My social security benefits at age 62 is the reduced amount of $1002mo, and at my full retirement age of 66.6 is the amount of $1454mo. My husband's FRA of 66.4 is the amount of $2899mo. He plans to start then.

If I start my benefits at age 62, with reduced $1002mo, can I later switch to 50% of his, $1449.50mo? I know they compare which benefit is higher, but do they compare that 50%($1449.50mo) of his FRA, with my early reduced benefit of $1002 or with my FRA of $1454?

Hi,

No. Once you file for benefits on your own record, those benefits continue to be paid even if you later become entitled to additional benefits on another record. And, you keep any reduction for age that applies if you start drawing benefits before full retirement age (FRA).

For example, Sally files for her reduced retirement benefits at age 62 and receives $600 based on her full retirement rate (PIA) of $800. When Sally reaches FRA, her husband files for his benefits with a PIA of $2000. Sally's spousal benefit would be calculated at 50% of her husband's PIA minus her own PIA, or $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). This excess spousal benefit would then be added to Sally's reduced retirement rate of $600 to give her a combined benefit of $800. However, if Sally's husband files before Sally reaches FRA, then her spousal rate would also be reduced for age.

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

Best, Jerry