Ask Larry

Can I Draw On My Spouse's Record Instead Of My Own?

If I have enough work credits for s s can I draw on my spouse s s instead of my own?

Hi,

If you were born prior to January 2 1954, you could file just for spousal benefits at full retirement age or later without filing on your own record. However, if you were born after January 1 1954 you'd be deemed to file for both retirement and spousal benefits whenever you file for either, provided that your spouse is living. Regardless of your date of birth, though, you could potentially file just for survivor benefits on a deceased spouse's record without being required to also file for benefits on your own record.

To explore all of your filing options and determine your best strategy, you may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Aug 23 2017 - 7:26am
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.