Ask Larry

If I Draw My Benefits At Age 62 Will I Also Be Able To Draw On My Husband's Record When He Retires?

Hello, I am going to retire at 62, my husband is still working, my question is if I draw mine will I also be able to draw on his to when he retires?

Hi. Possibly, but you'd then still be stuck with the reduction for age applied to your own benefits for at least as long as both you and your husband are living. That reduction would amount to roughly 30%, assuming that your full retirement age (FRA) is 67 and you start drawing your benefits at age 62.

If you're already drawing your own benefits when your husband claims his benefits, the only way you'll qualify for spousal benefits is if 50% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than your own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). And, if you do qualify for additional spousal benefits and if you become eligible for those benefits prior to FRA, your spousal rate will also be reduced for age.

It sounds like you and your husband should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Aug 4 2022 - 6:26pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.