Ask Larry

Can I Collect Spousal Benefits Now And Then Collect My Own Benefits When I Retire?

My husband is retired and collecting Social Security. I reached full retirement age of 66 in May; I took Medicare but not social security. I heard that I could collect spousal benefits now on my husband's record and then, when I retire, I can collect my own, higher benefits. Is that accurate?

Hi,

Yes, that's still an option for you because you were born prior to January 2 1954 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

It sounds like you should probably file for spousal benefits only effective with the month you reached age 66, and then wait until age 70 to file on your own record. That's just an educated guess based on the limited information in your question, though, so you should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to make sure that you choose the best strategy.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 18 2017 - 7:44am
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