Hi! I just turned 63 in June. Can I file now 9/1/17 for social Security? I have a business and will only take 12,000 or under this year. My husband gets 3,000 per year, he is 78. Says he paid in full pool until he retired. I am an entrepreneur and have paid minimal. Thank you, Dorie

Hi Dorie,

Yes, it sounds like you could file for benefits now. Since you were born after January 1 1954, you will be deemed to be filing for both retirement benefits on your own record and for spousal benefits whenever you file for either, and you will basically just receive the higher of the 2 rates. And, your monthly benefit rate will be reduced for age if you start drawing any time prior to full retirement age, which in your case is age 66.

Before filing, you may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to make sure that you choose the best possible filing strategy.

Best, Jerry