My husband took his Social Security at FRA, although he continued to work until he was 70. (Not a good strategy for me)). Social security adjusted each year based on his additional earnings although it was not by a lot and he paid into Social Security on some of his earnings. He now has cancer and I need to help him but I also need to work. The restricted Social Security will not work even at my FRA because I was born after 1954. I am hoping I don't have to take my Social Security until age 70 because I think if he dies before me I will not have enough money otherwise. Is there any other strategy I can consider? are there any benefits for spouses in this situation? We were pretty much equal earners so taking half of his social security would not be an option.

Hi. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's illness. As you're aware, if you were born after January 1 1954 you can't file just for spousal benefits without filing for your own benefits at the same time. You'd then only be paid the higher of your own benefit rate or your spousal rate, and your rate would be reduced for age if you start drawing prior to your full retirement age (FRA).

Although it's an unpleasant subject to think about, if your husband dies before you claim your own benefits you would have the option of collecting widow's benefits and then switching to your own benefit rate at age 70 if your own benefit rate is higher. Whether or not that's a consideration for you depends on your age, your and your husband's comparative benefit rates, and the severity of your husband's illness.

Regardless, though, it sounds like you would likely benefit from using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry