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Can I File For Spousal Benefits On My Disabled Husband's Account And Then Switch To My Own Retirement Benefits At Age 70?

My husband age 63 is collecting Social Security disability. I’m 64, still working, and plan to wait to claim my social security at age 70. Can i claim spousal disability benefit, then switch to my retirement benefit at 70 without reduced amount?

Hi. Assuming that you don't have a child in your care who is eligible for benefits on your husband's record, then the answer is no. People born after January 1 1954 are deemed to be filing for both their own Social Security retirement benefits and for spousal benefits whenever they apply for either benefit. Therefore, if you apply for spousal benefits you'll be forced to apply for your own benefits at the same time. In that event, you can only be paid what is essentially the higher of the two benefit rates, and your benefit rate will be reduced for age if you claim benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA).

You may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your filing options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Feb 24 2023 - 1:21pm
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