Ask Larry

Can I Still Get Just A Spousal Benefit And Wait Until Age 70 To Draw My Benefits?

Hey Larry. I am 66 today and am going to retire 7/29. I am planning on waiting until 70 to draw my social security My wife will be 62 7/21 and is planning to retire from post office in November. She was planning on starting her ss on 1/1/18. Can I still get just a spousal benefit and wait until 70 to draw mine. Thanks

Hi,

Yes, it certainly sounds like you would qualify to draw spousal benefits only as soon as your wife starts drawing her benefits, while letting your own benefit rate grow until age 70. You still have this option because you were born before January 2 1954 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). Don't file for benefits on your own record before age 70, though. That would prevent you from drawing spousal benefits even if you suspended your own benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html).

Best, Jerry

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jun 19 2017 - 7:53am
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