tapped as a financial services expert on ABC World News, The Nightly Business Report, and at popular online and print outlets. Kathleen Sindell, Ph.D. is a member of the Board of Directors for the Financial Planning Association, National Capital Area (FPA NCA), is on the Editorial Advisory Panel of the Journal of Financial Planning, and is Co-Chair of the Metro Washington Financial Planning Day. Sindell is a Course Chair II, CFP Program Academic Officer, and adjunct full-professor at the University of Maryland, UMUC, School of Undergraduate Studies.
Contact Information: ksindell@kathleensindell.com or 703-299-1700
