Ask Larry

Can I File For Spousal Benefits At Age 66 And Switch To My Own Record At Age 70?

I am almost 66. I was married for 18 years. I continue to work, I hope at least to age 68. Can I file for my spousal benefit at 66, which should be around $1100, allowing mine to continue to grow, then switch to my own higher amount (around $2400) at 70? This would allow my own benefit to grow by almost $800 over that 4 years.

Hi,

Yes, since you were born prior to January 2 1954, this is still an available option for you. It sounds like this would be your best strategy provided that you meet the requirements for spousal or divorced spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html), but you may want to run the maximization software available on this website to be sure.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 6 2017 - 7:30am
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