January 29, 2016
Major Changes to Social Security
Please read important disclosures HERE.
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January 29, 2016
Please read important disclosures HERE.
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 has put an end to the popular Social Security strategies of ‘File and Suspend’ and ‘Restricted Applications for Spousal Benefits.’ B|O|S has been closely following these changes and will continue to advise our clients on their optimal Social Security strategies. Unless you are grandfathered as noted below, the following changes will occur.
An End to ‘File and Suspend’: The benefit claiming strategy known as ‘file and suspend’ will cease to exist by the end of April 2016. Previously, ‘file and suspend’ allowed the higher earning spouse to file but immediately suspend retirement benefits at full retirement age. This allowed the higher earning spouse to earn delayed retirement credits on his/her suspended benefits until age 70 while the other spouse could collect a spousal benefit.
Under the new rules, if a worker ‘files and suspends’ his or her retirement benefits, all other benefits paid from his or her record are also suspended. This includes spousal benefits and dependent and disabled child benefits.
An End to ‘Restricted Application’ Strategies: A restricted application allowed a worker of full retirement age to choose between receiving a spousal benefit or his or her own retirement benefit. At age 70, he or she could switch from spousal benefits to his or her own retirement benefit which would have grown through delayed retirement credits. Alternatively, he or she could continue to receive spousal benefits if those were higher than his/her retirement benefits.
Under the new rules, Social Security will no longer allow a choice between retirement benefits or spousal benefits thus ending the use of ‘restricted application’ strategies. Social Security will deem which of the retirement benefits or spousal benefits are higher and pay out the higher benefit.
Please note that divorcees will also no longer be able to restrict an application to divorced spousal benefits so that retirement benefits may accrue delayed retirement credits.
If you are 66 or older before April 30, 2016 (born April 30, 1950 or earlier), then you may still request to file and suspend your benefits to trigger spousal or dependent benefits if it is your optimal strategy. You must act by April 30, 2016. We encourage those within this group to contact Social Security soon to avoid long wait times as the April 30th deadline approaches.
Though several strategies have been eliminated, the changes will make planning even more difficult. Now each person, including each spouse in a married couple, may be subject to a different set of rules. We believe that Social Security remains a foundation of retirement income which should be incorporated wisely into a financial plan. Expert help from your B|O|S team will identify the best strategy for your unique situation.
Sources: H.R. 1314 – Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, Title VIII, Section 831;
“Congress Is Killing The File-And-Suspend And Restricted Application Social Security Strategies,” Michael Kitces, www.kitces.com, October 28, 2015
Filed under: Retirement Planning