I will be 62 November 22nd, 2017 and my husband will be 67 March 25th, 2018. My maximum SS benefit is less than my husband's spousal (he plans to retire at 70). If I retire January 2018 and start collecting social security benefits can I suspend my benefits when my husband turns 70 and collect spousal (I'll be 65).
Please advise.
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Barbara

Hi,

No. Once you start drawing your own retirement benefits you can't later switch to a spousal benefit. You could, however, potentially receive additional spousal benefits when your husband files for his benefits.

For example, say Jane has a full retirement age benefit rate (PIA) of $800. She starts drawing at age 62 and receives a reduced rate of $600. After Jane reaches full retirement age (FRA), her husband John files for his retirement benefits. John's PIA is $2000, so Jane's spousal benefit is calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of John's PIA, or $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). The $200 spousal benefit is then added to Jane's reduced retirement rate of $600, giving her a combined benefit of $800.

However, if you do decide to file for reduced benefits at age 62 you will be deemed to have also filed for spousal benefits as soon as your husband files for his benefits. If you're under FRA at that time, your spousal rate will also be reduced for age. Also, if you file for your benefits at age 62 your husband would have the option of filing for just spousal benefits only on your record while allowing his own benefit rate to grow until age 70.

You and your husband should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore your filing options and determine your best overall strategy.

Best, Jerry